Sew-To-Fit LIVE!- VLOG *1- Mom's Cape Jacket, Pant, Studio Update and My New Cardigan

Thanks again folks for being so patient with me as I update and migrate all my great sewing project information into my blog.  I know I have been behind on writing these updates.  I am currently trying to work out a good system of organizing all my fun updates and material to keep you posted on all the wonderful projects happing with me.  With that, I have decided to do regular "Project Chronicles" and "Video Logs" via my periscope.tv and youtube channel for you stay up-to-date.   Unfortunately, some of the information may seem "dated" and behind schedule.  Namely, I have yet to complete the video editing and migration for all of the September Wardrobe Challenge and the October Halloween CosPlay costumes I did for my family.

VLOG #1- Sewing for Mom, Pants & Cape Jacket, and Studio Update 11/4/2016
Click on picture to go to youtube

Project Chronicles: Part 1-Fitting Mom's Cape Jacket Muslin/Toile

Hello all...I'm back for another part of the Cape Jacket fitting for Mom.  In this video I am walking through the step-by-step fitting process which I take in order to make sure she is happy with the Cape Jacket before I cut the fabric and move on to the pants.  When I do a test fitting, I use a very bright colored sharpie marker and write all my notes directly onto the muslin or test garment.  This is why I only use a light color fabric for my test garments.

I know some people use whatever is available, but I consider my test garment my "notepad" for my comments on the body.  I like to take note of the hipline, waist, shoulders, neckline, etc., as they may prove useful when I look at the paper pattern later on before cutting and making adjustments. Sometimes, I use the test as my pattern and just remove the stitches and lay those onto the fabric itself.

The pants and the jacket have been cut and are waiting for interfacing at the point of typing this post.  Those will be up later when I do the video....I tend to do better when the camcorder is running while I am working.  Then I can just speed up the film.  I love watching time-lapsed videos.  Don't you?

Iconic Patterns Cape Jacket being cut out.

The fabric for the suit is a Stretch Wool Double Cloth from SMFabric here.  

More details will be posted when I write up a proper review post of the Iconic Patterns Jacket.  Mom really loves that jacket!  Who knew?  Especially, since it did not look good on me.  Oh well.  

How to Trace a Pattern

I recorded this a very long time ago to show my friend how I trace patterns when I don't want to cut them. Sorry it was kind of dark, I was actually on vacation when I filmed this. You will need sharpie markers to make this work best and semitransparent tracing paper from the art supply store.mine is the Canary Yellow art paper. http://amzn.to/2et2nqn Please don't forget to like this video.

http://youtu.be/BRd9LaNFbg8

Fitting Thoughts #1: Pattern Fitting and Weight training for Posture

I have been noticing a slight difference in the way my clothes fit in the back lately. I've noticed that the back of my makes do not fit as well. It almost seems like my back is a little bit longer from my shoulder blade to my shoulder point. I thought about it for a while now, and realized that I may be slumping over more now than before or is it my body changing with age?

Than I decided to take a look at it a little bit closer when I realized that I have not been doing my back exercises the way I used to about a year ago. I used to always do special back supporting exercises that strengthened my posture. I haven't been doing my wing back exercises, I haven't been using my weights either. Now I'm noticing a slight curvature of my upper back. I normally do a small broad back adjustment on my patterns of no more than 3/8" or 1/2". Even though I do a swayback adjustment for my hip and my waistline, I never have to worry about it at the top of my center back. What is this? Is this old age, is this the meaning of getting older? Is this the beginning of osteoporosis or dowagers hump.

I will need to read more about this bad posture in the sewing room and make up exercises to strengthen my back. Lest I need more pattern alterations for the back.

10 Industrial Sewing Machine Feet

In this video I explain the sewing machine presser feet that I have and use the most with my Juki DDL-8300N industrial sewing machine.  I also use my BERNINA home machine in tandem with this one.

