OmoEsho Fabulous Collections

Get The Look……. Pleated Shirt Dress!!!

2018-06-21T18:03:00.002-06:00

Introducing our latest addition to the GTL collection; YAZ pleated shirt dress. The dress can be styled in different ways; casual, semi formal, business, can be worn in summer, fall and even winter months with high boots. Styling option depends on the wearer and its limitless. We have tried our best to showcase three styling options to gear the inner fashionista in you. Styling options include

1. Belted with inner top

2. With outer jacket

3. With sweater

4. Other options - without belt, with high or low heel, or slippers for that casual summery look....

Check out our facebook group: Fabulously Modest Sewing Studio

Fabulouly Yours,

Omo-Esho

Circle Skirt Tutorial - Using Circle Calculator by FM Sewing Studio

2018-02-05T11:21:00.003-07:00

As promised- Free Video for circle skirt , using my circle calculator.
Please let me know if you have any question.
Have a great week!!
Fabulously yours
Omo~ Esho

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FREE ONLINE SEWING LESSON…..

2018-01-26T14:37:00.003-07:00

Happy Friday Fabulous people. Are you interested in learning how to cut and sew the following, and as shown in the pictures below?

1.Popular Circle Skirts (360, 270, 180, 90 deg, and high-low )
2.How to cut peplum (flounce) for your sleeves, top, and dresses
3.How to cut cape/flounce for the neck of your dress
4.And other circular details you want on your garment

I will be using my Tried and Tested Calculator to take you through a step-by step method/instruction of cutting your desired skirt complete with some sewing techniques

The video will include the following.
1.How to use the circle calculator to make a 180- degree skirt
2.How to lay your fabric for cutting
3.Simplified method of marking on your fabric
4.How to add seam allowance
5.How to cut your fabric,
6.And how to sew your skirt using some designer details

A while ago I shared a simplified CIRCLE CALCULATOR with my Facebook group - Fabulously Modest Sewing Studio. You can also download your copy at the link below. Please let me know if you run into any issues with the link.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/196m…/Circle%20Skirts%20V1_1.xlsx…

Have a great weekend, and stay tuned for the upcoming Video…

From Online source

Fabulously Yours Omo~Esho!!!

Dress...by my daughter!!

2017-12-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

A dress by my dear daughter!!!..

My 12 year old daughter joined the dress bandwagon yesterday. She made her dress in just 3 hours for a dinner outing on Christmas day!!....

She used to be afraid of adding sleeves to her garments, but yesterday when she completed the set sleeves, and the whole dress she was so happy and woke me up from my afternoon nap....mum, mum see my dress... , and I woke up to see this beautifully made dress...So proud of you darling.. She's my fashionista in the making..lol

😍

You are hereby invited to join our express dress bandwagon....

Wishing you all a Fantastic 2018!!!

Fabulously Yours.....Omo~Esho
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Little Red Dress!

2017-12-22T20:51:00.001-07:00

The Story of My Less Than 2 Hours Dress! 1hr 37 min Dress!

Yes, that's correct, and I broke my 2 hours record too.

To say I have been busy is an understatement, I have been extremely busy in all phases of my life... but you know what? I am sincerely grateful to Almighty God....

Last week was our end-of-the-year party at work, and I was prepared to wear a particular red dress I made sometimes ago, I was certain it was somewhere on the hanger in my closet, I wasn't ready to make any dress because there was no time, I was looking forward to wearing a dress for a change as I have been in jeans and full PPE on work sites for almost 2 weeks.

The party was to start at 6pm, and it will take about 30 min drive from home to the venue. I got home at 2:30 pm, did all the needful, and went to get the dress, I searched my closet, every nooks and cranny but couldn't find my dress, at 3:15pm I told hubby that I will search for another 15 mins after which I will start to make another dress.... You should have seen the look on my husband's face… :) Like what kind of woman are you? lol but I didn't give him any chance to persuade me further.

At 3:30pm I went straight to the studio, went through my fabric stash and saw this beautiful red lace, just about 2 meters but 60" wide, I had drafted an A-line sleeveless pattern in summer, I placed pattern on fabric, cut the sleeves, and used the 180-degree circle method to cut the sleeve flounce....

