Sew Shy

Oh my!

2011-03-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

I've certainly let this poor blog languish while concentrating on my nail polish one, haven't I? It's been a year since I last posted. I can't promise I'll be back as I'm still working up the mojo to deal with sewing again. I just got too discouraged last year...

No sewing

2010-03-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

Well, that's not exactly true. I did finish a shirt - a different view of a pattern I've used before, but have not had a chance to take a picture of it yet.

I haven't felt like sewing lately. I guess my "sewjo" is on vacation...

Another thing on my mind lately is my parents and the situation in the city in which I spent most of my growing years. Some of you may be up on your international news and have seen Jos in the news lately. For me, this city is/was home. My family has lived there since I was about 3, and my parents still live there. The city had always been known as a peaceful one, where people of various ethnicities and religions lived harmoniously. Yet the atrocities that have been committed in the last few years has shattered everyone. There have also been threats of more violence.

Please pray for Jos...

I'm still here, I promise!

2010-02-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

What is this, my second post this year? Sigh... Still working (extremely slowly, obviously) on tidying up the sewing room. I just don't feel like sewing when there is chaos. It doesn't have to be perfectly put away by any means. I just have to be able to work without having to work around piles of stuff that have nothing to do with the current project.

The shorts are done, but I'm still not quite happy with the fit. I used a non-stretch twill, so I will try a lightweight stretch denim next and see if it's any better.

Ok, just wanted to touch base and let you know I'm alive!

A slow (sewing) start to the new year.

2010-01-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

I joined the Month of Pants sewalong at the end of last year, and am yet to produce a pair. However, I produced a muslin for the pattern below. After an awesome day getting fitting help from Sherrill Miller, we determined what alterations I would need to get this to fit better. A 7/8 inch wedge alteration to be precise. Yes, that was it - these fit quite well straight out of the envelope! I plan to also add 1/2 inch to the top just for my comfort.

On to my first pair - which will be shorts. I had made the crotch on the muslin according to the instructions included in the pattern. This is my sloppy result

Not so pretty, right? So I pulled out my "Power Sewing..." book by Sandra Betzina and used her instructions to create a sample fly front zipper. I'll switch the opening side on my shorts, but here is the resulting sample.
Much much better...

I did manage to complete one thing I've been procrastinating on. I came back from my visit home with some sand art - something I've always loved but never bothered to purchase while I was there previously. My parents actually purchased these for me. The artist only had a few, so had to create more, and he mounted them on/in a black border. They needed framing, and I finally used a Joann gift card I got from my bro. and fam. for Christmas (thanks gigis!) to get these. Project completed.

And of course, my nails got some love from me too. FingerPaints "Natural Talent" is a color I love because it gives me that straight-from-the-nail-salon look. I took these pics before cleaning up my cuticles, but I hope you can see what I mean. I got this at Sally Beauty Supply.

Sally Hansen's "Berry Pretty" beckoned to me from a display in CVS, and I don't regret the purchase - especially at half price.

I plan to have finished shots of the shorts this weekend!

Moving right along.

2009-12-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

Phew! Done with posting reviews of the last few items I sewed. Now I can move on to the next thing that's blocking my creativity:Yes, it's time to deal with the mess. The scary thing is that this is the traditional living room space (as opposed to the "family room" a little further in the house). That means this is the first thing people see when they walk in the front door. The last time my brother-in-law was here, he and my hubby touched on it - and all I overheard was something along the lines of "[SewShy] has a lot of cr*p". Well, it may be that to them, but it's a room full of potential to me, so hmph. I do need to organize though. I have an Ikea wishlist... but have to make do for now.

PR backlog

2009-11-25T22:25:00.000-08:00

I realized recently that I haven't been good about writing pattern reviews on the PR site for the garments I've created. Since I'm not sewing, I figured I can at least make progress by writing my reviews, so I'll try to get those done this weekend.
In the meantime - my usual filler - nail pics. I've had this combo on since Thursday night, and it's really stayed put!
(Please bear with the cell phone pictures. I'm just not ready to purchase a new camera yet...)
Sation "Plaza Plum" + Sally Hansen "Star Crossed"

Nice and sparkly in the sunlight. I always keep my colors super shiny with my favorite quick dry topcoat - "Out the Door" from my local Sally beauty supply store. There are people who swear by Seche Vite, but this one dries faster - I actually compared recently.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Pattern for the cowl neck top

2009-11-10T19:16:00.001-08:00

I dug up the pattern I used for the top mentioned in the last post. It's Butterick 3344, now out of print:

I'm back!

2009-11-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

To blogging, that is. I went home to Nigeria for two weeks in early October. Most of the trip was good, but it was overshadowed by Delta's employees taking my carry-on luggage on the second flight, and taking it off the plane at the wrong airport. By the time I got it back (4 days later), their employees in either Dakar(most likely) or Abuja had gone through it and stolen money, my camera, and my gold jewelry. Very sad, very frustrating. This was on the way to Nigeria, so not a good thing for the start of a trip. Anyway, I don't want to speak more on that since it makes me very upset.
I've been back for a few weeks now, but just was not in the mood to blog (or sew even!). During that time, my hubby got strep throat, and a week and a half later (last Thursday) I also got it. Mine was caught just in time, however, so I didn't have to suffer like he did - he had been misdiagnosed as having the flu, and suffered fevers, chills, and the painful throat for over a week before being properly diagnosed and put on an antibiotic. Poor sweetie...

Bits and pieces... I did purchase some fabric while with my parents. I had planned to buy much more, but there was no electricity for the bulk of the day my Mom and I went fabric shopping. Unfortunately the owners of the one stall where she said there was a lot of great fabric had run out of petrol (gasoline) and so could not run their generator to provide electricity for their lights. Bummer. So below is a picture of the six fabrics I got.

This past weekend, I wanted to sew. However, my sewing area is a mess and I just didn't feel like tidying up or figuring out where everything should go. The previous weekend I had pulled out an unfinished project - a cowl neck blouse that I'd had hanging on the rack for over a year because it was too big. I finally got it finished on Sunday morning and wore it to church. I can't remember the pattern specifics (see it's been THAT long!), but will post once I do.

Of course, I couldn't leave the (still) unfinished jacket there, so I threw it on over the blouse. Here is the full ensemble. I still have to topstitch the edges and put buttons on, but I figured it's wearable either way.2/3 of my Sunday outfit made by me... a really nice feeling!

UFO revisited

2009-09-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Remember this jacket? It's been worn by my dress form for months now as you can see here, but I took a look at it again on Saturday morning. Yes, I've gained back all the weight I lost last year, so I won't be able to button it, but aside from that, it still looks decent enough to wear. I had put in shoulder pads, which remedied my sloping shoulder issue a little.

So... I decided I wanted to put patch pockets on underneath the otherwise useless flaps. This meant re-opening the lining, which I did. That's accomplished, so the next steps are to close off the lining opening, do some topstitching, and add the buttons and buttonholes. I'm determined to wear it this fall. Hopefully will have pictures before the weekend.

"Skirting" the issue

2009-09-17T19:36:00.001-07:00

A skirt is easy to make, you just need two measurements, right? WRONG. VERY WRONG!
Maybe that's true for some people, but definitely not for those who have curves in all dimensions. Case in point - consider my skirt muslin:
See how that side seam is crooked and the skirt hikes up in the back? This is a problem I have with all RTW skirts - and why I hardly ever wear them anymore. So you can see, if I can conquer the fit, I can fill a HUGE void in my wardrobe. I'm especially frustrated with this because I'm going home to visit my parents next month, and it's still more socially acceptable to wear skirts there. At this rate, however, I won't have a single skirt to take back with me.

I know the problems. I have a protruding stomach and protruding rear end. I also don't have enough "hippage" to match the curve of the side seam from waist to hip - something I have no clue how to remedy, and is an issue on the pants pattern I'm working with as well.
See?
I don't look too amused do I? Honestly, I'm so frustrated, I feel like ripping the muslin to shreds. I have this same problem with A-line skirts. A long time ago I made two, and I just made the seam dip lower in the back so it "looked" level from far away. However, like this one, the side seam was angled backwards.
Okay, talking about it has made me upset again. I want to cry because I have soooo much fabric just waiting for me to crack the fitting code. I have so many garments in my mind, but reality is just too cruel.

More on my next dilemma - the evasive pants pattern - later.

Brian Sews

2009-09-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

Gold, Tanya, Sherril, Aminat:
Thank you SO much for your encouragement! You're right, I should dust myself off and work on something easy to build my confidence back up. I'm thinking of pulling Simplicity 3789 back out and creating another top or two. It will be a while, as I have a busy few evenings ahead and will probably not be able to sew until Sunday.

In other news...
I'd like to introduce Brian. Some of you know him as RocketBoy (now BrianSews) from PatternReview. I recently discovered that BRIAN HAS A BLOG! On it he shares a lot of great information, video demos, great machines, and a refreshing perspective on sewing. I find his blog especially fun to read because he's one of the few people who fearlessly approached (and conquered) sewing denim jeans! He is planning to start a weekly sewing show on his blog. Please check him out if you have a chance.

Off to sleep for me now...

Sigh...

2009-09-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Nothing new to show. Not that I haven't been sewing - on the contrary I've produced two skirt muslins and one pair of shorts. None of them fit properly. I'm despairing because it takes me so long just to work up a muslin...
So, I'm discouraged. I'll eventually post pictures of my non-fitting items, but right now am feeling too miserable to do so.
Huge sigh... where to go from here?

What I've been up to...

2009-08-17T19:50:00.001-07:00

Where have I been? Out of town part of the time. I was a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding in Houston. Although we had a lot to do and didn't get enough sleep, we had an amazing time. These are friends from way back in our grade school days in Nigeria - some I've known since 1st grade. It was our first time being all together since we graduated high school - 14 years ago! Here I am on bridesmaid duty (pic taken by a friend on fb)I've been back from Houston for a week now though, so what else have I been up to? Working on this pattern Burda 8755. I received it in a batch of 4 Burda patterns from an ebay purchase. It's a pair of pants with a seam down each back leg that ends in a vent.
In the quest to make this a pattern I can use over and over, I decided to take some time making alterations. First I made the pattern as-is. It ended up tight, with a huge chunk of gaposis in the back waist. My junk definitely did not fit in that trunk.

Sooo... I graded up about a size and a half, and then armed with Nancy Zieman's Pattern Fitting With Confidence, I made the following changes:
- Lengthened the crotch
- Decreased the waist width
My next muslin (long shorts to conserve fabric) was right on with the fit (as in - I forgot to add wearing ease!), but the crotch length in the front was too long. This meant I then had to
-Shorten the crotch by moving length from the front crotch area to the back waistline.
- Add to the side seams for wearing ease

The result follows:

This was made with fabric I was gifted by a PatternReview member from whom I purchased some BWOF magazines. I added cording to the side seams and to the waistline. In hindsight I should have added it to the bottom waistband seam instead since it can't really be seen.
The fit in the back looks decent, and I really like the fact that the seams in the back serve as the darts that would otherwise have been there. I do still have to work on the front crotch length as indicated in this close-up. There is just too much fabric there. After making that adjustment, I may also need to increase the length and width of the front waist darts.
This is the first time I've put so much work into a pattern! I'm hoping it will be easier going forward. I'm a little disappointed that I'm still not quite there, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that once I get the fit right, this will be a fabulous TNT pattern, and I can just change the shape of the legs as I desire.
I already have some khaki-colored twill and some black "Rodeo" bottomweight fabric washed and lined up for two pairs of shorts once I've got the fit right. Then I'll try some pants in lightweight denim.

BWOF 05/2009 dress 131 - Finished

2009-07-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

I finished this dress tonight (and have to go to bed soon), so the pictures are not complete. Here's a peek at the finished garment.I've been really bad at putting up reviews on patternreview, so I need to get round to that sometime. I made this in a size 46.

BWOF 05/2009 dress 131

2009-07-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

I completed the muslin for this dress last week. Here are some quick pictures I took.
The only real change I wanted to make was to raise the neckline at the center front by about 1 inch. I also planned to have the straps fasten a little lower on the bodice.

Next project

2009-07-21T10:29:00.001-07:00

Before I go on, I want to thank all of those who took a moment to comment on my last (first) dress project. I really appreciate the encouragement and suggestions! The dress made its debut at church two weeks ago. In spite of the fit issues, I felt very comfortable in it, and can't wait to make another one! I also really liked the lining in the Kona cotton muslin fabric. The muslin itself wrinkles easily, but does a great job of keeping the outer fabric from wrinkling. This dress helped to to realize the importance of that concept.

This past Sunday, it seemed like all the ladies were wearing sleeveless cotton dresses like mine. I guess I was one week ahead of that trend! I will have to work on the pattern some more to perfect the fit, but for now I wanted to try another simple dress. I chose the dress pattern from the May 2009 Burda World of Fashion (Dress 131)
As you can see, it's a simple dress. The muslin was completed yesterday and fits relatively well. The only change I will be making is to redraft the V of the front neckline so it is not as low. I will post a picture of the muslin as soon as I get a chance to do so! Hopefully I'll be able to start on the actual dress tomorrow evening.

Out of town

2009-07-16T05:11:00.000-07:00

I've been quiet lately because I'm out of town for a conference in Boston. Hopefully will sew another dress or a top this weekend...

My first dress! Simplicity 4118

2009-07-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

I made my first dress this weekend - which is so exciting for me! The pattern is Simplicity 4118, a Threads pattern.

(still needs hemming) I made minimal changes to the pattern, and actually did make a muslin first. I can see if I make this again I will have to do at least the following:
1. Swayback adjustment
2. Use the original side seam allowances and blend to a larger size in the hips.
3. Figure out how to keep the top of the center back seam (see below) from sticking out.

I used a cotton print from Joann and lined it with Kona cotton muslin. It's very comfortable...

I also used an invisible zipper, so I had to change the construction steps a little. It was surprisingly easy, although I still didn't get it quite even at the top.

I'm ready to try another dress pattern. This one will probably get hemmed and worn - in spite of the fitting issues. It took me a day and a half to make, but the instructions were pretty good, and great for a first dress.

Almost finished...

2009-07-05T18:29:00.001-07:00

I recently joined the American Sewing Guild, and have attended two of the neighborhood group meetings for my area. My group is made up of some wonderful ladies, all with a plethora of skills. Our last meeting was a UFO (unfinished object) challenge, where we were supposed to bring in something we had finally finished the week before.
Well, it's still not finished, but it was pretty close, so I brought in the Simplicity 3628 jacket. Here are pictures taken during the meeting (thanks Peggy!).

What's left? The hem and buttons/buttonholes...

A little progress

2009-06-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

I've been procrastinating on my current jacket because I absolutely LOATHE putting sleeves in. Here is what is done so far. I messed up the binding on the corners of the collar, so I have to figure out how to fix it without having to take take the collar off completely...
I also realized (after stitching a pattern into the sleeve hems, of course) that the sleeves should probably be much shorter than they currently are.

Honestly, I'm sewing a lot in my head - I have a closet full of summery cotton blouses and fabulously fitting pants and jeans already(in my mind) - if I could just make that a reality...

It was a busy day at work yesterday and I wanted something quick and easy to work on. I have been into making my own earrings lately, so I decided to make a bracelet to match a pair of earrings I made recently. Well, 4 bracelets and two pairs of earring later:
I already had the top left and bottom right earrings made, but everything else was started and finished this evening. I'm still an amateur, obviously, but it's so amazing how easily and cheaply some jewelry can be made. All the beads are glass or polished stone. I had fun!

Memorial day, more nails, and new project.

2009-06-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

Memorial day weekend was gorgeous. My in-laws came over on the Saturday of the weekend, and we spent most of the day like this...
That's my mother-in-law and my niece - faces blurred for privacy, of course. The water felt awesome!

Next I give you... more nailpolish pictures! I know, I know, this is getting ridiculous. But hey, I'm just starting to get my sewing mojo back, so there will be a finished project soon.

Sation - "18K gold", covered by Sally Hansen "Gold Star"

Sally Girl - "Pea-body" - an exact match to a ring I got at Laila Rowe a few months ago. These are cute polishes in mini-bottles for 99 cents (89 if you have a Sally card) and are great for trying out colors you wouldn't normally wear.

On the sewing front: I had a jacket cut out for a few weeks and finally started working on it Monday night. Of course, after such a long sewing hiatus, I had to do something wrong, right? I sewed the wrong two pieces of the front together. If you notice, one side has the blue line running the length of the grain, and the other doesn't. Sigh...
More on this jacket - and the piping dilemma on the collar - later!

It works :)

2009-05-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

I sat down and cleaned up the new machine this afternoon. It was actually quite clean already, just very dusty on the back - which means it was probably stored away for a long time. I also temporarily moved the knee pedal to the floor since my legs are too long to fit under the table. I plan to get some risers later today so the machine can sit higher. Then I'll put the pedal back to the knee position.
Then I tried it out - adjusting the tension, trying out a buttonhole, trying out a few cams. It works beautifully. It's so interesting to see cams make the same stitches that are now automatic in modern machines. I also was amazed at just how quiet this machine is. It has an engine and belt, so I expected it to sound like an industrial, but no way! I'll probably give the machine some oiling before I use it properly. Nice! Now I just have to figure out what to sew next. I have a short sleeve jacket cut out. We'll see if I get to it this weekend.

Since I'm not sewing, more nailpolish

2009-05-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

I didn't sew. So what else is new? Here are pictures of polish I had on this last week, however. I'm trying China Glaze for the first time because they have a lot of non-standard colors I'm attracted to. I tried the colors "Recycle"(gray) " and Shower Together" (blue) . Love the colors, but neither seemed to stay on as long as the Sation brand that I've recently been using.

Yummy color - I just HAD to post it

2009-05-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

After today's house cleaning, my old nail polish was barely hanging on. I decided to paint my nails while I looked through the new sewing machine manual. Now, as much as I love nail polish, I didn't really plan to start posting about it (I've been reading alot of polish blogs lately though!), but I stumbled on a color I just have to share. I decided to dig into my stash of nail polish because I'm trying to wear all my old polishes so I can decide which ones work for me and which I should give away.

Enter Revlon Street Wear. The color I picked is called "Drab", which I think is pretty descriptive. I've had this bottle for... hmmm... probably 8 or 9 years? Surprisingly enough, the back of the bottle says "Formaldehyde and Toluene free". I was surprised at this, because it seems some of the more popular (aka salon laquers) nail polishes only started leaving these ingredients out in the past couple of years. I guess Revlon was ahead of the game.
Anyway, I digress. As soon as I put the first coat on, I was wowed. It's a gorgeous color that immediately made me feel like putting on my hubby's old army jacket just so I could wear something to match my nails! Silly, I know, but the color is a rich creme that is just delicious to look at. Looks like I won't be giving this one away!

Score!

2009-05-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

Today was "get some of that housework you've been slacking on done" day. Once I was finished with the cleaning I had planned for the day, I went to the Salvation Army store to drop off some books, shoes, and pants (the latter two brand new, so hopefully they'll make someone really happy!)
Well, you know how it is. You drop your donations behind the store and then, naturally, you go in to take a peek at what they've got for sale.
I've been needing a little lamp on a tall dresser I have, and here are two beauties I found!!

When I tried them in the store, I couldn't figure out where the knobs were, so I assumed there were none and the bulbs had gone out. In spite of that, I couldn't resist the price - $2.99 each - so I figured they'd just be pretty display items if they didn't work.

Well, I just tried them at home and realized they're the kind of lamps you tap to turn on - and they're three-way. I have a lamp like this already, but it's more modern. I was so excited about having these with the same feature, I called my hubby to show him (not a small feat, as he was watching a movie and very much into it). His response? "Oh, of course, my mother has a lamp like that, didn't you know?" Well duh, if I did I wouldn't have dragged you away from your movie, would I? Tee hee...

I'm actually thinking since I got a "pair" (they're similar enough to call them that) I think I'll use them in the guest room instead - and move the one lamp I have in there to the spot where I needed one on my dresser. Problem solved!

Okay, so of course I saved the best for last. What else did I stumble into? I was perusing the furniture and stumbled into a curious looking little desk. It looked so plain, I was intrigued. Well guess what it turned out to be?! A sewing machine!!! You should have seen me, I looked around to make sure no one else had seen it first. And it was donated just yesterday too! Now, I don't need another sewing machine. I already have two and one serger. But come on, could you have resisted? I couldn't. You know why? The price was right. How much was it, you ask?
$29

Okay. Breathe.... Look at her... she needs a dusting, but she works!

It's a Montgomery Ward - Model number URR 1839. I have no idea if it's any good, but the light came on and it ran when I pushed the knee pedal. It also came with a box of cams, the manual, two feet, six bobbins, and some screwdrivers. The strange thing is, when I was browsing the store prior to this discovery, I saw a box of cams in the "bric brac" area, and was a little sad, thinking someone had a machine somewhere that could use them, but they had been orphaned.
It turns out it was the same brand! I went back after finding the machine and grabbed that box in addition to the one included with the machine.
Well, off I go to clean up my thrift store finds (see what can happen when you go in to donate stuff you don't use?) It's amazing, because I'd been meaning to go drop off that stuff for months, and finally got a chance to drive over today... Yaaay!

Finally done... good grief...

2009-04-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

I found that even though I have a lot of other projects in my mind, I just couldn't get to any of them until I finished the jacket I had been working on in March.

Yesterday I decided to just get it over with so as to clear my creative palette. (Of course, there's still my MIL's jacket that isn't finished). This project has just been around too long. I finished everything except the buttons, buttonholes, and whatever top stitching I decide to do.

Here are the pictures of the almost complete (In my mind, complete) jacket. I don't like how it looks on me - especially since I've gained weight since the last time showed it, so the dress form will model for me. The last pic just gives a glimpse of the lining.

I'll finish up what's left... sometime. No rush, since I won't be wearing it anytime soon.

Now I need to tidy up my sewing space and table before I can think of my next project (I've been wanting to make a dress - especially in my Nigerian fabric). I bought some muslin on Friday and hopefully can start on a test garment tonight - if I don't get lazy, that is.

I don't think I'm going to make it

2009-03-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

The "1 pattern many looks" contest deadline that is. Reason? I think my sewing mojo decided to stay and enjoy New York City for a little longer. Every time I walk past the dress form with my incomplete jacket on it, I just don't feel anything. And to think I'm supposed to complete two jackets by the 31st. Sigh...
I had a great time in the city last week though!! It was so refreshing to be with my friends - we all went to the same school in Nigeria from elementary through high school, so we have quite a bit of history together. It was great being around people who share the same values, cultural upbringing, and past experiences. I miss them so!
Unlike me, my favorite bloggers are sewing, so I've got plenty of inspiration! Maybe my sewing mojo will take the red-eye back to California this weekend.

NYC

2009-03-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

I didn't finish my jacket and can't work on it now because I'm on the other side of the country... Not going to be doing any fabric or notion-related shopping either because I'm here to hang out with my friends from grade through high school. Fun!

Jacket progress

2009-03-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Rounding third base... I still have to sew the lining sleeves onto the lining bodice, then attach the lining and facing to the jacket. I can do that in one night, right? Hopefully I'll have it complete tomorrrow night. Here is the jacket shell on me. This fabric shows me better where I need to work on fitting issues, but I'm so excited - I like it! I like the color against my skin, I really like the subtle yellow stripes in the fabric... now I can go to sleep smiling. Here are the quick pics I took. Not trying to look pretty - I've been up since 4am and it's 10:13pm now. Off to bed.

Answer to Aminat's question and new toy!

2009-03-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

Before I proceed, I have to take a moment to thank all of you who read my blog and take a moment to comment. I love comments! I may not mention them directly, but please know that I read each one. Thank you especially for the fitting advice and suggestions given. I'm not ignoring any of it, especially on my BWOF jacket, but that project is on hold right now while I complete the two Simplicity 3628 jackets for the PR Contest.

Aminat asked what fabric I was using for my first contest submission jacket. It is fabric I got from Joann about a year ago that was labelled as "trigger poplin". When I google this fabric, it says it is a 65poly/35cotton blend. I'm not sure if what I have is a blend with 65% poly because it can handle the highest heat setting on my iron (linen). It does have some synthetic added - maybe lycra, because it has a little cross-grain stretch. Either way, it handles like a lightweight stretch denim. I found it on sale in three colors I liked and have shown them below. Hope this helps! Let me know if you would like me to send or post some more detailed pictures please.

And... I finally bought the netbook I have been yearning for. I got an Asus eee 1000HE netbook. I held out for this one because it has a 10 inch screen and a 95%size keyboard. It also supposedly can run on battery for 9.5 hours in power saving mode. I've been on it for at least six hours on battery between last night and this evening, and it says I have two hours left - so it's doing pretty well for the first charge. It actually is more of a navy blue in real life (the pictures online make it look like royal blue) and sets up really quickly. It also has a built-in camera which I may or may not use - wasn't a feature I was looking for. Okay, less talk, more show...
First next to our old laptop today which I no longer have the patience for:
And then the glamour shots from it's unveiling yesterday:

And that's it. No sewing tonight. I ran out of thread and had to go grab another spool (I got the last one!) from Joann. But then after dinner I got on the computer and well, you know how that goes. Now I need to go try and get the 5 1/2 hours of sleep before I have to wake up for work tomorrow.

Finally a citizen

2009-03-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

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I neglected to mention this in earlier posts, but I finally took my citizenship oath at the end of last month! I legally changed my name - to my married name as well, so I've changed it at work and gone to the social security office, but nowhere else. Does anyone know of a painless way to get it changed with all the other entities - banks, credit cards, etc? It's such a chore to call each and every place... sigh... and I have to go to the DMV to get an updated drivers license too.

In other news, I'm working on my first installment for the "One pattern, many looks" contest over at Patternreview. I hoped to be done with the jacket over the weekend but wasn't able to work on it much on Saturday - then the time change resulted in us going to the later church service yesterday, so less time to sew. Anyway, here's what I have so far.Yup. It's still in pieces. I am yet to construct the front. I added the extra width in the back, and I'm hoping I didn't add too much. I have to wait till i join the back and front and try it on though, we'll see.
I also was thinking of making single welt pockets, but after trying to make a sample, I realized I'd need much more practice. I'm not ready to mess up my jacket, so I'll wait till I've had more practice with samples before I used it on an actual garment. Now let's see if I can make any more progress tonight.

How did this happen?

2009-03-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

So I'm browsing some of the blogs I have as bookmarks and haven't set to "follow" yet, when I click on that of Melissa(susie-homemaker.blogspot.com).
I scroll down to see what she's been up to and got a SHOCK! She'd made the BWOF 02-2009 t-shirt (108?) in the EXACT SAME FABRIC I did - an aged Joann knit - and on the same weekend! How did that happen?! Of course, hers looks nicer than mine :)
Here's her post
And here is mine

BWOF muslin and PR contest

2009-03-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

I had the hardest time getting all the pictures and text aligned in this post (and the preview is so not accurate!), so please bear with me if you have to SCROLL DOWN alot!

After making my first Burda World of Fashion garment (which I'm yet to review on patternreview - oops!), I decided I would move on try another from one of the magazines I got off ebay. I settled on this jacket from the 02-2008 issue - jacket 104 and made a muslin in size 46 with my only change being using inseam instead of patch pockets ...

You'll have to pardon the angle on these pictures. I had to use the tripod and didn't have many options for placement. I know I need to lengthen the jacket. However, I can't figure out if I need to make a sway back adjustment or add darts to the back. It looks pretty bad from the side and simply awful from the back.

Granted, my actual fabric will be thicker, so it won't look exactly the same, but still... I don't know exactly what the tightness/discomfort is that I feel when I raise my arms. I tried to show what I mean in my last two pictures. I see this a lot in women wearing jackets, but since I only became a jacket-wearer recently, I don't know if that's normal. Help? Are the lines that show up when my arms are on my hips indicate anything wrong? Is it possible that the jacket is too wide at the bust? How about the way the shoulder pops up? Any and all suggestions are welcome!

And as a segue into my other topic - here are some of the surprise lovelies sprouting up in our yard!
I joined my first patternreview contest - "One pattern, many looks". I'm planning to use Simplicity 3628 again for this. The one problem I still have with the pattern though is inadequate ease across my shoulder blades. You can see here how my lining is fraying at the seams because of this. Three of my sewing books said to add to that section by using an L-shaped wedge like the one to the right - which didn't seem quite right for a princess seam garment.
Fortunately, I was able to tape it back together after my mistake (hurrah for wax paper!) And after FINALLY finding a broad back alteration in my "Fit for Real People" book, realized that I can manipulate the fullness in the princess seam. I did so but didn't take another picture. Hopefully this works.

I'll post more hopefully tomorrow on my ideas and fabric for my next renditions of the Simplicity jacket.

What's wrong with this picture?

2009-02-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

All those annoying labels, that's what! I was going to put this fabric into a pre-wash load when I noticed the labels. However, the manufacturers are obviously SOworried about the authenticity of their fabric that they make sure the labels are front and center with some serious glue. (Oh no, let's not put it at the end of the bolt, let's put it right in the middle of the yardage!) As you can see I already lost a battle with one label near the selvage... sigh...

Tagged - 5 things...

2009-02-19T12:15:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Lorrwill to participate in the "5 things" whatchamacallit (what DO you call these?) After procrastinating and putting it off for a long while, I've finally decided to succumb.

5 things in my bag:
1. My chapstick. My number one must-have.Sometimes people think I'm using a glue stick because I use this stuff on my lips.
2. A book - if it will fit. Currently reading Ken Follet's "Code to Zero" while riding home from work
3. 1 or more pens. Never know when you'll need one.
4. Hand lotion
5. Cell phone

5 favorite things in my room
Which room? Makes it sound like I'm a teenager again. I'm going to break the rules and skip this one!

5 things I have always wanted to do:

1. Travel/Vacation 6 months out of every year. And not for work either.
2. Sew all my clothes - quickly (working on that slowly)
3. Nurture a fruit/veg garden
4. Eat whatever I want with no consequences (haha!)
5. Fly an airplane (although I get really bad ear pressure which means I'm in tears from the pain during most landings)

5 things I am currently into:

1. Eating almonds. Yummy.
2. Not that I need to say it, but - Sewing.
3. Exercising on my own (tough one) - after seeing the sad state of the gym at my new local comm. college.
4. Breaking the habit of finishing other people's sentences.
5. Burda World of Fashion. I pore over the (now 4) magazines I own like they are prized possessions!

5 fabulous people I am tagging to add lists to their blogs:
I won't be tagging anyone else... This is not easy!

BWOF 02/2009 108A

2009-02-15T13:53:00.001-08:00

You didn't think I'd make it only once, did you? Gotta have a version I can wear to work too!

My first Burda World of Fashion project!!

2009-02-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

But before I get to that...
I started on my mother-in-law's jacket last weekend - finally. All I have to show for many hours of work on it is the lining, however, which was quite disappointing. I'm hoping that the more I sew the faster I can put things together. I haven't even cut out the actual fleece for the body of the jacket. Sigh... Here is the completed lining. I'm hoping to work up the motivation to finish up the jacket this weekend.

And now.... I started my Burda World of Fashion subscription with the February issue. In it was #108 - a simple knit top. Perfect initiation project, right? According to their charts I'm a size 46. However, I figured since I was going to serge the whole blouse (which would mean 1/4 in. seam allowances), I'd be okay - and if I wasn't, didn't matter, at least I'd be more familiar with what size actually works for me. I chose a cheap knit fabric that I wouldn't mind wasting in case I ended up with a wadder. Quick and easy project, but WHY did I END UP SPENDING 2 HOURS trying to put the right combination of pencils and pens together to use for making my 5/8 in. seam allowance while I traced?!! I'm not even going to talk about that. Needless to say, I finally ended up taping a mechanical pencil, short color pencil, and my marker together. Yikes!
Everything was straight forward after that. I wasn't sure whether I was supposed to add the seam allowance to the center front fold as well - I just went ahead and did so. I'll have to find out if that was correct.
So here is my completed blouse. It's a gorgeous day here today, so I took my picture outside. Couldn't decide which one to post, so... Anyway, I'll write a pattern review later. Time to go out in my new top!

If wishes were garments...

2009-02-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

...I'd have hundreds of clothes sewn up by now. But alas, they are not. I really truly have no excuse for not sewing. I still have the jacket for my mother in law in the queue. I also received my Burda World of Fashion magazine for February!! Woohoo! I just haven't had any sewing mojo lately. I have the time, so that's not it. I've told myself that making a simple top may cure me, but haven't gotten round to doing that yet.
I'm wearing my last jacket like crazy, and know I need to make more since the style works so well with my work wardrobe. I did have to re-create and replace the center back piece of my lining, however, as it was pulling apart at the seams. I guess I'll have to add some extra width across the back on my pattern.
So... the weekend looms. Will I be sewing? We'll see what tomorrow brings.

No fun!

2009-01-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

My mother-in-law saw my almost complete jacket on New Year's eve and decided I would be making one for her. Mine fit her except at the shoulders - mine are about 1/2 inch broader, and of course the arms were too long for her. So.. I bought some more of the same black fleece, and another silky for her jacket lining. They've been pre-washed and have been just sitting there on the ironing board for the last two weeks. Why? Because sewing for other people just isn't as much fun! Yes, I want to make this jacket again. Yes, I want to move on to another project (I desperately need jeans!). But with this project in the way, I have no motivation.
So, I have nothing to show right now. I need to find out how to shorten the shoulder seam on a garment with princess seams to the shoulder. I'll probably just wing it, but again, since I'm procrastinating, I'm in no rush.
In other news... I subscribed to Burda World of Fashion (BWOF) magazine on the GLP news site. However, somehow my subscription didn't go through. Now I'm rethinking it completely. I want a subscription, but my only resolution for 2009 was to spend less and save more. Sigh... we'll see what happens.

Simplicity 3628 Finally Complete

2009-01-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

Original Pattern picture here: Simplicity 3628

My version - which I luuurve!
Pic in bathroom Mirror; Front; Sleeve detail - I can wear the cuffs folded or unfolded - I love the sleeve length (with my 4 inch addition)!
Back view; Side view (too lazy to fix pic - sorry for the tag in the middle); Front open
My first lining (I added a little pocket too!); Closed with collar up; Inside out

Firsts for me: Lining, Covered buttons; More top stitching than usual.

Once the pieces started to come together, this was a fun jacket to work on, and I'll definitely be making it again (a TNT pattern, baby!). I did view B of the jacket, in a size 18, but decided to use the top stitching placement (cuff, pocket flaps, collar) from view C. It adds fabulous texture and interest to the jacket (see previous post for close-up pictures of these portions).
When I realized this jacket was lined, I groaned inwardly because I'd never lined a top or jacket before. Once I got past my whining (tee hee), I decided to do the lining first, then the jacket (a great idea from LindsayT). I really like my lining - which I got for $1/yd at the super-cheap store in Rosemead. I decided to add an extra pop of color by backing my buttons with bright red ones. Now I understand what people mean when they talk about the treats that only we get to see - since these items are on the inside of the jacket.
**Thanks to my hubbalicious for the pics (yes, I know, they're still not the best - but that's the camera and my fault [edited to add: Actually, it's blogger's fault - click on the picture to see larger, clearer version pls])!!

Almost done!

2008-12-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

Staying up till 2am last night due to the fact that I have a cold and am sleeping when my body asks me to turned out to be a good thing! That's because I managed to complete all but the last step on my Simplicity 3628 jacket. I'm really excited about how it's come along, and in spite of my lining glitch earlier, I'm so proud of my first lining!! Here is what it looks like on my dress form. Will post more pics when it's completely finished.

For Aminat...

2008-12-26T21:57:00.000-08:00

In response to your question - the fabric I'm using is just plain old FLEECE. It's not the anti-pill kind, which I used on my last jacket and was fuzzier/thicker. Just black fleece I bought at JoAnn, not anything special. The photo maybe makes it look different from fleece?

Hope this helps!

My soap fetish... and jacket progress

2008-12-26T18:28:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas I ask for some soap as gifts. A lot of the time my request is met with strange looks of disbelief. I guess people can't believe that something so simple could make me so happy. A bar of nice soap is all it takes to make my day. I've already told my husband - "If you ever get that urge to bring home flowers for your wife, bring her some nice soap instead". Anyway, so this year I scored a lot of soap!! Here's all the soap I got this Christmas. My brothers and sisters-in-law, and my Mother-in-law have gotten me enough soap to last till my birthday in June... My nose is so happy! To me, there is absolutely nothing like starting each day with a pleasant smelling bar of soap.

My rendition of Simplicity 3628 is coming along. I was able to finish the lining and have gotten as far as creating the collar. Did most of this last night and early this morning. It's so fab not having to go to work!!

Argh! Ah well...

2008-12-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful morning. The hubby's still asleep and I've got my cup of coffee. The lining for my Simplicity 3628 jacket is coming together, but the edges are getting fuzzy and threatening to unravel. I decide to serge the seams that are finished so far. And then it happens. My serger takes a bite out of a portion of fabric that should have been far away from the blade.

Sigh... But hey, this is my first lining, right? I'll just have to hand sew it somehow to fix it. Good thing it's the lining not the jacket!!!

Like I mentioned before, the jacket itself is still in pieces...

