Project Details

This was great opportunity to work with plaid on a very small scale. Even though I didn't perfectly line the print up the way I had wanted to, I know next time what to do differently. On version C of this pattern, it offered a cutting line as seen here for the cropped version that I made right underneath the second button. I also decided to use a button instead of eyehooks at the neck.

Project Details

Pattern: Butterick 4809 - Jacket D

Fabric: 100% cotton - black denim

This little denim shrug/cropped jacket is also a popular item with the teens. I used version D of this pattern and followed the instructions word for word with the exception of the contrasting collar. Not a lot I can say about this one other than the fact that the instruction were very easy to following... no problems here. BTW, here's the back.

Retail price $120 at Hayden-Harnett Handbags

Of course it does!

Hemp Flowers Necklace - Interweave Crochet Fall 2005

I've always heard that this is just plain wrong! Mrs. Billie Jean Reese could have atleast place a flower or two in a different order instead of just outright stealing Norah Gaughan's pattern and selling it. Oh BTW, she was nice enough to cite that it was "adapted" from IC.

I figured I wasn't the only D.I.Y. chick that caught this, it's been discussed in great depth over at the 'ville. This was a hot topic around the first few days of July, doesn't seem that anything came of it since the necklace is still for sale.

My latest inspiration is taken from Lady O herself. This is the Catherine Malandrino kimono sweater that Oprah is wearing on the cover of August O mag. I found a similar version in Simplicity 4132. I'll use a rib knit for mine to make it closer to the original.

I am totally in love with the coats from DWP. I didn't find patterns exactly like these, but I can still pull off a great look white coat and a green coat with leopard contrasting detail.

Simplicity 4403

Vogue 7978

• a halter vest - Butterick 4815 - View C with modification
• chiffon top - Butterick 4802 - View C
• cropped blazer - Butterick 4809 - View D with modification

I'll post pictures in a day or so.

When you have two girls, the other wants to know, "Why aren't you sewing anything for me?". Well, I had to do something about that. Little Miss Tomboy doesn't like skirts unless it's a skort so dresses were out of the question. Since I'm going shopping for jeans which are her favorite, I decided to do cute little knitted tops for her.

McCall's 4866 - View A

Of course I'm working on another outfit for me.

Vogue 2900 - View A

Also, I bought all of the material to make a customized dress form.

See how in Sew News - August 2006

I take this D.I.Y. thing very serious; if it will save me $150, it's worth the time and effort.

Isn't that sky just lovely?

Oh well, atleast it's not raining. This is the kind of afternoon you want to just sit back and find a good movie on t.v. or listen to the new Corinne Bailey Rae or India.Arie CD's. Or perhaps, take in a sale. A little retail therapy has a tendency to make all things better! Hancock's has Vogue patterns on sale for 75% off! To me, that's pretty incredible and I had to indulge myself.

• Bianca's Jacket
• Gatsby Girl Pullover
• Equinox Yoke Pullover
• Wanderlust Hoodie
• Coral Crossing
• Spartan Pullover
• Breton Jacket
• Weekend Pullover
• Sienna Cardigan

So in essence, pretty much everything that was shown!

Or should I say Duro vu!

"...seems like you're everywhere, it's true
gotta be having deja vu..." Deja Vu - Beyonce featuring Jay-Z

Lucky magazine - August 2006

Project Details

Pattern: Simplicity 4072

Fabric: Rayon?? from Hancock Fabrics

Modification/Alterations:

Where do I start? Let's see. My goal was to get something entirely different from my version of McCall's 5137. Even though, I felt like I did an excellent job sewing the first dress and following the directions to the tee, I still had something else in mind. I decided to make the dress following the Simplicity pattern exactly, but as I started I realized that this pattern was going to produce an almost identical dress to the one that I made before. Even though I used a drapier fabric, it was the same dress all over again. I was frustrated... I tried it on and completely hated and in the trashcan it went. This was lastnight.

O.K., after a good night's sleep, I dug it out and grabbed my seam ripper. What did I change and do different this time? This time around, I left off the ties. I am so not a tie-in-the-back-dress-kinda-chick. I wore enough of those when I was pregnant and that's what they remind me of -- maternity clothes. Since these patterns are designed to produce a garment with a lot of ease, I dropped down a few sizes and inserted a hidden side zipper. Unlike the other pattern, the back bodice did not have a back seam (it was really unnecessary in the McCall's), that's why I choose the side, right below the underarm to place a 7" invisible zipper. I also removed some of the bulk through the hips and shortened it a tad so that I could use the print in the fabric as a border. Overall, I like the fit of this one better. It's a lot more comfortable and it stays in place as I move about and I don't feel the need to have to keep tugging and pulling. I gave it the ultimate test: in and out the car. To me, this one determines what's a winner or loser.

BTW, this is how NOT to use a seam ripper!

For all of you D.I.Y. fashionistas, Vogue Pattern has released for Fall, their interpretation of the Roland Mouret Fall 2005 Galaxy Dress that was worn by many celebrities. Looks like I'll be pulling out the Spanx for this one!

This is what I'm currently working on now. This is McCall's version of the Michael Kors Spring 2006 eyelet dress. Who says the shirtdress has to be plain and frumpy. I should have a picture of this probably after the 4th.

***Addition:

Found a pattern for the coat that I drooled over all last winter. The designer is Giorgio Armani from the Fall 2005 RTW Collection. When you get to the point that you can look at a sketch and recognize designer and year of collection, you subscribe to too many fashion magazines!