Started sewing at about 3:45pm or so, and at exactly 5:07 pm I completed the dress, I even had time to take some photos. Left the studio, dressed up, and at 5:35 pm we left for the venue, got to the venue at 6:10pm, in fact we would have been there earlier if not for the traffic....

Fabric cutting, sewing and pressing - 3:30 pm to 5:07 pm, took me exactly 1hr 37min from start to finish... I am super duper :). I finished the neck with bias binding, but left the sleeve flounce edges raw, the flounces are cut on bias anyway so they wont fray, but might finish it later, but for now.... I am one happy camper, not only did I get a lot of compliments, but you should have seen the way my hubby was bragging about it too.. 😊 😊.,Story of my dress eh!

Happy Holidays to you all and looking forward God’s willing to a Fabulous 2018!!!

Fabulously Yours - Omo Esho!!!

Burda 6891.... Vintage Fashion.

2017-12-05T11:56:00.004-07:00

60's and 70's Fashion. I think those who grew up in these era got some styles right . To get a feel of their style I bought this lovely European pattern. Burda 6891...

Burda is my go to pattern for PANTS, I think European pants patterns are well drafted to suit any shape. Although you will still need to do some modifications , I still believe their 'crotch' length are usually drafted well for the extra back load, or high hips, and for ladies with some curves...

For the record, I shortened the front crotch length by 2", lengthened the hem by 2" and shortened the top sleeve to just above my elbow..

What do you think about this vintage style?...Classy eh!!!....

Have a great week ahead, and don't forget to look and sew fabulously..

Fabulously yours ~ Omo-Esho

Somebody shout Hallelujah!!

Pattern Drafting 101…..Pattern Block, Sloper, Basic Pattern…..….

2017-11-27T16:49:00.005-07:00

Do you know all styles, and designs originate from some basic patterns called SLOPERS, or BLOCKS?
There are stages to pattern making, or fashion designing, and there are industry standards to be followed, you can either make your pattern blocks using these standards, or buy already made pattern blocks which have been drafted and tested to industry standard, and start from there.
In some of the free online tutorials and groups, all you have been taught is how to draft Sloper, and some are not drafted to standards or correctly.
Slopers do not have seam allowances, ease or style allowances, they are just basic building block drafted to individual measurement. Examples of basic Slopers as illustrated below are front & back bodice, sleeve, skirts and pants.
With a well drafted Sloper, you graduate to dart manipulation, pivoting, styling, alteration to fit different shapes and sizes, etc, and with this knowledge you can come up with any style of your own.
I do not have anything against free hand cut, and kudos to those that learned that way, in fact with some simple styles I use free-hand straight on the fabric but there is “limitation” to free-hand.
High-end designers, pattern makers, ready to wear designers all start from the building block called “SLOPER”.
A Sloper is like a building foundation, if you draft it correctly, your styles will come up perfect and fit well. If you do not want to draft yours, you can also buy basic Sloper patterns, and start your designs from there……..Hope this helps…....Have a great week.......

Fabulously Yours.... Omo-Esho

Photo Sources; http://www.threadsmagazine.com and http://pattern.stringcodes.com/

Still Here...Sleeveless Trench Jacket

2017-11-20T19:17:00.001-07:00

Oh mine, it has been so busy around here, but which of God's favor will I deny? All thanks to HIM.
Lately, I have been focusing mostly on teaching, pattern drafting and "made to order sewing" but I]been managing to sew few numbers for my professional and casual wardrobe.

I made this sleeveless trench jacket in a beautiful wool fabric for my office wardrobe.... The 1.5m wool fabric has been in my stash for over 2 years, I guess this style did justice to the fabric. For the facing, I used another wool plaid as I didn't have enough fabric, I also made 2-way self sash in case I decide to belt it which I doubt. In one of the pictures, I placed it over the jacket to make a statement....

For my casual wardrobe, I used a beautiful yellow blend Ankara fabric as showcased below.
What do you think?? Have a great week ahead folks....
Fabulously yours.......
Omo-Esho (More on this later)

Yet Another Maxi.....

2017-06-01T16:00:00.000-06:00

This season, it's all about maxi ,and interesting sleeve details...

Orange Dress- Turning an ordinary fabric to an extra -ordinary dress with bias binding

Green Dress: Just love the sleeve details, simple and chic...

