Latest Creations

My DD is still not feeling well and is not up to take my pictures for me so bear with me and my photos of Claire.Claire is wearing the white blouse from yesterday's tutorial.

It is from Vogue 7935 .I believe it is recently discontinued.The attached neck tie can be tied up high or low or to one side as shown here.

Next up is a swing topper from Vogue 7935 which is also discontinued.

Here is Claire in view F on the pattern envelope.I wore it to church this morning an I think it looked better on me than on Claire.

Both of these pattern were easy and fun to sew.I plan to sew both again.The blouse fabric (georgette) was given to me by my friend Nancy.The jacket fabric(suiting) is from Hancock Fabrics.

I plan on taking pictures wearing these garment along with another jacket.It's been a good sewing weekend.

Tool Tutorial--That's Awl Folks

I just finished this blouse and thought I should do a tutorial on,one of my favorite sewing tools,the awl.
This pattern features loop and button closure.Placing the loop under the presser foot without it slipping from the proper position can be difficult,because you can't always get your fingers in close enough to control the fabric loop.This is one of many cases when an awl is just the tool you need. I have three different kinds. Pictured from left to right,a finger tip awl,a long handle awl and short handle awl.
I like the finger tip awl best.Kinda like Freddy Kruger of "Nightmare On Elm St" or Wolverine from "The Xmen".Sorry my inner child is trying to get out.

For the next pictures I'll use the short handle awl because it's easiest to find in any fabric store,just in case you want to run out and buy one.

Simple use this tool as if it was a long sharp finger.Place the point on to the loop and with slight pressure guide the loop and bottom fabric under the foot as pictured here.

With an awl you can get right under the presser foot without losing control of the loop or the fabric. Please do not sew over the awl.Remove it after the sewing machine needle pierces the loop.
Now your loops are in place.I hope this was helpful to some one.

As I said earlier,I finished this blouse today.I worked on the garment this week and finished all of them. My DD is not feeling well and she is my photographer.I try to get DH to take pictures tomorrow.

I'm Back

I know it has been ages since my last post.I probably have set some sort of record. I have slapped my own hand ,for being a bad blogger.

I lost my sewing "mojo"for a really long while. It began while I was working on this jacket .The fitting was going well and then I decided to learn tailoring techniques at the same time. The whole process became overwhelming. There was a lot of ripping,re-sewing and whining.I had also started teaching sewing classes.This has always been a dream of mine.The classes were going along wonderfully and my students were delightful,but at home, there was nothing....no sewing.

But...I did knit my first wearable sweater.This is from Vogue Knitting magazine.It is for my DD,Ashley.

I got my sewing "mojo"back after a visit with my friend Linda .After hanging out in her sewing room and seeing her newest creations and plans for future creations,I felt renewed and ready to finish my jacket.Not only did I finished my jacket,I made matching pants and ended up with a great fitting suit. I went on and made another pair of pants and a top. I enter all of these items in the Georgia State Fair Sewing Competition,this past Saturday. I'll post the pictures of my suit when I get it back from the fair. Here is a picture to show that plenty of people are sewing in Georgia.

My friends Linda and Ebony entered the competition too.We ended up making it a day of fabric shopping,lunching and fun. After hanging out with these talented women,I was filled with all kinds of sewing ideas. They are so inspiring.(Thanks you both!)

Today ,before going to work,I had time to work on my current project,another jacket.(less work involved this time) I'm making the one shown in pink, on the pattern packet.

Remember September is "National Sewing Month". Enjoy it.

The Sewing Week - Jacket Part 2

Now for the continuing story.Using the techniques found in the book,Fit For Real People by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto ,I move happily on to a great fitting jacket.The first pin fitting on the fashion fabric reveals that this technique is working for me.I'm amazed that a smaller pattern and a few alterations could give me this fit ,with room to tweak.
The fabric I'm using is white w/beige pinstripes.It is twill,given to me by Ebony during her stash reduction. She's a diva with a halo.
The one thing I'd like to suggest is ,stay stitch all curved and horizontal seams before pin fitting to prevent stretching that may occur. Here is the back view. The wrinkles at the shoulders are pinned in darts. Looks like I can afford to take a little up in the center of the back seam.(notice the sag wrinkles)
I will show all pattern alterations used during a later post.
I've decided that I'll need to interline this jacket because the interfacing will show thru.
More tomorrow.It's late and I'm sleepy.

