This has been a pretty good year for sewing for me. Even though I didn't do a lot of things sewing-wise, I'm happy with what I did!

Vogue 1154 - I love the construction process on this one!

Vogue 1174 - This dress translated really well to a casual sundress with flat sandals!

Most Worn Garments:
I wore these two garments more than ANYTHING I made this year.

Simplicity 2603 - Cardi Wrap

I wore this dress so much over the Summer!

So... on an impromptu Hancock Fabrics run last evening, I happened upon the Spring 2011 catalog. And I just happened to open the pattern drawers and lo and behold -- NEW patterns! AND they were on sale for $1.99! Me being the me that I am, I can't resist a pattern sale. There weren't many that I cared for, so I only left with a mere four. McCall's 6163 is an older pattern that somehow flew under my radar. And of the new ones I really love M6279 - the sleeveless trench dress; M6281 - it's a sheath dress that's business in the front and a party in the back! And I picked up M6291 - which I can only describe as some "I Dream of Jeannie" cargo pants, LOL! I think they're cute and will look great made up in a drapey washed silk and worn with platform wedge sandals. See... I have it all pictured in my mind! Now I'm excited to see what Vogue will release!

I'd like to interrupt the last minute holiday shopping and preparations with a quick project! I had just recently viewed the Diane von Furstenberg Pre-Fall 2011 Collection. I loved how retro it is. It's 1970s sportswear at its finest! One of the things featured are box-pleat skirts. I've had this pattern in my stash for a few years and decided to make one.

Description: Above mid-knee or mid-calf, straight or A-line skirt has faced waistline and back zipper. A: center back pleat. B, C: side front pockets and center front pleat.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does.

Fabric: Light-weight camel wool flannel (100% wool)

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were exceptionally easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that it was just what I was looking for!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I cut view C and removed 3" from the hem. This was easier and made more sense than lengthening view B.

Conclusion: This is a simple skirt that would work in a variety of fabrications. Even though I have a definitive preference for pencil skirts, this is a great addition to my wardrobe.

In light of our recent discussion about pants, I decided to say forget dealing with all of that finicky tweaking! I decided to make a pair of fun and "un-fussy", yet trendy pair of pants!

These tailored peg-leg trousers are pared-down versions of harem pants with paper-bag waists and slouchy tailoring falling from the waist. These pants can look seriously sexy worn with boyfriend blazer and boot but with so much slouch these are not for the faint-hearted! I actually liked the harem pants, but the look was too sloppy, slouchy for me to want to leave the house in. I felt more "pulled together" wearing this look.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20, I cut the 16.Description: Loose-fitting, tapered leg pants has front pleats, back seam detail and waistband with back notch.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Not quite as full.

Fabric: Menswear suiting (100% wool) from my stash.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were pretty 'AVERAGE' for constructing pants.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that this pattern was right on trend. Even though it is from the Donna Karan F/W 2009 Collection, the high-end RTW trend has now trickled down to regular RTW. I dislike that the pattern was drafted with an absurd amount of ease. The closer I examine the runway photos, the more I think the pattern is correct. It's me that had something else in mind.

I love the mens trouser details on the inside with the fly and the binding.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the pants by 3" and I removed 1" from EACH seam. There was A LOT more pants than I had intended.

Conclusion: These pants were fun to make, even though the binding was a little time consuming and it's a good way to try out trends.

I was doing my typical blog perusing this morning and ran across this picture of the FABULOUS Halle Berry. When I saw it, my eyes were drawn not to her fantastic Jimmy Choo "Mandah" bag; not to her 'perfect' cleavage in her plunging neckline. It was drawn to the wrinkles in her crotch! As someone that has sweated, cried and cussed over the relentless pursuit of the perfect fitting pants, has it all been in vain??? THIS is what I see not only in real life, but on the red carpet!

So my dear fellow sewists, I ask -- if THIS is what passes for NORMAL, why do WE kill ourselves trying to make sure that our pants are free of drag lines and wrinkles? Does anyone really care?

When the average woman buys pants (and I know this because I use to be an average woman buying pants), she's making sure that:

• They fit well in the butt.
• There is NO camel toe.
• They are NOT gaping at the center back.
• They are long enough to wear with the shoes I plan to wear them with.
• And if the pockets are lying flat.
  

Those were my only concerns, not whether or not I have these MYSTERIOUS lines down the back of my legs or the drag lines in the front like Halle.

What do YOU think?

Description: Close-fitting, lined top has front band extended into shawl collar, snap closure, front darts, side front pockets, back detailed seams, godets and topstitch trim.
Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? It does!