Silk Fabric- Caftan

2017-05-31T08:24:00.000-06:00

Letting the Fabric dictates the Style...... There was no style struggle with this sumptuous fabric, it was destined to be made into this gorgeous Caftan, and the feel against my skin?....oh so heavenly.....

Ankara - Maxi Dress

2017-05-30T13:46:00.000-06:00

Most times the fabric dictates the style.....Loving this maxi dress made specially for my daughter...
Happy sewing

Newlook 6429 Revisited.... In a Leather-Look knit fabric

2016-11-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

A great wardrobe staple Newlook 6429 the pattern is oop I think. I made my first version in 2009 here , another in 2010 here, and in 2011 here . All these dresses have gone to various homes (two to my sisters, and one to my niece), funny enough the owners still own and wear them .
Five years later I decided to make a new one for me in a leather-look, snake print, (army -green) knit fabric that I love so much and was a gem to sew, hopefully it remains mine for some time.....

Stay tuned........

Vogue 8847... With Leather Details

2016-11-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite patterns sewn in recent time. I got the pattern when it was newly released but didn't have the motivation or the right fabric for the style until recently. The wait really worth it as I love everything about this dress, my fabric choice and the leather detail.

Fabric: I used combination of faux leather and rayon-poly, this fabric frayed so badly. I had to serge the pieces before sewing
Pattern Description: Very loose fitting, pullover dress has collar, self-lined yokes, side pockets, sleeves with barrel cuffs, and belt.
Pattern Sizing: 8 to 16, I cut size 14 then graded to 16 at just below the waist .
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Were the instructions easy to follow: The instructions were easy for most part until got confused at institution 11, I didn't follow the instruction at that point, just did my own thing
I sewed and joined pattern pieces 3 (Front yoke and it's facing ) to the front, also sewed and joined pattern pieces 5 (Back yoke and it's facing) to the back. Finally sewed both back and front together at the yokes.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the bodice by 1", the hem by 1.5" also lengthened the sleeve by 2"
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the leather detail on the shoulder and the collar , nothing to dislike
Conclusion: I love everything about this dress... it is my kind of dress style..

Thanks for stopping by, and have a lovely week ahead......
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Happenings Here!!!

2016-11-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

This blog has been neglected for too long, and I apologize greatly for my lack of communication on this medium. My life has been busy at home, at work and on the sewing front. A lot of great and fun things have been happening on the sewing front.

In July we launched a program called "Empowering of Kids One stitch At a time" where I had 10 kids in my basement over the course of 16 hours (2 weekends) where they were taught how to sew. I give all glory to Almighty God for the success and completion of the program, to be honest I never expected what we accomplished within the 16 hours or the great success from the kids.
The kids confirmed to me again and again, to never underestimate your ability, to always believe in yourself and to never say you can't until you try......

Since Oct 2016, we started 'Adult Learn to Sew" class, the program runs every Saturday till Dec 24th, to say I have been super busy in an understatement, but most importantly, I love and enjoy what I do dearly.
On garment sewing, I have sewn mostly for other people but I hope to make more for myself before the year ends.
On another news, I had my first cruise ship in August to the Bahamas with my friends.... yes girls ONLY, no hubby and kids allowed...LOL. Talking about fun, we had to the fullest..,,

Stay tuned, I hope to get better on my updates,,,,,

Here are some few shots from the class- "Empowering Our Kids One Stitch At a Time".

My honorable planner

I hope you had a lovely summer as well, and are enjoying whatever is happening in your neck of the wood.

Happy sewing dear friends.

Aminat

Maxi Skirts.....

2016-06-14T13:29:00.002-06:00

Though I haven't been posting, but I have been sewing but not so much....
Here are my recent projects....

Fabric: From stash, they are Ankara, and Stretch silk .
Patterns: Self drafted gathered and 3 - piece skirts....
Head ties: Gifted Pashminas......

Hope you are all enjoying nice summer weather.....

Have a lovely week....

Aminat

Bridal Dance Dress....Yes I made it

2016-04-20T21:00:00.003-06:00

A lovely, flattering bridal dance dress I made for my dear niece....Happy Married Life dear

My Sewing Journey......My story of Gratitude

2016-04-04T19:44:00.002-06:00

My sewing journey, how it all started and I am still learning....This is a journey, and I am really enjoying the ride.... Thank God for His mercies

Sewing and I.