Tulle Skirt for "Mini-Me"

Did I ever tell you how my child waits until the last minute to ask me to sew something for Mini-Me? I do seriously believe that when ideas come to her mind, she believes there are no limits to my abilities. Also, I believe, that I don't have any sense of bounds where my granddaughter's needs are concerned, no matter how little time I have. It's a no-brainier, when my child has an idea for an outfit for my granddaughter, I just cannot say no, and whatever it is, has to be top notch. This tulle skirt came about because Jennifer dreamt up an idea for a pearls and tulle Christmas Photoshoot. Each year she does a different theme, this years theme required a skirt that gave all the fluff I could give for a child yet not make it look like a toddler tutu.

 Well you know what I did....I did what any Mimi would do.  I took care of my business and made a gorgeous, beautiful tulle skirt for my Mini-Me.  Doesn't she look absolutely magnificent in this 25 yards of tulle fabric!!!

Shirt making For The Big & Tall Man:: Burda 6874

More shirt making for my better half and I say it looks great on him. My son had his new shirt and this time around the man of the house gets to have his day in the spotlight.  Sewing for the Big & Tall or shall I say Athletic & Tall guys, is much more different than sewing my my son, who is pretty slim and wiry.

I have not had any formal training in sewing men's shirts. I just look at pictures and figure things out by looking at his rtw shirts before I make it up. Fit is a big deal for any athletically built guy. There are big biceps, strong short neck, full shoulders and wide broad chest, tall build at 6'2" plus. These days they want their shirts to fit tighter yet not look like they are stuffed into a garment meant for a smaller man. So, I am having to learn how to fit the "big & tall" not so big but muscular dude.   Typical patterns are useless to say the least because unless it's custom you can forget it ever fitting. Because of that, I had to make a long list of alterations based off his rtw shirt with a few conventions where the rtw doesn't fit properly.

Buttonholes: Coats, Jeans, and Silk.- Tutorial

Since everyone is sewing jeans and denim jackets lately, I thought I might mention my tutorial which I posted on the Bernina USA Blog, WeAllSew.

You can find a full tutorial and tips for getting better buttonholes on your machine, here, or by pressing the picture.

Enjoy. 

Almost Reversible Dress...My Design Process | Newlook 6482

Here is a simple project that took a little thought to finalize.  In my design process, most often I draw up a design before I sew it up, in order to help me visualize the look before I use my fabrics in the final design.  If I come across a pattern that has a basic design, it becomes my canvas for designing what I want.  But let's be clear, the design doesn't take shape until I've had time to doodle around the line drawing while giving my creative juices a chance to birth something wonderful.  When I sew with a print, the print speaks to me and directs my thoughts to a design.  In the case of a wonderful solid, I am free to do whatever, or maybe even embellish. In the case of this dress pattern...it was ripe for any design I could imagine.  And this is what I imagined....

Happy Birthday Son!!...Mail Order Men's Shirts | KwikSew 2777

This man here will always challenge my husband's position in my heart.   I made this shirt for his birthday in time to mail it to him as a surprise.  When he got it, he thought it was the pants to the suit I started 2 years ago.  No such luck buddy! Those pants will be finished soon, but with a different material for the waistband and the pockets.  You see, when I made the suit coat, I ran out of fabric to finish the pants.  Besides, I doubt seriously he will be able to fit the pants by now.

Different Age and Body! Same Pattern! Same Size: Newlook 6735

Okay, now I had to go and do this pattern for my daughter!  This pattern is producing some pretty decent garments.  I have made 2 knit tops, 4 pair of pants, and 2 cardigans thus far.  The pattern is a quick pair of elastic waist pants from newlook 6735, the wardrobe pattern I used, again, to make mine and my moms pants.

