2016 Year Review

In 3 hours and 48 minutes it will be the wnd of 2016 and the beginning of 2017!!!!

This year I embarked on an adventure to become a sewist.  It's crazy how time flies.  I've learned so much.

My adventure began around April with my Mimi G lime green Maxi skirt/dress

to using my first sewing pattern (baby set) It's So Easy Simplicity 1188 in June

to making my first gown Vogue 1520 in December.


Here's a list of the garments I made this year.

Baby L 

1) Nursing Cover
2) Pink Gingham Set
3) Pink & White Polka Dot Booties
4) Yellow & White Peasant Dress
5) White Leggings
6) Front Pocket Bib

Babette ( 2 Year)
1) See and Sew Cross Back Shorts Set
2) White and Red Shorts

Babouska (6 Year)

1) See and Sew Cross Back Shorts Set
2) Purple Floral Dress (it's in the garment graveyard)
3) Simplicity 8202 purse
4) Simplicity 8202B White floral dress

Bam Bam (My Son)
1) Red Cargo Pants (It's in the garment graveyard)

Booboo (11 Year Old)
1) Simplicity 1165 Blue multi shorts
2) black and red floral skirt
3) Orange and White Striped Skirt
4) Black top (Garment Graveyard)
5) Pink polka dot dress
6) Joyful Teddy Bear

Moi
1) Lime green maxi skirt/dress
2) Grey T-Shirt Dress
3) Orange floral skirt
4) Black and orange maxi skirt/dress
5) black Mermaid skirt
6) blue Vogue 8898 top
7) burgundy Vogue Dress
8) Vogue 1520 Holiday Party Dress

Grandmomma
1) Yellow Vogue 8898 top
2) Black Mermaid Skirt

26 Wearable Garments
3 in the graveyard
5 Ufos

This has truly been an awesome year!!!!
Let's see what 2017 has in store.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. I love the holidays!  Everyone is cheerful and have high spirits.  Every year, I try to learn how to say "Merry Christmas" in a different language.

French "Joyeux Noel!"
Spanish "Feliz Navidad!"
Arabics "Eid Milad Majid (عيد ميلاد مجيد) Which means 'Glorious Birth Feast'"
Hawaiians "Mele Kalikimaka"

This year I've decided to learn how to say Merry Christmas in Italian "Buon Natali!!!"

Happy Holidays!!!

Vogue 1520 Drum Roll Please

1520 is ready to go!  I was able to complete it in time for the Company Holiday Party.  I wore it with a pair of Black Velvet heels (I don't remember where I bought them).  I live in South Florida.  Even though it is "winter" it is 72 degrees outside.  So I decided not to add the sleeves.  Who knows, I might add the sleeves later.

Please see my review below

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:
Very close-fitting, lined dress has right armhole and left side gathers, lower left side seam with slit, back-V, bateau neckline, invisible zippers at back and sleeve seams, and train. Optional: Beaded trim.

Pattern Sizing:
14 to 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
For the most part.  I decided not to install the sleeves.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
It was straight forward.  There was some confusion with the lining, but I figured it out.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked everything about the pattern.

Fabric Used:
Stretch Velvet from Vogue Fabrics; Lining Interlock

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I decided to make this dress for my Company's Holiday Party.  The train was a little too long for this event so I ditched it.  Initially I cut out all of the pattern pieces.  During my first fitting I decided not to install the sleeves.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would not sew this pattern again.  Maybe if I renew my wedding vows.  I would definitely recommend this pattern to others. 

Conclusion:
This was my first time making a formal dress.  At first I was horrified.  I loved the entire experience.  I installed my first zipper and first lining.  Not to mention out of all fabrics I decided to use Velvet.  This dress took some time to make.  I hand basted every step before sewing it on my sewing machine.  I decided to shorten the dress and leave off the sleeves.  This dress has armhole and side gathers.  I ruffled the armhole and side gathers with my sewing machine and applied the stay tape.  Despite the stay tape it did not stay put.  Finally I ruffled the armhole and side by hand. The lining was hand sewn.  Check out the pics from my adventure here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Vogue 1520 5 days left

The invisible zipper battle is over.

It's fitting time.  Sorry I look a mess.  It was late and I was exhausted!!!

Looking good so far.

And here's the zipper.

Now I'm at war with the lining. Lol!!

It seems pretty easy but, I can't seem to wrap my head around lining the zipper.  

 Thank goodness for instructions!!

Vogue 1520 6 Days Left

 

Why's time flying?  There's still so much to do.

 

So I've made it through steps #1-7.  Now #8 is a tricky one--the invisible zipper.  Considering I've never installed a zipper before I probably shouldn't have selected this project. But I love a challenge. 

Round 1 DING! DING!

The invisible zipper was not friendly.  So I lost the first round.

Never underestimate your opponent.

It took about three tries before it looked ok.  So for 2017 I need to practice installing zippers.

Spring! Where?

Is it almost spring?  Living is South Florida I can barely determine the season.  In the morning it feels like spring.  By midday it feels like summer.  Sometimes in January we will get a cold front which renders us one week of winter weather.  Besides that it is always summer.

McCall Pattern Company has come out with their Pre-Spring pattern.  I have to admit that I'm in love.  They have designed some trendy patterns. That I have to make.

This is my favorite!!!!  I would love the same floral print fabric from the pattern packet cover

I saw this top in the mall the other day.  The store only had a size small left.  So I left there pretty disappointed.  Thank McCall for making my day. 

I might make view A and D.   View A's cape would bring out my superpowers!! Do you see the sleeves on View D?  I love tops with sassy sleeves!

This is a nice basic top with something to say.  The cold shoulder makes a statement.

 

My girl would love this top.

Back to Vogue 1520. 

Vogue 1520--7 Days Left (Working with Velvet)

Working with Velvet

Velvet is kind of tricky.  I've heard this saying a million times.  But I am going to say "Velvet can be tricky to work with unless you have the right tools."  I have a feeling that this time next year I am going to work with velvet again.  So I am going to take good notes.

Tips
Velvet slides easily, so pin about every centimeter.
Cutting: use a good pair of scissors.   tried both a rotary cutter and a brand new pair of scissors.  The scissors worked beautifully.
Ironing velvet is terrifying.  Use a hand held steamer.  Steam velvet upside down
Do not fold velvet, hang it up on a hanger attaches to safety pins
Before cutting check the nap.
When selecting a project try to select something simple without darts

Pressor Foot: Walking Foot
Sewing Machine Needle: 70/12
Thread: Silk
Pins: extra long satin pins

Final tip: When you're done making your project

Rock it like a Rockstar!!!!!!!!!!!

#workingwithvelvet

Vogue 1520 8 Days Left

✔Learning and singing and singing and learning in the rain.

This is my first adventure with Velvet.  I had to figure out how to cut the fabric on the "nap"
The Nap of my fabric not a nap on my bed. (A midday nap would be nice!). So the nap can be determined by running your hand on the fabric.  One direction will feel nice and smooth while the opposite direction will feel rough.   The soft and smooth side is the right way.  One I figured out the nap, I drew an arrow with chalk on the fabric to indicate the nap.

Next consists of cutting my pattern pieces

As for tools needed:
✔Red velvet fabric
✔2 7 inch zippers for sleeves
✔1 22 inch zipper for back of dress
✔Stretch needle
✔Silk thread

Step 1 involved ruffling the armhole and front bodice side.  For some odd reason I love ruffling.  More tomorrow...

Progress Report Now that you've seen my progress on 1520, here's an update on 2016 Sewing Plan.  My goal is to complete every project by December 31st. 

• Simplicity 8202B: Done. Done. Done. (I'm singing and dancing in the rain...)
• New Look 6449B: I need to reinstall the facing.  I did a horrible job the first time
• McCall 7441C:  Need to install the sleeves (I'm really scared of sleeves)
• Simplicity 8124: Pattern cut but I'm not sure if I like the fabric I choose.  Back to the drawing board
• Vogue 1520: Cut pattern and Fabric
• Baby Leggings:  Partner And Fabric cut. Wearable Muslim Done
• Sew much ado Infant peasant dress: Done!  Photos coming soon.
• Sew much ado Infant peasant dress with scallop edge and larger:
• Simplicity : Infant set Done! Photos coming soon.  
• Simplicity shorts: Done! Photos coming soon!
• See and Sew : shorts set for kids.  Done!  Photos coming soon!
• Simplicity 8110: make at least 3 bibs
• Vogue 9173: skirt for mommy  Could not find the fabric so I am making her a dress instead. 

I have a lot of pictures to take.  :-)

 

Holiday Party Dress 10 Days

Stressful!!!  I love a challenge.

Last night I spent the night working on a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) and a Muslin.  I have only 11 days to make this dress.  I'm sweating and panicking. 

 

My challenge begins with a Full Bust Adjustment.  There's two ways to do an FBA: cutting the pattern in 3 places or a pivot.  Vogue 1520 bodice is one full piece with the left and right sides so I decided to explore the pivot method. 

After tracing the front bodice on newspaper, I proceeded to pivot the original pattern 1.5 inches on both sides of the bodice.

 

Here's my new front bodice.