Please read on….

Where do I start from? I sincerely don’t know but I know for sure I will always be grateful to God and to my dearest grandma Nygaard. As most of you know, I am an Engineer by profession, I have a full time Engineering career which I am passionate about and love so much. Sewing however is my creative channel, where I get to express the creativity in me, I will call it my hidden talent, because I never knew I had the patience or flare for sewing until grandma Nygaard enrolled me in a “learn to sew class” and everything became history.

How did I learn to sew? I think it was shortly after I had my first child, over a dinner at grandma and grandpa’s house I noticed a sewing machine by the corner and said to her that I will like to learn how to sew but not sure if I have the patience for this…. Grandma smiled and kept quiet…… fast forward to Dec of the same year, my Xmas present from grandma and grandpa was an enrolment in a 12hr Learn to Sew Class. Yes! A 12 hr class, 2 times a week for two weeks and before this class I had never been on a sewing machine.

However, due to grad-school, kid’s activities and work I didn’t have time to learn more skills or to even sew, but because of the passion and love for the craft I picked it up on my own after about 4yrs the class. I learnt how to sew again on my own, I have library full of sewing books and magazines, I belong to several sewing groups, I sew for fun, for charity, and for clients. I have made so much friends along the way, this skill has taught me patience, empathy, (as I have sewn for people with challenges due to Cancer), and I have learnt to appreciate God more, though we all look the same, we might wear the same size of garment, but in reality we have different body type, how amazing God is???

We all have something in us, God has created everyone with something special, we all have some kind of talent but we need to find it and it is our responsibility to seek it., do not limit yourself, never use the word I can’t, always be positive and encourage yourself, you will be amazed when you really know who you are…according to Oprah …. ‘We get in live what you have the courage to ask for”, and I must add, “you get in in live when you have the courage to go out of your comfort zone”. I am not perfect, I make mistakes, I have ruined some fabrics, and I have sewn with bad fabric due to poor judgement, I have sewn wrong sides together, I am a WIP (Work in Progress), but I love this craft so much, I will always try to create time for it as long as God permits and will continue to learn.

To my ever supportive family, I am grateful for the indulgence, and for your support, not only do I have my ME time, I have my ME space where I express my creativity, to Grandma and grandpa Nygaard you are one in a million, you really don’t know what you have done, I bless the day we met your family, you have been so amazing, so supportive and always there for us, I will always be grateful. To God, I am your humble servant, and I will always be GRATEFUL for this skill, and more! . Oh God I pray for this, please remind me to be always grateful for all your favour!!!

Introducing grandpa and grandma

Grad- school graduation May 2009

Christmas dinner - Dec 2015

Dear readers, how did you start your sewing journey? ....I will love to know...

Have a lovely week, and be creative.

Aminat!!!

McCall's 6988 .......in Ankara

2016-03-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ankara loving continues..... For a complete review, check my previous blog post here

Conclusion: Very flattering and versatile style for work, day and evening...

Enjoy!!!

Ankara for skirts and more!

2016-02-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ankara is one of West Africa's traditional fabrics, but was originally known to be made by Dutch from waxed cotton for the Indonesia market . The fabric however became popular in Africa partly due to the distinctive African motif/pattern or durability of the fabric to Africa weather... Ankara is an adorable fabric that is worn for many occasions and can be made in different styles and combine with other fabric as you like....

Check out my latest Ankara skirts and how I have styled them for spring/summer look....

Pleated skirt : Check out stylesewme.com/blog/ for a great tutorial

Flared skirt

Ankara mixed with Ponte knit

Enjoy !!!

This dress on my mind...

2016-01-13T19:31:00.004-07:00

This Mrs Obama's dress has been on my mind since I saw her on TV yesterday... especially the color and simplicity of the dress..... I am in love mostly with the color, this style of high neck won't work for me with by broad shoulder, I think will look like a dress on a hanger...lol .... but the syle suites her so well... What do you think?