With this project, these pants, I have come to hate sewing with ITY!  It is so unstable and totally unpredictable.  It has over 150%-200% stretch!!! What fits me, fits you, what fits her, fits them.  A store, or clothing line's best kept secret so they don't need to worry about making clothes that fit.  All that needs to be done is to sew it in a range of sizes and sell to everybody and you got a total market covered.  So, why don't I like ITY?  I should be happy at how well they turned out for my child.  She, looks great, you say?  Why then, am I not happy?

Let's start out explaining the obvious--- construction details.  The hem was a perfect lattice edge finish.  Done on my serger, by way of suggestion from Carol of "G-CAS! Sew Excited!  when she taught a few things about finishing knits on periscope last month. I have seen this done on many garments, but never thought to use it as a hem on pants.  Needless to say, it works very well for this style palazzo pant.  The settings she gave me to get this look did not work for my machine.  So, it wouldn't help for me to give you all the details for my machine, except to say, I used the #7 stitch and followed the directions in my manual.  If you want to do the same, you will need to make sure you have a rolled hem stitch and possibly change the differential feed and stitch length.  Basically, play around with the stitch until you get this look by "Really" stretching the fabric as you sew.

For the waistline finish on these pants and all my knit palazzo versions, I use a multi-stitched elastic finish.  I sew the elastic in first, then fold over the elastic and topstitch as I stretch.  It takes some getting used to since its sewn in the round.  If you want a video tutorial, just let me know in the comments. I cut a size 16 for this pattern and increased the back rise to cover the rear to the waist.  For the inseam, I extended the crotch an inch inside the back leg at the curve.  The pants were completely sewn on the serger.

Excessive Stretch!!!....caused me to hate ITY knits.  These pants were to be mine!!!  ALL MINE!!!  Until, I had my child come and help out as a fit model for a Fit-Friday LIVE!™ Online class that I host every Friday night.    My students voted the pants should be hers after they saw how well they fit her compared to me.  Aaaaggh...?!!  What???,,..... why did I use her as a model.  I loved the colors of these pants, I cut the pants for myself.  The measurement were meant for my hips, 44", not her hips, 56" inches.   At this point I remembered that when something stretches that much....it also means the "ease" is there for any size above your base measurement multiplied by the percentage and added to the original measurement to tell you that those are the sizes the garment will "stretch" to fit.  i.e..  44x150%=66"  That means that these pants will stretch UP TO 66"inches.  So, if you are 44", 50", 55", 60", or 66", then these pants will fit you.  Cool right? Well, that's cool for my child, but not for me.

You can judge for yourself...but I lost the battle of the pants when my students saw her modeling them in our class.  They listened to me explain all the details of crotch fitting and length changes and then chimed in on who looks better in these pants.  She won!!  (the exclamation points express how I really feel.  LOL.)

Looks to me like she has the expression on her face that says::::  "I WoN!!!"  Please tell me you don't love yourself some ITY knit?  Tell me I'm not alone in my contempt for that fabric, please.

DIY Striped Cardigan and Pant Ensemble | Newlook 6735

Well I finally got a good picture wearing my new cardigan with the matching pants and original wrap top I made last year.  Admittedly, this is the second time wearing this ensemble since I finished the cardigan two weeks ago.   I first wore it to the movies and then again to a volunteer working meeting at the community center. It turned out to be very appropriate for each occasion, considering I actually thought it was too casual for the volunteer meeting and way to dressy for the movies.  Not to mention, I thought it would be too hot each time.  I wore it with the sleeves drawn up for the indoor activity, and for the movies it actually kept me warm.  Of course, when I got back outside, I had to remove the cardigan all together.  Turns out it handled pretty well since the fabric didn't wrinkle like I thought it would.

The cardigan is part of a wardrobe pattern ensemble that I worked on during a recent wardrobe challenge with my online and IRL sewing groups.  I don't know why I took so long to make the right topper for this outfit.  I knew I wanted to use this strip as compliment for these pants, I just couldn't figure the right look.  I originally sketched up a look and sewed up a top that went south really fast....a sheer DUD!!!  PLEASE...LAUGH your head off.  I'm good with that, it looks good on the skinny super tall model.  Another reason to understand how your body relates to different looks.