 

Then I made a purple muslin using some leftover Interlock fabric.  The interlock fabric was perfect to use as a muslin, because it has the same amount of stretch as my stretch velvet fabric. 

 

The muslin was very large in the waist line so I scaled down 2 inches for the waist.  Tomorrow I will cut out my fabric and complete step one. Hopefully...

 

Holiday Party Dress 12 days left

A few weeks ago I purchased Vogue Pattern 1520 and beautiful red velvet.  So my company's Holiday Day Party is coming up and this is the dress that I HAVE to wear.  Tonight I will work on a Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) and hopefully have enough time to make a muslin. I have 12 days, 8 hours, and 15 minutes left. Let the challenge begin...

Buzzing Buzzer

My daughter was given a challenge to complete during Thanksgiving break.  She needed to make something to hide a buzzer/alarm.  Where should she hide an alarm ...in a Teddy Bear!

So this became a mommy and daughter project. We worked together tracing and cutting out pieces.  It was a great way to catch up with my daughter and I love spending quality time with my babies.

(Sorry for the dark pictures...horrible lighting.)

How Joyful Bear
Find pattern here

Pattern Description:

Adorable teddy bear

Pattern Sizing: 

N/a

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes thank goodness!  When  I saw the pattern pieces I was a little worried.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Kind of.  Some of the names did not match.  The pattern directions states "Forehead" but the pattern piece says Front.  It was frustrating because we were not sure if we were using the right piece and we did not want to make any mistakes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked how the pattern was label.  Each corner or curve has a letter.  It became a matching game.  We had to match the letters to see where to sew pieces together.  Had some trouble with the labeling.



Fabric Used:

Fleece---It's so soft.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No changes were made. 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I am not sure if I am going to make the Joyful Teddy Bear again.  I might make it for a baby shower gift. 

Conclusion: 

The pattern description on the pattern piece and in the directions would labeled differently.  The direction also includes a pattern number for each piece, however the pieces were not numbered. It was kind of tricky working with fleece.  I used a stretch needle and a walking foot.  I am not sure if that was the beat way but it worked. Every piece was basted by my lovely daughter before stitched on the sewing machine.   This project required some hand stitching.  To attach the head to the body I had to hand sew them together with an invisible stitch.


head

Front of bear.  Bully button poking out.
I'm too sexy for my tail.  Back of Joyful bear


This was adorable.  my daughter's teacher was very impressed.

Bib Simplicity 8110 View E

I was in Wal-mart shopping for bibs.  Out of NOWHERE something hit me...I should make my own bibs.  Shoot how hard could it be.  I strolled over to the Pattern drawer and found Simplicity 8110.  I didn't see the bib at first because it is hidden on the bottom left hand side of the pattern envelope. 

This pattern is a bib.  It has a pocket in the front which makes it great for my little girl.

  Picture on the bottom left. 

There was still one problem, where will I find fabric that's easy to clean?  Fabric that is water resistant or wipe off clean.  I wanted something that I could just wipe off.  The next day I went to Joann's and found "Babyville Boutique Waterproof PUL Fabric".  It's designed for bibs, diaper covers, and etc.  There's three in a pack so I started with this one.

Isn't is adorable!!!!

Half way through I stopped to admire my work.  I'm getting better.  WOOHOO!

 

Finish product!!!

My baby rocking her new bib!!!

 

What's my next project?

Who knows!!! Let the adventure continue.

 

 

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

 Get all the baby accessories you need in this fun pattern designed by Andrea Schewe. Pattern includes floor play mat, high chair play mat, stroller blanket and organizers, and wrap-around apron bibs.

 

Pattern Sizing:

One Size fits all

 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

It looks just like the photo on the pattern envelope.

 

Were the instructions easy to follow?

It was extremely easy to follow.  There was only 3 steps the bib.  The instructions were extremely easy to follow.

 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

The pattern does not instruct you how to close the binding drawstring.

 

Fabric Used:

Waterproof PUL Fabric

 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No pattern alterations made.

 

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I am making two more bibs.

 

Conclusion:

The straight edge of bib, shoulders, and lower edges are encases with binding.  This was my first time working with binding so I basted the binding to the PUL Fabric before stitching it on the sewing machine.  This pattern was extremely easy.  I love how it looks.  Definitely a great addition to my collection of bibs. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy gobble gobble day!

 

 

 

Simplicity 1165--Sha Sha Shorts

I made these a few months ago but I wanted to share it with you.

My daughter is 10 years old 2 weeks shy of being 11.  I purchased a children sewing pattern for shorts and the largest size (16) was too small.  So I purchased Simplicity 1165 and she's a size 8!!!  I was shocked.  Kids grow so fast.



