Happy Holidays!!

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday and here's to a

 Joyous New Year!!  

2017 Here I Come!!

See you Next Year! I'll be ready to blog on a semi regular basis! (LOL!! I said Semi!)
Talk Soon Carol

Unselfish Sewing! A Dress For Mom!

This is my Mom. . .

We attended a special wedding this past weekend. My mother's relationship is Grand Aunt to the Bride. The Brides Grandmother is my Mom's baby sister (my Aunt) so, for this grand and happy occasion, I knew my mom would want to be stunning for this out of town event. With that in mind, I offered to make her dress. (yes, I offered).  I asked her what  color and to my surprise she said "Fuschia"! 

Well my search began and I came across this double sided fabric and fell in love. (I did).

It's Red and Fuschia! LOUD

I showed it to my mom and she was a little taken aback. "It's so bright!" she said. But then it started to talk to her (like it did to me) and she was soon on board. I didn't have to persuade her to move forward. She decided on Vogue 8870 (a dress I made for myself that she really loves).

Since my mom is 76 yrs young, I had to modify the pattern just a bit for her liking. She's jazzy but,she does get cold. (LOL!!) So we opted for the exaggerated hi/low (with modifications) and short sleeves. (A&B) When I was done with the dress, I felt something was missing. How do you jazz up a super duper bright frock without over doing it? Add a fabric flower and a perfect but simple fabric belt. It totally made the difference. Since the fabric was double sided, the inside of the high/low is RED as and so is the fabric flower.  I also added red thread chain belt loops. Here's a demo video of how I made them, and instructions from The Vogue Sewing Book! 

These Pics are so true to the real fabric color!

Front, Fabric Flower, Skirt Hem, Front Facing

When she walked, the place lit up - just like her!

We had a wonderful time and it was so good to see our family in attendance at the wedding! This was the best unselfish sewing ever!  Mom really loved her dress. I figure she gave and gives me life, I can return the favor errrr now n din!  ROFL! She asked for 8 more dresses!

Talk Soon Carol

Inspiration For A Wedding

You Don't Believe Fat Meat's Greasy!

That's a saying my grandmother used to say when she would see wrong doing when we were already in trouble - and sometimes suffered the consequence! LOL!! You know that whole "hard head make's a soft tail" thing.  Yea, that thing! Well, I have been floored by this outfit that Anne Hathaway is wearing and I MUST HAVE THIS! But, of course, I can't buy it. So, on with another ambitious project with low-no sewjo! It just happens I guess. I want it for the upcoming early October wedding I'm attending. It's in a warm climate - Fall Sewers! (Tongue out emoji - ROFL!!!)

Jenny Packham 2016 Spring Collection

My birthday outfit took a toll on my sewojo! 4 yards of flimsy and shifty chiffon and bemberg lining. Say, I had two bottles of stiffener and forgot about it? Ouy!

I must wear this at least 1 more time! The struggle is real!

Anywhoooo, I got in my sewing room last Friday and made this little combo to try and revive my sewjo! No GO! Didn't work, but I do really like it! I've been procrastinating all week. Friday is here again and I'm blogging! ROFL!

Vogue 7799 (OOP) w/Infinity Scarf  Ice Pink

Sew, "what does this all mean?" Well, I took my a$$ to the fabric store with that pic in mind armed with my Groupon. The original is made of Floral Cotton Sateen and the blouse is a coordinating Silk Charmeuse. These types of printed fabrics are not reachable to pe-ons like me but I'm sure with much adieu and cash I could get it. (Yea Right! Bwaaaaahaaahaaaa!!!) 

I gotta make it do what it do!

To recreate this look I will be using this floral cotton voile fabric.  I found it at Textile Chicago Warehouse. I purchased 8 yards for all three pieces and I got 5 yards of cream bemberg lining. To beef up the fabric I'll underline the jacket and pants with batiste. The shirt will be a classic button down, unlined, and I'm trying to decide if I want a larger collar or not. (I'm Thinking now cause I don't have much time!)  

Not to shabby on the match!

I'll be using these patterns for the jacket and pants. I like the wide legs and I'll make them long to cover my shoes like Anne did. (Me and her go way back you know! LOL!)

