McCall's 6506

"PLENTY" BY TRACY REESE 

I cut this dress out last summer with every intention of making it "right away" but didn't get to stitch it up until recently.

It's a TRACY REESE design.  It wasn't until I'd gotten the pattern home that I discovered this delightful fact.  I love most things by TRACY REESE!

I love the style of it...the pleated skirt, the large collar, the pockets...yes I love the pockets but you don't see them here do you?...not sure why I omitted them but now finding myself wishing that I hadn't.  On the other hand...I meant to omit the attached belt.      

 The fabric is a lightweight, highly woven, slightly stretchy, cotton from Virginia's stash.  I would venture to say that she must have really liked this fabric as there was more than enough to begin with and still some left.   

 This is an easy dress to make and just as easy to wear.  It does have quiet a few buttons but I think it adds to the design.  I runs a little large in the waist but other than that...it's perfect!  Thank you Ms. Reese!

 Enjoying the last few days of Summer!!! - Hope you are too!!! 

Until next time...PEACE AND BLESSINGS!!!

Good and Red-y: Simplicity 1650

When I saw this red polka dot fabric (and this blue version still in stash) at Wal-Mart I just had to have it (them).  I was at a store out of my local area and just "happened upon" the fabric section.  It was nice to browse since the store in my area does not sell fabric.  Okay...so it wasn't the most thrilling experience I've had browsing fabric but the two prints definitely got my attention.

My original plan was to marry them up in to one bold, gorgeous garment (still wish I could have done that somehow) but I couldn't find the right project to do so.  I kept changing my mind, going back and forth, in and out, up and down...so I decided to use them separately.

 The skirt (and partial peplum) portion of the dress is cut from a red linen polyester blend that I found in Virginia's stash.  It has a little weight but still on the light side.  The red polka dot fabric is a cotton blend with little stretch and very much on the light side.  To balance things out some, I lined the bodice with a lightweight cotton fabric.

I wanted the pleated peplum version of this dress but did not have enough dotted fabric so I shared  the two fabrics with the peplum to complete the desired look.  I cut 3" into both front and back (peplum) pieces, - which originally measured about 7" - added 5/8"seam allowance to both pieces and VIOLA!

I couldn't have asked for a better result.  One thing is for sure however, I will have this dress professionally cleaned.  The cotton has a tendency to wrinkle easily but the linen blend does not.  I had "a time" (one of Virginia's frequent sayings) ironing this dress!  What a great dress pattern!  Simplicity and Project Runway hit the nail on the head with this one!

Until next time....BE BLESSED!   

What I'm Stashin' - Polka Dots

I'm a huge fan of polka dots....

 COMPLETED PROJECTS:

V1189 - black and white peachskin silky print, S2547 - yellow and black linen blend and S2501 (OOP - top) & V9791 (OOP - skirt) - both silky polyester

CURRENTLY STASHIN':

Top row -  red and black satin charmeuse, brown and blue lining fabric, gray and yellow spandex knit, red and black jersey knit, Bottom row - navy and white cotton blend and multi-colored handkerchief linen (Virginia's stash)

Black and tan polyester blend (Virginia's stash) and navy and white chiffon

WORK(S) IN PROGRESS (WIP):

B5600 - black and white rayon challis - been "IP" for a minute...I ain't feelin' it!

S1650 (sneek peek) - red and white cotton blend - near completion 

Most of my polka dot stash was purchased on clearance at JoAnn Fabrics with the exception of the black and white rayon challis which I have had for so long that I don't recall the purchase....side bar - I must have had a love affair with rayon challis at some point - there's quite a bit of it in my stash!!!...and the navy/white - red/white cotton blend both of which were purchased (within the last year or so) at Wal-Mart.

While it's not in my immediate plans to purchase any more polka dot fabric, if and when the opportunity arises, I'll have something relevant to consider...what I'm already stashin'!

How much (what kind of) polka dot fabric you (are you) stashin'?

Until next time...PEACE AND BLESSINGS!

Polka Dot Overload - Simplicity 2642

Soooooo.........I wanted a new dress for a graduation celebration that I attended today.  I wanted it to be cute, simple and comforatble.  Allow me to present............Simplicity 2642!

had a great time!

I cut it out one day last week and began sewing on it about 8 o'clock last night.  Got most of it done except for the hem which I got up and finished this morning. 

rear view, love the slight flare

side shot, love this little "gather" detail on the sleeves

 I really like how the dress looks with the added ribbon.  I knew I wanted it to pop somehow.  It was between this and a black and white plaid ribbon.  I just decided to keep the polka dot theme going.  The ribbon is a bit stiff around the sleeve area.  Hoping that with a couple of washings it will loosen up.  

face front!

I wanted to add ribbon to the waist area as well however soon discovered that since this dress doesn't have any closures this type of ribbon would not work - not stretchy enough so I decided to leave it without.  This will allow me to play with different belts or none at all.   

okay......okay!

There are only three pattern pieces to this dress not including the elastic guides....okay 5.  The skirt is one piece cut on the fold three times.  Two connect to create a center back seam and the third acts as a front panel to connect front to the back.  Interesting concept.  I like it!

without the belt

The seam that attaches the skirt to the bodice also serves as the encasement for 1/4" elastic.  I did something a bit different with the ribbon embellishment.  It took me a minute to figure it out but eventually got it.  I'd seen it on a RTW dress that I recencly changed the hemline on.  There was a fabric band attached to the hem. There's probably a proper name for it but at this point, I'm not sure what it is.    I attached the ribbon right side to wrong side of the dress about 1/4" from hemline.  Pressed seam open, folded ribbon up onto the dress.  The ribbon is now wrong side to right side of dress - how it appears in the final stage.  I then stitched two rows of parallel stitches around the hem.  One close to the ribbon seam and the second near the top of the ribbon.  Love the finish it creates on the inside. 

inside bottom of dress - seam enclosed between dress and ribbon

sleeves finihed same as hem

Oh.......about that RED thread......
for Louboutin it's the "sole" of every shoe 
for GodsgirlT it's the "soul" of every garment

Until next time....BE BLESSED!

Opposites Attract - What I Wore To Church Today - Simplicity 2501 and Vogue 9791 (OOP)

Perhaps I should have donned a set of pearls!

So here is project number seven!  Simplicity 2473 (the 1st project number seven) is sooooo close to being completed but I set it aside to make this OOP skirt from Vogue.

Does that make S2473 and unfinished project to the second degree?  Hmmmm????  In any case, I will resume work on it this week.  I just need to hem it and put a hook and eye on.  It is a wool blend fabric - very scratchy,  so I may have to showcase it on my dress form if the weather is as nice as it is today....or any temp near it.

I wanted to use every bit of this fabric so I opted for a long skirt to go with this blouse.  I had about 2.25 yards and the pattern calls for 2.125.  It was very simple to make.  I decided not to line the skirt but ended up wearing a slip with it because the fabric is quite thin. 

One common thing that I've noticed about all of my unfinished projects thus far is an ill fit.  It seems as though I enjoy cutting so much that I overlooked (or feared) the all important adjustments.  DUH!  Never again!  You sew.....you learn! 

This blouse is no exception.  It is too large in the neck, shoulders, chest and arm areas.  I can assure you that the next time I make this blouse, my measurents will be sewn into it!

I discovered both of these fabrics in Virginia's stash and knew that I wanted to pair them up.  They didn't disappoint.   They both are a little silky with a touch of crepe and some polyester.  Very comfortable! 

The first time I inserted the zipper into the skirt it was unsupported and puckered some.  Very unsightly.  I removed it and supported it with a fusible interfacing and it fits much better into the skirt.

Do a little dance!!!!