Fabric: Black and white houndstooth suiting fabric (65% poly/35% rayon) from Hancock Fabrics

Lining: Black poly from my stash

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy. The pattern is rated "AVERAGE", but I think an advanced beginner could handle this.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I always love making designer patterns that have been hanging in stores. The original retailed for $400 and I made mine for only a fraction of the price! From the moment I saw this pattern, I loved it. I love the edginess of the design. I love that it's more than a *basic* vest. One of the benefits of sewing your own clothes is that you CAN make the trendy and "of-the-moment" styles for only the investment of your time. And next season, it's on to the next one...

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened 1" at the waist and 2" on the bottom. I didn't really like the length of the version on the cover of the envelope. I wanted something that would be closer to the original RTW version. I decided to not make the belt and just use one I already owned.

Here are some detailed shots:



Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I wouldn't sew this again. This style is very unique and a girl only needs one! I recommend this if it's your style!

My pants...

Project Details:

Pattern: Simplicity 2315

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22, I cut the 16.

Description: Misses Slim Pants

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Well, kind of!

Fabric: Wool-blend with stretch

Were the instructions easy to follow? Extremely easy! This is one-sitting project!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I wanted a slim-fit pant to wear in lieu of leggings and this pattern fit the bill!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the pants by 3" and omitted the tabs at the waist.

This one is a winner and I'll probably make this one again!

After big projects, I usually like to do really easy ones. You know, to "cleanse my palette". I made both of these in an afternoon... just that easy!

Can you tell I'm ready for Fall?

Fabric: Sonia Rykiel sweater knit (72% poly/23% rayon/5% spandex) from Textile Fabrics in Nashville, TN

This fabric was great to work with and it feels amazing on! Very rarely have I seen many sweater knits that contain spandex. This is a great thing. It'll keep it from stretching out of shape.

I sewed this on the serger. I didn't hem it, because I thought that would add bulk. I just left the edges serged. I cut the large and added 3" to the length. And I think the sleeve cuffs are pretty cool as well. Here are all of the ways I plan to wear this:

Something sparkly and shiny for a night out!

Wanted a cute, sparkly top for a night out and this fit the bill! It was beyond quick! I cut the size medium, which is slightly big in the shoulders. Or maybe it's just supposed to hang that way. I also sewed this on the serger and didn't bother to do any hemming. I just made sure I cut it nice and evenly.

Surprisingly it IS bra-friendly. I was initially concerned with how low the back would be. I'll be making this one again.

Description: Semi-fitted, lined, partially interfaced, below waist jacket has princess seams, slightly extended shoulders, shoulder pads, in-seam pockets with pleats, side panels (no side seams), shaped hem, and long two-piece sleeves with buttoned vents. A: underlined and couture construction techniques.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Well, kind of!

Fabric: Black-Gold-Silver Brocade (54% Nylon, 30% Poly) from Jo-Anns

Lining: Ivory Charmeuse (100% Silk)

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are EXCEPTIONAL! Even if you never actually sew this pattern, if you have a desire to learn "luxurious couture construction details" it's worth purchasing. You can apply them to any jacket or coat!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? In addition to the awesome instructions and couture tips that are included, this pattern has excellent "bones".

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a small FBA and added 2 inches to the length. Yes, it was pretty short (for me)! I also used a combination of both the ready-to-wear instructions and the couture.

As I previously mentioned, I blocked fused with a nylon fusible knit interfacing. I added 3 buttons to the sleeve vent instead of 1. I used uncovered shoulder pads and sleeve heads. I added piping to my lining for a little bit of color.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is a fabulous jacket and I wouldn't be opposed to sewing it again. And I highly recommend it. It's like taking a couture class!

In case any of you were wondering if I had abandoned the idea of making my "Balmain-inspired" jacket, well here is where I am so far...

I completed the shell last night. I had mentioned that I was going to fuse the fabric and I was warned of complications. Well... I'm hard-headed and determined to do things MY way! LOL "My Way" is to block fuse first. That way if there's any shrinkage, it'll happen before I cut!

That jacket is going together great and the drafting is SUPERB! I've had a lot going on lately and it's just really slow going. I still haven't even cut the lining out. Sigh... I'm ready for this to be finished, but I'm not going to rush it. If I don't feel like working on it, then that's usually a day of no sewing. Sadly, I'm monogamous to a project. I can't start a "relationship" until I've ended the last!

I love the sleeves! I may use this draft for a "Chanel" jacket that I'm planning this season. Unlike the pattern (which has 1 button), I added three buttons to mine. I absolutely LOVE the buttons! I think they match the "Baroque-ness" of the jacket that I was going for!

More to come on this...

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In other news...

A few readers had suggested that I enter my "birthday dress" in the LBD Contest at Pattern Review. I was thinking, now how in the world am I supposed to turn this backless dress into a daytime look??? I mentioned this to my husband and without even blinking, he said, "Add a jacket." A jacket? Well, duh! Why didn't I think of that?

Here is my composite photo:
And here is what I did to change it up: