2017 Wrap Up

Here we are!  The end of 2017.  Where did the year go?  I have learned a lot this year and made less than I planned.  In the beginning of the year, I planned on making 100 projects.  I was pretty ambitious considering this beginning my 1st Sewing Year. I have made a total of 55 items and 24 of them for myself.  I was very productive in the month of December!  Matter of fact:  I made a skirt this morning.  Go figure!  

The beginning of this year, I was purchasing fabric, sewing patterns, and notions like Joann’s was going out of business.  Thankfully by the end of the year the desire to shop has disappeared.

2017 was an emotionally draining year.   My father-in-law passed away in January.  My family and I still haven’t come to terms with it.  This morning I grabbed my cell phone because I was going to call him to wish him a happy new year.  It was at that moment that it dawned on me. I couldn’t call him on the phone.  That moment made me realize that I still have some healing to do.

 My husband and I both changed jobs this year.   There was a lot going on my first two weeks At this new property.  The chaos really took a toll on me and even worse a toll on my family.  I was leaving my home at 5 AM and not getting home until 10 pm some times later.  I’m six weeks into this role I feel that it’s getting a little better.  I’ve made gradual changes which is the key to keeping my sanity I am working with a great team though that’s open minded so This makes the transition a little easier 

Well let’s get started with this Year End Review.

I’ve accomplished three big goals this year!

1)      Sewing Knits

2)      Working with a Serger

3)      Installing a neckline

Now on to the bad...UFOs

I have a lot of UFOs.  I’m not sure how I ended up with so many UFOs.  In 2018, I am going to dedicate the month of January to completing UFOs and mending some garments.  Some of my projects just need to be hemmed.  Others need a little more love.

UFOs-Need to complete

-See and Sew 5908 pants

-Olive McCall 7441 (I’ve worn this jacket a few times) -finish the sleeves

-McCall 6886 LBD-  Just needs hemming

-Simplicity 1249 dress

-McCal 7542 Turquoise top- need to install the facing

-Turquoise dress Burda 9438---need to install the pockets

-Pink bow dress See & Sew 5629

-See and Sew blouse 6475--need to install the facing

-Simplicity 8519 Pants 

Going to the Doctor (me) for mending

-Simplicity 1283 African Print skirt

-Simplicity 1283 Red velvet zipper back skirt

-Vogue 1531 coral dress

-McCall 9021 pink polka dot top (the neckline is too big)

-Pink tulle skirt

-McCall 7440 mend sleeves

-Pink floral Simplicity 1382

-Camouflage jacket Burda 7734

-McCall 6884 wrap dress 

Ok so now for the 2017 Garment Awards

My favorite garment is my Bohemian Style Skirt New Look 6516.  Every time I wear it I feel like I am on vacation.

My favorite and only Mommy and Me Outfit

Favorite Formal Outfit:

Favorite Jacket



















Favorite Dress(es)  I couldn't decide on one

 

Favorite Poncho

My most worn garment is Simplicity 8379 which is a house dress!  I am thinking about making this pattern again in a solid knit to wear out.  Let’s see how that goes.

My most difficult make was Vogue 1531:

My quickest make:

You ever feel like you made a mistake by not making a pattern.  Well, this year I wish I made the following patterns:

McCall 7626

McCall 7627

Simplicity 8414

Simplicity 8415

I know I can make these patterns in 2018, but sometimes I walk into my closet and say “I have nothing to wear.”  Then out of nowhere, one of the four patterns listed above pops into my mind.  Then I say out loud “I wish I made that pattern.”  I do not want to say those words ever again.  So in February I would like to make at least 2 of the 4 patterns listed above.  

How many garments did you sew in 2017?  Did you sew everything on your sewing plan?  Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful NEW YEAR!

Poncho for Autumn, Simplicity 8428

I am really behind on my posts.  There's quite a few projects that I need to update you on. 


A few months ago, I will looking for a pattern to make for my 3 year old.  I came across this poncho pattern and knew I had to make it.  I decided to use a fleece fabric.  I've worked with Fleece before, so this was an easy project.  Check out my previous fleece projects here.   This is my first time making a Poncho and definitely

I decided to make View A without the ruffles.  The butterfly applique was purchased at Wal-Mart.

Sewing Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

This adorable Child's poncho is featured in two lengths with or without a hood and pockets.

Pattern Sizing:

S-M-L

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?