Even though there is some movement here, you can still see how the back fits.  Perhaps someone with a larger bust and broader shoulders would benefit from such a fit.

The skirt was a little large as well.  Have I lost some weight?  The Lord knows I'm trying.  I had to increase the seam allowance some which created a little less flare but flair nonetheless!

I purchased these shoes from Elder Beerman's a few years ago.  I remember my sister and I were shopping and she snagged the last red pair so, I purchased the brown.  Although I like the brown with the outfit I often wonder what the red would look like.  Guess I'll never know.  Her foot size is at least a half size smaller than mine.

It feels good to get some of the OOPs sewn up.  The year on this one is 1986! 

I have another forthcoming.  A McCall's NY dress.  I would like to have it completed in time to wear to the High School Graduation where I am a teacher.  We shall see.

Side view


MESSAGE FROM OUR BISHOP:   II Chronicles 7:14 - If My people, which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.  We must turn from our wicked ways.  Wicked ways are not pleasing to God.  So much can change through prayer.  Even those things that we think are impossible.  When we pray and seek His face we will receive His promises!

Until next time......BE BLESSED!

What I Wore to Church Today - Vogue 1189 & New SMART Goals Deadline

I am still trying to like this dress.  Each time I wear it I am reminded of what I could have done differently with it.  I won't bore you with specifics.....okay maybe I will. It's is a bit on the short side.  I don't mind short but one must wear the right shoes in order to get "the look".  I tried several pair this morning and finally decided on these!  As far a this pair goes,  I think I hit the jackpot, however, a girl still needs to get busy working out those knees! 

For every con there's a pro:  I appreciate the weight of the dress.  Especially on a day like today when the highest temperature was a cool 73 degrees which wasn't until this evening.  This morning when I left for church it was a cool 63 degrees.  Although I took a cape with me, I didn't have to don it....not once this morning or this evening.  I like that!

This red bag is old, old, old.  That is one thing that I seriously need to do and that is to go purse shopping.  This is an old reliable.  Look close enough and you will see what I mean.  It does provide me with that splash of color that I like and I love the size.  You name it and I've probably got it in there!

I contemplated adding jewelry to this neckline.  I tried costume jewelry, little pearls, big pearls, faux pearls, chains, etc. however, nothing really looked good.   Then I remembered how much I labored over that braid around the neckline!!!! Then, I didn't feel at all bad about it being bare!




It is necessary to extend my deadline with respect to my sewing goals.  The original deadline was April 30 - YESTERDAY and I am still 4 garments short!  The new date is May 30, 2011.  I am hoping that I won't need the whole month but knowing what I know about how the last 4 months went, this is a realistic date to strive for!

 

 Here I am  foolin' with this sash to get it fabric side up.  I'm still trying to get use to not having the sash lined.  Don't know that I ever will! 

Message from our Bishop:  Psalm 37: 1-5:  "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.  Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.  Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.  Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him ; and He shall bring it to pass." 

HE SHALL BRING IT TO PASS!!!!!!!!  UNTIL NEXT TIME.......BE BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Simplicities" - Simplicity 4787(OOP) and Simplicity 2501

Teaching is one of the best jobs in America!  Seriously!  And for more reasons than one!  The main reason last week?  I was on spring break!  It came late this year and was much anticipated by all!  I did not getting ANY sewing done but seriously enjoyed the time off!  I had planned on accomplishing my goals during this period but it didn't happen.  For the first time in a long time our "classic trio" were all home at the same time.   Much enjoyment of family yields no sewing.


Both front and back look exactly the same.  This is the back.  When I don the skirt I will show all views.

 This skirt has been cut out for EONS!  Eons I tell ya! I didn't begin constructing it until late last year.  It quickly became an unfinished project but finally I get to it.  Sewing SMART works!  I can't remember from whence I purchased the fabric but I do know that it was on clearance.   When I had taken an extended hiatus from sewing but was shopping for fabric and patterns as though I hadn't, I shopped clearance.  Now?.....It's a habit.  I check clearance fabrics first and usually end up snagging a good deal or two!  I am especially excited when JoAnn Fabrics has those 50% of of clearance fabrics sales!   Oh yeah!