Growing up, Christmas day was always the day we celebrated. Now, with me and my siblings married and part of other families, it's changed. I celebrated yesterday with my husband's extended family. Tomorrow some of my family will come over. That leaves Christmas day completely free! Well, free to um.. er.. ah... do housework and yard work

Next week we're hosting my husband's parents and my brother-in-law's family for New Year's eve into the New Year. I have to idea what to cook/buy for the occasion since we usually just have a quiet night in. Well, I've got a week to figure it out (and to do some serious house cleaning)!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

I'm finally taking some time off from work! I also have started on my next project but construction-wise, am still working on the lining. The actual jacket pieces are only cut out and labelled (because this has more pieces than anything I've made before and I don't want to get confused!)
My blog's been awfully quiet lately because I have nothing new on the sewing front. My camera also doesn't want to turn on right now, so I can't even show you what little progress I've made. It's weird. Something similar happened to my last camera. I connected it to the computer to download all the pictures on it. We had to leave to go get my in-laws and go to the family Christmas celebration, so I left it in the process of copying the pictures from the camera to the computer. Well, not too long ago I went to the computer. It was no longer recognizing that the camera was connected. I disconnected, and the camera wouldn't turn on. I'm recharging the battery now - hoping that's the problem. Sigh... I refuse to have another camera quit on me just out of the blue.
Anyway, enough of that. There is so much other stuff going well in my life - I am truly blessed, so the camera issue is nothing in comparison. A merry Christmas to all!!

Thanks Sherril!

2008-11-17T20:16:00.000-08:00

Until I read Sherril's comment on my last post, I didn't see it. I guess I'm used to clothes not fitting perfectly... (tee hee). She said: "A size 20 is too large for you in the shoulders and neck. If you use this pattern again, cut the neck, shoulders, and armscye at a 16 or 18 and then cut the side seams at a 20...."
At first I wondered how she could just look at the picture and see that. But I've been looking at this picture and finally (a day later, yes it takes me a while) it clicked. I see that it's too large at the shoulders and neck. Wow. Double wow.

Well, I'm going to be making another fleece jacket, though with Simplicity 3628 this time - in a slightly thinner black fleece, and I think I'll take her advice on that one. One step at a time. Thanks again, Sherril!

Slowly getting my feet wet again.

2008-11-15T21:44:00.000-08:00

I decided to re-enter the garment sewing arena by working on something quick and simple. Alas,
the project I picked was doomed. I now have an unfinished project due to it. The object in question is my rendition of New Look 6762. I did a quick search on Pattern Review after cutting my pieces out and realized that others had issues with the neckband. My neckband didn't turn out too bad, but the shoulder darts???? I still don't get exactly how they were supposed to work. Ah well, whatever. It's just basted together now, and I didn't feel like fighting with it. To the unfinished pile it went. It doesn't look too bad in the picture, but the shoulders are really wacked up.

Enter my next project. With the weather getting colder, and my having to be in the park and ride for my vanpool at 5:15 am, I've been feeling underdressed in my corduroy jackets and scarves. I have a larger, warmer coat, but it's not quite cold enough for that. I also have the usual issue with my other store-bought warm clothes - the arms are too short. Now that I live in a colder part of LA county, I really can't get by with cold wrists. So... for the past few weeks I have wanted to make myself a fleece jacket with arms that are long enough.

I dug through my stash looking for a pattern I could make up with one of the two pieces of fleece I got at Joanns last year and came up with two options -Simplicity 3563 and Simplicity 4032 . Both have mostly favorable reviews on PatternReview.com - which was a great sign! I finally picked 4032 to work on based on the number of pieces (tee hee!) It had fewer pieces to put together. I also was not so sure the pin tucks in the other pattern would look flattering on me, so I figured I'd try this one first.

I didn't bother making a muslin, because this is not meant to be a fitted garment. I really just wanted something with arms that are long enough and can go over my clothes. Plus, this is supposed to be my re-introduction to sewing clothing for myself, right? So no stress(aka fitting) allowed =).

I traced a size 20 pattern on Monday night and cut the pieces out on Tuesday night. With a few steps completed each day, I finally finished the jacket this evening. I'm quite pleased with it! I think it makes me look a little chunky, but again, it's not fitted, so I'm not bothered. I made some minor changes during the constuction process:
1. Lengthened the sleeves by 4 inches
2. Omitted the bow on the collar
3. Topstitched about 1 inch from center front on each side
4. Added button tab to the back of the jacket (bc it looked blah otherwise)

I can't seem to take decent pictures of the jacket on myself, so my dress form was the perfect stand-in (hey, at least I'm using her for something!).

I also had some buttons I bought a while ago just because I liked them, and I think they work with this jacket. They're metal with a gunmetal finish. I wouldn't have thought of them for a fleece jacket, but I liked the way they looked. With only 4 in my stash, I had to make a quick run to Joann's to get two more.

The one thing I did for the first time ever on this project was use the one step buttonhole feature on my sewing machine. How fabulous! It's awesome! I had to help it along sometimes since the thickness of the fleece was somewhat challenging, but I still ended up with great buttonholes. I can't imagine what a nightmare it would have been to make them using the 4-step error-prone process on my older simple machine! I no longer have a reason to fear buttonholes.

This jacket has been a real confidence builder for me! Plus, I now have something to throw on in the morning until it gets cold enough to wear my wool blend coat. Simplicity was true to it's name with this pattern.

1 pattern $1.00
2+ yards of fleece $10.00
5 buttons $6.00

A jacket that covers my wrists and isn't the usual boring shapeless fleece? PRICELESS!

The pattern search is ON!

2008-10-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Link to original site

I tried on this jacket at JCP the other day, and it fit perfectly. Bubbling with excitement, I rushed to the catalog department to place an order for one in a tall size. I was so disappointed to find out they didn't have this style in talls - especially since all I needed was the longer arms.
I've thought of purchasing the jacket and altering it with similar material, but figured this was the perfect opportunity to see if I can make it (yah, even I think that sounds a little crazy - especially for someone who has yet to take a full set of her own measurements). So... has anyone seen a pattern with similar seams?

A teeny bit more sewing

2008-10-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

So... I still haven't gotten back to garment sewing, but I'm certainly trying to work my way back up to it.
I took some time out on Sunday to start on curtains for our new place. I managed to get just two sheers done (yes, I'm slow) for one room using some of the the crinkle voile I purchased last week.
I don't actually have plans to put real curtains in since the house has blinds in each window. However, with blinds, it's impossible to maximize the amount of light in each room without giving the neighbors a view of our living spaces.

Enter sheers - they'll let in light without inviting prying eyes. I took the lazy route and didn't prewash the fabric (yes, very lazy) since it is 100% polyester. The fabric is 108 inches wide, and I (again, too lazy) just left the selvages on the sides.
I spent about two hours trying to get a consistent rolled hem on my (otherwise useless) 925D serger. After 1 broken needle, 3 broken looper threads, and lots of wasted thread, I "cried Uncle".
At that point, I was too frustrated to be bothered trying the same thing on my good serger - the 1034D. I just switched to my sewing machine.

Using an overcast foot gave me a more attractive edge (to me) than the serger had been doing, so I'm glad I made that choice. However, as is common knowledge, the sewing machine is a SNAIL compared to the serger. I'll have to figure out the rolled hem for my next set I make.
The drapery hardware was already in place when we moved in, so I had to work with what was there, and so just created a simple pocket at the top. I did think about having ruffles at the top, but decided to conserve fabric instead.
Now, I just have to figure out how to keep the sheers from blowing too much when the windows are open... Either way, I like them!

Room with a view

2008-10-21T20:36:00.001-07:00

I get to work from home once a week, and since I moved have been taking advantage of that privilege. Last week I stationed myself in our new family room. The window I was looking out of had a single rose I had cut the night before. It was such a joy to watch it blossom throughout the day, and I loved that view. Every time I glanced up, I was reminded of how BLESSED I am and wanted to share the view. I took three pictures during my work day, partly because I was amazed at how quickly the flower was blooming. Here they are:

I finally sewed SOMETHING!

2008-10-21T20:35:00.001-07:00

It took me ages, but I finally got in front of the sewing machine and created something today. I stayed home today because my eyes have been watering the last few days. This morning my eyes were red, and I was convinced I had conjunctivitis, so called in sick.
30 minutes later, my eyes were no longer red, but were still watery. So I spent the morning trying to find out if I could see a doctor (times when I wish I had PPO instead of HMO) Frustrating, but I eventually got a call back with an appointment for tomorrow. In the meantime I got some antihistamine eye drops recommended by the pharmacist. I'm hoping the doctor can figure out what is wrong with my eyes tomorrow...

With the afternoon off, I baked some cookies for the hubby (I'd promised him I would), and finished up a cover for my sewing machine that I had cut out last night.

I'd gotten tired of the plastic cover especially since it doesn't cover my sewing machine completely.
As I've mentioned before, I really like piping/cording, so I took the liberty of adding some to my project. The piping was made by *moi*, although it took longer than I anticipated. I tried creating the bias strips using the method where you cut one continuous strip, but somehow messed up, and had to sew each one together. I'll try again the next time I need bias strips.

I also bound the bottom edge with the same strips I used for the piping (without the cord). To add some visual interest (and also because I'm not that good at stitching in the ditch - and it would show here), I used one of my machine's stitches for the topstitching.

Of course I now realize I should have gotten some batting and quilted the fabric so the cover would have more structure. Bah, next time! This is how I learn, no?

I also purchased some crushed voile to make sheer curtains with. Our windows currently have blinds, and I'd like to let the light in without people being able to see directly into the house. I've never sewed sheers before, so am dealing with a bout of "analysis paralysis". Hopefully I can overcome that by this weekend.

And finally, for those of you who wonder why I never show pictures of myself (aka Mimi), here is a recent picture of me - (gasp!) - with my face!! I can't promise this will happen again though - blame it on my paranoia...

Too long?

2008-10-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

Yes, I've been missing in action for a long time. I have my excuses - I moved and haven't quite got my sewing area ready yet. I have plenty to sew (as usual), including curtains for the new place. I don't know if curtain sewing is a good project to get me back into the sewing groove though. We'll see. I still feel like I have a million and one things to do since not all my stuff is unpacked. Sigh...

Styl-Plus Back and Better, and lovin' them!

2008-08-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

Still no sewing. We're moving soon, so there won't be sewing till we're all unpacked.
In other news...
When my parents come to visit, they usually bring me some music by Nigerian artists. There is a group of young men in particular - Styl-Plus, whose music I've always liked. Now, I'm not usually one to listen to the same CD over and over (though my hubby would disagree!), but I've had this one in my car and at home for the last 3 months without getting "Styled-out" (aka, tired of it) yet. It's titled Back and Better. I especially like when their lyrics include Igbo and Yoruba. Even when I don't understand them, it feels so good to hear a language that I would usually only hear spoken back home in Nigeria.
Here are sound bytes from my favorite songs on the album.

My first real alteration

2008-07-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sherril graciously volunteered to help me with the fit of my Burda top. In the meantime, I decided to start on a project I've been putting off for a while.
As you may know, I've been exercising and watching what I eat for a number of months now. This has resulted in some weight loss. It has also meant that my work pants now sit lower on my waist/hip area.

Since I wasn't sure if the alterations should be made at the side seams, back seam, or if I needed to increase dart sizes, I began to search for information online. I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did find many references to the book pictured here.

I decided that the alteration on page 51 - "Removing the Waistband and Taking in the Sides" - most suited what I was looking for. I did have to add an extra step, since my waistand has a back center seam. This ended up making the alteration easier in the long run because I did not have to move the closures in the front.

The steps for me were:
1. Remove the waistband from the pants, keeping the seams intact at both front closure ends.
2. Resew the side seams at the desired with, tapering to the existing side seam at hip-level.
3. Remove the same width from the waistband's center back seam.
4. Pin waistband back on and try the pants on.
5. If satisfied, cut off excess fabric and refinish seams.
6. Reconnect the waistband to the pants.

Y la voila! Pants that fit better than ever. I really like the resulting fit. The pants are closer to my waist and very comfortable.

I took some (pretty lousy -I miss my old camera!) pictures to illustrate the difference between my other pair of unaltered pants, and my newly altered pants. Here they are. First the unaltered, then the altered. I'm very happy with the results!

Front view

and Side View

Burda 8360 Muslin

2008-07-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love the style of this shirt. The collar and the center front seam caught my eye. I also love that the center front seam gives you options for closures. I made a muslin of the third view (View C) without any closure, and short sleeves.

(Picture compiled from pattern pictures on burdafashion.com)

My muslin, however, leaves a lot to be desired. I'm not sure which wrinkles/lines are acceptable and which ones are not. I think that I might have sloping shoulders, and thus have to lower the shoulders, but I'm not exactly sure. I also think I need to increase the size of the armhole, shorten the sleeve cap, and make the sleeve a little wider. And maybe I need to do (I'm dreading this) a Full bust adjustment? Again, I'm not completely certain. Part of me just wants to make this as-is and live with the imperfections, but I know if I can get the fit down, I will have a FABULOUS pattern that I can use over and over. I've taken a number of pictures, anyone have suggestions please?