Starting 2016 with Newlook 6068

2016-01-12T13:28:00.001-07:00

Happy 2016 everyone hope you are enjoying the year so far.....
I made this little number NL 6068 just before Xmas, I was looking for something easy and comfortable to pull together for a holiday dinner with friends and family, something that wouldn't reveal my mid section from my uncontrolled holiday eating...lol. This dress passed the test no doubt.. I made another one in a lace fabric on New year's eve but I don't think I love it as much as this one in a rayon fabric, you know how fabric choice sometimes change the design that's what happened with the lace fabric
Technically I haven't made anything this year yet but lots of cleaning and plannings have been done.

On the stash front, I am on fabric diet for now ......but let's see how long it's gon'na last....lol...
Here are some pics show casing my dress....
I am looking forward to better sewing and planning this year....... .... So help me God . Most of my sewing time was spent on clients last year, which I am so grateful for and hope to continue this year with some twist.

For my dress here is my take on the pattern:

Fabric: Rayon fabric from stash, this fabric has been in my stash for at least 3 years ......
Pattern Sizing: I cut size 16, based on flat measurement
Were the instructions easy to follow: Easy I will say as I didn't use for most part
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I lengthened the bodice by 4", too short for my taste
Lengthened the sleeve by 1"
Didn't use the facing rather a bias tape to finish the neck
Conclusion:Easy, comfy and stylish

Enjoy!!!!

Mccalls 7047...Showcasing

2015-11-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Showcasing McCall's 7047 dress in lace fabric.This time, I will not be going into the pattern review details as I have reviewed the pattern here and here . Hope you can give this lovely pattern a space in your stash this holiday season, you will not be disappointed :) ....... I wore the dress to my office holiday dinner this past weekend!!

Enjoy!!!!

Leftover fabrics....

2015-11-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Self drafted 6 gore pencil skirt from McCall's 6886 dress and McCall's 7198 pants leftovers fabrics. What not to love? I am loving the simplicity, comfort and the fabric combination of this skirt.
The skirt was lined with tricot knit, used 1.5 inches wide non-roll elastic for the waist (no waist casing), interfaced and finished the hem, less than 2 hours later viola.... a flattering skirt was made.

Silly me

Enjoy!!!!

McCall's 7198.......Pants

2015-11-13T16:10:00.001-07:00

Yes another easy and simple McCall's pattern, an elasticized waist pant pattern and a great sewjo booster. This pant is so comfy that have worn it 3 times since I made it about 2 weeks ago.
See below for a complete pattern review.

Gross-grain hem finish

Fabric: Stretch Crepe from my local Fabricland . This fabric has some weight to it which makes it perfect for our Alberta cold temp.

Pattern Description: Close fitting, below waist shorts and pants have elasticized waist and stitched hems

Pattern Sizing: E5- 14-to 22. I cut size 16 of view D

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: I think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow: I didn't follow the instruction, I actually didn't need it for this simple pants.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Here are few I made;
1. Lengthen by 2.5"
2. Lengthened back crotch by making a 1.5"wedge
3. Made 1" wedge on the back center waist and graded to nothing on the side
4. Shortened the front crotch by 2.5"
5. Added 1.5" gross grain to finish the hem because the finished length was too short even with additional 2.5"but I like how this turns out because the grain gave the pants some weight on the hem

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the style, fit and comfort of the the pants

Would you recommend it to others? Yes if you love simple,quick and stylish pants this is a go to pant pattern.

Mccall's 6886...

2015-11-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

What not to love? The pattern, the style, number of pattern pieces or design simplicity?
I spent approximately 2-1/2 hours making this beautiful dress, including pattern alterations, cutting and sewing. I am trying to gradually getting back to sewing and blogging so I will be starting with this little number so help me God....Please see pattern review below.

Fabric: Stripe Ponte from my local Fabricland.

Pattern Description: Close fitting, pullover dresses have neckline variations and stitched hems

Pattern Sizing: E5- 14 to 22. I started with size 14 and graded to 16 from hip down, but I should have cut 12 and graded to 14 because the pattern runs a little big IMO.I had to remove at least 1" each from both sides.

Were the instructions easy to follow: They should be easy I guess but I didn't use them

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made few alterations;
1. Cut view D and lengthened by 1"
2. I did 1" sway back
3. Added 2" to sleeve hem

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Only dislike is the extra fabric in the back even with the swayback adjustment, but not a deal breaker at all, I still love the dress. Next time I will cut 2 back pieces, instead of on-fold and insert exposed zipper.....
All in all great pattern and great wardrobe builder

Enjoy!!!