The Sewing Week Jacket Part 1

I've decided to work on a jacket this week.I'm going to use the fitting technique from the book titled,Fit For Real People by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto .
This book teaches a Pattern tissue fitting method as an alternative to making a muslin.One of the things that made me want this book was,it features many different sizes and shapes of women ,who actually have used the recommended techniques to create their own garments.
I decided on a casual, princess seam,lined,blazer.I'm using an OOP Vogue 8042.It's real basic.
I will work on this all week and post my progress daily.
The book advises buying a jacket pattern by the high bust measurement instead of the full bust measurement.Cut the pattern and pin the pattern together (front,back,sides and sleeves) and observe the fit before making any adjustments. I'm sharing these, roll exposing pics with you in the name of fitting perfection.I was doubtful of the whole plan after looking at these initially.
See how incredibly small the pattern is. My fitting issues are: full bust(D cup),pot belly,sloped shoulders,broad back and full upper arms. Check out the back.Remember this is before any changes.
Now after this,I had to un-pin the pattern,press and make the suggested adjustments and try it on again. After the adjustment were made,this tiny looking pattern actually fits! My doubts began to subside.
I have to work on this a little bit each day during my work week.(got to make money to buy more fabric,right.)
Tomorrow ,I'll share the adjustments and more.

My First Burda

I finally got around to sewing a BWOF (Burda World Of Fashion)pattern.This skirt is from issue 1/2008.It looks like a wrap skirt but it features an overlay.This appeals to me because I don't have to worry about it popping open.I also like the diagonal line,which is suppose to have a slimming affect.Hey,I can use all the help,I can get.

My sewing buddy,Faye and I got together and traced,marked and cut our first BWOF patterns.She finished her skirt long before me.I finished mine this morning.

Now ,I'm a believer.Great fit.No adjustments needed.
I didn't have many problems putting it together other than not reading through the instructions first.I kinda jumped the gun and made some tiny mistakes.But what's a sewing adventure without some un-sewing. I will sew more BWOF patterns in the future.The pattern tracing is a pain in the butt.However,Burda has the coolest styles. If you haven't tried Burda World of Fashion patterns,put it on your "To Do " list.

Pants Details

As promised,I'd like to highlight some of the details of my pants.
The contour waistband is a one piece with carriers (no side or back seams).I decided to top stitch in a beige colored thread because I saw a pair of pants in Figure magazine with same treatment.
I use a fly template made from cardboard to trace my fly top stitching lines.

This use of a contrast fabric for inner fly and pocket lining is a fun treatment. I learned this from reading Debbie Cook's blog,about a year ago,and I have been doing it on all my pants,ever since.The back has a yoke and back pockets.I left the back pockets off.The top stitching is a little off,but I'm wearing them anyway.I'll be more careful next time I make a pair.

A New Outfit

Being around other women who enjoy sewing,is one of the perks of my job.They often share the joy by giving.

This pattern is an OOP,Vogue 8092. It was given to me by one of my co-workers. I made this during a sew-in with my sewing friends. I made the pants(a longer version featured in a previous post) from Mccall's 5592 ,during our second sew-in. I wore both to work yesterday and I was cool and comfortable.

The top is made from a light weight linen blend, given to me by my friend and co-worker, Ebony. It is so comfortable and the folded drape hides some of my folds. :) The pants are twill with a bit of Lycra from Joann Fabrics.This is the second time making the pants and there will be many more.They have a fly front,side pockets,back yoke,and a contour waistband.I'll post pictures of the details later while I make a third pair.I think sewing may be the only way I can get a great fitting pair pants.

My First Tagging

I've been tagged by Cennetta.She so nice. So here goes.

1.What was I doing 10 years ago?

I was a stressed,depressed,mess. I worked as a Drill Instructor in a prison boot camp program and part time as an aerobic instructor.I was the first female drill instructor in a male prison,so I had to be really cold,hard and mean.The problem was,that behavior also flooded over into my personal life. I'm sure you can imagine the problems that cause if you've ever been around a "controlling psycho b----".I didn't sew very often.I didn't do a lot of anything but complain and blame.
To make along story short,I didn't like how I was,so I prayed,and changed.Thanks to GOD.

2. What are 5 things on my "To Do List"today?

Prayer and meditation
Cut out muslin for my coat.
Write plan for a sewing class,I'm planning to teach.
Bring fabric,which is hidden in the truck of my car,into the house.
Go to bed at a reasonable hour.

3.Snacks I enjoy?

Nacho Cheese Doritos
Buttery popcorn
Strawberries
Lemon Heads candy

4.What would I do if I became a Billionaire?

Tithe
Quit my job.
Move into dream home with ultimate dream sewing studio(Yes,I would still sew).
Move my Mom and Dad into their dream house in a great location of their choice.
Travel,travel,travel
Give gifts to family and friends.
Give,give,give

5.Places I have lived?

