Simplicity 8414 Bomber Jacket and Ankara Print

This jacket was a victim of abandonment.  I started this jacket on January 28th and Completed it on December 29th. 11 months later!  I am ashamed of myself. How did this beautiful jacket become an 11 month old WIP.  Thankfully I completes this project before the year ended.

This pattern is amazing and the fabric compliments the pattern lines.  I've worn this jacket every day since December 29th.  Maybe I should make one more.  Who knows I might end up with a collection of Me Made jackets.

This pattern had great instructions.  Simplicity always makes me feel like a professional even though I am a beginner.  Thank you so much Simplicity. Simplicity Patterns you have a special place in my heart.   

This jacket is made with Ankara jacket from my local fabric store.

My dream jacket had yellow cuffs, yellow collar, and a yellow and black zipper.  Unfortunately I didn't find yellow ribbed knit or a yellow and black zipper.  No worries I still love my jacket. 

 

Let's see what next on my cutting board. 

 

Talk to you later.  ~  Foxxy

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas All!

I hope that everyone is having an amazing day. 

My kids and I attended church service this morning and we're getting ready to have Christmas dinner. 

This is the first year that I've been home to celebrate Christmas day with my kids. Everyday my kids amaze me more and  more. They grow so fast.

Please cherish your family and be grateful for everyone who is present in your life.

I wish you and your family a happy Holiday season.

-Foxxy Stitches

Self Draft Ankara Skirt

😏Good day all!  Happy Monday!!!

This is what happens when you are determined to have a new skirt!  A few weeks ago, I entered my local fabric store and instantly fell in love with this fabric!  Can you blame me?

I do not have any skirts with a double flounce so I decided to make one.  The joys of sewing your own wardrobe.

It did not take long to make.  One and a half yards of fabric and 2 hours later, I had a new skirt. 

In order to make this skirt. I drafted a pencil skirt.  After fitting the pencil skirt, the remaiing fabric was cut into lare strips. The strips were sewn together and then gathered on one side.  I decided to wrap the fabric on top of the skirt and sew the strips on top.  

I wore this skirt to church and there was a lot of stares. :-)

My eldest daughter and I had amazing time at church.

Books

I read every book from the Bane Chronicles.  They are pretty quick reads.  It's entertaining to read the course of events in Magnus Banes point of view. 

This week, I have started reading "The Jewel" by Amy Ewing.  It really reminds me of the “Divergent” series by Veronica Roth.

This book is the first book of the “ The Lone City” trilogy.  The story line is placed in a world where the Royal family needs surrogates. This book is a page turner.  You guys should really check it out.  

What have you been up to this week? 

Navy Blue Pants: See and Sew 5908

Make Nine Challenge

I have made some progress with my Make Nine challenge. 2 done and 7 more to go.  I think I am going to make the first items again.  This is the first item that I made from my challenge See & Sew 5908.  I consider this a wearable muslin.  I originally cut this pattern and pattern pieces out in 2017.  I was 20 pounds heavier then.  I had to trim inches from the leg width.  I also had to take in the waist.  Then I realized that I do not want the pant legs so wide so I removed more from the leg width.  I wore them to work and I think I can take off a little more from the width and shorten just a bit.  I add a pop of color at the waist band with the pink binding. 

This is my first time making a pair of semi fitted pants, with a front fly zipper, and belt loops.  I am in love and definitely want to make this pattern again.

Sorry not the best photos. 

The fabric is navy blue but I can't remember where I purchased it. It was really easy too sew.  I was nervous about the front fly but the instructions were amazing.  

Surprisingly I had more trouble lining up the hook and eye than installing the zipper.  I know it sounds crazy.  Thank you Butterick!

Reading
In the last few months of 2018, I decided to turn back to my old ways. Reading.  I forgot how much I love to read.  There’s something about reading that makes me feel at peace.  It always me an opportunity to escape and enter an imaginary world. 

