I hope everyone is having a fantastic Christmas. To top off our great day, the family and I went to see Dreamgirls. This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, not to mention the fact that the cast provides a stellar performance. Contrary to belief, this movie is not the Beyonce' Knowles (Deena Jones) show that many people felt it would be. In my opinion, Jennifer Hudson (Effie White) stills the show. Her performance as Effie was so passionate that it is difficult to even comprehend that she is a novice to the silver screen... she is an absolute natural. Even though Beyonce's acting abilities have been questionable in the past, her acting lessons paid off and she can now consider herself an "actress". Jamie Foxx (Curtis Taylor, Jr.) is like I've never seen him before: a slick-talking, used-car salesman willing to do anything and step on anyone to make his mark in the music industy. Eddie Murphy (James "Thunder" Early) is fantastic and does his thing in delivering comedic relief... he has the funniest scene in the movie. Anika Noni Rose (Lorrell Robinson), who won "Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical" at the 58th Annual Tony Awards for "Caroline, or Change", has been an underrated star. Her character is kind of the cute, bubble-head member of the group that eventually finds strength and character. The movie also starred Danny Glover (Marty Madison), Sharon Leal (Michelle Morris) and Keith Robinson III (C.C. White). There were also small parts and cameos by John Lithgow (Jerry Harris), Loretta Divine (a jazz singer), who played Lorrell in the original and Dawnn Lewis (Melba Early), who suprisingly didn't have a speaking part, unless it ended up on the editing room floor. I highly recommend this movie to anyone wanting to see mindblowing performances!
I've been enamored with this coat since I saw it on Joy Bryant in the August 2005 issue of Instyle magazine and lo and behold, Vogue Patterns came up with a version.
Instyle, August 2005
Giorgio Armani, Fall 2005 RTW
Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8307, View A
Fabric:
Body - Melton 100% Wool
Lining - 100% Polyester
Notions: 1/2" shoulder pads, one 3/4" button, 3/8 yd. of cording, three 2" buttons
Description: Lined, fitted, hip length jacket has asymmetrical collar and front closing, princess seams and shoulder pads.
This pattern is rated easy and it went together a lot easier than it probably looks. I cut view A, in size 14, according to my high-bust measurement (36"), and about 2" below the waist I graduated to size 18 to compensate for the "child-bearing" hips. I also did a FBA (full bust adjustment) according to Debbie Cook's "FBA on Princess Seamed Bodice" . I added 2" to all of the body pieces because according to my measurements from neck to hip, I knew this was going to run short on us girls over 5'6". I was also concerned whether I would have to lengthen the sleeves but they were perfect. I probably could have cut this in the size 12 (for a "perfect" fit), but I wanted to leave the necessary ease to wear over a bulky sweater. I couldn't find any 2" buttons that "did it" for me so I decided to use the Dritz Half Ball Cover Buttons with some nubuck PVC that I have in my stash and this was the result. I will probably add a hook and eye to keep the collar in place.Pattern: Vogue 8307, View A
Fabric:
Body - Melton 100% Wool
Lining - 100% Polyester
Notions: 1/2" shoulder pads, one 3/4" button, 3/8 yd. of cording, three 2" buttons
Description: Lined, fitted, hip length jacket has asymmetrical collar and front closing, princess seams and shoulder pads.
There was nothing at all that I didn't like about this pattern. The instructions were very easy to interpret. What I liked most about this jacket is that even though I've seen a lot of peacoats this season, this was based on the same style but with much more flair. I like that it has waist shaping and the collar is serving up drama.
I don't have anything completed right now to share. I haven't had a lot of actual sewing time... I've gotten caught up with "LIFE" again... y'all know how that goes! However, even though I haven't been sitting in front of the machine, I still bought fabric, that's sewing related right? I'll share these pieces with you because this is next up and soon to be finished.
This is for Vogue 8307, the Armani coat from the Fall '05 collection that I've spoken of before. I'm doing view A, the jacket because (1) I have enough full-length coats; (2) I'll get more wear out of a jacket; and (3) It will probably hardly ever get cold enough here for more than 2 or 3 consecutive days to really enjoy wearing it.
