There's no particular method to my madness today, other than the fact that I just wanted to share a few things. Went shopping for fabric today, yeah I know, what a shock! Picked up a few items. From left to right:

• black wool flannel for my version of the Elie Tahari Elsa Jacket, using McCall's 5007
  
• charcoal wool suiting, for a pair of wide-leg pants, inspired by Marc by Marc Jacobs. This one will be Vogue 8131 - View A.
• light grey wool suiting for shorts to wear with black jacket. Inspired by this Marc by Marc Jacobs ensemble.
  
• wool & silk plaid is for the very retro-looking Burberry A-line Jacket. BTW, this little number retails for $850! Simplicity 4082 will be used for reference. I discovered this little treasure from a reviewer on Pattern Review. I'll be following her very detailed list of modifications.
  
• wool blend purchased for a similar version of the Elie Tahari Katia Vest. Made from Butterick 4815 - View B.

There is one style this season that I will not be partaking of and that is the skinny jeans, peg legs, pencil pants... none of that for me! I found this article in Vibe's Vixen magazine about how you can wear the skinny look even if you aren't 98 pounds. THE HELL YOU CAN! That's right I went there.

Look, here's the deal: Skinny pants are for skinny people, (just ask the Budget Fashionista, she'll tell ya) that's it... no if, ands, or (big ol') BUTTS about it! See, I have badonkadonk , junk in the trunk, a huge bum, a very large arse... but I'm confortable with that and I know how to work it and most importantly I know my fashion limitations. The so-called fashion writers and editors at Vibe Vixen need to be ashamed for putting it out there that the above look is o.k. I'm going to have to ask them to never do that again! Sorry to be crass (not really) but the chick in the middle looks like 10 lbs of shit shoved into a 5 lb bag. That's all...

Project Details

I had been searching high and low for a wrap dress (ala DVF) for a while now. My first choice was Simplicity 4074, but it was a complete dissappointment because it's not a REAL wrap dress, it's a faux wrap! Beware if you are/were interested in this pattern... it's not what it appears to be and it doesn't state this on the envelope! The Kwik Sew pattern is great! What I love most is that these are not the tissue patterns that you have to be extremely careful not to rip, they are paper patterns and they made cutting a dream!

The instructions were very straight forward and the illustrations are magnificent! I had no problems with this pattern whatsoever. I have grown quite accustomed to sewing with a 5/8" seam allowance and this pattern only has 1/4" allowance. Since this was a knit, I just used an overlock stitch on the seams. The other thing that I love is that the bodice was cut separately from the skirt which provide the opportunity to really customize the fit. I used the medium bodice and sleeves and the large skirt pieces. The skirt is cut on an A-line which is very flattering to us bootylicious ladies. The reason I chose to use the medium bodice pieces is that from experience, I know that wrap dresses can sometimes gape at the bodice and expose things that we may not want to exposed at the time. The size medium provided me with an almost negative ease and a fit that felt comfortable moving about. This is a pattern that I am definitely going to sew again. In my book, it's a winner.

It was hot and windy today!

Even though after completing this dress, I wish I had used the long-sleeve version of McCall's 4769, because (1) the bodice and the skirt are cut separately and I could have made the bodice in one size without a FBA and the skirt in one size larger. And also (2) the skirt in that pattern is cut on an A-line which would have captured the look of my inspiration dress more. Overall, I like this dress and I do plan on wearing it. I will probably accessorize it with a wider belt for more of a cinched waist.

This was a very easy pattern to follow since this was a Threads Magazine Collection pattern and they are known for their "Step by step to sewing success!" instrustuctions. Will I sew this one again? Probably so, I'm already thinking of doing Version A in corduroy.

This was the crowd at 5 a.m. this morning.

Around 8,000 contestants!

Ryan Seacrest being interviewed on "Good Morning Alabama".

Ruben graced the crowd with his presence.

Went to Hancock's today and picked up a couple eight patterns. Vogue's were 75% off and all McCall's were 99 cents! I didn't even know about the the McCall's, I actually went in for Vogue's but the one that I really wanted was sold out! Grrrrrrrr! Angry face! But, I made up for it with a few extras:

• McCall's 4922
• McCall's 4924
• McCall's 4664
• McCall's 5007
• McCall's 5181
• Vogue 2812
• Vogue 8131
• Kwik Sew 3408

1. 2.

3. 4.

1. This is done at the ironing board. Fold in 1/4" on each side and pressed down. Turn the pocket vertically. Fold the side down 2.5" and press.
2. Open it back up, and tuck the pressed edge under to make a 1/2" pleat.
3. Press. Repeat for the other side.
4. Stitched to the front piece just as instructed from the pattern and added the flap. Voila! A pleated pocket with a flap!

More to come...

Diane vonFurstenberg - Hillevi Silk Shirt Dress $425

Any day now!

After perusing the new issues of Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits, this is how my yarn will have to be delivered! I saw sooooo many things that I want to make. All I need now is to get rid of the three figure temperature, add a cool, crisp breeze, with a sprinkle of autumn leaves and then I'll be good to go!

Until that delivery arrives, I'll be working from my stash to make the Gatsby Girl Pullover.