Since going back to one of my favorite hobbies, I've done a lot of reading.  I mean a lot. 

This week I'm currently reading "The Bane Chronicles".  This is a collection of 11 books by Cassandra Clare. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Make Nine

Make Nine 2018

Last year, I participated in the Make Nine challenge on Instagram.  January of last year, I assumed that I would have time to sew everything on my list.  I had to make a muslins for 6 of the 9 items relltequitrf a Muslim.  I truly did not have time for fitting issues.  So I had to put them to the side so I could work on items less time consuming.  From my original list, I made 2 of the 9 items.  I don't think I was realistic when I selected the patterns.  Sometimes we let our eyes out run our sewing machines.

However in 2018, I made 32 items.  These 32 items does not include all of my fail projects and muslins.  So I didn't do too bad.  Here's a view of 9 complete items from 2018. Sadly only a handful of items made it to this blog.
.

2018 Goals

Every year, we all drafted a list of items to work on aka New Years Resolutions/ Sewing Resolutions.  I planned to work on the following
2018 Goals:
-Master installing a neckline-Work in Progress
-Face my fear of making pants--Failed :-(
-Make a garment with Grommets--Complete :-)
-Make a garment using an Indie Pattern--Not Complete
-Continue working on the art of fitting--Work in Progress

I have decided to keep the same resolutions for 2019, except I am removing the garment with Grommets.  I'm adding the Make Nine challenge to my resolutions.

2019 Goals:
-Master installing a neckline
-Face my fear of making pants
-Make a garment using an Indie Pattern
-Continue working on the art of fitting
-Complete the Make Nine Challenge 
Make Nine 2019
For 2019,  I took a look in my closet to determine holes in my wardrobe.   This iswhat I came up with.

#1 Simplicity 8849

#2  Simplicity 8454

#3 Simplicity 8418

#4 Bow Tie Blouse

#5 Simplicity 8749

#6 McCall 7833

#7 McCall 7862

#8 McCall 7899

#9 See & Sew 5908

Are you participating in the Make Nine Challenge?  What do you have on your to do list?

Bow tie neck top

Guys!

I was online and came across  Meghan McCain’s leopard print bow tie neck blouse.  I instantly fell in love! 

I only own one bow tie neck blouse but it is RTW and it looks horrible on me.  I don't know about you but, when I buy RTW plus size clothing it either fits perfectly or not at all.  This blouse does not fit at all.  I wear size 38G and I usually have to buy blouses in a size 18 and hope and pray they fit just right. 

So in order to own a great fitting bow tie neck blouse, I would have to make it myself.

So I set out in search of the perfect pattern.  There’s sooooo many different options.  It’s crazy!

Just from my online search, I found the following patterns:

McCall 7868 View B
McCall 7436 View D
Simplicity 8216 View C
Burda 6460 View A
New Look 6471 View A
Burda 6840 View B
Butterick 6133 View A
Butterick 6419 View B and C
Marfy F5209
Marfy F5168
Butterick 6378 View A and B
Butterick 6563 View B
Simplicity 1779 View C
Vogue 9204
Pussy Bow Blouse by Sew Over It
Simplicity 8131 Has 6 views (my favorite views B, D, and F)
Simplicity 8593 View A and B

There's probably more but this list is long enough.  So it was time to narrow down my options.  First I had to look at the pattern lines and the patterns currently in my stash.

McCall 7868 View B
McCall 7436 View D
Simplicity 8216 View C
Burda 6460 View A
New Look 6471 View A
Burda 6840 View B
Butterick 6133 View A
Butterick 6419 View B and C
Marfy F5209
Marfy F5168
Butterick 6378 View A and B
Butterick 6563 View B
Simplicity 1779 View C
Vogue 9204
Pussy Bow Blouse by Sew Over It
Simplicity 8131 Has 6 views (my favorite views B, D, and F)
Simplicity 8593 View A and B

Here's the final contestants:

 

So now I need to find a nice leopard print fabric for my perfect top.  More to come soon.