I am totally in love now.  Now I need to work on the fit of the cardigan just a tad bit more.  

I started with my basic alterations:  (The tissue fitting video is here.)

• 3/4" Swayback
• 1.5" FBA using the pivot and slide on the front and also on the side seam.
• 1.5" large bicep for the sleeve using the pivot and slide method again.  (I just love some pivot and sliding.)

• For the hip if increased in the center back as well as the sides and front.  I also lengthened the entire thing to balance. 
• The shoulders were lowered by 1/4" at the shoulder point and the sleeve cap ease was shimmied off about 3/8".  I like the roomy sleeves and the fact there is not to much cap.

A note on the back folks.... After seeing the back and noticing that I am now "Curving" a little more than I used to...I went back and gave myself an "untested" change for the shoulder blades.  I will keep you posted on this new change.  I also changed to give it a center back seam, and thus, added a grain line based on the upper section of the back pattern piece so that my HBL (horizontal balance line) will hang correctly.  

Construction points:

I chose not to make the tie belt. Initially, I was going to add a third button, since that is what was called for in the pattern.  Instead, I settled for two buttons, because when I went to find another pack at Joanns, I couldn't find a match.  The seaming was done using my Bernina 1300mdc serger set for the combination overlock and chainstitch.  The thread used was the Bulky nylon from Guttermann in both the serger loopers. 

The shoulders and side seams were done with the chainstitch and overlock combined in order to limit any over stretching for those seams.  Also, on the shoulders and sleeves I used the process that I demonstrate on my video here:

Youtube Video Tutorial:  How to sew in knit sleeves.

After my last cardigan, which I haven't worn much since I made it, except on a cruise...I felt I would consider this length and see if it was something I would wear before making anymore.  The jury is in!!!  I WILL definitely be making more cardigans.  Will it be this version, I'm not really sure.  Although, I do like this style, I am more interested in having one with pockets.  I may redesign this one to add some of the details I would like.  That makes sense, especially after making all these adjustments.  What say you to other ideas for designing cardigans or "toppers?'  

Mommy and Me outfits..NewLook 6735 and Newlook 6648

When I first heard the comment you are twinsies or that making the same garment or maybe using the same fabric made bloggers refer to each other as twinsies, I had no clue how making this little outfit for myself would lead to the adult version of the mommy and me ensemble.

I try and make something for mom as often as I can. She is always thinking about sewing and I am always sewing. Shucks, truth be told everybody in my family is always thinking about what I could make them. If I just had it in me, I would be sewing a new item for every one of my loved ones daily. I would be pushing out a couple new items each week. I wish I had the time and the inclination to do that. It's just how much I love sewing for my family. However, since I don't have that kind of time, I must limit what and for whom I sew. You already know, Moms are the wind beneath our wings. The breath that helps us rise to greater heights.

The pattern is a quick pair of elastic waist pants and the tops are two different view from the same newlook pattern. I started the pants the day before for myself and quickly realized that I needed a matching top.  I purchased this nylon/spandex sale fabric at JoAnns.

My neckline finish is from the view D cowl neck.

Newlook 6648- View A with C sleeves

The pants are both the wardrobe builders pattern newlook 6735.  The tops are newlook 6648, which is out of print, however, I'm sure you will find it if you want.  Mine is view D and moms is view A with view C butterfly sleeves.  I did a quick tutorial on how to make the "french bound" armhole and neckline treatment while I was sewing my top.  That video tutorial will be up later in another post and on my channel.  To be notified, just make sure you are also subscribed to my youtube channel.

More to come.....

The Cardigan- Tissue Fitting for Knits: Video Tutorial

Hello there, this video is an in-depth explanation of how I tissue fitted a Knit Cardigan using Newlook 6735 as part of the wardrobe builders challenge I participated in with my sewing groups online and off.  As well as an extension of our Sewing Fashionistas Group for our Wardrobe Fit-Along: The Knit Top.