Born and raised in Detroit,Michigan
Ft Dix New,Jersey-US Army
Ft Lee,Virginia-US Army
Ft Bliss Texas-US Army
Stuttgart,Germany-Us Army
Ft Stewart,Georgia-Us Army
St Petersburg,Florida
Macon,Georgia-currently living and loving it.

6.What type of work have I done ?

Babysitter
US Army Soldier
Hair Stylist
Stand Up Comedian
Magician
Drill Instructor in prison boot camp
Aerobic Instructor
Sales Associate
Mary Kay Rep
Alterations Specialist in a menswear store
Sewing and Alteration business owner
Artist
President of Middle Georgia Art Association
Home Decor Consultant
Fabric store supervisor

7.Five people I would like to know more about?

Ebony-A Needle For My Thoughts
Amerykah-Sewl Sister #1
Melody-Crazed Sewer
Alethia-Kassmin's Creations
Angie-Jemima Bean

Sew In The City

The adventure begins with with 4 "sewing scissor sisters ",some cash,a free Saturday and 3 fabric stores.
These "sewing scissor sisters",connected not by blood but by sewing thread,hopped into Ebony's "sewmobile"and rolled to the enchanted kingdom called "Atlanta"in search of precious woven treasures.
The first destination was Hancock Fabrics in Morrow,GA. The sisters were greeted by the delightful store manager,Bobby,now referred to as,"Sir Bobby the Duke of Hancock".
This store is newly remodeled an Sir Bobby gave us a grand tour.In this picture he is not smiling but,he is very charming and he can sew! The doll in the display case are wearing his creations.
Here are some model garments.The next stop was,Gail K.Fabrics in Atlanta,GA. This store was filled from floor almost to the ceiling with gorgeous fabric,trim and buttons.Check out more pictures of the inside of the store at Faye's blog .I was temporarily under the spell of fabric euphoria and didn't take more picture inside.

Here is Ebony in a deep fabric induced trance.

Here we are with our treasure.

Next we headed to Joanns Fabric in Fayetteville,GA. to make good use of our 50% off coupons and gather more treasure.I didn't take pictures(low battery),but I wish I could.This fabric store is wonderful.Clean,well lighted and fully stocked.

After Joann's we grabbed some delicious junk food and headed back to our own kingdoms...I mean "queendoms"and sewed happily ever after. Totally not the end.

Fitting Muslin 2 and A Happy Ending

The second muslin was made in a fabric with more drape than the first muslin,shows a little tweaking is needed in the bust area and for the first time ever,no under arm gaping.My pattern adjustments were a FBA and reduction of 1 inch in the shoulder area between the neck and sleeve shown here.

Finally the finished product,a dress which doesn't gape at the neck,bust or arm hole. I wore it to work today. This fabric was given to me by my friend Ebony .What a joy it is to have sewing friends.

Concerning muslin making,I am forever changed. I will take the time to make them. The time I invested in sewing 2 muslins was made up for,when I zipped through the final product. It's like a pattern/fabric audition to see which one will be the star of the show.

Muslin Making Part 1

I must confess. When it comes to making a muslin,I am extremely lazy. I will find every excuse in the world to avoid it. Because of this laziness,I've had quite few sewing disasters.I ended up wasting time,fabric,notions and money. I read a lot of sewing blogs of which the clever sewist wisely invest her time making a muslin and ending up with a fabulous fitted garment and have become motivated to develop this discipline. I always knew I had to do an FBA on all tops and sometimes add a little to the side. Now I've recently found out that, I have sloping shoulders.

When you take the time to do a muslin it forces you to really look at your figure and what makes yours unique. I took a lot of pictures and selected one to show what a difference a little fitting can make.This is the first muslin with excess fabric pinned up for a better fit.The left side is pinned with red arrows pointing to shoulder pinning and a red line under the pinned bust area. Notice the excess fabric on right side in the same areas.

Now back to the pattern to make the adjustments and a second muslin.To be continued tomorrow.

Meanwhile,I wanted to join the Coat Sew Along back around Memorial Day,but found it is closed.I had purchased a cool pattern along with a few good notions at the Hancock Fabrics Memorial Day sale.Check it out. It features some details I've been wanting to master,like bound button holes and welt pockets. I'm loving the cuffs and collar too. So I'm going it alone. I think it will be challenging and fun.

Saturday Night Sew-In

Spending Saturday night alone with your sewing is nice.Now add sewing friends like Faye , Ebony and Sharon.Spread out a few snacks and drinks.Don't forget to set the table.