So, what are you guys up to? Tell me something good!
So, what are you guys up to? Tell me something good!
Project DetailsPattern: Vogue 8251 - View C
Fabric: Rayon/Lycra Jersey with 2-way stretch
Description: Close-fitting, pullover top has neckline and shoulder strap variations. A, B: front ties and ruched with elastic at sides. C, D: front tucks and front band.
This is a Vogue Easy pattern that was very "easy" to me until the time came to attach the the upper front and back piece. I think it may have been me and the fatigue of trying to get this top sewn in one day. After I used safety pins, played with the construction and tried the top on, it made since to me and I was ready to stitch. The back didn't quite look like the line drawing, but after some finagling, I managed to get all of the pieces turned to the public side. What I like most about this top is the tucks on the front. This design feature is very flattering to the décolletage. I was originally unsure about this even though it is rated easy, because I could not find a review for this particular view and the envelope only showed the line drawing. This is a great enhancement to your wardrobe that can be worn alone or as a layering piece.
for the Domestic Goddess in us all!
Project DetailsPattern: Butterick 4945
Fabric: 100%cotton
Description: Patterns and instructions for five aprons in sizes small, medium and large. Apron B has contrast flaps. Apron C has contrast pockets and bands.
Since there is no way around the daily household drudgery, why not look cute while doing it? Who would have thought that aprons could be such a chic little accessory? I think I want to make more! I've never quilted and believe it or not, I stared at all of the beautiful cottons in Hancock's for what felt like an eternity trying to find a fabric I like and one for contrast.
I used Apron D in the large size. I chose this view because of the adorable 50's-styling. I omitted the bow and added the facing from Apron C. When I pinned the facing to the top front of the apron, I didn't like the size. I cut 2" off of the bottom. I also added a pocket from Apron C. For the flounce, I used the contrast fabric. BTW, here's the back.
More Looks...
For the "sewing disabled", here are glamour-girl aprons from Kitsch'n Glam. Their prices range from $39.60 - $61.60.
- I'm grateful for the health and well-being of my family and I.
- I'm grateful that I was able to wake up this morning with inclination and ability to walk into the kitchen to "put my foot" in our Thanksgiving meal!
- I'm grateful for being able to afford ALL of the food and everything else I bought this week!
- I'm grateful for Michael Richards reassuring me that racist assholes are not only still alive and kicking, but thriving.
- I'm grateful that Clay Aiken chose Kelly Ripa's mouth to be on the receiving end of his hand because Erica B. would have slapped him off the stage for that one!
- I'm grateful for Rosie O'Donnell to remind us all that when we say something that a gay person does not like, it's due to HOMOPHOBIA!
- I'm grateful that I'm here to experience all of the good stuff and the garbage.
- I'm grateful that even though my husband has to work on Thanksgiving, he has a job to go to.
- I'm grateful that I have you guys to read what ever I put on this blog!
The Look of Dolman Sleeves
Project DetailsPattern: New Look 6648
Fabric: Rayon Jersey Knit
Big sleeves are big for fall -- dolman sleeves (the kind with armholes that reach to the waist, like a batwing) and kimono-style are part of the "I love the 80's" fashion remix and can add an element of sexy to this season's voluminous styles. This is a very *easy* to sew pattern that can be completed in a couple of hours -- it only has four pieces: front, back, neckband and lower band. All of the pieces went together very easily. The fabric I chose is very drapey which I think is best for this type of style. Anything heavier wouldn't hang right. I sewed this as directed with no modifications or alterations. On the neckband after attaching, it's topstitched on the public side of the top. The sleeves have a rolled hem (thanks to The Sewing Divas for the tutorial!) and there is ruching on the lower band. Overall, I have no complaints about this top, I love the style and I'll probably make the one with the v-neck next time.
I have only touched my machine twice this week. "Life" has had me going! I do have a couple of projects in progress, nothing complete. The little things just seemed really tedious this week. It took me three days just to cut for a project... granted there were a lot of pieces involved (body, lining, interfacings). Now that it's all laying out, I don't even think I like the fabric choices. 
Oh well, back to the drawing board sewing room.