Why cant I do this?

2008-07-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

So, I went for a wedding on my husband's side of the family last weekend. I didn't have anything "American" to wear, and even after hours shopping for a dress, couldn't find anything that fit properly.

Last resort, I pulled out some of the clothes my Mom brought for me on her last visit here. This one fit perfectly, so it's what I ended up wearing to the wedding.
When I inspect it, it seems like a relatively easy garment to put together (though it's fully lined). The skirt is simple - it actually has a drawstring waist, so there is some gathered fabric at my waist, but the top?! HOW IN THE WORLD can I just send my bust and waist measurements and a tailor makes something that fits my body EXACTLY from thousands of miles away?

There are two waist darts in the front up to the bust point, and two darts in the back. Also notice that the back darts take in just enough fabric and then leave enough to fit around my behind. The zipper is in the back, and the sleeves are actually raglan. This makes me want to cry, because I know I can do the SEWING, I just am having problems with FIT. Why can't I make clothes that fit me like this?

Oh yah, I know, I look silly with my arm on my tummy like that, wasn't sure what to do with it while the picture was being taken.
Deep sigh...

Response to comment from hautemany

2008-07-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm laying low. I haven't finished the muslin for my Burda 8360, so I'm in hiding until I have something to show.
However, I received a question from a commenter, hautemany, that I wanted to answer before I forgot.
hautemany said "...The classes you took sound so interesting- "patternmaking by draping", etc.- where did you go- PCC or LA Trade Tech?"
I took my classes at PCC. As it turns out, the teacher I had for draping also teaches draping classes at LA Trade Tech. She wouldn't tell us which of the Fashion programs was better, however (conflict of interest and all that), but just based on the schedules, I think Trade Tech might give you more class time to perfect your skills. That's just my opinion though! I'd like to try a class at Trade Tech but work during the day, and am unwilling to give up most of my Saturday for a class, so... I'll just have to make do with what I've got. Hope that answers your question. If you need any more details, feel free to email me - sewshy - yahoo. I don't check that mail very often though...

Eureka!

2008-07-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

I found it! Very much after the fact, but I finally found the part that is missing from my 925D serger. This part (or lack of the part, rather) gave me much angst when I discovered it was missing from my ebay purchase.
I was just browsing the website reviews on Patternreview.com, and came across a review for the site www.sewingstyle.com. I clicked the link without reading the review, and scrolled down the page. Then, on a whim, I decided to search the sewing parts - selecting the "loopers" category. Lo and behold - on the last page - the item that has evaded me for months - with a picture even!! The Brother guide calls it a "stitch finger". This site calls it a "stitch tongue". Doesn't matter - never have I been so happy to see a machine PART!
Okay, just wanted to say that. I'll be ordering it. Just too lazy to get up and go find my purse right now...
STOP! DON'T GO TO THAT SITE! I JUST READ THE REVIEWS, AND THEY ARE MOSTLY NEGATIVE! Hmmm, who knew my laziness would pay off? I think I'll hold off on ordering the part rather than give up my credit card info and possibly have fraud issues to deal with later. So, in spite of the fact that the reviews are negative, PatternReview has proven to be a useful source again! Whew!

Responses to comments...

2008-06-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I realize I've gotten a few questions in response to one of my recent posts. Here my responses:

Carolyn said "I hope you do have a TNT pattern to take advantage of the wonderful haul!" -I wish I did, Carolyn, but I don't yet. I haven't made a single dress yet - and I really want to! I need to grow some cojones and put in the necessary work to get a TNT pattern done.
Reethi asked "Also, BWOF, how tall are you?" - I'm 5'11'', Reethi, and most of my height is in my legs. Hmmm... that means I shouldn't have to lengthen a BWOF top/bodice by that much, huh?
Cidell said "Also, BWOF isn't too hard to alter for height. I can send you a PDF of how to do so if you'd like." - Thanks for the offer, Cidell. I'm going to hold off on that for now though. I was seriously considering asking my hubby for a subscription to BWOF for my birthday, but I'm not so sure now - especially since I really should sew a little more before accumulating more patterns! So that's the condition I've given myself - no BWOF till I'm sewing more consistently. It's tough, but I've got to be tough on myself sometimes. I'm actually going to try a Burda top (actual pattern - in fact, the one sitting on my new ironing board in previous post) and see how I like the results as part of the process.

And thanks for all the congrats on my weight loss!!

June is the best month!

2008-06-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Being born in June is the best. I'm sure most people feel the same way about their birth month, but... Anyway, one of the things I like about being born in this month (besides the mostly great weather) is that it's also when VSecret and B&Bworks have their semi-annual sales. It's my chance to stock up on the bath products I like. LOL! You thought I was going to say something more profound than that, didn't you? Sorry to disappoint. I do have to say though, I thought my birth month was ill-appointed when I was in elementary school, because I never got to have my birthday in school like some of the other kids. Go figure.

So, my birthday was on the 10th. I went to work, because I had already scheduled Friday off (doing this when my parents are staying with me to get more quality with them). Before work that morning, I decided to weigh myself, something I normally do just once a week - on Saturday. How thrilled was I that I had finally hit ONEDERLAND?! 198.8 baby! Yah, excellent birthday gift.

My brother, sis-in-law and adorable neice got me two tops and some yummy smelling body cream from said B&Bworks. I asked my parents for an ironing board to replace the dangerously unstable one I've had since I moved out here after college 9 years ago (wow, it's been THAT long?). This is what they bought me. Not only is it sturdy - my only request - but they also were considerate enough to get me something with an iron rest, so I can actually use the whole board for ironing. Yaaay! I just pressed the shirt pattern that you see there. Next step - tracing and alterations - my least favorite part. Yes, you guessed it. I'm procrastinating.

In addition to the ironing board, my parents gave me some $$ to spend, and spend it I did. I got a few cute poly-blend tops for work, and yesterday, I got these really cute shoes. I've been looking for a pair of almost-flats that I can wear either to work or with a pair of jeans. I've finally found them. I actually got these for $40, and was thinking of getting two other pairs of shoes for $20 each instead (the thrifty person in me sometimes goes for quantity rather than quality, unfortunately). Thank goodness I finally knocked some sense into my head - these are leather, the others were not - these have the heel height I was seeking, the others were a little higher - these were a little more comfortable - DUH! I almost had to smack myself for thinking irrationally. I really needed to talk myself out of settling for things I like "enough". So the shoes I "really like" finally came home with me.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

2008-06-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

L.A. weather has taken a turn for the hotter, and I'm definitely feeling it. Since I spend most of my days incubated in a cool building, I'm usually oblivious to what everyone else outdoors is feeling. I was off from work today though, and took my parents to the airport, so it's been a rude awakening for me. At my last job, I would sometimes look out of the window and daydream about being a construction worker - doing my work, being outdoors, not taking work home with you (literally and mentally)... not on a day like today!!

All this to say what? Erm... I haven't sewn anything new... I bought some new clothes! But nothing sewn. With my parents here, I've just wanted to relax with them, and the thought of carting out the large table and taking up half the living room to trace and cut and whatnot, was too daunting. I finally went to Joann's and picked up a few more Simplicity patterns after I dropped them off at the airport. (Whaaat? Didn't she say no more patterns?). I'm going to look them up on PR now to see what others have done with them. Hopefully my sewing mojo will fly back in the door... like tomorrow morning... hopefully.

Oh, before I go... I once mentioned a Nigerian snack called Chin Chin that I made for my brothers at Christmas time. My parents brought me some as well, and I took a picture. When you roll out the dough and cut it, you can decide what shapes you want. In my family, we usually make twisted "8"s out of the dough. Takes a lot longer, but for some reason the shape makes it seem yummier (kinda like different pasta shapes, right?). Okay, enough talk. I give you..... CHIN CHIN! (click pic for a close up)

Oh yah, and by the way, I'm now 31! I'm hoping the batch of memory cells that seem to have turned off in my brain when I turned 30 will find a way to renew themselves? I'm having a hard time dealing with the memory loss that comes with age... aren't I too young to start forgetting things, or is it just me?

This and that

2008-05-31T00:44:00.001-07:00

You know how sometimes you stay up so far past your bedtime that it's difficult to get to sleep when you finally want to? That's me right now. I figured I'd just post in the hopes that I'd get sleepy.

First of all - THANKS for all the comments on my last (and other) posts. It's such a treat to know that other people find my little corner of the net interesting and/or entertaining. It's quite another treat to realize that your pattern stash of 100+ is actually considered miniscule when compared to others! Honestly, I'm not sure what I was thinking when I bought some of those. But there are a large number of them I hope to get to sometime in this lifetime (not sure if I'm going to make it at my current sewing pace). So, no more patterns for me. At least not until I've made up some of the ones I have high hopes for. I've thought of subscribing to Burda in the past (didn't I just say no more patterns for me?), but I'm not sure if I'm up to all the modifications to accommodate my height. Or maybe I'll just buy one issue (I repeat, didn't I just say no more patterns for me?). Hmmm.... I don't know. Maybe I should ask for one for my birthday in June. Technically, that means I am not getting more patterns right? They would be gifted to me.

In other news, my cousin got married at the beginning of this month. I wasn't able to go, but their wedding actually got featured in Southern Wedding Style Magazine! HERE is a link to the pictures on the magazine's blog. Lucky girl!

On another happy note - I've now dropped 14lbs. I was quite surprised when I weighed myself this morning. I have 2 more pounds to go to re-enter "onederland". For those of you who don't know what that is, it's when your weight actually starts with the digit 1. I haven't been there since hmmm... lemme think... about 5 years ago? They warned me about the college "freshman 15" - little did I know the real challenge was going to be the "marriage 40"!

My parents are here visiting from Nigeria, so I haven't had any time/space to sew anything yet. I'm hoping that I can use my Mom as a resource for getting all my measurements and personal style critiques and such. However, as I realized recently when shopping with my mom - her sense of style is quite different from mine. Obviously, I'm younger.
The one really neat thing about them coming to visit? I got my mom to bring some FABRIC! Here is what she picked out for me. I see at least two dresses in my future (uh oh, quick, do I have any dress patterns?!)
Please click on the picture to get a better view.
Now I just have to find - I mean MAKE - some time to sew...

More than 100 patterns?!!!

2008-05-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

I decided to take photos of all my patterns and upload them to a site where I could view them all at once. I did. It turns out I have more than 100 patterns. The only ones missing are the ones I've made or have cut out. How did I get so many patterns?!! I've got to stop falling for those 99c pattern sales and start using the ones I already have. Yikes!

Knockoff JCP Jacket?

2008-05-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

JCPenney has become one of my go-to places for RTW in the last year or so. This is because the one item of clothing I used to have the hardest time finding - pants (aka trousers) for work with long enough legs - can be bought there. Prior to finding pants there, I would have to shell out $70 per pair at a specialty tall store in Pasadena. Not fun, and you can imagine how much rotation those pricey pants got!
So, I now have 9 pairs of pants from JCPenney in sizes 16 and 18 (Yes, the 18s are a little large...). The great thing is I just need to find one pair of tall pants in the store, see if I like the fit of that style, and if it's not in a color I want, order it in colors I like online and have them delivered to the store. True, ordering online, is not as cheap as getting it in-store, but at $22 - $26 on sale online, I'm still getting three pairs of pants for the same price as the Pasadena boutique. Makes me very happy...
With my pants length issues now worked out, I have more time to concentrate on other items of clothing. I decided to try some of their jackets in tall sizes as well. I ordered three, one of which was this one on the left (picture from JCPenney site). The others were a corduroy jacket and a "suit" jacket - both with different collar styles and details - all with armhole princess seams of some form. I ordered them in an 18 tall. Turns out the arms were just long enough, but the jackets had the same issue as a few of the tops I've made - too much fabric in the side bust/underarm area. I guess they grade up their clothing with the assumption that a larger size = a larger bust. The strange thing is I ordered it based on the bust measurement of their sizing charts.
I had ordered the jackets from their outlet, and all three came to a fantabulous price of $60. They all fit the same (which is a plus), however this means they all had the same problem...
I returned them to the store, my only consolation being that I knew I had a pattern that could at least come close to the jacket shown above. Mccall 5526. The jacket I like is very similar to view C with the collar of View A!!!! Now I just have to work up the nerve to finally make a jacket. I'm scared! I'm not sure if I should try ordering one of the jackets in a 16 tall first...

