BWOF 2/2009 #114

I am getting my money's worth out of this issue. I made these pants a about 5 weeks ago and I realized I hadn't put up pictures. My review will be a bit sketchy since it has been too long.









Pattern Review

Pattern: Pants from BWOF 2/2009 #114

Description: Meryl Streep would have loved to wear these trousers/ pants in “Out of Africa”. Made up in supple crêpe, the floor-length silhouette sports wide turn-ups/hem cuffs. Waist pleats replace front creases to providie a lovely extra detail

Sizing: 36 to 44

Instructions: They were good until I got to the waistband and then I went to the BWOF website and kept looking at the photo to figure it out.

Likes/Dislikes: I think I was drawn to the “look” of the outfit in the magazine. The model’s entire look is so… trendy, chic, stylish. I don’t know the exact word I am looking for but the look is why I wanted to make these pants.

See the look:




I am not sure the pleat is a great look in my pants, so that is a bit of a dislike. I do like how it makes my denim look dressier.

Changes: No changes, I made them just like the pattern. I did think about making a welt pocket in the back and then they would have more of a trouser jean look.

Fabric: I am watching my dollars for my sewing and other items. So instead of buying fabric, I used a trouser denim in my stash. I had purchased it from Gorgeous Fabrics a few months back. Another factor, my job is jeans only so I will get the best use from this fabric.

Conclusion: I don’t think I will make them again but I do like them. Just a different look for my denim. Now to find that cool belt and big bag

Waistband detail:



Looking at this picture, they dont' fit the best from this side.



Side view:

Front looks like the pants pull a bit at the pleats. I had been eating quite a few Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies and this picture was my wake up call to STOP! I do have my brownie intake under control and I am happy to report the pleats are not pulling anymore.

On the note of the podcast and my blogging. We have had one daughter with some medical issues and it has been a roller coaster ride of medical tests, doctor visits including a surgeon. Right now she is fine and they are monitoring her condition for a couple of months. We have had some very scary moments but all seems better now. We know much more about her condition and God has answered many prayers. That is the reason the podcast has been a bit sparse but I am hoping to get back to a consistent schedule. I am so thankful for my family, my sewing (helped to occupy my mind at times) and the blogging community. You didn't know it but reading about your sewing and other creativity helped me so much. Now you know why I was eating so many brownies.

Getting Better, I Think...

I thought about this jacket today and came home from work and read all your comments, thank you for your honest opinions. Many said the collar was too big and frumpy. So off came the collar, looks much better don't you think?

Carolyn commented to elminate the pointy edges. So on the right side I have them pinned up, an improvement, I believe. What do you think?




A positive - I did match the two sides nicely!

Now the jacket is a bit shiny here, used the flash as it was getting dark. Do you think I should curve the neckline a bit. I folded it back a bit to see, I wasn't thinking a angle but a gentle curve. Comments?




See my new mulch in the background? Three dumptruck loads were hauled to our farm and I hauled the mulch with a wheelbarrow to all my flowerbeds. Hubby helped with one truck load. Getting all ready for that wedding, you know!

Elaray, twins were gone for a school event and hadn't seen the changes. I just showed one of them the picture and they said the collar gone is better. I am suppose to hem or cut off the pointy things. Then, before I leave with the jacket on, they are to see my outfit and approve the jacket before I am let out in public! The other twin states it still looks granny-ish and she wants to have approval, too. Tough crowd.

Just Not Sure

It started with this jacket, BWOF 2/2009 #116. I simply adored it, the dressy fabric with the casual outfit. I really wanted to make this but to find that kind of lace in my area, impossible.








Then one day I noticed this lace at Gorgeous Fabrics, and it is still available if you are interested.

Well, I hunted two times for the lining fabric and finally found one I liked. Then, I worked and worked on the jacket, feeling a bit discouraged. It isn't quite what I had in my head, it looks old, not young and trendy as I had hoped. Well, at 46 maybe young is not the adjective I want but stylish, chic and trendy, those are better adjectives. I would work a little at a time and would put the partially completed jacket on my dressform. The twins would say that isn't too good, Mom, it looks old, especially the pointy things on the bottom. How about that adjective?

So here it is, looking old.




The back:



A bit better with some styling, but I am still not so sure.

Inside seam finish.

Now I will review it as the pattern is a very nice one and someone else might want to make this jacket.

Pattern Review

Pattern: BWOF 2/2009 #116

Description: The round neck of this short jacket is reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s famous Chanel jacket, but here it’s casually styled with jeans. If it were teamed with a pencil skirt, it would easily make an impression on a date

Sizing: 36 to 44. I made my usual 38

Instructions: The instructions are very good except for the collar. You baste the collar lining to the lace collar. Only cut one of each. Using a piece of lace from the border of the fabric, stitch it with small zigzag stitches to the lace at the seam allowance. Baste first so the lace design is the same on each side of your collar. Then the instructions have you cut away the extra lace from under the border and also the lining from each side of the zigzag. I went to the picture at the BWOF site and looked at the jacket on the model and on the dressform. The jacket on the dressform, does look like there is no lining under the lace collar. I really am not sure I did this correctly but it is fine.

Here is the dressform picture.

To make this jacket, Burda has you hem the lining fabric, then baste the right side of the lining to the wrong side of the lace. After the basting, these two fabrics are treated as one. I tried to baste with my machine but the lace shifted too much. I had to hand baste each piece.

Likes/Dislikes: I really liked the look of the jacket and how it was paired with the lace fabric just made me want to make it even more.

Dislike the whole granny look, just not sure if I can wear the jacket.

Also, the armholes are high. Partly, the pattern and the other, the layers of fabric. There is the thicker lace, the lining and the seam finish taking up some of the room there.

Changes: First, I omitted the pockets. Just didn’t want to do them and I thought they would be lost on the lace design.

I was going to add 1” to the length but the lace was not wide enough, it was just wide enough to get the front pattern piece cut out. So measure your pattern pieces before buying the lace.

Also, I haven’t put on the snaps, I only had black ones in my stash. If I do put them on, I think it needs to be silver. I am not sure I need the snaps but will that help the jacket? What do you think?

Fabric: A beautiful lace from Gorgeous Fabrics. My monitor shows it with more navy tones but it is more in the teal family. A color I really like, too. I think you can tell the color in my photos.

Conclusion: I just don’t know is my conclusion. I had such high hopes and expectations and the garment just isn’t quite doing it for me.

What about you? Do you like it? Hate it? Indifferent? Any styling suggestions? Don't worry you won't hurt my feelings!

Looking at the pictures from BWOF and my pictures, I think it is my shiny lining? I even used the more matte side.

PIctures

Bridal Shower Day

Presents:




Brunch Food:


You can see a bit of my new dress:

Wore my Tunic Today....

and I remembered to take a picture.

Two people at work told me how nice I looked and how pretty my top was. That never happens at my job, so I felt pretty darn good!!!

Different hair look, my hair is that curly, so today I went with the curls.

Exciting day tomorrow, oldest dd's first bridal shower.

More Purses

Are you tired of purses yet? This one is from Lila Tueller, it was free but I don't see it on the right side of her blog now. All I can say, is WOW, this is a cute purse.

Close up of ruffles:



Better picture of purse:


My own design using some wonderful browns and pinks:


Front view:


Diaper bag for hire. I don't want to show the picture, the person might read my blog and it wouldn't be a surprise!



Back to garment sewing today. Made a skirt for dd#3, a top for dd #4 and started the BWOF 2/2009 lace jacket for me.

Happy Easter

Hope you had a very Happy Easter, ours was wonderful. Kaitlyn made these cupcakes, very cute idea from here

Review for Dress - Burda 2/2009 #105

Pattern Review

Pattern: Burda Fashion 2/2009 #105

Description: From the magazine: “Sporty and sexy! This close-fitting shirtwaister dress attractively reveals pretty knees and flatters the figure. Its cross-stretch fabric provides for freedom of movement while the buttoned-up front fastening and broad belt accentuates the retro look.”





Sizing: 38 to 46, I made a 38, my normal Burda size and it isn't that close fitting.

Instructions: Really very good, especially for Burda magazine. It was easy to follow and had you reference design 106 a couple of times. This wasn’t that much of an issue since the instructions for design #105 and #106 were on the same page.

Likes/Dislikes: Loved the looks and lines of this shirtwaist dress. I was initially drawn to design # 106, which looks like a skirt and blouse but after looking thoroughly at this issue, I realized 105 was the same dress only in a print. And I had a wonderful black and white cotton stretch in my stash.

No dislikes at all, great pattern and garment.

Changes: I omitted the inseam pockets. No more than I wear a dress, I thought this step was not needed for me. I also left off the front pocket from the bodice. My fabric was a busy design and this pocket would have been lost. I did make the sleeves a bit longer, from the pattern piece it was a bit too much of a cap sleeve length.

Fabric: A wonderful stretch cotton from Fashionista Fabrics.

Conclusion: A great dress that I will enjoy wearing very much. In fact, it is my Easter dress and then I think I will wear it the following weekend for my daughter’s first bridal shower.



Here you can see the seams of the skirt:




Buttons:




Bodice picture:

Now help me with the belt decision, or all of them would probably be okay and change up the look.

Wide black:

White:

Red:

The red one here won't work, purchased to wear with jeans and low on the hip, so it is way to big in the waist. I have it clipped in the back for the picture. We went to the mall today with a long list and I didn't get to the red belt. We did buy 8th grade dance shoes, 8th grade promotion dresses and shoes, another dress for candlelighter, and one pair of shoes for the wedding. Remember all the 8th grade events call for double purchases as this is for the twins. I tell you they tried on lots of dresses.

I tried on a couple of dresses for the wedding, started to get some ideas of what I want to wear. I better hurry, just over 2 months!

Happy Easter all.

Dress picture

A complete review later, hopefully tomorrow but thought I would share a picture. BWOF 2/2009



Thank you all for the compliments on my sewing room, I really appreciate it. It was so clean I almost didn't want to mess it up, I did say almost. Working on a diaper bag for hire.

Marsha, you asked what type of coverstitch machine I have, it is a Babylock.

Sewing Room

Okay, remember it is an unfinished basement room. So you get open ceiling, plumbing and fluorescent lighting but it is a wonderful place to create, be messy and have fun.

The paint color is a light Terra cotta color and it really brightens up the space. The walls were red and with no natural light the room was very dark.

This is the view as you enter the doorway. To the left would be the washer/dryer, extra fridge, upright freezer, hot water heater and water softener. My room is never quiet, the hum of the machines or laundry or hot water heater to keep me company.

Blurry photo, but you get the idea. Also, a glimpse of my BWOF shirt dress, which is officially done. Pictures tomorrow. We are going to move the wardrobe to a bedroom, dd #4 needs more storage and I would like my ironing board against the wall.





Picture from ironing board. First sewing machine on the right is Meredith's, then my Viking, and serger to the left. Cutting table on the right.

Different angle.

From the ironing board to far corner, old flea market desk to hold my coverstitch machine. The far right is a wall of cabinets, four to be exact. One has my fashion fabric, one magazines, one quilting/purse fabric and then the other has paint, rollers, and household type stuff. Plastic storage bins under the cutting table.

Cutting table to coverstitch machine. The wicker basket holds fleece, Peltex and other items I use for my purses.

All my embroidery thread. I had these thread racks all over the walls, would just buy one and screw it anywhere. I took them down to paint and hubby helped me put them all in a nice neat row, don't they look nice. I owe that to Kaitlyn, she organized them into color.

Okay, that is my newly made over sewing room. It sure isn't Heather Bailey's studio, which is simply breathtaking, but it is a great space to have a dedicated sewing area and that puts a smile on my face!

Okay, I showed mine, anyone else want to show theirs?

Happy sewing, ya'll!

P.S. Found this link with other links to quilting and sewing studios.

Fabric Anyone?

I posted a classified at Pattern Review for some Painted Red Rhino fabric.

This was purchased years ago and my girls are way too old. All the painting and cleaning in my sewing room, thought it was time to move this out.

Anyone interested can Email me!


Here are the pictures at my Flickr site

an example

Painting and Sewing

Went to oldest daughter's home yesterday. I helped her paint a bedroom, a bathroom and the basement family room (also known as the man cave!). My hubby, son-in-law to be and his dad put down laminate floor in the great room. The house is looking fantastic and they are so proud, as they should be. We didn't get home until after 11, boy was I tired.

But I digress, here is how the day started.....

Well, I got up at 4 a.m. on Saturday, called tech support for my new DSL, got right through. Then started working on this dress from BWOF 2/2009. We left for her house at 8:30 so I got quite a bit done.



I worked a bit more this morning and it is looking pretty darn good. I need to attach the collar and do the sleeves. Then make a run for buttons.

Well, with all my daughter's painting and sprucing up, not too mention the wedding, hubby and I started working on the unfinished basement. That is the laundry room and my sewing room. I just finished painting the laundry part, boy does it look better. Hubby is going to build in our front load washer/dryer, I will post pictures. Tomorrow I am going to clean out the sewing room part and paint those walls. It might take me a long time to clear out my sewing area!!!