Gifts in the Mail!

I want to thank Ruta for such a beautiful gift of sewing magazines. A few I'd never heard of before. I won't have to buy another pattern!
And for a beautiful silk scarf and lovely card for my birthday. I've had so much fun looking at all the sewing projects I want to do! But I am going to calm down so I can choose something to work on because I know all of you who read my blog will want to see something, right, LOL

Thank you again Ruta.

Finally Finished V8317

Finally, I can show you OOP Vogue 8317. It's been complete for a few days. So here it is.

Pattern Description:

Misses/Misses Petite Top, Belt & Skirt. Fitted, lined top with shawl collar, long sleeves, contrast peplum (I used the same fabric for the peplum) with bias bound edges and front button closures. Belt has hook & eye closures, purchased decorative buckle. Lined skirt has darts, back zipper closure, back flounce, waistband with hook/eye closure.

Pattern Sizing:

AA(6-8-10-12), EE(14-16-18-20)

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? yes

Fabric Used: Not sure, it's been in my collection for years. I do remember getting it from Fashion Fabrics Club back in the day, LOL. I think it may be a poly damask, but just not sure of the exact name.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The patterns calls for lace as a contrast for the peplum. I used the same fabric for the peplum and I liked the binding effect that you can see on the edge in the pattern photo. I did not follow the pattern guidesheet instructions for that.

skirt back with flounce
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably won't sew this again, but I do recommend it if you've had it in your collection like me, LOL. It's still available on Vogue's website.

Conclusion: I've had this pattern for several years and have always rotated it back and forth to the drawer and then back out among my next to sew. I almost forgot to mention that I couldn't find any cute buckles at Joann's. I did find the buttons there and used the smaller ones for the belt area, just for now! LOL! The pattern is rated easy. A beginner may feel intimidated because of the lining and some of the instructions may seem too much. But I think if someone wanted this suit, they'd be very happy with the results.

My Suit Progress

Still working on the Vogue suit, just taking my time. It's not a difficult sewing project. I'm doing a little each evening. Last night I worked on adding the binding to the peplum before it's attached to the rest of the jacket. I don't like how it's turning out. I know why though. It's because of the fabric. So this evening I'll take it off and do it the way I should have in the first place, not the way the pattern guidesheet suggests.

Textile Discount Warehouse

To cas: Textile Discount Outlet is located at 2121 W. 21st Street in Chicago. It's about 2 blks west of Damen and north of Cermak or 22nd Street. The first time we went we took Cermak all the way over off of I-94. This time we got off at Damen from I-55 and drove north to 21st and took a left. It was faster that way. Street parking is available and a very small parking lot is located to the east of the building. The hours are listed on their website, which is under development. It is www.megafabrics.com

My four-year old granddaughter came with us yesterday. My daughter told her she would not be coming anymore, LOL! She wanted to run through the rows of fabric. It's not that type of place (what fabric store is). When we went downstairs, it smells kinda musty. It is an old warehouse. Besides apparel fabrics, they also have upholstery fabrics, loads & loads of trim. There's sewing notions & accessories like belt buckles, buttons & zippers. So have fun.

Working On V8317

Sorry I've been away from the blog. The break that I took from the sewing machine lasted much longer than planned. I'm working on this OOP V8317, using a fabric from my collection. I hope to have complete by this weekend. Below is the back of the skirt. It has a flounce and center back zipper. That's all the work I've done so far.

Today, my daughter and I went to Textile Discount Warehouse. It's been over four years since we were there because today we had a four year old with us. I didn't take any pictures but we went through the whole store and decided that we could have just stayed on the main floor rather than risk walking the steep steps to the upper and lower levels. We each bought only one piece of fabric. To me, it's a bit overwhelming. A lot of their stuff isn't even marked, but you can be sure, they know the price. My daughter really wanted to go there because we'd just seen a segment on 190North, which is a Chicago show that talks about things to do & see in and around the city. Anyway, their prices are good and if you have specific projects in mind, you'll be able to find something to take back home. I bought a black & white print that I haven't photographed yet. Will show soon.