BWOF

My daughters picked this up for me while they were out and about the other day. I'm very late since December is just about over, but I wanted to get my hands on a copy. For all the BWOF fans out there who probably have January's copy in hand already, I'm going to subscribe to this again. I had stacks of these magazines pre-2000 and I believe they all got thrown out after we had a fire in our home the next year! I see several styles in this issue that I'd like to make. I already have pattern tracing paper, so there's no excuse, right! LOL

New Look 6664

Here's Alana, Christmas Eve and on the move, wearing New Look 6664. It fit perfectly! I finished around noon! We were at my sister's home for dinner.

I'm Glad I Sew!

Yesterday I hung out with my daughters and the grandbaby. Guess where! The Mall! A different one over in Merrillville, Indiana. Now like I said before, I hardly ever go to the mall anymore. I haven't been to this one since last Christmas!

Anyway, we were looking around JCPenney. They had a lot of clothing. A LOT!! It looks like nothing was bought from that store for Christmas. It looked fully stocked. I saw a few items, but not enough to buy because I didn't like the fabric, the color etc. So both my oldest daughter and I (the younger one doesn't sew) were saying we could make this or that! LOL

Which is the reason for the post title. I am so glad because I can have anything I want! In the color, fabric and whatever size, whether it's one size on top and another on the bottom, it will fit! You can make the length to suit your taste. And I also think that's one of the reasons why a lot of us have so much fabric in our collections because the possibilities are endless for what you can do. You may change your mind about the fabric once you get it home! But that is why it's so gratifying to create my own garments because of the effort that goes into every detail no matter how simple it is or time-consuming. Have the look you want! SEW SEW SEW!!! LOL Oh and BTW, I only bought a creme brulee chiller and a cinamon sugar pretzel at the mall. (I know, I have to stay away from the sugar) :)

This and That!

Did everyone finish their Christmas sewing? I managed to make something for my granddaughter to wear on Christmas Eve. It's the New Look 6664 out of the dark green corduroy. I haven't downloaded any pictures. She was moving around so fast, we'll see how they come out. But she looked so cute!

These are resolutions from Fabric.com. Sounds good, but will anybody do this for real? I always think that I'll do the fourth one, but that never happens. LOL We'll have to be very disciplined!

“New Years Resolutions for Sewers”

1. I will not add anything to the stash unless something comes out – not that I have room to add anything else.

2. I will buy extra yardage of the main fabric because it’s inevitable that I will get close to the end and not have enough.

3. I will buy fabric if I LOVE it. Hey, if I don’t buy it now it won’t be there when I need it and come back, right?

4. I will not start a new project until I have finished the first project. No more half-finished quilts and skirts!

5. I will read the instructions several times before I start a project. My seam ripper needs a break and my mouth could use some cleaning…

6. I will do a test run of the quilt block or clothing item I am making to be sure it looks how I planned BEFORE I start in on the expensive material.

7. I will finally clean my sewing area and *sigh* throw away that stuff I haven’t needed in years.

8. I will learn to love my pins and not just see them as an unnecessary step.

Happy Holidays!

The Mall!

Oh Goodness! I went to the mall today with my youngest daughter who is here from ATL for the next nine days! I haven't gone to a mall in a very long time! I prefer fabric stores! LOL So today was not so bad because I expected it to be crowded. It was! I expected it to be difficult to find a parking space. Well that part was actually easy. Some nice soul pointed out that they were about to leave and we could have their's. I couldn't wait to 'pay it forward' when we left!! The only reason we went to the mall was to get some things for my husband. I managed to get some things and I was ready to go. My daughter found something for him also. Just now, I placed an order online for one other item and I can pick it up in the morning! It's near that mall, but not in it! hahahaha I will have to post later what has kept me from sewing the past few weeks. Happy Holidays!!

Not Sewing Yet!

But I want to, LOL!! I did not sew last week, at all! I've been very busy working on a project that I've got to be caught up on for my church work. Not fun, but I've got to do it. And I usually don't bring stuff home to work on. However, I plan for this project to be current in a few days so I can get back to sewing!

Fabrics for Upcoming Projects!

Ok, here's my to do list:
I'm making McCalls 5060 View D, fabric from Gail K's in Atlanta. My fabric is turned sideways-oops! LOL














McCalls 4930, the pants in brown fabric from Joann's















Butterick 3189 View D skirt with flounce hem in a dark berry or cranberry knit













Butterick 4602 View D skirt in dark brown wool













New Look 6664 for Alana in a dark green corduroy with very small sequined accents! My daughter bought this because SHE was going to make it! HA











McCalls 5335 View B Jacket and View C Skirt in black














Simplicity 3631 View B Jacket, I'm finally going to make this, but I think I'll change my sleeves after reading Carolyn's review (http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/)














Butterick 4690 View C Skirt in a faux suede

Vogue 7662 Jacket and Skirt, I've had this pattern for several years and the fabric as well, a red silk. The small picture of the suit in an orange is an exact copy of the pattern. I believe I cut that picture out of a Barrie Pace catalog!













Simplicity 3775 View F Dress with long sleeves.