I thought this might be helpful for you all to work to fit any sweater that you may sew this fall as well. I have made two of these already and have a couple more on the table to cut and sew within the next couple months. I am working still to pull together all the content I filmed in making the alterations for this cardigan and my t-shirt. So please stay tuned and subscribed so you can get the updates on the actual tissue alterations when I upload the videos.

Thanks for joining in the process to sew and fit your perfect wardrobe.  Don't forget to like and subscribe to my channel if you haven't already.

http://youtu.be/S6xKOd-MHqQ

Passion Fruit t-shirt Knit Dress- that 70s Vibe!!

No actual fruit here. Just that flavor, the color of Koolaid and watermelon on a summer day. Cool indeed because it is a rayon knit that feels cool in any weather.   I just wanted to make this dress because I had a feeling for something wild and fun.  The colors of the fabric spoke to me and I just went with the design.  This t-shirt dress look was made back in February, but I just hadn't remembered to blog about it until now that I am doing another "Wardrobe Fit-Along" The Knit Tee-Shirt.  I added the fun flirty "bell" sleeves as another way to show off the double sided qualities that got me to fall in love with this fabric in the first place.

I couldn't decide which side of the fabric to use since it's a reversible double sided rayon/lycra. It was a dream to sew and even more so a dream to wear. It's not hot nor heavy.  I bought it from "Sew Much Fabric, sold out, but here are a few others that are in cue for me to sew during my Sew-To-Fit Along that I am participating in with my "IRL" and Online sewing groups.

The pattern was a Bootstrap pattern basic....a jersey dress sloper.  I changed the hem and the sleeves to get the bottom flounce and the bell sleeves.  Such a fun look.  The neckline wasn't included in the pattern layout since it was just a sloper.  I cut the neckline to my desired size and shape based on my own measurements, and finished it off with a 5/8" neckband.  For the hems, I just folded the fabric over twice and stitched in place.  Since it is a two-sided fabric, that created the bias bound contrast I wanted.

So, in the case only, being two-faced is a good thing.  Have you ever sewn with two sided fabric, how did you maximize its beauty?

How to Sew- The CatchStitch Hem Video Tutorial

How to hand sew using the "CatchStitch", The catchstitch hem covers the hem edge and is more elastic than the regular blandstitched hem. You can learn more on how to sew this stitch.


http://youtu.be/2sHOG5ea6Z8

This is what I do...A quick Thank You.

To me this picture doesn't seem like much. But when I take stock, I realize that each of these came with several videos I have produced and associated tutorials and periscope broadcast and live lessons taught to others via private sessions, social media linkups and various other formats. This here, I now realize is quite a sum of activity coming from my sewing room to share in so many ways and freely from my heart to help those who want to learn the art of sewing and fitting patterns. Funny thing is, the photo is only half of what I had to show over the last three months. Some I have even forgotten about and never even shared to social media. I barrel through so much and want to teach so much that my brain is always in mega overdrive! #teacherslife never ends. If you don't follow all my social media channels, you are really missing out!! Because I just don't have the time to post on every platform available and truly don't want to try to keep up with it all.  I will just have to leave that to you.

Thanks so very much for supporting @sewtofit here on Blogger, Gumroad, YouTube, FaceBook, Twitter, Tumbler, Instagram, and for scheduling my services via Acuity Scheduler.

Sewing the Sleeve of a Knit Top- Tutorial- A First in a Series

Two weeks ago my "IRL" (in real life) sewing group, the Sewing Fashionistas, kicked off another "Wardrobe Sew-To-Fit Along" with the knit top and t-shirt as the topic of this months focus.  Alongside the IRL group, I participated in another Wardrobe building challenge/Sew-To-Fit Along with my online sewing group, the Pericrafters.  I taught class for my group here in Houston, called "Fit Diagnosis: The Knit Top" as well as created a few videos to help demonstrate how I sew my tops.  This video and blog post is the first of a series of post and tutorials you will be seeing over the next couple of weeks on how I fit and sew my knit tops and t-shirts.  