The fabric is really lightweight so I added a lining.  I probably should have used a lighter weight fbric for this lining however I used whatever was in stash.  It'll work. 

This blouse was cut out at about this same time last year.  I remember because it was toward the end of the school year.  I have this "thing" about cutting out projects.....I enjoy it! Almost as much as sewing them.  I know, it's kind of weird right?  I have really had to refrain from such during this time of goal accomplishing.   Anyway, construction on this blouse, like the skirt, began around November or December of last year.  

This fabric was in Virginia's stash!  Classic! 

I know that I will be making another version of this blouse.  It is a great pattern!

HOW THESE PROJECTS BECAME UNFINISHED: 
THE SKIRT:  The waistband was too short.  I thought I was going to have to cut a new one.  How does that happen anyway?  I actually went back and checked the pattern piece to be sure that I had not cut the wrong size and I hadn't.  Frustrated, I set it aside.  Didn't even want to deal with it at the time. (Sounds so trivial now...as in NO REASON for this to have been an unfinished project).
THE BLOUSE:  Initially I wanted the flounce to be on both sides of the blouse.  Without giving it much thought I tried this design only to realized that I would need to add a front band to attach the buttons to.  Uhm....didn't want to go that extra mile at the time so.....I set it aside.   I know right?!  When I picked it back up, several weeks ago, I detached the flounces and used the second flounce as a lining for the first.  I got this idea from a reviewer on PatternReview.com who made a gorgeous version of this blouse.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED IN THE PROCESS:
With the skirt I think that had I not been sewing as much as I have recently I probably would have cut a new skirt band which was not necessary at all.  I just eased the band onto the skirt and it fit.  Uhm....there may be a pucker or two here and there but had I not told you....you wouldn't know it!  The blouse - one must consider all things when changing a design. 
So there you have it.  As soon as I get some pics wearing these garments, I will post.  I've almost gotten Simplicity 2473 completed.  Hope to get it done sometime next week.  Until next time......BE BLESSED!

The Bold AND The Beautiful - FINALLY!!!

Okay....sooooooo.....why is it that once you put something out there it becomes like a monumental task to get it done!  I'm all excited about my "Three New Dresses" freshly cut and WHEW!!!!!!.....If you only knew.  Okay so here it is - the dress I call(ed) "The Bold and The Beautiful."  Even though it's not EXACTLY what I expected I just LOVE those circles.  THEY ARE TO LIVE FOR!!!! 

I'd first seen this fabric this past summer when it first hit JoAnn's.  I  really wanted to purchase it but had no vision for it. When I thought I had it all figured out the fabric had sold out.  There was a simiar knit fabric but I wanted the 100% polyester print.  I concluded that it just wasn't meant to be.  Until.......

About, a month or so ago it was back.  I was so excited but still had no vision for it.  Then enter Vogue 1189 a Rebecca Taylor design. The thought of this pattern and dress combined was delightful!  Uhm....much more delightful in my head than in reality,  I'm afraid........... 
               

COST ANALYSIS:  It cost about $25 to make this dress.  Sale price + educator discount + end of bolt priced piece = about $15 for 3.5 yards of fabric.  $3.99 for the pattern, thread, elastic and snap - already in stash - let's say about $5 even though that's probably a little inflated for those already in stash items.  A great value indeed!  Even though I am not TOTALLY dissatisfied with this dress (look for a full review on PatternReview.com), I am a little disappointed of how the final garmet looks, drapes, feels, fits.......!

While I am thankful for the experience of this project.....I'm GLAD it's over.  Next up........"It's A Jungle Out There" - but shhhhhhh - keep that on the dl....lol!  Thanks for stoppin by - Be Blessed!