That's a lot, but one project at a time. I'll probably tackle the easier things first like the skirts and pants, and a few of the projects are already cut out. The fabrics came from my collection except for a few that were just recently purchased! Until next time...

No SWAP

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving holiday. Ours was a quiet, at home dinner with all the fixings. Now to prepare for Christmas! My youngest daughter will be coming for ten days and we'll be quite busy! Of course, no gift shopping has been done! LOL I plan to be done by the 15th, hehehe!

I've decided not to do the SWAP. All of my fabrics and patterns are selected, but I am lacking some pieces for tops/blouses that'll coordinate with the skirts and slacks etc. Now I guess I could easily go out and purchase more fabrics, but what is chosen already is at 11 pieces. I don't know, I really wanted to do this as a SWAP. I'm still planning to sew the garments since I've pulled everything out! LOL I'll post pictures tomorrow of my fabrics and patterns. I've completely changed my mind about the first wardrobe pattern that was originally going to be used.

To All My Blog Readers!

McCalls 5434

This was very easy to put together. The top has wrapped fronts with self-ties and three-quarter sleeves. The skirt has a mock wrap front with elastic casing. The length comes just below my knees. It was very comfortable to wear. I used the knit jersey from Fabric Mart, one of the items in my first purchase from them!
The top & the skirt has top stitching all along the neck & front edges as well as the hems. No facings. The skirt is top-stitched on the front overlay of the wrap. The only notion you need is thread! I will make this again in another knit type fabric.
This time I have a pic wearing the finished garment. My daughter was over and I got her to do the picture taking.

Jersey Fabric

I'm working on the charcoal jersey fabric I bought from Fabric Mart using McCalls 5434. Will post pictures of the finished garment soon!

Fall Color!

My neighbor's tree is so BEAUTIFUL!!

Sewing With A Plan Fabric Choices - A Few

Now that the SWAP idea is in my mind, I have a few fabrics from the stash I'd like to work with. The first picture is a faux suede that I think came from Fabric.com. It's been around for awhile. About two years ago, my daughter decided she didn't like it and gave it to me. I will make a jacket from it, but not from the pattern that was posted a few days ago. There are 7-8 colors in this piece.

The other fabrics will go nicely. Of course, I have black for a pair of slacks. I still want to use S4273 and I'll probably make that jacket in a solid. Hopefully all the patterns and fabric choices will be complete by this weekend so I can get started. I'll keep you posted.

Quick Project

Completed over the weekend, Butterick 4403, View C/D

Color: Dark Brown Crepe

This was an easy to put together project. It wasn't exactly 'next' on my plan to sew list. I wanted something quick and I just bought this fabric about 2 weeks ago, and I've been looking at this pattern over and over.
The skirt is straight with darts on front & back, centered zipper and a back slit. The shirt/jacket has upper and lower panels which are accented with ribbon top-stitched over the seam. The patch pocket on the upper front has a ribbon accent as well. Covered buttons were used to finish off the garment. (These are not very good pictures. I know.)

Paying It Forward!

I read about 'Pay It Forward' on Gold's blog and thought I'd do the same. I think this is a great idea! Now I'm going to write the rules as I remember! For the first three people who comment on this post, I am to send a gift that I've made! And you will receive it within 365 days! LOL I do not have any idea what the gift will be just yet, but it will be handmade. The only thing you have to do is the make the same notice on your blog! It sounds like fun so come on and get on board!
I have no new sewing to report since I did nothing last night. I'm feeling much better and I should have something to share over the weekend. Have a great day!!

SWAP

I have been thinking of doing a SWAP (Sewing With A Plan) using Simplicity 4273. I have plenty of fabric in my stash to go to. The whole concept of all the pieces coordinating is why everytime I read about another SWAP starting up on a sewing board, I always consider it. I'll probably be a sideline participant though. I can set up a similar timeline and be accountable to myself LOL. I'd also do other projects in between.

My mind isn't made up just yet, but I'm leaning towards doing this more and more. I'll keep you posted!!

Shirts Complete!

The third shirt was completed last night.

I used Simplicity 4695, View D, but the length is View C. Again, it was easy to sew. The top/tunic has side slits and a collar which is optional which I chose to apply. The sleeves have slits instead of a cuff. This print can be worn year-round. I already have something to go with this, but below, I have a picture of some fabric from my stash that's been sitting around for awhile. It will go perfect with the pink. I like to wear color in the winter because everybody around me usually resorts to black, brown and gray. The cold, winter season stays too long around here to only wear those colors. LOL

These buttons go with everything! I've used them on all of the three shirts. They're shell buttons that I bought at Joann's. My daughter pointed these out to me. They're 5/8" which was perfect for my shirts!

Here's the fabric with the shirt. It really does coordinate well. Not looking so much so in this pic! LOL

I had problems with Blogger earlier, none of the pictures would upload. Very wierd! But all seems well for now.

Until next time...

Two Tops Done!

Happy Monday!
I didn't quite finish all three as planned, but I have two completed tops to share!

The white shirt is Simplicity 8872 View C. The fabric is 100% cotton. This was very easy to put together. It's semi-fitted with 3/4 length sleeves. It has turned-back cuffs, but I can wear them down. I did not have a white shirt in my wardrobe!









This is McCalls 3340 View E. The fabric is a georgette print. Princess seams with front button closure, and a shaped hem. I've made this up in various views several times. I really like this style shirt. It was easy to put together also.








Here's an up close picture of the cuff. The pattern has cuff variations, but I like this one most of all in my previous projects of this pattern.









The third top is halfway complete, hopefully all done by tonight! Next up are new skirts and slacks.

All of the fabrics of my completed tops (and the one to come) are from Joann's clearance section. The one that I like to go to most often is not one of those Super Joann's. It has not yet been converted and I hope it never is! They seem to always have a good selection to choose from. And it's especially nice when they have those fabrics for 50% off! The employees are very nice too! They always ask what your plans are for the fabrics! LOL

Up Next

I have three patterns already cut and ready to go. They are actually placed on my sewing machine so when I go back downstairs, I might feel guilty if I cut out something else and complete that instead of working on the shirts LOL. But, I'm tempted to do that with the matte jersey shown in the previous post. No pictures to post for this entry, but hopefully will have something to share by Saturday. Until next time...

Fabric Mart Purchase

This is my first purchase from Fabric Mart! I am very pleased! Everyone always sounds so happy when they get their orders from them! Of course I wanted to try them out so I just got two pieces. (I needed more fabrics! LOL) The one on the left is a Poly Charmeuse Floral Cream/Pewter and the other is a Rayon Lycra Matte Jersey in Charcoal, looks black on here. So I've already chosen the patterns I'm going to use for these.











In the mail also was Vogue Fabrics sale flyer! Starts this Sunday for the next two weeks! Maybe I'll go by there, huh. LOL!

Latest Project

This top was completed over the weekend and worn on Sunday. I used New Look 6685, the top/blouse view. The fabric was from the clearance section of Joann's purchased earlier this summer. It was simple to sew which was why I was able to complete it by Saturday night. The only thing was the cuffs for the sleeves did not look like the pattern line drawing. The pattern piece was larger than the ordinary cuff, which I expected. But it was sewn just like a regular cuff. I can't think of the term I want to use for the type of cuff it looks like. Nevertheless, it all turned out ok, and I will have lots of choices of skirts or slacks to coordinate this top with. One other thing I liked about it though, was the facing was wider than usual. Instead of having the seam on the front edge, it's extra wide and the foldline is the edge. It makes it look like there is two pieces or an extra seam instead of one. Hope that made sense! LOL

New Fabric

While visiting Atlanta, my daughter took me to Gail K's Fabrics. I didn't even take a pic of the inside of the store. I heard about this store while reading someone's blog and it is jam-packed with all kinds of fabrics in various price ranges. I'd heard this store was very expensive. But I saw prices as low as $1, and then on up. I guess it just depends on what you're looking for. There is SO MUCH fabric in this store! It is not as large as your typical Joann's. No signs are up to say the wool is over here, or to indicate a silk table or cottons are in the section in the back of the store, etc. But the fabrics are all in their respective categories. I purchased just three pieces. A silk which is an olive with silver oriental designs, a polyester rayon print, and a brocade wool type that I'm making a coat. When I go back to ATL, I will visit this store again. Of course to see what they've got, which I'm sure I'll find something! hehehe!

My Trip to Atlanta

I visited my youngest daughter in ATL and we had a wonderful time! I've been there about 7 or 8 times. We usually go here, there, everywhere! This time, we just hung out. One of our hangouts was the Taste of Atlanta. It was very nice. Now I'm a Chicago girl, but this was not as congested as ours. The weather was wonderful and food was good! Here are a couple of pics to share.

The Orange Duiponi Two-Piece

Here's a pic of the two-piece I'd promised to share a couple of weeks ago. I even took it out of town but ended up not wearing it. So it will be for next summer.
Just a couple of up close pics of the top. It was really simple to sew. The top has darts in the front & back, and three-quarter length sleeves.

This is the sleeve detail. And has a lapped button application. Very easy, so I don't know why I hadn't finished this earlier in the summer!

This is the inside view of the pants. I used leftover threads from my stash in my serger to match the fabric, which worked out great!

I used the top from the Simplicity 5204 and the pants from McCalls 4034. The fabric is from Fashion Fabrics Club. I had this in my stash and started on it earlier this year and it became a UFO. There you go.

In the Process of Updating...

It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted. I've been very busy. I went to Atlanta to visit my daughter and had a very nice time! I bought a few fabrics from Gail K's while there (like I needed more fabric)! I have gone to Atlanta many times, but I'd never heard of this store until I read a very brief sentence about it on someone's blogs. I've been in my sewing area since I came back home, and cut out a few things. I will have a few pictures to share from ATL and my fabric purchases soon. And also hope to have some completed outfits to show as well. Until then, have a wonderful day and happy sewing!

New Vogue Patterns

The Vogue Patterns Winter/Holiday 2007 Collection is now available on their site! And, for a limited time, you can buy one and get another free as a gift from them, if it's of equal or lesser value! How fun! These are the ones I like so far:

V1017 V1020V8452 V8465