In preparations for teaching the classes, I made a host of tutorials on knit tops and t-shirts, as well as all the possible pattern alterations necessary to make it easier to help the folks in my groups.  The above photo is just a couple of the tops I have made.  You will be seeing those in some of the upcoming videos or upcoming blog post.   I have demonstrated how I make alterations for myself and my daughter using a good selection of patterns.  I hope you enjoy.

For now, here is the video on how to sew-in the sleeve using the flat insertion method I use for sewing a sleeve with a high cap.  Click on the picture above if you can not see the video here.  

Thanks for following along.  

Tissue fitting Vogue 1329- Full Bust Adjustments (FBA)- Video Tutorial

I made these videos while prepping to sew my sheath dress for an event last week.  This dress had a few interesting areas that called for a little extra work, but was easy once I review the pattern on my dress form by tissue fitting.  Full details are included in the video.




All the back and armhole adjustments are to be found in this video.

The Vogue Woman.....Vogue 1329 with Video Tutorial

What is it about this dress that makes me feel so "En-Vogue?"  I know this is an old pattern, and that so many have made it before.  When I first saw this pattern I just could not bring myself to make it in the same black and white as the pattern envelope.  I liked the style for sure...that color blocking is really a very nice touch.  But for me, I had to wait to allow my creative innards to tell me what to make...that fabric jeanie in my heart had to rise up and give me a vision.  Color makes all the difference!!

I made so many alterations to this pattern, I feel bad trying to explain it all in written form....

Wearing Moms new Dress....Newlook 6301

I wasn't going to put this up on the blog, but, I just couldn't rob you all of this beautiful dress.  You see, I don't like to make muslins unless I really need to.  So most of my "first" are really wearable muslins.  You see, I can make wearable muslins anytime, because I have someone that will fit whatever I don't like and love it.  You know that kid?  "Mikey" Well, that is my Mom and Sister... Although, they have their own peculiarities about fit, they are taller and shorter than me in the torso.  Both, wear the same size 14 as me.  However, one has a long torso and the other has a shorter torso.  One has a "B-butt" and a foxy figure and thin thighs, and the other has a "B-butt" and thick thighs.  I am a "DD-Butt" with thin thighs.  Thus, we can interchange outfits made from knit and they will look different, fit different, yet still "fit" each of us pretty well.

I previously made this dress, and I loved it!  However, the torso was a little long since I added the FBA using the pivot and slide method along with shortening the cross over and lengthening the skirt back.  However, for this one, along with using the straight skirt...I left the length in the bodice for mom.  She doesn't like taking OOTD pics for the web...so I'm modeling the dress.  And it fits me much tighter than it fits Mom, since my "DD-Butt" takes up some of the circumference.

Choosing your Pattern Size.....A Tutorial

I did this video some time ago and wanted to refresh your memory since the patterns have been on sale so much lately. It is a youtube video. Please enjoy.

How to Measure and choose a pattern size...The image is clickable....

https://youtu.be/YXawT1Dpi3o

SEW-TO-FIT The BUTT Workshop Open Now!!

SEW-To-FIT the BUTT Workshop This Week!!!!  Is your skirt hiking up in the back, does your store bought dress hang too long in the front?

FREE CUSTOM PDF Skirt Pattern Included!!!!

By popular demand, my most requested and sought after lesson and youtube tutorial!!! —

THE FULL BUTT Adjustment and how to keep your dress or skirt hems even in the back!! is now available as a fully interactive live online workshop!!! Don’t Miss Out!!!  

You need this if you have an issue with your skirt or dress being shorter in back when you sew it for yourself or when you buy one from the store.  Your Size Does not Matter…Curvy or otherwise, we all have this problem.

