*fixed*

Burda 7442

Made this dress back in the Winter. It turned out to be an ill-fitting mess.

I held onto it though because I loved the colors.

THEN...

NOW...

Lopped off the sleeves, re-hemmed them and added a band to cinch the shoulders.

Much better, right?

Fur real

I have been apprehensive about the latest fur trends lately. I love fur - real & fake, but you have to get it right. You can come off looking like a streetwalker or a bear depending on your silhouette & accessories.

I fell in love with the Juicy Couture Faux Fur Hooded vests and decided I needed one. Here's to  hoping I got it right!

Review here:

Click pics for bigger views

 

 

 

How Sweet

Thanks so much for the all the well wishes and comments lately, it makes it easier to manage the not so swell days/weeks/months of being pregnant. And WOW I can't believe it's 60+ degrees today!! After all the cold & snow of the last few weeks, I don't want this warm spell to ever end!!!

I really am glad tho because it prompted me to get out the house & take kiddo swimming. Now I NEED to be in the pool, but I'm using not having a swimsuit that fits as my excuse, lol. I'm just enjoying the sunshine and being able to hang out indoors in short sleeves.

I have been working on some thangs lately when my energy allows, no maternity wear surprisingly, just not in the mood - I've been sewing for others. I made kiddo-on-the-way AKA "Deuce," a baby quilt (gasp) and a floor blanket. I'll post those pics soon.

I made kiddo a pair of plaid slacks and a mattching purse, and now I'm making my little sister a suit from McCall's 5814 and BurdaStyle 6012. The skirt is done and it's really cute. I really impressed myself by following through on a non-envelope Burda pattern, now if I could just finish a BWOF.....



On My Mind...

In the past few months the blogosphere has blessed us with stories of the bitter and the sweet. I'm not yet ready to unguard myself and get too personal, but I truly admire those who share the good, the bad, and the ugly in their lives and remind us of the strength one can possess within and the love & support that the community can provide (reminds me that there are some good souls still in existence on this earth).

A couple of women have really inspired me lately and I just want to pay homage and THANK them for being so inspirational and sharing the blessings that can come from a painful situation - on top of being super creative and super classy ladies - OKAAAAAAAAYYYY! (lol). I don't know about y'all but they have left a sweet taste in my mouth.

Life Happens Be Positive

Domestic Diva's Disasters

So I am awarding them with the:


Now this is my own personal choice to do this thing but if you know of a blogger who deserves this award spread it around so we can share those positive vibes.


Let me get this out of the way... Although I haven't worn it yet, here is Simplicity 3678, preggified. I just added 1.5 inches at the waistline to make room for Deuce. My sister says it's too bright for the current season, but I NEED SUNSHINE WHEREEVER I CAN GET IT FROM. I am a SAD sufferer. (That's why I need to get to the west hubby OK?? Are you listening?? hello???? lol.)


I leave you with a song for now.



I'd post a freebie, but support this sis!

Mojo(jojo) back! part II

3 day sewing marathon is over :( Here are my last two projects.

McCall's 5017

Burda 7783

(needs hemming)

I'll get my reviews in later.

It was so relaxing to sew/nap/watch telly at my leisure! I needed this break, I feel really "chill" right now.

I am going to try to commit to 15-60 minutes per day of sewing activity during the week as sort of a "me time" thing.

Reviews: Butterick 5040 & Burda 8045

Butterick 5040
Size: 12-14 (m)
Pattern Critique: easy as heck! no instructions needed just pics
Fabric: lightweight rayon/lycra jersey from fashion fabrics club
Modifications: none
Results: cute, unique and comfy, just my style.

full review here

Burda 8045
Size: 14/40
Pattern Critique: easy to follow. i like that the bodice is lined so I can use cheap fabric. and I like the side zipper, makes it easier to put on
Fabric: cheapie cotton blend broadcloth in Rasta colors
Modifications: none
Results: the bust area is too tight. I think it's because the back needs more width so I'm going to remake it after I retrace that pattern piece.

full review here

Still not done with Kiddo's Burda 9657 from the sweatshop session, but I'll get to it soon. Here's progress:


And last but not least: I received my Cosmopolitan Dress pattern from HotPatterns this week. Let's just say I'm scurred....