Now you have a perfect 'Girls Night In"which is priceless. We got together at 7pm and didn't stop till midnight.We shared tips,techniques,ideas and sewing disaster stories.We discussed future sewing/fabric hunting adventures we could enjoy together.It was so much fun to be among wonderful,positive women who all share and enjoy the same interests. This is our first "Sew-In" but it is not the first time we've gotten together.Last month we took an 1.5 hour drive to Joann Fabrics and shopped till we almost dropped. We plan to do it again soon.

Between the 4 of us we nearly completed(up to hems) a pair of pants(Faye),2 dresses(Ebony and Sharon) and a top(me). I had a wonderful time.My friends are truly blessings for which I am truly grateful.

Dress Blues

Tuesday,I had the joy of spending the day sewing,while my DH was at work and DD was in school. I finished this dress. More and more I'm finding,that making a muslin should be a required part of all my sewing. It would probably save me a lot of frustration.

Here is my version with the following changes.

1.I did a FBA and I not really sure about how to do that properly on this type of top.

2.After finding the FBA left the top still to scanty,I added solid color additional fabric for

more coverage.

3.I closed up the deep cut v,again more coverage.

4.Eliminated the back zipper.

I'm still not happy with it.Can you see how wonky that neckline looks and the gaping at the armhole.I think I'm going to scrap this and try it again at a later date.If you have any tips please share. I'm going to check some of my fitting books for bedtime reading tonight.

Here is the back view. Back to the cutting board.

Sewing All Day

I had a wonderful sewing day. I made a bag to carry my knitting projects,from recycled materials. One pair of old jeans and three bandannas equals one bag. This type of bag is really not my style but I wanted to do something easy and I need a bag that I can take to the park or beach without worry about it getting dirty. I can just toss this in the washing machine. I used an OOP Butterick pattern as starting point,then I just went on to all kinds of experimentation. I going to carry it around tomorrow to test it out.

I want to knit something but I don't know what. I need some inspiration. That's why I love reading blogs. One stylish lady,Toy

,has some beautiful knit and sewn fashions on her weblog.

Another is Sheila
She knits,sew and crochets.Her garments are sophisticated and fit her perfectly.

Maybe I'll get there someday until then,I'd better find something beside scarf and hats.

I know I promised a ruffler tutorial today but I need a bit more time to do a really good one.It will be worth the short wait. I also made a dress that caused a few more gray hairs to sprout from my head. More on this later. Now here's a picture of one of the items I completed during my blog absence.

I did view A.

The hem is not crooked. My skirt fell down a little in front after my DD told my to "suck in your gut". It is made from challis which I think,is too light weight for this type skirt. However it is cool and comfortable. I'm not going to make it again.

Wearing The Anorak

As promised,here I am wearing the anorak jacket. Thank you all for the sweet comments. It's very light weight.Perfect for places that over do it with the air conditioning. The pattern is very easy.I want to try a shorter version in linen or denim.

I don't have to work tomorrow and plan to spend the entire time sewing.My DH will be at work and DD will be in school. I've got one UFO which need a hem and it will be finished. I been thinking about a new tutorial. I've been working with my ruffler foot and I absolutely love it.It seems like every top and dress features some type of gathering,this season,so I thought put it to work. So tomorrow,I PROMISE,a new tutorial.

A quick bit

I'm so ashamed that I haven't posted anything in a month. I must do better.It's an hour after my bedtime (11pm on workdays) and I wanted to post at least one thing.Even though I haven't been posting, I have been sewing. So here is a little bit. This pattern is from a previous post.This is my jacket made from purple crepe back satin. I know this is a bad picture (low battery).I was in a rush to post at least one picture. I'll post many more tomorrow. I PROMISE.

I Got It From My Momma

My Mom,brother and two nieces came from Detroit to spend a week of "spring break "with me. My Mom always arrives bearing sewing goodies for me. This time was no different.She brought two huge boxes of books,patterns and notions.

My mother taught me how to sew when I was 13. I was a totally unwilling student of any needle arts,preferring instead,comic books and horror movies.I usually griped and complained through every minute of the sewing process.However I did manage to create a couple of wearable items,under her instruction. During her recent visit she gave me one of my earliest pattern purchases. I'm not putting a date on this but some of you may remember when you had one in your closet. I was wearing that red jumpsuit proudly back then. Looking back now,I probably look a bit like a tomato pincushion.LOL

I'm glad she had the patience to teach me the craft that I now enjoy.You know it,"Mother knows best". Here are a few of the fantastic collection of vintage sewing books she gave me.
Some people read novels before bed,I read sewing books,magazines and pattern instruction sheets.I love the older sewing books.They cover every detail from A to Z. The Crochet book list 500 stitch designs.This is just a small peek at what my Mom brought.There is also a series of books(12) called 'The Art Of Sewing"by TimeLife. I'm still browsing the stacks.Thanks Mom.