What you will learn:

• Multiple ways to solve your issues.  
• All skirt styles will be covered, including the dreaded circle skirt and skirt with a yoke.  
• Step-by-step directions for each technique will be demonstrated and explained with practice skirts for you to try yourself.
• All handouts will be provided to you for use during the workshop as well as for practice afterwards. 
• Understand how patterns are designed so you can become well informed and learn your options.

WHEN- Saturday, July 9th @ 2pm Central Standard Time

Reserve your spot early....seats are limited!

WHERE- In your lap….on your PC!!! And later you keep the video.

For signing up for this workshop….all my students will receive—

1. A FREE PDF Pattern- Customized to your own personalized measurements.  
2. You get to keep ALL your class videos to download and review anytime.
3. All the handouts used during class. 
4. A 50% off a personalized One-on-one Skype fitting session with me to be redeemed anytime up to 60 days after you take the live class.

HOW do you sign up you say???    

*********************************************************************************

Why do you need a FULL BUTT Adjustment…. If you sew or are trying to learn to fit your clothes, it is the same reason you would need a FULL Bust Adjustment?

The Princess and the Frog....Tiana my Darling!!!

Early in June this year, I had a conversation with my daughter.  It went something like this.....

Child- "Hey, Mom, your Mini-Me is going to a summer camp!!!"

Me-     "That's great, I remember you going to camp.  She is going to have so much fun!!! "When is she leaving?"

Child-  "In about two weeks!"

Me-     "Great, does she need anything?"

Child-  "No, I got it all taken care of, thanks though."

Me-     "Okay, great!"

         .!!!!!!.......................FAST FORWARD 2 WEEKS..........................!!!!!

Child-   "OH, Hey, Mom, your Mini-Me leaves Sunday.  She needs something simple for a "Disney Princess Ball" they are having at summer camp.  Can you throw together a cape or something to go with her princess wand.?"   

Me-   "(((((!!!!!! WHAT!!!!!!)))))"

I Dream of Jeanie...Pants that is!! Vogue 1355

Okay, can I just say....we copy off of each other everyday.  We see and sew, see and sew, whatever our friends sew.  Every time someone sews something we like, our list of things to sew grows and grows, and grows.  This was not something I was going to sew.  I hated these pants from the first day I saw them.  Even when I saw them on a fellow sew-sister, I thought to myself, she only looks good in them because she is 5 inches taller than me.  Well, that changed one night when I decided to take a chance at her insisting I "just try them". 

Even while I was laying out the pattern, I was wondering was this a waste of my time....until I put them on and this happened...

Simply my Favorite Summer Dress:: Simplicity 2281

This dress could easily be considered my favorite.  How I never gave a full blog post to it, only shows how much I sew, that I pay little attention to scheduling blog post for every item.  During the summers, I love wearing dresses and skirts much more than I do shorts.  I threw this one on for a Womens Networking Social with my model daughter.

(I didn't make her dress...but, she has a list.)

Sheath Dress Chronicles:: I Am not a Stepford Wife!!

The sheath dress fit-along has come to a close.  If you are on my YouTube channel and are part of my IRL fashion sewing group, you are well aware of all the work and fun that has been had in completing this dress. I did a complete fitting tutorial and multiple instructional videos on changing the necklines, adjusting the pattern and working your way through fitting the dress.  This all began last summer (2015) with the white shirt, then the pencil skirt, then the denim jacket.  I wanted to thank all of you for continuing to follow along with this "one-woman" shop.  I have been through a few ups and downs on the road to bring you these tutorials, and have tripped up a few times.  But each time I have reached out to you via social media, you have not let me down.  My list of to-dos, and in-completes is really long, as long as my heart is big, for sharing.  My husband is probably the most patient man in the world.  He knows how passionate I am about sewing and doesn't complain.  Am I a "Stedford" wife?  I would say not! Because if I were, you all would not see very much of me at all....here's to my husband for his kindness, love and unwavering patience!!