Oh well, back to the McCall's Holiday 2006
No thank you, I'll pass.What I do like:
While out and about this week, peeped my head in Anthropologie (I can always find inspiration there), and I discovered the cutest aprons... doesn't every domestic goddess need a few fab ones?! Well, it goes without saying that I wasn't about to part with 40 bucks for something I could stitch up in a couple of hours. Found Butterick 4945... could I possibly get any closer than that! I'm going to be so cute on Thanksgiving!
Book Review
mil·li·nery: noun - the business or work of a person who designs, makes, trims, or sells women's hats.Available December 5, 2006
$19.95or $13.57 - pre-order at Amazon!
Eugenia Kim, milliner extraodinaire, whose career took off after she fashioned a red-feathered cloche to hide a botched haircut, has written a book -- Saturday Night Hat, that contains fifteen hat how-tos and fifteen trim how-tos that cover the basics of millinery. This book is filled with illustrations, easy-to-follow diagrams, and photos of her whimsical Deco-inspired creations such as:
• The Beret (I'm doing this one first!)I don't know about you, but I'm a novice to hat-making (other than knitting or crochet) and there is a handy glossary in the back filled with hat lingo that clarifies everything. This is a fantastic way to accessorize Fall/Winter sewing, knitting, crocheting that will make you a hard act to top!
•The cloche
•The cocktail hat
•The Pillbox
•The Fedora
•The Newsboy
•The Sun hat
Project DetailsPattern: New Look 6620
Fabric: Cotton Jersey (25% stretch)
Description: Misses Knit Tunic Top
I made this top about two weeks ago and it hung in the closet since then. I wasn't too sure about this one because it really didn't turnout the way I had visioned. I thought from the picture that the top was cut a little more a-line than it actually was and since this was a knit, I thought that it would have more ease throughout the hip and I was wrong. It was very tight, so tight at the time that when I tried it on over my jeans, you could see the print of the pockets! I cut it off right above the hip and hemmed it. The instructions were super easy, I made this top in an afternoon. I chose to do View C because I really like the ties on the sleeve much better than the kimono sleeves (I'm kinda tired of that look). I do plan on making this one again... since it has a waistline seam, I'll go up a size.
Knickers
Project DetailsPattern: Butterick 4861
Fabric: Wool/Silk blend
Description: Below mid-knee pants
This is View A, another version of the gauchos that I did. This is pretty much the same review as this one... Fast & Easy. Only difference with this on is the surplus pockets and the leg bands. Oh, forgot to take a pic, but I added faux flap back pockets with buttons. Since I made two trendy items from this one pattern, I think this is the last time I'll use this one.
Something you'll never see Erica wearing!
If you every see me wearing these, shoot me dead on the spot! If you wear these, I'm going to have to ask you to stop! I'm already a stay-at-home-mom, must I (and you) play into all of the negative stereotypes? Just like you can pull on those ugly, unflattering, faded out, saggy-butt jeans, you can hop on over to The Gap and get a great pair of reasonably priced, dark-wash boot cuts with a nice rise (preferably right below the waist).
Project Details Pattern: Simplicity 4082
Fabric:
Body - 100% wool herringbone tweed coating
Lining - 100% polyester Asian brocade
Notions: three 1 1/4" buttons
This is my version of the Burberry cropped a-line coat that retails for a whopping $850! I couldn't find an exact pattern to copy jacket, but with a little modifying of this pattern, I got a similar look.Modifications:
- used view C & F
- reshaped the front bottom edge from rounded to square
- added faux welt pockets on the front seam line
- added a lining to the jacket
- interfaced all of the front sections
- mimicked the topstitching of the Burberry coat
- shortened a few inches more than the pattern (I reallly like the length of all of the Balenciaga jackets for this Fall).
I'm quite pleased with the way this jacket turned out and moreso with the cost - $47.91!
Project Details:Pattern: Vogue 2812 - alice + olivia
Fabric: 98% cotton/2% spandex denim
Notions: two jeans buttons; 7" brass zipper
Description: Close-fitting, straight, below-waist pants: floor length with fly zipper closure, non working front pockets, back patch pockets, carriers and stitched hems.