 

By the way...

As I was in the mist of my search for the perfect blouse, I found a few more blouses I would like my hand at.

McCall 7836 View B
McCall 7688 View B
Burda 6525 View C
Simplicity 8840 View D
Simplicity 8791 View C
Simplicity 8693 View D
Butterick 6628 View A
Simplicity 8593 View E
Butterick 5945 View A (For my 5 year old)
Marfy F3466

There's so many great patterns but not enough time to make them all.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Tis the Season

Merry Christmas!  This season I decided to make some items that did have a lot of steps.  Sometimes we need a break from complicated projects.

I decided to make Burda 6754.  These slippers are sooooooo comfortable.

Next, Christmas decor pillows.  I found all of the fwbric at Joann’s.

 

Then I can across this beautiful fabric in the clearance section in Joann’s.  2 yards of this fabric was transformed into a tablecloth.  This is definitely my favorite make this month.

 

 

  Sadly enough I had to work today it’s a good thing because I got to spend time with my coworkers and thankfully I had the day off yesterday.  So I spent Christmas Eve with my family.

During my lunch break I tired decided to take a look at the McCall’s early spring patterns there’s quite a few patterns that I want to make. The question of the day is where will I have found find time to make so many different patterns.   McCall 7899 is my all-time favorite with the pleated waistline.

Have a wonderful holiday season!



 

Yellow and Black Blouse Simplicity 8601

Happy Thursday!

So you’re probably wondering how I faired with my 4 day weekend.  First I must say, I needed an extended work break.  I mean I really needed it.  See I work a lot.  I usually start my work day at 7am.  12 to 13 hour days are common.  I must admit that I am working less now than I used to work this time last year but still I work a lot.

My extended weekend entailed very little rest but I a lot of time with my family.  Much needed time to catch up.  My kids were thrilled.  I felt like I was attacked by my mini mes.  We colored watches movies read Christmas stories, danced, and cooked together. On the last day of my extended weekend I realized I was exhausted.  By then I knew I couldn’t do anything about it.  Nor would I change anything about how I spent my days off.  

I was able to make one thing.  My poor sewing wish list did not have a chance against my energetic children.

So I made Simplicity 8601 view A. When this partner was released I knew I had to make it.  I don’t know why it took me so long to make it.  I found this fabric at Walmart.  This fabric was easy to work it.

Modifications:  I cut the wrong sleeve size. The sleeve was too big for the armhole.  So I gathered the shoulder area.

  

I wore this blouse to work.  A few hours into the work day, I realized I forgot the hem the bottom of the blouse.  No problem. I tucked my blouse into my pants and rocked it.  

I will definitely make this pattern again.

What did you do Thanksgiving weekend?  Did you get any sewing done?

Absent

Good morning!

I’ve been super busy and haven’t had time to sew.  It’s horrible how life can take all of your time and energy.  Right now I am suffering from Sewing Withdraw. Have you ever experienced Sewing Withdraw?  If I don’t touch a sewing machine or hold a sewing needle in my hand I might lose it.  So this week I am determined to make something.  I might start with something small like a skirt.

During my sewing absence, I continued to daydream about future projects.  Oh how I wish I had a magic wand.  I would make all of my daydreams come true.

Despite not getting to sew, I have been keeping up with the latest sewing patternsz. There’s a few patterns on my wish list.

Number one on my list Vogue 9349.  I want to make all 3 views!  I know my mom would love view C.

There’s a few patterns by Indie companies That I would like to try my hand at.

Hvar jacket by Itch to Stitch

Is one of them.  Can you see this jacket made with suede!


Next up is the Appleton dress by Cashmerette.