Now, for the goods-  "This lovely dress!!

The Great Fabric Swap Challenge and a Pattern Review

About a month ago I agreed to be added to a pool of folks for a fabric swap and be randomly paired with a swap partner.  We were required to exchange any piece of fabric from our stash. We were to sew it up in any way we felt best represents us and our esthetic. This group thing is bringing forth some serious sewing mojo out of me.  Because, I need, absolutely need, human interaction, not just online contact.  Combined with Periscope, this group provides the interaction of an IRL sewing group.  Okay, I think I have done my fabric justice, as well as made my swap partner proud. I present to you #thegreatfabricswapsmt finished garment.

Flower Princess Dress and Another Bootstrap Review

April showers did indeed bring May flowers, even though it took me a while to get pictures in this dress.  I initially made this dress to wear for Easter on a cruise back in April.  Yes, I did wear it on Easter, and I had all intentions of using the pictures taken on the ship for my blog post.  Well, that did not go over very well.  The photographer was lame, I mean terrible!!!  The next day, when I excitedly went to see my pictures on display... I was floored by such awful pictures.  My coloring was horrible, my hair looked like crap, and the neckline and armholes were disgustingly oversized and ill-fitted.  I had not done this beautiful cotton sateen justice.  When I downloaded the pattern from the Bootstrap, "Fashion Design WIZ Pro", I was supper happy to have something "fit" my chest.  But, totally forgot to take time to thoroughly analyze the fit in the most important areas, the armholes and neckline.

Jersey Dress for my Daughter & Bootstrap Pattern Review

Wrangling in this child for this photoshoot/pattern review, was not as easy as I thought.   Since I was sewing a dress for her, I thought she would show up ready and willing to fit and take pictures whenever I wanted.  OOOOOhhh....but no!!  Going "live" on the internet for review and scrutinizing of her clothes isn't something your average person wants.  Everything has to be perfect, her hair, face, nails, mood, weight, and everything else you can think of when presented with the idea of being put on a quasi-chopping block.   This model-child doesn't have a problem walking a runway for designers.  Neither does she have a problem with self-esteem.  However, presented with a "sewing" blog and still shots that are there to be reviewed and analyzed is a game changer for sure.  I present to you my review of the Bootstrap Fashions Jersey Dress for Jennifer.....please be considerate and remember this is a HUMAN Child you are dealing with!!!

Meet Petals- The Floral Raglan Blouse...and some thoughts.

There are so many things that come to mind when I prep to write a blog post....How do I title this?.., what pictures should I use?.. I want to tell you about this raglan blouse and all the flowers and how divine the fabric is to touch!!! I want to tell you hello and all that jazz that goes along with it, and show you a gazillion pictures, cause that is actually how many I took before writing this post. Sometimes, I want to say: "What's up y'all, what's crackin!"  But, I change my wording because, I think..~~~, will they receive my relaxed, sometimes crass tone as easily as my Periscope folks do when I start a broadcast, or maybe "will my impatient Youtube subscribers receive my laid back somewhat wordy conversational style when they read my blog? So many questions arise... "What interest you? Is it fashion only? Do you want to see cute pics? Hear stories? See construction details? See my studio? Have updates of my sew life? Or, learn about the patterns I use or the lack thereof?....there are so many directions I can take a blog post.  So I start with this.....

"Hey y'all, I made a new blouse!!!  Yeepee!! Meet Petals....

All My Children.....Public Service Announcement.

I couldn't allow this to remain a Facebook fad.  For some reason, I was moved to share this bit of information because it is something I have been dealing with in my own world and I just felt compelled to share with all of you.  I did a final paper on the generational gap that has gotten extremely big as time has passed in fashion as well as values and dreams.  The Internet creates and permits so many passing successes due only to the number of likes and hearts.  It is so very easy for us to get caught up in the world of "cyber-friends" that we forget that life still needs "human" touch and conversation.

To "All My Children...."  This is a Public Service Announcement