It's okay because I knew that she would love her shorts.. She is obsessed with the color pink.  While shopping I asked her to find fabric that would look good as a pair of shorts.  Everything she showed me was pink.  The majority of her closet is pink.  So I challenged her to pick a fabric with absolutely no pink.  She needs to broaden her horizons.  Finally I selected the fabric below  and she was not happy.  .

 

She wasn't happy until she saw her brand new shorts

 

Pattern Description:

Misses' pull-on bottoms with pockets include slim pants cut lengthwise or crosswise, shorts that are just above the knee, and short shorts with trim.

Pattern Sizing:

Size 6 to 22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

yes it does!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.  I was a little confused with the yoke and pocket thing. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I enjoyed making this pattern.  The package is correct it is "Easy to Sew".

Fabric Used:

Cotton purchased at Joann's

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I didn't make any changed to the design.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Absolutely.  It's a great pattern for a beginner like me.  It took me one evening to sew this pattern.

Conclusion:

Lightweight fabrics like jersey and double georgette was the recommended fabrics. But when I found this fabric.  I knew it would look great.  This cotton fabric did not have any stretch.  The size 8 waistband was too short so I cut a size 10.   My daughter loves these. I will definitely make them again.

 

New she wants another pair.  This time I think I will make it with a pink gingham.  LOL!  I can't punish her.

Discouraged

I can't believe I'm saying this (typing this) but, I'm afraid.  I have made so many mistakes that I'm not sure if I should try another project. 
I envisioned a closet full of custom made garments.  I am far from that.  After messing up the Vogue 8898 dress I don't want to make anything for me.  I've made a few items for my girls but nothing to call home about.  I am going to take a break and rethink this.

Grandmomma Mode

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!

My mom is an awesome grandmother.  My kids call her "Grandmomma".  Isn't that so proper.  My mom drives me crazy sometimes but, she has a good heart.  


 (DIY Skirt and Scarf made by Grandmomma)

This past Friday my mother calls me
and says have you checked your text
 messages.   I look at my messages
and see she made a house dress
for my newborn.  I made so much
noise from sheer joy.   My coworkers
thought I had lost my
marbles.  Look how adorable
my Babette looks.




Progress Report

• Sew Much Ado Infant Peasant Dress ---Done. Done. Done.! Woohoo!!!
• New Look 6449B: I need to reinstall the facing.  I did a horrible job the first time
• McCall 7441C:  Need to install the sleeves (I'm really scared of sleeves)
• Simplicity 8124: Pattern cut but I'm not sure if I like the fabric I choose.  Back to the drawing board
• Vogue 1520: Working on Part 2
• Baby Leggings: Muslim Done
• Vogue 8898 : need to resolve issue with bust arm hole amd finsh neckline

Hopefully if I keep up with my Progress Report I will not end up with UFOs.  But it’s not looking good. 

Sew Much Ado Peasant Dress

Some of you already know that I have  a newborn.  She's 4 months old and adorable.  I love her to pieces.  I was browsing online and found an awesome pattern for an infant peasant dress.  Check out this pattern here.

I found this beautiful fabric at Walmart in the Remnant Bin.  Sometimes you can find some good stuff at Walmart.  Always keep your eyes open.

Pattern Review
Pattern Description:
Infant peasant dress with elastic neckline and sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:
I cut the size 3 to 6 month.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!!!!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked everything about the pattern.

Fabric Used:
Quilting Cotton purchased at Wal-Mart. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I follow the patterns and no alterations needed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I am working on one now with some alterations.  Definitely recommend it to others especially beginners.

Conclusion:
I made this dress for my 4 month old daughter.  It was easy to sew.  Installing the elastic was tricky but I managed. I am working on a second peasant dress in a larger size with some alterations.

Bam Simplicity 8202B

Ladies and gentlemen it is done and ready to mingle.  8202B took forever to make.  Or maybe it felt like forever because I was ready to see the final product or because I didn't have a lot of time to work on it daily. It has been pretty crazy at work recently and when  I get home  I rarely have time to sew. Se Lavi!

What I Learned:

Buttonholes and Buttons:

I couldn't find the manual for the sewing machine so I kind of winged  it.  The buttonhole foot was tricky.  either way its done.  Woo woo!!!  I couldn't figure out the button foot so the buttons were hand sewn on.

I made this dress for my little Babouska (nickname).  She's slim but tall for a six year old.

I cut a size 7 in length but a size 4 waist.  In the end I still had to cut 3 inches from the waist. My skinny Minnie!   I love her so much.

She's definitely going to be a model.

~ENJOY!~