New Look 6754

2008-05-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

I finally finished New Look 6754. The original pattern looks like the picture on the left. This is view D - which I decided to make. I made a number of changes on my version. First of all, after making the muslin, I realized I really disliked the way they bound the neckline. The binding seemed skinny and awkward. Of course, that could also be attributed to my lack of experience, but I prefer my alternative. I decided to use piping/cording to embellish and finish off the neckline and the sleeves. I also did not like having the zipper in the back of the shirt. It was an awkward length and too difficult to operate, so I moved it to the side seam.

Here is the front of the blouse.

Here with arm extended so you can see the volume in the sleeve. Also, the one thing I'm having trouble with - using a sz 20 fits my shoulders, arms, waist and hips. However, it's too wide from the bottom of the armsyce to the waistline. I'm going to have to figure out how to get rid of the excess fabric on the side bust/under arm side seam. I'm not sure how though...

The sleeves didn't drape as nicely as they seem to in the line drawing.
I guess that's one of the drawbacks to using a pattern without an actual model...
I did a shoddy job finishing the inside. I completely forgot to serge the neckline and sleeve hem edges before attaching the binding. Ah well...

Another side shot demonstrating the [lack of] drape in the sleeves.

And finally, a back view. I had to lighten the picture a bit for this.

Hmmm... my hair's looking pretty frazzled in these pictures. That would be thanks to the sweat from this morning's workout plus the water I got on it in the shower. I ended up leaving it out to dry, so it's looking a hot mess.

Okay. Bedtime. I'll get around to putting a full review on PR sometime soon.

I got tagged...

2008-05-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

... by Sherril today. Apparently, the rules are as follows:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Turn to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people and acknowledge who tagged you.

The nearest book is one of those Reader's Digest collections with four condensed bestsellers in it. I found a bunch of these at a Salvation Army store nearby and walked out with 12 of them! I know, that's a lot of reading material. I have a soft spot for these Reader's Digest editions because my parents had a few back home in Nigeria and what with me being a bookworm back then, I read and reread all the different stories.
Anyway, I digress. Back to the point. Page 123, sentences 5 - 7:
"I can't."
"Anyone who ever hurt you. Any loss, Dana. ..."
The story in the book that this quote comes from is called Safe Harbor by Luanne Rice.

I know I'm owing pictures of my top. I just need to hem it before I take pictures...

Yawn!

2008-05-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

I'm almost done with New Look 6754. I was discouraged for a while because I couldn't get the fit right. Not quite ready to give up, I tackled it yesterday and today. It just needs a hem right now. Although it turned out a little "dressier" than I anticipated, I like it. I do feel it makes me look a tad matronly though. I don't have pictures yet, but will try to post them tomorrow after hemming. Good night.

New Look 6754 muslin

2008-04-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here watching Discovery Health's ER Trauma show, and all I can think is "Wow...thank God for these people who dedicate their lives to helping others". Anyway, I don't usually flip this high on the cable channels, but I'm procrastinating on getting back to work on my next project.
I spent Sunday evening working on a muslin for New Look 6754. I picked this pattern because I'd like to work on a few basic woven tops to add to my wardrobe for the summer. So, here is my first muslin of view D - the version with 4 pleats in the front.
Although you may not notice, the neckline is waaaay too low. You can actually see my delicates if I wear this. So, alteration number 1 - go back to the pattern piece for the front and raise the neckline.
I'm not sure how that modification will affect the band for the neckline. I think I will compare the ratio in lengths and just try to maintain that ratio after the front pattern piece is changed.

Alteration number 2 is to deepen the back darts. I had to do the same on another pattern, so hopefully that will be worry-free. I think I may have to shift them up a bit as well.
I noticed in the side picture that the back neck area sticks out a bit. Hmmm... Not going to bother with it at this point.
The pattern calls for a back zipper - starting about halfway down. I'm not sure if I like a zipper in the back. I haven't yet decided if I'll move it to the side though. We'll see...
And of course, after seeing how low the neck was, I didn't bother putting on the sleeves. I'll re-cut the front and redo the back darts, so I'll have to dig out that seam ripper... blech.

Okay. That's it for now. Just wanted to post since I am actually doing *some* work.

Almost a citizen!

2008-04-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Flag images from http://www.mapsofworld.com/flags

At about 1:30pm today, my application for naturalization in this country was APPROVED. I'm going to become a citizen! I also took the liberty of finally changing my last name - to my husband's. He's been really good about not giving me grief in the almost six years we've been married. Now that I'm going to be a citizen, it's a good time to change my name.
So... once we have kids, will they be straight up "American" or "Mexican-American/Nigerian-American"? Hmmm...

I have bought way too much fabric in the last couple of weeks, and my credit card bill definitely shows it. Erm... have to sew. It's time to get back to pattern-tracing - especially since I added to my pattern stash this week. Hello, I'm SewShy, and I'm a PROUD stasher. Okay, off to start something (hopefully).

Simplicity 4076 - again

2008-04-12T23:29:00.000-07:00

I wanted to start and finish an item of clothing today, however I didn't feel like tracing a new pattern (especially since I finally got my sewing mojo back at about 5pm). Thus, Simplicity 4076 was made again. I used another $1/yd fabric find - this time in a black and white shell print. I made the sleeves about two inches longer as well, so the top looks a little less casual, and I can wear it to work - yaay! Okay. Enough talk. Here is what it looks like.

Time to sew again?

2008-04-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

I finally added reviews of my last two garments to the Patternreview site. I'm hoping that I now can move forward and sew more. I definitely want to make the 4076 t-shirt again, but not sure if I should just do that, or start on my next jacket... Decisions, decisions... I've accumulated so many patterns in so little time that just choosing what to do next is such a chore. Ah well...

Lost motivation?

2008-03-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the great comments on my t-shirt! I certainly can't take any credit for the beautiful print fabric - but I'm glad I chose it, because I love it too. And to think, it was a last minute impulse buy!!
I had a busy weekend and wasn't able to sew, and now I feel like I've lost my motivation. The community college where I take gym classes is on spring break, so I actually have my evenings free this week. You'd think with the extra hours after work I'd be churning out garments, right? Not happening. I'm actually not sure what I want to make next. I'm thinking another jacket - slightly more fitted this time - but I can't decide which. Right now it's a toss-up between these three:

Simplicity 3628
Simplicity 4275
Simplicity 4302

Choices, choices. None of them is particularly difficult. I looove the details in the different views of 3628. I'm not sure why I'm having issues... sigh...

Simplicity 4076 DONE!

2008-03-19T22:49:00.000-07:00

Wow. The folks over at PatternReview aren't joking when they say knits are quick and easy to sew. Whaaat?! I didn't have to press anything, and I made a muslin and the actual garment (Simplicity 4076) in less than a week. I'm ecstatic right now. I'm slacking on my pattern reviews, but I'll get round to putting the full reviews on the site - sometime soon. Here are the pictures of the finished garment.
Using the serger made for quick and easy seam construction. I DID remember to use a ballpoint needle and ballpoint pins. I also managed to (completely by chance) center the pattern on my body. I even have almost perfectly matched seams on the side in the picture - yaaay (pure luck!). I really like this top. Will probably be making it again sometime. Till then... I wonder what I'll make next...

Simplicity 4076 progress

2008-03-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

I finally got round to working on this tonight. However, bedtime came too soon. I've just got the hem and the sleeves to do. Hopefully will finish tomorrow night. I'm so excited! This truly is a quick top - and I like it!
The fabric is one of the ones I got for $1/yd at the little store in Rosemead on Friday. It's so cool to have bought and washed the fabric just two days ago and already have something to show for it! Hmmm... should have taken Monday off too...

Inclement weather and t-shirt muslin

2008-03-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

It was chilly on Friday. Saturday it actually rained for a few minutes. I remember thinking (as I drove to my brother's place) how ironic it was that I now had a light jacket to wear, and now it was too cold to actually wear it. I mean, what's up with this weather?

Thankfully, we're back to blue skies today. I have a theory on the iffy weekend weather. Wanna hear it? I warn you, it's a tad crazy... Come closer...
I think the sewing divas who came from the east for PR weekend brought their weather with them. Don't tell anyone, it's just a hunch.
I didn't go downtown or anything, but I do hope all the ladies found tons of great bargains in the fabric district. If you're wondering why I didn't go to meet anyone, well, I have a perfectly legitimate excuse.
I'm shy.
That's it.

Okay, change subject. I took Friday off work just to get a mental break from it. I stopped in at a tiny fabric store in Rosemead that my friend Krazy Krafter discovered. It's such a small place that I actually couldn't remember where it was, and had to call her (and wake her up) to find out what the cross-street was. She was gracious enough to not mind being woken up, and I was there in minutes.
I don't have pictures of what I bought yet, I got 5 different fabrics - one silky (for lining my next jacket), one cotton/polyester for some new pillowcases, and three knits. Now the thing I loooove about this place is that all the fabric is $1 - $2 a yard. Perfect for someone like me who doesn't want to mess up a project and have it hurt my pocket as well. The real deal, however, was that I got 12 invisible zippers for $2. Take that, Joann's!
On that high note, I returned home and did a load of knit laundry. I then traced out Simplicity 4076 - which has been a favorite at PatternReview. By the end of the day I had a muslin made of view D. I used two different knit scraps. Of course, I mistakingly put my shoulder seams on the outside of the garment (this is why I need muslins!). The fit's not perfect, but I'm just trying to "get my sew on" right now and not worrying too much about fit.

The fact that I messed up on the shoulder seams meant that my sleeves didn't match my front - one was always reversed.
(and yes, I know, that mirror needs a good wipe)

I had planned to go ahead and make the actual garment yesterday, but didn't get round to it (with the cold weather and rain, all I wanted to do was cozy up in bed and read other people's sewing blogs!). Maybe today. Maybe.

A picture I forgot to post

2008-03-15T16:42:00.001-07:00

I was cleaning up the pictures on my computer and realized I forgot to post this picture of the jacket on my dress form, so here it is.

Simplicity 4789... Done!

2008-03-11T22:43:00.001-07:00

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to finally be done with this jacket. I'm going to start with some cheesy pics I had my hubby take once I was done. In these pictures, I am wearing the new jacket (Simplicity 4789) with the blouse (Simplicity 3789/3990) and skirt (OOP New Look 6159) .

It's an outfit I planned, but the skirt was a letdown because of my fitting issues and the blouse got a little wonky because I decided to skimp and not put in a zipper and also because it was a $1/yd cotton-like poly from Walmart.
Construction-wise, this was very simple. I expected my first jacket to be complicated - especially seeing as I've never done anything with long sleeves before.
It was surprisingly easy to put together. I didn't do so well connecting the collar to the facing or attaching the sleeves though. Inserting set-in sleeves has got to be my pet peeve. I always get puckers. It looks especially bad in the jacket because I have the tab at the shoulder seam, which makes the sleeve seam chunkier for about two inches, then the rest of the shoulder seems to sag. Sigh... I'll get it someday. Practice, practice.

I am sooo excited about the shoulder and arm tabs though! So, so excited! I've ALWAYS loved that design feature, but never been able to buy anything with it because all the cute stuff in stores never has arms that are long enough for me.
I don't own a single jacket with arms that are long enough! The only thing I own with arms that fit is an all-weather trench coat that my hubby has from the army, (and that I adopted into my side of the closet) but it's too long and bulky to justify wearing on a non-rainy/overcast day.

If it seems I'm too ecstatic about a jacket with arms that are long enough... try going through college winters in VT in jackets that are 5 inches shy of your wrist. You'd be happy too! The construction isn't perfect, but for once I finally am covered from shoulder to wrist. Oh, what joy...

I also have a confession to make.
I CAVED IN AND GOT THE 1034D SERGER ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO.
Yes, the frustration of not being able to find the part (stitch finger) I needed got to me. I did what I should have done to begin with - just bought it from Amazon. Didn't hesitate to use it right away either. I finished all my seams for the jacket. No more zig-zag finishes here!
What will I do with the 925D? Well, now that I have the 1034D, I have the detachable part that I needed for it. However, I don't need two very similar sergers, do I? I'm not sure yet. I may give it away to a friend, but I'm not sure how useful it would be to her without the stitch finger. Without it, you can only make rolled hems. I don't know. I'll think about it.

Whaaat?! 11:25 already? I have got to go to bed if I plan to be of any use at work tomorrow. I'll try to post my pattern review sometime tomorrow.

Simplicity 4789 Jacket Progress

2008-03-07T22:55:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I had to spend most of last weekend working, and thus was only able to look longingly at the jacket every once in a while. It's friday night though, and I just attached the facing and turned up the hem. I made a mistake though - my collar tips ended up within the center front seam allowance, so did not form a continuous line. With all the prior setbacks, I don't really want to go back and work that out, so I decided to ignore it this time. Next time I'll have to pay better attention. I'm about to go to bed, but here is what it looks like so far.