I used view B with the wide waistband. This pattern was rated Very Easy and it was. If you have ever done pants, this would be no problem. The only modification I did was lengthening. I added three inches to the adjustment line. I didn't really follow the directions, I just copied the way all of my jeans are topstitched and edgestitched. One thing I did notice about this pattern is that even though I cut my normal size 16, this jeans have a lot of ease which make for a very comfortable fit.
I usually don't do snarky type post, but I had to go there.
courtesy of the Fuggers.
courtesy of the Fuggers.Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Chrystee Pharris, formerly of Passions. If you can explain to me what the hell she's wearing, that would be great. I promise you, this looks like a D.I.Y. craft project gone haywire! I'm willing to bet that's a bottle of Fabri-Tac in her left hand behind her back, just in case one of the strings pops loose.
BTW... pics will be back in a couple of days -- also to include new projects!
BTW... pics will be back in a couple of days -- also to include new projects!
Black Purl Magazine is "an online magazine for needlecraft artists featuring ethnic-inspired stitches and stories". If you aren't reading it you should, especially since yours truly was interviewed by the fabulous editor-in-chief L'Tanya Durante for an article - The Well-Crafted Wardrobe. Check out the other articles too!
Singer 100/16The joys of sewing denim!
Love these looks!
Project Details
Pattern: New Look 6619
Fabric:
Body - 100% woven cotton houndstooth
Lining - 100% polyester dull satin
Notions: Five 1" buttons and one large snap
Description: Misses lined jacket with collar and sleeve variations; size 8 - 18. I did View A, with the asymmetrical shawl collar and full length sleeves in my normal size 16. This pattern was very well written which provided an easy to sew garment. Instead of side seams, the jacket has side panels. This is another pattern were the upper collar is slightly larger than the under collar ... again, it attached perfectly. The only problem I encountered was through my own lack of attention to detail. On the under collar, I applied the interfacing to the right side of the fabric instead of the wrong side. I ended up spending half an hour peeling that off. I didn't have to make any alterations or modifications, I sewed straight from the directions. I think I will enjoy wearing this jacket with skirts, pants or even jeans. I recommend this one to anyone that wants to add something with a little flair to their wardrobe. Will I sew this again? Probably not since this is such a trendy piece. Plus, I plan on doing a coat with a similar style collar.
but, I can't wait to see this movie!
Sewing can be such a wonderful and fulfilling craft. It's the art of taking a pattern or creating your own concept and combining it with the perfect fabric and making something magnificient. But what about everything that goes into the prep work? How do you even get to the point of turning on the machine? This whole process can be extremely daunting. I first have to (1) prepare the fabric by either preshrinking or steam pressing. Usually while this is going on, I'm probably looking for new project ideas, shopping for more fabric or finishing up a current project. Then comes the (2) laying out and pinning the pattern pieces and cutting. Don't you just love this part? Now that I got all of my pieces cut out, I have to (3) transfer all of the little symbols to the fabric, this part is call marking. My preferred method of doing this is with tailor's chalk or a dressmaker's pencil.
Usually, by the time I've gotten this far, I'm thanking the good Lord that I didn't have too many pattern alterations or modifications to do (that's a whole other post). Now, I'm ready to sew! Oops, forgot the interfacing! Now that I've cut that out and fused it to the pieces, I'm too damn tired to do any sewing! Maybe tomorrow I'll actually get a chance to turn the machine on.
Usually, by the time I've gotten this far, I'm thanking the good Lord that I didn't have too many pattern alterations or modifications to do (that's a whole other post). Now, I'm ready to sew! Oops, forgot the interfacing! Now that I've cut that out and fused it to the pieces, I'm too damn tired to do any sewing! Maybe tomorrow I'll actually get a chance to turn the machine on.
Today's obsession...
As I'm sure you've observed, I've fallen in love with this season's cropped jacket. I came across this little cutie at Net-a-Porter.com and remembered seeing a very similar pattern in the McCall's fall book. I want to make this, not sure if I'll wear it or my daughter, but I do want to make it.
On the cutting table...
New Look 6619, View A in black/white houndstooth.
Vogue 2812, View B in a dark indigo denim.
After that, I'll relax with this!
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