Hot patterns Fast and Fabolous drape

blouse

Mimi G Jessica dress

Megan Nielsen Matilda Dress

Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse

And I can’t leave out Gertie Charm Patterns Night and Day Dress.  I’m obsessed with the black round neckline dress trumpet skirt that Gertie is wearing


Earlier this year I tried a Lekala pattern.  I guess I didn’t do a good job with the measurements because the neckline and upper bodice was wonky.  I might try this pattern again later on this year.

Since my last post I have been looking for sewing classes in my neighborhood.  I figured if I join a sewing class that I would stay on track with my sewing plan. I haven’t had much success.

Let me know how You stay focused.

Birthday Girl And Simplicity 1507

Look who's 2!  My little one just celebrated her 2nd birthday.  Time really flies.  I feel like I just brought her home from the hospital and now she’s an active toddler.

I knew I had to make my Lily Bop a birthday dress.

This adventure started during a trip to Joann.  I found this gorgeous pink fabric with lace. I purchased 2 yards and then went out in search of a matching fabric to make the bodice.  I found the matching fabric at my local fabric store.

I used Simplicity 1507 size 2 for the bodice and self drafted the skirt.  This is not my  first time making a children’s dress; so This  was an easy make.  Next time I want to make view B with the collar.

Have a wonderful weekend and happy sewing!

Denim Burda Hoodie Dress Burda 6457

The minute I laid eyes on Burda 6457 I knew I had to make it.  I was going to make this pattern for myself but my eldest daughter was googalee  eyeing the pattern cover.  So I make it for her.

I love to see her smile.  She brings me joy!

This was my first time working with denim. I used a denim needle to sew this together and denim thread to top stitch.  There was a lot of top stitching.

Now that I am looking at this I see can’t believe that I made this dress.  Amazing!!!

Next week I am going to take a few days off from work.  I want to work on some sprojects and also clean out my closet.  

 I plan to make a few items:

-McCall 6886 #2

-A skirt

-a dress for my 7 year old

- a pair of shorts for my eldest 

If I have time I am going to work on a pair of shorts for my son 

I hope you have a great weekend.  Happy sewing!

Christening Gown McCall 6221

I had the greatest honor of making my daughter's Christening gown.  For the baby,  I originally wanted a super long gown like the royal family.  I searched near and far for the perfect pattern and came across McCall 6221.

I chose this pattern because of the super long skirt and also the puff sleeves I think the sleeves  are adorable and add a special touch to the dress
During the first dress fitting I realized that my daughter is a running toddler.  So a super long royal family gown would lead to a super horrible accident.  So That dream went out the door.

I cut a size extra  large based on the pattern measurements for my daughter I should've cut a size large the skirt for a size large was ridiculously long.

This pattern calls for lace, an underlining and a lining.  The sleeve did not call for an underlining for the lake but I reminded him with the satin fabric so that it was uniform with the remainder of the dress

The difficult part was shorter than the skirt and determining how much to remove from the skirt in order to the cheese my desired look I also added a petticoat under the skirt to add a little bit of volume

I am still trying to update you guys on my makes since December 2017.

I have made 29 items so far.  Please do not be upset if I post photos without a full pattern review.  That’s all for today.

Happy sewing!

Lily Dedication--Simplicity

 What have you been up to?  I know I haven’t posted any updates since the beginning of the year. Please forgive me.  I haven’t had much time to post but I have made quite a few items since my last post.  I can’t wait for you to see all of my makes.  I will make a solid effort to update you on everything you’ve missed.

In December, we decided to dedicate my youngest three daughters.  It was difficult to find Rtw dresses for all three so I decided to make them dresses.

Trying to make the perfect dress is the three beautiful little girl was a very difficult task and required some creativity.



I used the same pattern for two of the dresses, Simplicity 8351.   This pattern was easy to make.  I can see myself using this pattern again in the near future.  The lace for my 3year olds dress can be found at Joann's.

I had a horrible time with the lace.  I wanted to make a petticoat but the lace and netting did not agree.

My three year old

My seven year old