Red Trench - Vote Please!!!

Found my red trench fabric!

It's a red stretch cotton twill. Of course I got it from JoAnn (I just can't stay away from her) Now I just haf'ta find the perfect buttons, and buckle, of which I want to try and coordinate with the lining - which has to be tres chic.

As far as the lining is concerned, I'm trying to decide whether I want to pull from my stash or buy something new.

Here's what's in the stash:

a. linen-like print____________________b. cotton tablecloth from Target
a. b.


c. silky poly print____________________d. cotton print
c. d.

Yes, I like (love with a passion)
animal prints

I need you fashionistas to help me choose a lining.

Which one?
	linen-like print
	cotton tablecloth from Target
	silky poly print
	cotton print
	PLEASE find something new!!!
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Success for the Dress

I finished my Yansi Fugel knock-off! from April 4, 2007


Needless to say, I'm a happy camper. I did have a bit of "trauma" during creation. First, out of total desperation I traveled to TWO JoAnn stores to find a jersey type knit. They had some bogus 100% polyester jersey that was $12.99/yard: Hell to the naw! for that. So I settled on some cotton/poly/spandex interlock in a pretty sky blue.

Got it home and started the cut late last night and came to find out that the fabric was totally flawed, it had pilling and runs (like stockings)!!!!

I so did not see this yesterday in the store, during selection and cutting. I was extremely upset, but again, desperate so I cut around the crappiness because I luckily I had extra yardage. I am totally through with JoAnn's fabrics, the quality just sucks, although I did receive excellent service yesterday at both stores, I'll stick to their notions and pattern sales and just travel to Hancock or shop online for fabric.

Anywayz, the construction went pretty much like the KS3408 dress so it was a breeze. My only complaint is the fabric.

Reviews: McCall 5137 & Simplicity 4020

McCall 5137



Size: 14
Pattern critique: Semi - Easy. Mostly time consuming because there are a quite a few pieces plus a lot of ironing/facing/interfacing involved (for a beginner) The instructions were good so it was worth tackling. Plus this was my first time making a v-neck garment so it was a new experience.

Fabric: 1 cotton broadcloth & two cotton prints from Jo-eazy's

Modifications: none needed

Results: I like. very roomy. I should have went dark at the waist because I'm kinda wide there. I made this dress last summer and I've worn it only once. I promise to wear it more this summer tho, I got a ton of compliments when I did wear it, and it was a confidence booster.


Simplicity 4020



Size: 14

Pattern critique: Easy, quick sew. On patternreview a lot of folks switch #9 & #11 in the instructions, so I tried it. It felt awkward to me that way so I will follow directions exactly next time - Cause I'm making this again.

Fabric: Cotton interlock from Jo-eazy's

Modifications: none, but next time I will lengthen the bodice.

Results: Cute simple yet stylish top. This can be easily changed into a dress or look really cute with the right color combo of fabrics - like contrasting the neckband or something... I also want to play with the design of the sleeve next time I feel like making this.

Also, when I first wore this I didn't have it hemmed because I had no clue how to finish off nicely for this type of stretchy fabric since I have no serger. But the gracious owner of Valique fabrics ( I gotta get her name!!!) gave me a great tip: sew or press a narrow hem, then fold & press another hem - I did about 3/8ths - and stitch two rows across the hem to finish it off.Perfect and extremely helpful for me - sorta because I am now totally obsessed with all fabrics stretchy :)

I Wish I Had a Red Trench...

I'm on a mission for a belted RED trench for the spring. I've got this pattern: McCall 5060, now allz I need is the fabric & notions.

Inspiration from Saks:
Mackage $585

Andrew Marc $595

Valentino Red$995


I'm in the process of finding the perfect fabric. I saw some nice gabardine (gab) fabric at Hancock's but they didn't have the right red. Can't find the right red online either, plus I'm not sure if it will be the right weight anyway.

There is some cotton/spandex sateen at Jo-eazy's (Jo-Ann) that will do, but I really think I want to keep looking for the gab until the Jo-eazy sale this weekend. We'll have to see what I come up with.

In other news, my kiddo is in love with this "Stripe Rumba Skort" from limitedtoo:


But it's like $35 - don't think so - and only because I know it wont fit her long lanky figure properly, I'd end up taking it in anyway. I think I can hook up a cuter but similar skirt for way less than half. I'm thinking of picking up some pink or white cotton for the skirt ~make it knee length~ w/ ribbons as the stripes on the flounce & cute heart shaped buttons trimming the yoke... Can't wait for the sale this weekend :)