The pattern was very easy to make.  The instructions included tips for working with fleece.  Most of the tips in the instructions mirrored my Fleece tips from my previous post ( link post here)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

There's nothing to dislike about this pattern.

Fabric Used:

Fleece 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I decided not to add the ruffles.  If I make this pattern again, I will make it with the ruffles .  I would also add ruffles to the good.

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

I would love to sew this pattern again but I have quite a few items on my sewing plan.  

Conclusion: 

This poncho was very easy to make.   I took my time making this project and enjoyed the sewing process.  My sewing machine struggled with the thickness of the fleece fabric.  I will avoid using fleece for a while.  

This was my first time hand pick.  So it took me some time to wrap my head and hands around it.  Lol! If anything I would say this is a perfect for a beginner.  

My favorite part of this poncho is the neckline and the butterfly applique..

Fall Sewing Plan

27 more projects in 57 days

5 tops

2 skirts

1 pair of pants or a jumpsuit (first time for everything 

7 dresses

1 cape

2 tops for my tween

2 shorts for my son

1 romper for my 3 year old

1 dress for my 3 year old 

Add on----> Poncho for my 3 year old!  I will make changes to my sewing plan later.

2 dresses for my 6 year old 

2 rompers for my toddler

1 dress for my mom

And something for DH--> Done. Check out my post here

Hello December

Hello December!  There is so much that I need to update you guys on.  I have not been consistent about my posts but I have been sewing.  I am going to work on catching you guys up on my Fall Sewing Plan and My Winter sewing plan.  I need to work on photos.  That is truly the reason why I haven't posted anything in almost a month.  That and my new job is keeping me busy.

A few months ago, I tried to make 30 items in 90 days.  Did I achieve that goal?  Drum Roll Please.  Nooo.  Epic fail.  I made 19 items.  So for the winter my sewing plan is to complete the remaining items from my Fall Plan and add some staple items to my wardrobe.  I definitely would like to try that challenge again.  So maybe this coming spring I will try it again... it being "30 items in 90 days."

This is the pattern that I am working on today.  My next post will have some of my fall projects. 

 

Make 30 in 90 days

I did not complete the 30 in 90 challenge.  I started a new job and have not had any time to sew.  I made a total of 5 items.  It's sad I know.  Maybe I will try this challenge again some day.

 

Have a wonderful week. Enjoy!

Last Minute Sewing Kwik Sew 3497

Well I am here!  I am sorry that I have not posted any of my recent projects. It has been a crazy 3 weeks.  I transferred to a new property and I have had to adjust to the change.  The first two days I thought I had made the wrong decision to transfer there.  But now I realized that I am here for a reason and my goal is to improve my department. So I am going to give this property 200%.  Change is never easy but it is worth it.

I’ve relied on my family and sewing to calm my nerves.  Now if I can find time to take pictures we will be on the right foot.

Yesterday I woke up and decided to make a top to wear to work.  I chose Easy Stitch -n- save McCall 9144 which is also Kwik Sew 3497.  This top was made with sleeves.  I decided to use the sleeves from Kwik Sew 4207.

For Kwik Sew 3497/Easy Stitch -n- save 9144 was cut in a size medium neckline, Extra Large bust, and the remainder of the top in a size Large.  I made a mistake with cutting the back piece.  I forgot to cut the neckline.  So I made me own neckline instead of using the pattern piece.  So the back neckline is a little lower than the pattern piece.  Then I cut the size Large sleeves from Kwik Sew 4207.  This is a great top to wear under blazers and cardigans.

The fabric I used was purchased at Joann’s in May.  It was a 1 yard remnant and I was determined to make a shell with this fabric.

This was a very quick sew.  I used my serger to make most of this top and finish the neckline, sleeves, and hem with my sewing machine.

I have a few more remnants in my stash that I would like to use as tops.  I will probably use this pattern a few more times before I retire it.

If you have this pattern definitely make it.

Screenshot Frenzy

Screenshot Frenzy

November 11, 2017

Good afternoon!  My apologies for not pushing on Friday.  This has been an interesting week.  I am completely drained.  I do have great news.  I applied for a position at one of the sister properties and I was offered the position.  Unfortunately, I only have one week to wrap up everything here.  With all of this and really life and trying to meet deadlines, I have had an exhausting week. 

It's now time for my favorite (besides posting completed projects)! Screenshot FRENZY!

Everyone knows I love black and white prints.  This is no exception!  This is a great go to work look and or going out in the town look.

Classy Jumpsuit:  This bright yellow jumpsuit is gorgeous.  I love the tie front belt, ruffle sleeves, and wide legs.  Super cute.

This jumpsuit is gorgeous with the split sleeve and the back has a beautiful cape like look .

This Ankara top is a great look.  I love how the peplum off shoulder and sleeve come together to make a killer top.

Cute! Cute! Cute!

Vavavoom!  I think this is gorgeous and simple at the same time.  The off shoulder and the hourglass shape makes this dress a show stopper.

This is a vintage  dress and  it's super cute.

This is a quilted velvet skirt.  This skirt is gorgeous.

This dress from Liligal is cute because of the tie front.  This is my first time finding a long sleeve tie front dress. 

This top is the BUSINESS!!!!  I LOVE.  This look is achievable.  Use McCall 7325 as a guide.

Yves Saint Laurent is one of my favorite designers but out of my price range.

I love this animal print cardigan.

Another cute and simple dress from Yves Saint Laurent.  You can achieve this look with Simplicity 8415.

This graphic leather jacket by Yves Saint Laurent is hot!

I really love this suede skirt also by Yves Saint Laurent.  I have some suede in my fabric stash.  This might be the start of something.

My Favorite Screenshot Frenzy Look:

No words!  Just drop the mic!  Lol!  This gown is on trend and gorgeous!

Well that's all that I have for you this week. Which screenshot did you love the most? Have a great weekend!

Screenshot Frenzy Friday

Screenshot Frenzy Friday

November 3, 2017

This week was exhausting.  You know when life throws a curveball and how mentally and emotionally draining it is.  It's even more draining to bounce back from it.  Just remember that curveballs can encourage you to open a new door.  I am going to stay optimistic despite all of the madness.
Well on to my screenshots.

 

This plaid wrap top from TBDress reminds me of  McCall 7627.  Now that it's Autum. It is time to pull out plaid print fabric and garments.

 

This skirt is super cute with the ruffles.  Modify Vogue 9173 to make this skirt.

 

 

I love the flutter sleeves on the dress.  Simplicity 8292 is perfect for making this pattern.
 

 

This Rosewe's asymmetric top is hot, hot hot!
 

I love black and white prints ad this dress is on fire.  I mean who doesn't love a black and white print.  The fabric used for this dress makes this dress really stand out.
 

 

This top is dramatic.  There's one shoulder exposed with a bow detail.  I love white tops and this top is on the top of my list.

 

Loving the skirt of this dress!!!  Is there a pattern that I could use to achieve this look?

 

Another great skirt and the tie front detail adds a great touch.
 

 

This dress is so simple but there is something about a red dress that makes you want to get up and dance. The one shoulder ruffle neckline makes this dress impeccable.

Loving this jumpsuit with the double flutter sleeves.  Did I mention that blue is my favorite color?

 

I think I have to recreate this look.  Stay tuned!

 

K Mills Collections offers some gorgeous dresses.  There was a photo online of a wedding party wearing this dress.  All I can say is Wow!

This batwing sleeve top is from TB Dress is super cute and I love peplums.

 

This Banana Republic dress is cute.  I can wear this dress with sneakers.  Bonus!!! I want a dress like this in heather grey

 

The sleeves, the sleeves, the sleeves.  I am so excited about this look!

I love this top.  You can make this top by combining  a simple shirt pattern with a cardigan pattern
like Simplicity 8059 or Simplicity 8377.

 

Another great black dress with an interesting neckline.

Heres another dress that is simple but cute.  

Did you notice that I like asymmetric hems!the stripes makes this dress super cute.
 

 

I love this maxi dress.  It has perfect draping and simply chic and it looks comfortable.

 

How should I describe this dress.  This layered sleeve tie front dress is gorgeous.

 

If you have noticed,  I love simple garment with small details that makes the garment a show stopper. The neckline of this dress is exactly the small detail I am talking about.  

Rosewe great dress!  I love the lace sleeves.  I really getting into lace accented garments.

 My Favorite screenshot of the week:

Ashley Stewart off shoulder dress!  This would be a great dress to wear to a party. 

 

That's all for me this week.

 

What have you been up to?  Which screenshot do you like the most?