Tomorrow I will add the tabs to the sleeves (at the wrist) and attach the sleeves and finish the hem. Almost done! (Um yah, just have the hardest part - sleeves - left to do)

A little progress

2008-02-26T22:27:00.000-08:00

After coming back from aqua aerobics and showering yesterday, I had no time to sew. Just ate dinner and went to sleep. Today, since we weren't worked as hard in what I like to call my "boot camp" style class (yes, sometimes this teacher yells at you like a drill-sergeant), I decided to forfeit the shower and sew a little.
I was able to topstitch the tabs for the shoulders and sleeves, and stitched the front to the back. Here is what the top of the front looks like right now.

So next step: attach collar and facing. I'm apprehensive about attaching the sleeves because the instructions say to set in the sleeve, which I always find difficult. I'm not the best at easing fabric... Ah well, I'll just take my time when I get there. I think I will baste the sleeves on by hand first. That will definitely minimize my chances of screwing it up. Off to bed now. Another day of work and exercise tomorrow.

Still here...

2008-02-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

Just barely. It's been a sewing desert over here, but I managed to stumble upon an oasis today. Can't be on the computer too long, but I have finally started working on the jacket. I finished the muslin (minus one arm) and even though the fit is a little iffy, I figured it was okay because for the first time, I'll actually have a jacket with arms that are long enough! Okay. Enough talk. Here is a picture of the muslin, and then a picture of the tabs I'm going to put on the shoulders and sleeves. I haven't thought yet about what kind of buttons I'm going to use to fasten the tabs to the jacket, I guess I'll just figure that out later. I've got the rest of the jacket cut out, but it will have to wait till sometime during the week...

Swimsuit

2008-01-26T21:42:00.000-08:00

So... I haven't lost a ton of pounds, but I am more fit and want to continue taking classes. I now have a love/hate relationship with the PE instructor. I love that he encourages us and insists that we also focus on our nutrition. I hate that he insists that we also focus on our nutrition and calls our bluff when we whine about how hard he makes us work. Tee hee...
Either way, I'm trying to keep my schedule pretty much the same - class at 5pm Monday through Thursday so I don't come straight home from work and do nothing. (Yah, I know, I could sew, but I'd be lying to myself if I said I could do that everyday). So, I'll be taking an aqua aerobics class with him twice a week. He has another class during the week, but not till 6:30 which would mean I'd be waiting around after work. I prefer leaving work, getting to campus in about 40 mins, and starting class soon after. No time wasted, and I can be home by 8pm.
Well, I registered for the aqua aerobics class, and it wasn't until yesterday that I realized what that means. I HAD TO HAVE A SWIMSUIT!! Whaaat?! What was I thinking?! Optimistic me, I thought - "oh, it's Los Angeles, there's bound to be swimsuits everywhere". NOT.
I went to Walmart, Ross, Target, Mervyns... Nothing. I was looking for a simple one piece that would stand up to all the movement in the water. A classmate who has taken the class a number of times made a point of saying I should definitely not spend a lot of $$ on a suit because it would get killed by the chlorine pretty quickly. No luck.
Now, here's the REALLY SAD THING: In my fashion class last Spring, one of our projects was a swimsuit. I made a swimsuit. However, I am not confident that I could do it again - especially when trying to fit an actual person as opposed to a mannequin. And I even remember a classmate, Krazy Krafter, was able to get some great fabric for $3 a yard at the time. How I wish I was confident enough in my sewing skills to whip up a swimsuit right now.
I finally found one - at the sport chalet - for $40 - 10 more than I had budgeted for a swimsuit, but not bad given the dire circumstances. Note to self - what you learned in class really can be useful in real life... start putting it to good use!

Nigerian Fashion

2008-01-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

Nothing new from my sweat shop, but some fun stuff I found on youtube. These give me IDEAS! First is a fashion show at the Nigerian consulate in Atlanta (I found this at Evenstar's blog):

Next is a mini style documentary:

Back to work

2008-01-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Today is my second day back at work this year, and it's okay so far. Yesterday went surprisingly well. The only hitch was realizing that a friend who is out of the country had sent packages to me using my 3-year OLD address. Her fault completely. I believe one has been delivered already, unfortunately - and I am NOT about to go try to get if from whoever currently lives there that signed for it. How odd. Why would you sign for a package that doesn't have your name anywhere on it? I guess not everyone's honest. What was I talking about? Oh yah, my work day in itself went well.
The good thing about work today is that we're moving to a different floor, so we will have about 3 hours or downtime. Enough time for me to take the shuttle to campus and get my reimbursement for DSL. I will finally be getting a cube by the window! How divine! Okay, you don't understand - the building we were in since I started working here had no windows. We're currently in a temporary spot - which has windows, but not where I sit. So, yes, I'm happy that I finally get to look up and see the outdoors. It may seem like such a small thing to you, but try being cooped up in a windowless building for 5 years...
Okay, they're starting to move us at 8, so I need to log off before they come by. No sewing done - actually will probably not sew till the weekend since I have my class every day after work. Looking forward to working on the muslin for the 4789 jacket though.

2008-01-06T15:36:00.001-08:00

I got a camera. I couldn't wait. Wait for what? I don't even know. Well, actually, come to think of it, I could have gotten it at least 13 dollars cheaper if I'd bought it online and had it shipped to the store... Shhhh... don't tell my hubby that, he'll make me take it back and buy it online...
Anyway, here's the picture of the bench pad I was talking about in the last post.

I'm noticing that I still had some tailors chalk markings on the fabric from when I measured. I also managed to get a picture of the camera box. I really hope this one works out. Anway, back to the bench pad. You can kind of see the texture of the fabric. Kinda thick twill canvas. I hated the color when I was pressing it. It was so blah, and I was wondering what I'd seen in it when I bought it. But with the piping, it doesn't look to bad. Kinda rugged army-ish color scheme going. Ah well. That's that. Proof that I DID sew. Tee hee...

2008-01-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

I can't use my disabled camera as an excuse not to blog can I? Pictures make things more fun though!
So, I did go to the step aerobics class on Wednesday and Thursday. Can you say great workout?! Yah, it kicked my lazy butt, but that's exactly what I need. Worked up a good sweat and hoping I can make it through 4 days in a row for the next 4 weeks. I'm also back at work starting tomorrow (blech), so I'll be taking off from there.

I did sew something yesterday. I have a bench that had been buried in junk behind the closet door for over two years. Since tidying up two weeks ago, I dragged it out and now have it at the end of the bed. It needed a seating pad, because it's one of those benches with slats as the top (spaces between the slats - see, a picture would be so helpful here). I made the bench pad yesterday out of some scary-looking canvas-ish fabric I bought at Walmart years ago. Since it was a straightforward project (got the idea from the Reader's digest guide to sewing project), I decided to add some piping/cording to it. I MADE MY OWN bias strips in a similar fabric left over from a skirt, and then actually put in the cording (it's so much easier than it looks!), and used it between the seams. Turning the corners was a little tricky, as was meeting up with the zipper, but it came together. I'm pretty pleased with it (my first go at a functional piece like this - and at creating piping - yaaay!). Okay, now I want to go buy a camera just so I can post a pic...

Spent the rest of the day tracing the 4789 jacket (I'm so slow at this). I use wax paper, but for larger pieces I have to tape two strips of wax paper together before tracing. I wonder if there's wax paper in larger widths? I might be able to finish up a muslin for it today if I get the motivation. Kinda hard because with the overcast rain-ish weather outside, all I want to do is curl up and sleep (or read blogs, or a book). I do need to do laundry though, and make a visit to my cutie neice at some point. Goodness. I hope I get another camera soon...

Gotta start somewhere

2007-12-31T22:57:00.000-08:00

Not sewing-related at all, but I just registered for an aerobics class at a local community college. I find that I'm more compelled to do things when I know I'm getting a grade for them. This is the same place I took aerobics, gym, and ceramics classes after college (to stave off the boredom and uselessness of coming home after a day at work and having nothing to do but watch tv since all my friends were back on the east coast, where I went to college). Maybe the "good vibes" from back then will return and I'll once again be lithe. Hmmph. We'll see if I'm still feeling as optimistic after Monday night's class. Either way, it's a step in the right direction.

11:14pm edited to add: Oh dear! Just looked at the schedule - the class started TODAY. What the??? I guess I'll be hauling myself over there on Wednesday. (Darn, thought I was home free till next Monday... ah well, let's get it over with.)

My camera died,

2007-12-31T14:45:00.000-08:00

but on a lighter note, happy new year! 2007 went by so fast! I'm kind of glad it's over, because it's a year that started with lots of stress and things crashing or not working as expected (both at home and at work). So, here's to a new, smoother-running year.

So, like I said, my camera died. It simply konked out. I pulled it out to take a picture of my hubby holding our adorable neice on Christmas day, and it wouldn't turn on - this after recharging the battery. Unfortunately, this also means I can't rescue all the pictures I have on the card, because of course (just my usual strange luck), Olympus decided to use the non-standard xD card in it's cameras, and all of the devices accessible to me only accept SD cards. Bummer.

I had wanted to take pictures of the yummy chin chin I made (might make more tomorrow - if I do, I'll definitely save some for you, Krazy Krafter!). Now it's all gone - sent most of it to my sis-in-law who requested it, gave some to my brother, and ate the rest in two days flat. Yum yum.
I also wanted to take pics of the fabric I picked up last weekend. Ah well. (Oh wow, firefox just crashed on me - I'm glad blogger saves drafts... Seems like 2007 is trying to wreak as much havoc as it can before it gives way to 2008, eh?)

So, resolutions? Not fond of them. I just want to sew more. Of course, since graduating college, the whole weight loss resolution has hung around - but that's not a New Years thing, it's an all the time thing. I was going through my clothing this past weekend to donate what I don't wear to the Salvation army and stumbled across two bags full of clothing that gave me a reality check.

These weren't just bags of any clothing, mind you. These were clothes that were brought by my parents when they visited a couple of years ago. Clothes that were tailored TO MY MEASUREMENTS in Nigeria. Most of them were slightly tight back then, because between the time the clothes were "commissioned" and my parent's trip, I had managed to gain about 10 pounds. The ones that weren't tight were too large. Needless to say, those clothes had been forgotten until now - 30 more pounds later - and the "too big" ones are also tight.

I was good at first, trying some items on and then refolding them for donation ("some tall lady will be glad to have brand new - never worn clothes"). With each new skirt, top, jacket and dress that I folded, I began to feel agitated. These were all FULLY LINED clothes that would take me ages to reconstruct. They had been made specifically for me and never been worn. There was no duplicate. The printed fabric definitely didn't exist anymore. I refolded work-perfect skirt after skirt (especially agonizing since I can't seem to perfect the fit on my straight skirt pattern - talk less of lining). Got to some gorgeous summer dresses with border prints. Refolded three of them. Pulled out some more...

Then I gave up. I can't get rid of those. I can't. I almost fit into them 3 years ago. i never got to wear them, and they were made for my (long-legged, long-armed, bootylicious) body in particular. Nothing has changed drastically in my life since then. I haven't had any kids, no medical issues that make me gain weight - nothing. There is no reason why I shouldn't strive towards fitting into them again - at least for one more year. No, I'm definitely not going to halt sewing until then. I need clothes that fit my body NOW, that's for sure. When I met my hubby in my gym class, I could have fit into those clothes. Maybe I should take another gym/pe class since I probably won't be taking a sewing one this spring? Either way, I now have a goal to work towards, God help me!

Yikes, that was quiet a long post - and with no pictures to break it up (darned camera). I'll quit while I still have some energy left.

Christmas and all (aka "Still not sewing")

2007-12-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve. I'm at work. Got all my gifts (and giftcards) ready, but still haven't made the most time-consuming gift. No, I'm not sewing for anyone. My SIL asked for a Nigerian "snack" called Chin-Chin. I have all the ingredients, and it's certainly not complicated to make. It's basically dough that's kneaded and then rolled out and cut then deep fried. My mom always made hers in a twisted 8 shape though (more time consuming) so I always do about half of those and half of the regular square/rectangle/diamond ones. However, after wrapping gifts yesterday I ended up doing dishes that had been in the sink for er... a few days... and then making dinner (whaaat? yah, I cooked). Then no time left since I had to come to work today.
The nice thing about being at work the day before a holiday is that we're usually allowed to leave early(and traffic's great! I got to work in 30 mins today!!). So I'm out of here at 2. Then I have to go get my MIL and FIL and take them to my place to pick up my DH and then off to Riverside for Christmas eve dinner. I thought it odd at first that their family congregates on Christmas eve rather than Christmas day, but now am glad for that cultural difference b/c it means we get to spend time with both families without time conflicts. Okay. I'm boring myself. That means time to get back to work. Later. Have a great Christmas!
(yes, I know, I still haven't sewed a stitch. Got some more fabric tho - pics later!)

Hmmm... looks like everyone's getting in on the top model reality show theme. Even my motherland --> Nigeria's next top model
** Updated 12:08pm - Apparently it's not a show, it's a "competition". Not sure if that means it's a non-TV thing. Hmm...

My first dress

2007-12-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

No, I can't wear it. Unless I lose about 75 pounds and have plastic surgery to change my body type. Not happening. Anyway, it's my first dress and it was from one of the many drapes we did for class. We had to create a garment using something we'd learned in class. However, we had to use bandanas and/or remnant fabric. I used both, as you'll see. I fell in love with the mid-neck dart the first time I saw it, so I knew I'd be using that. With time running out, I ended up with just a basic straight skirt. It's not perfect by any means, but I feel so proud of myself!! It was also the first time I used piping, and the first time I underlined a garment (with bandana fabric). In reality you don't notice the bandana fabric under the sheer fabric of the skirt. However, the camera flash makes it much more obvious. I have a seam down the center front and also had to make the bottom of the back from another colorway of the sheer fabric bc the scraps I had were too small. Well, here it is.
I'm definitely not a designer (nor do I want to become one). I just would like to get really good at sewing basic silhouttes. Nothing too fancy for me - I just want clothes that finally fit me. So... I need to get sewing, nah? What am I doing at the computer!! I should be tracing my next creation!

2007-12-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

Last night was my last draping class for the semester. My dress wasn't perfect. It certainly wasn't properly finished on the inside, and it had armhole gaposis due to something my teacher described as not taking out a wedge of fabric where the grain is on the bias around the armhole. Apparently this is something that happens with sleeveless garments.
Where are the pictures, you ask? They're on my camera. Which is in my purse. However, I forgot my cord at home, so was not able to upload the pictures when I came in early this morning. So, next post I'll have pictures of my dress for class.
I'm so looking forward to having my evenings to myself again. I have to decide what my next project will be - the jacket that discouraged me in the smaller size? The skirt that continues to defy me? Or a new top pattern? I really, really need jackets in my wardrobe because I currently have 0. This is due to the fact that jacket arms are NEVER long enough for me. So maybe that's what I'll pick up again.
Now, back to work.

2007-12-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

Alas, another couple of weeks have gone by. I finished my very frustrating skirt (what am I going to do about my darling rear? I love it, but it makes sewing clothes so difficult). It was also made frustrating because I have a protruding rear end, but am not particularly curvy in the hip area.
I'm waiting for my draping class to be over so I can concentrate on sewing. That's one thing I definitely missed this semester - sewing in class. We only have to sew our final project, which I spent Saturday working on. I made my first dress! I was/am so proud of myself. I was lazy and left all the inner seams unfinished (plus it's due too soon - this week) but I tried a few things I've never done before - like adding piping. I've been gaga over piping for a loooong time, and want to make lots of my clothes using it as an accent (once I can get some TNT patterns) I'm going to try to take a picture of it on the dress form at school tomorrow.
Now, why can't I get an exact body double and do away with patterns and just drape all my clothes? I so wish I could. Anyway, sorry, not much interesting here today - just had to say something (and give an excuse for why I'm not fervently sewing).

Simplicity 3789/3990 Rerun

2007-11-23T21:26:00.000-08:00

Just got done hemming this and am not quite as happy with it as with my first version. The fabric stretched in a few places, and I decided to leave the side zipper out. Here are the front and side pics. Sorry for the fuzziness on the front view - not sure what's up with my camera. See that rear end that I have to work around? I'm looking at that side view now and wondering if the fact that I hemmed the front and back at two different lengths makes my butt look disproportionately bigger...

Trying to mini-SWAP

2007-11-23T17:50:00.001-08:00

I recently tried and (in my mind) failed while trying to create a jacket from Simplicity 4789

I realize that part of the frustration stemmed from not having the right size pattern and the pattern not having multiple cup sizes. So I got the correct size pattern (I have to use a 20, not an 18) during the last Simplicity sale at Joann's but haven't worked up the gumption to re-trace. I really am trying to avoid having to do a full-bust adjustment because... well because I'm a scaredy-lazy cat and because it takes me a looong time to complete each step. I could see that the armholes would be too tight and it was too tight across the bust. I love the collar style though.
To make myself feel better, I decided to make another version of Simplicity 3789(links to my review). For some reason, it was more difficult this time. Some of the fabric stretched while I was connecting the front side sections. Anyway, this second shirt is supposed to end up being part of an outfit. Here is the almost completed shirt with some coordinating fabric:
I added a tab with a button to the sleeves. Next time I'll add some piping to the tab edges to make it stand out more.
Now, my dilemma with the coordinating navy blue fabric is that I would love to be able to get a skirt AND a jacket out of it.
The prospect is a tad daunting since I need extra fabric to lengthen a skirt and lengthen the arms on a jacket. I have 4 yards of the navy blue, and it's 50-60 inches wide (lemme check)... Okay, just measured, it's 55 inches wide. So... after flipping through the patterns I have that include jackets, I settled on an out-of print one - New Look 6159.
I've made the A-line skirt from this pattern twice. For this ensemble, I'm going to use the straight skirt and just make do with a 3/4 sleeve jacket. Am I asking for trouble making a jacket out of something that is actually meant to be a fitted top??? Should I just use the fabric for the skirt and find something similar for a jacket using a real jacket pattern? I don't know... I guess we'll see. I'll start cutting the skirt once I've hemmed the top - which I guess will be tonight.

Acquisition

2007-11-23T16:53:00.001-08:00

Yes, I woke up at 7am and went to Joann's today. I acquired a few things as a result. First was the knowledge that I really shouldn't have bothered coming early to wait in a long cutting line of women buying 99c/yd flannel. Second was a bag pattern I have been wanting to get for some home decor fabric I found at Walmart for $2/yd. I also grabbed two Vogue patterns I've had on my wishlist. I don't think I am ready for Vogue patterns yet, but might as well grab them now.

Next was a few notions (not needed right away, but how often can you get 70% off notions, eh?
Then of course, I heeded the call of a cute print, and returned to my Nigerian roots for some batiks - something that existed in my wardrobe before I came to this country for college, and has been sorely lacking ever since:
All in all a good haul. I considered getting another cutting mat, but I don't really need one yet - especially since the items I'm making right now are separates.

The only bad thing about acquiring more sewing paraphernalia is that it increases the pressure to create. I was recently discouraged by a jacket attempt, and put it down for now. But that story is for another post...

Disappointment

2007-11-09T21:27:00.001-08:00

Well... My serger came. I was so excited!
.. gulp
.... swallow
It's missing a part.

The stitch finger.
Bummer. It ruined my day when I found out. One of those "it was too good to be true" moments, you know? So, after moping around the rest of the day, I asked the seller if he would look around for it. He says he's looking...

I found only one site that seems to have the part, but it doesn't have a picture or a diagram, and I hate buying stuff online and having to pay shipping and handling plus a "restocking fee" when I need to make a return. So right now I'm just waiting to see if he will find it.

The blades also need to be replaced (I learned this by trying to serge with extra fabric to the right and breaking the needle in the process!). I'm torn between whether or not I should take it in for maintenance. The only sew/vac shop I know nearby will charge me about $200 for cleaning and servicing. I so don't want to go there bc then I will be kicking myself for spending enough money to buy a spanking new serger. Sigh... Maybe that's what I should have done - just gotten the 1034D from Walmart or something... The good news though, is that it really is easy to thread, and even without the missing part, it does a decent 4-thread stitch - you just have to watch that the fabric doesn't fold over on itself (ending up with a rolled hem).

Ah well. I'm moving on in the meantime, to my next project - Simplicity 4789 - the shorter jacket. I wanted to make myself a light (and simple) unlined jacket before delving into anything complicated. I don't take failure well - hence my current approach to sewing. I cut my muslin pieces out and have the bodice front and back together. I can already see that I will need to lengthen the bodice slightly (interesting because my last simplicity top had to be shortened 3 inches). We'll see how the rest of it goes. Hope to finish with alterations this weekend.

Purchased Serger!

2007-10-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

So... I did a lot of research. And settled on a serger that I wanted. It was the Brother 1034 D. Yes, at $232, it's not that expensive. However, I have to watch my budget, and have plans for the holidays that will require that I pinch pennies for a while. Yet I coveted that machine.
I got on ebay. Lost one auction for one. Comforted myself.
Looked again this past weekend - there was another! I bid on that. I also bid on a Singer, and another Brother (432d or something). Lost the 432d. That's okay. Searched some more. Found a 925D that looked okay. Note that at one point I was winning on three sergers. I was slightly panicked when there were 2 hours left on one, 4 hours on the next, and 2 days on the third - all with me leading. Outbid on the 1034. Sad, but okay. That was the priciest. Outbid on the Singer. Should I bid again? 1 hour left on the 925 and no one else had bid yet... Decided against it. If I didn't get the 925, I would save weekly to get the new 1034 - I wasn't in the mood to go through the hair-raising ebay dance again.
So... I GOT THE 925D! I was the only one who bid on it, and I got it for $99 + s+h. I'm so happy. For now at least. I hope it works as it says it does. I've been very lazy about finishing seam allowances in my last three projects - although I had no choice but to zigzag on the two skirts as they would have unravelled otherwise). I can't wait to get my serger! Not that it's keeping me from starting on my next project (a simple jacket with a mandarin-like collar and mid-armhole darts on the front), but it sure would make it sweeter!

2007-10-21T21:20:00.001-07:00

Finally got done with the Simplicity 3789/3990 top. Here are pics. About to review on pattern review.

Bad girl

2007-09-21T12:37:00.001-07:00

I have been a bad girl. I haven't posted in a while. I have an excuse though (tee, hee, as always!). I'm waiting for my Dritz My double deluxe to arrive. In my mind, that will signal the beginning of a new sewing era for me. I will finally be able to take pictures of my completed garments on a dress form. I'm also hoping to be able to apply some of the things I'm learning in my patternmaking class to the form so I can start to create custom clothing for myself. Still a distant dream, but I'll get there eventually.
Excited about the weekend. Going go Joann tonight to pick up a few simplicity patterns at $1.99 and then will hit up Walmart to see if they have any decent $1 and $2 fabric. Then, on Sunday, the 50% off red tag fabric sale starts at Joann. I kept kicking myself mentally for not taking advantage the last time they had that sale, so this time I'm budgeting for it. Every time I go, I peruse the red tag stuff - and often find some fabrics I like, but am not willing to pay $5/yd for (yes, I'm cheap, I know. Being taller and wider than average, I have to buy more fabric per garment than most ppl, so back off!) So. Things to look forward to this weekend!
I also FINALLY got a 36X48 cutting mat and rotary cutter. I got the Fiskars dual-sided mat. It smells!!! But it's living in the living room for now, so hopefully the smell will subside eventually.
I'd like to work on Simplicity 3789 this weekend. I don't usually do button-down shirts because of the whole "gaping" issue at the bustline, but after a positive review from someone on pr this week, I may try it. After all, with two new skirts, I'll need some new tops, no?
Okay. At work. Lunch time. Over. Gotta go.

Long Hiatus

2007-09-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, I haven't posted anything recently. No, I haven't been out of town. Just busy with school starting (for me), and trying to squeeze time out for myself during work and school. The denim skirt I started is still waiting for me to shorten and re-hem (my least fave part, so imagine having to do it twice!). At work though, so can't post a large blurb. I really need to keep up with this blog - to keep myself sewing - if nothing else.

Midweek "blahs"

2007-08-29T07:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I didn't get round to posting my pattern review yet. I will. Ur... um... tonight. It's 7:49am and I'm at work, but feel all beaten up already. Can I make it till 4pm?
Started a "patternmaking by draping" class last night. Was great to hear all the reasons people are taking the class as well as all the industries people are in or want to get into. There are stylists, costume designers, people doing it for fun, people who aren't sure what direction they want to go in yet, folks who want to do buying, some who want to do marketing, folks who want to do costumes for the movie industry, folks who want to be fashion editors... It's amazing. I just want to do this for little old me. Nothing complicated. Now, I don't have a dress form at home, but I'm hoping I can at least get an understanding of how and why patterns look the way they do, and learn how to judge where and how to alter my substantial (about 35) stash of patterns when the time comes.
Okay, I've got my little 8oz cup of coffee next to me, and it's reminding me that I need to start my work day. I'm still trying to shake off the annoying person in the parking lot who for some reason thought I should wait for her while she made a left into my (going straight) lane, and then had the audacity to honk at me. Honestly, the driving manual needs to be weekly mandatory reading for some people. Sigh... Anyway, to work...