• the pattern envelope is HUGE & I do mean HUGE
  
• there are no illustrations, just a couple of pages of instructions & advice
  
• the fabric MUST be 60" which is limiting
  
• the dress was super HAWT on Cidell and Christina, so I have big shoes to fill

but I'm down for the challenge. I have some fabric for the muslin so I will start tracing & fitting soon. Wish me luck.

Review: Burda 7913

2nd in the knit dress series

Burda 7913




Size: 14/40

Pattern Critique: easy. took me about 2 hours of pattern and fabric cutting and sewing. no instructions, followed pattern illustrations.

Fabric: freebie fabric - thick black mystery knit - doesn't feel like jersey or interlock. maybe it's double knit? I didn't even need to used a stretch or zigzag stitch.

FabricMart sent this to me in a mix up on one of my orders, but told me to keep it. They have pretty good customer service by the way.

Modifications: Didn't have enough fabric for the tie belt, but I think I'd rather use a funky belt since the fabric is plain old black. I also didn't face the armholes because my fabric is pretty stable. I just turned them under.

Results: While working on this dress I realized why I keep picking the easiest of patterns. instant gratification.

Sweatshoppin for kiddo

Over the Memorial Day weekend I held a sweatshop session for kiddo. I was inspired to sew for her because:

• I needed to get rid of some stash & work on polishing my finishing skills. (I love Hong Kong & French seams now)
• It kept me away from the Memorial Day sales (for the most part)
• It's cheaper. (I used mostly Walmart $1 table fabrics!)
• I hate when people choose grannyish fabrics for children's home sewn. I think it gives a bad name to homemade (with love) clothes. I think home sewn for kids should be more like RTW, but of course add kid appropriate personal touches.
• Her narrow and long-limbed body type makes it hard to fit a lot of RTW.
• I want to be able to sew for her in the future - by her choice - so I let her have some say the styles and fabrics for the projects.

I completed:

McCall's 5092



Simplicity 4106



Simplicity 3743

The best thing is that she likes them all!!!

Still in production is:

Burda 9657

Hopefully I'll have it done this week if I can muster up the energy.

I'll add reviews on PR throughout the week.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I'm a home sewist/frugal fashionista. This blog will be my way of keeping track of my sewing progress & inspirations and hopefully getting/sharing advice from the online sewing community that I've been longing to be a part of.

Enuff jive, let's kick this thing off with my latest project:

Inspired by: a Kohl's ad w/ a polka-dot babydoll tank top and bermuda shorts. The silhouette was kinda nice for work and for dating hubby, plus I needed a new look to kick off the spring. But no way am I gonna wear bermudas or shorts for that matter and the top was a bit plain. Here is what I came up with.

McCall 5330
Size: 14
Pattern critique: Easy. Basic front, back and waist pieces w/ a faced and interfaced waist. I was intimidated by the pleats at first but they were very easy & I don't think I finished off the back split correctly because I didn't read the directions (as usual you will come to find out) but noone can tell :)
Fabric: navy poly gabardine
Modifications: none needed
Results: tres nice! the fit is not as slim as I'd like w/ the pleats and all but it's comfy and looks good.



Burda 7911
Size: 14
Pattern critique: very easy. only a few pieces. construction was a breeze. I don't like that the top is not a real wrap w/ the straps attached. and the collar should be interfaced in my opinion.
Modifications: none, but next time I will make the changes noted above if I remake this ( I want a solid black one now)
Fabric: navy polka-dot poly challis
Results: good. It's very awkward to put on though.



I'll get a picture of me in it tomorrow cause I am WEARING this!