View C

Pants w/slant pocket and fly

Anyway in the meantime in between time, I have a dress to make for my mom for that same wedding and then I can can get started. I PLAN on starting this Sunday on my ambitious "there's never enough time fa dis" project. I'll keep errrrrone posted!  Gotta take my time and do it right because I don't want anyone to mistake me for the unmade bed and jump on my back! ROFL! (that would be awful!)  They gotta mention Anne when the see me! I'm tired just thinking about it. Not to mention, I 'm not sure about shoes!?

Talk Soon Carol

The Wardrobe Challenge is over and I got Clothes!

August Was Wardrobe Challenge Month!

Helloooooo Readers!! August was wardrobe challenge month with the PeriCrafters group on Facebook and I must say it made the month fly by! Since I was a "facilitator of the Pants" my week came fast and went! By that time, it was already the third week of August! (Geees) Anyhooooo, I have another wardrobe I can use with some items I already have in my closet. I actually have clothes I can wear that classify as business casual! (HA! Who knew?)

The pattern (once again) used for this challenge was New Look 6735

I created all the views with some modifications.  I added 8 inches to the cardigan and I call it my cardicoat! (LOL!) I did make the pants however, they belong to another outfit post. The pants I did include are Simplicity 2148 and work just fine. I thought the wide leg was not what I wanted for my "business casual" wardrobe. I also included a dress with my wardrobe as well.  Why not!?

So here are my separate pieces!

I did all the pieces and a dress!  Woot! Woot!

Aside from the five pieces here, I can mix and match them with the basic white blouse/T-shirt or black pants. I can even put on some jeans with any of the T-shirts! Well the possibilities are endless! (Que laughter for being so corny - ROFL!) Below are a few combinations! (I forgot the shoes!)

Mix and Match till you fall out!

I'm always loving a challenge. This one I actually finished and didn't have to rush! I'm getting better! LOL!!  If you haven't already, you need to. Quick Fast and in a Hurry!

Talk Soon
Carol

An Outfit Post!

Hey Peeps! I'm actually blogging about an outfit!

Hellerrrrr Readers!

Since I have been active in this PeriCrafters Wardrobe Challenge I have actually been sewing and blogging! I started up blogging again after a few of you had questions and stuff. But since I have found Periscope I have been sharing on there.  WELL, I just finished an outfit and I really love it so I'm blogging in depth about it.

I decided to use simple patterns for each piece so the fabric could be the show piece. 

The Top is View C

The Pants are View D

Anywooo. . .  Let's talk about this beauty

The Geometric Boarder Fabric (Matte Jersey) I scored at Fine Fabrics in Norcross, GA.  What a visit! I scored a lot of fabrics I didn't need for $49!! (ROFL)

The shirt has a contrast piece at the top of the top (tee hee) front and back, both cut on the fold.  So I utilized the boarder as the contrast fabric. Since I didn't have much fabric left I had to cut the back in two separate pieces and added seam allowance.  This also allowed me to better fit my top in the back. The contrast pieces were cut on the fold per the pattern. I chose to bias bind the neck and armholes for style and stability.  The pattern says fold down/stitch. This top needed more and I love the result.

The Pants were a part of the PeriCrafters Wardrobe Challenge. I thought that this fabric would work well on this Palazzo pant. I implemented an elastic waist treatment with the elastic on top as the waistband and laid the pants on the cross grain to allow the boarder to be on the bottom of the pants. On both pants and top the hem treatments are rolled hems done on the serger.

I guess this outfit is my prelude to fall sewing. As much as I hate the cold weather I gotta start somewhere. (Shat!)

Stank Face Emoji

I'll be posting my McCall's knot dress soon and explaining the process! Stay tuned!!

Talk Soon Carol

Wardrobe Building Challenge - The Pants! Part 2

Hey Wardrobe Builders!! It's Pants Week!!

Seam finishing and Waistband Treatments for "elastic waist" knit pant patterns!

Welcome Back!!

As I mentioned yesterday, I'll be posting progress this week of the pants process for our Wardrobe Building Challenge. Again, I am making two pair of pants because that, my dear is what I need. 

Today I'll be talking/Periscoping about waist finishes.  What you can do with decorative elastic and two other methods of finishing your waistband.  You will learn two additional types of finishes if you would like to consider another method of the elastic waist!

Here is a link to tonight's scope!

Different waistband finishes. Hmm, but no progress. Shhhhh!

I'll be updating the blog as my progress moves forward!  If you don't follow me on Periscope already. You can by clicking on the "Follow" icon at the top of my blog page!

If were able to catch the live scope yesterday, I hope you enjoyed it! If not, click here to watch the replay! Thanks for joining us on this wardrobe building journey.  It's was I needed to stay on track and keep my azz working on one project at a time!  (ROFL!)  Hope to see you on Wednesday!  


Whew! I get a break tomorrow. (ROFL!)

Talk Soon Carol

Wardrobe Building Challenge - The Pants!

Hey Wardrobe Builders!! It's Pants Week!

Here is my Periscope and blog posting schedule!

Sunday, 8/14/16 - 7:30 CST - Pattern Prep and Cutting

Monday, 8/15/16 - 8:00 CST - Seam finishing and Waistband Treatments 

Wednesday, 8/17/16 - 7:30 CST - Hem Options

Friday 8/19/16 - 7:00 CST - Q & A and Show my pants!

I'll be posting progress this week of the pants process for our Wardrobe Building Challenge. I am making two pair of pants.  

and the other Simplicity 2148

Why two pair you say? The reason is, I need two pair! (LOL!!)One pair (2148) has a much narrower leg. I like the palazzo style in a fabric that allows much flow but that's not very business like, so one is for fun the other for work!

I have included a few pics of my personal alterations progress and you can watch my Periscope which will allow a little more explanation. I'll be updating the blog as my progress moves forward!  If you don't follow me on Periscope already. You can by clicking on the "Follow" icon at the top of my blog page!

New Look 6735 Pants Layout for all sizes! Look Mom, only two pieces!

Pants Back Alteration.
 Shortened/decreased a total of 3.5 inches
Don't judge me cause my legs are short!

Thanks for joining us on this wardrobe building journey.  It's was I needed to stay on track and keep my azz working on one project at a time!  (ROFL!)  Hope to see you on Monday!!

Talk Soon Carol

Wardrobe Building Challenge PeriCrafters!

Hey Errrrrbody!!

Here's what is happening in the sewing world I participate in. (LOL!!)

I belong to a Facebook group called PeriCrafters.  What we do is Periscope (live video) about crafts, DIY, sewing or anything creative. It's a great group and easy to get hooked on. There are a lot of captivating women and powerhouse sewers with lots of information to share as well as talent!  So, although I find it's taking up a bit of my time - at least I'm learning something and my sewing MOJO hasn't taken its usual DIVE! Plus I love the Cam-A-Rah! Scoping is fun! If you sew or craft - join the group!!

Sooooo - I'm helping with the August Challenge!  It's is a wardrobe builder!  Now, recently I got in a Pattern Review contest for a wardrobe but it's a little loud (to say the least) although I do love it, this time I'm toning down the color a bit but it still has that busy flare that I so love. And the pattern is quite easy to sew up QUICK! Here is it New Look 6735.  Anyone joining in the fun can use this pattern as well as picking a similar wardrobe pattern or many separate patterns.  As long as you are sewing a wardrobe or wardrobe building pieces. Fair enough!!

Here are my fabrics I'm going to be using for this challenge. 
I'm also adding a dress (the stripes).  I'll be blogging my progress so stay tuned!

The facilitators are spearheading a project each week of this month. And here we are listed and Fabulous. Yea, I said WE! I'm help'n out!

Ila is doing the Skirt this week and she will be on Friday (Aug 5), Andrea is doing the Shirt next week, I will be doing the pants the third week and Myra will close out the month with the cardigan.

I even got my skirt and first shirt cut out and ready to sew!  It's the only way I stay on track. Challenges help me keep my sewing focus (sometimes).  I need guidance FO REAL!!

Anywhoooo!  Join us - we're happy to have you and these ladies are BAD AZZ!! Follow them all on Periscope and follow me on Periscope too, if you don't already!

Come join us!
Talk Soon Carol

MimiG Style Conference!

The Conference was Aaaah-Mazing!!

I just arrived home from a fun filled California weekend! Mimi G. and her team got together and gave us our $$$$$money's$$$$$ worth. Thank you sooooo much!!

(It's not often I thank anyone for having me spend my money.)

The weekend was filled with a wonderful fashion show! (Which was shown live on Periscope!) Lot's of women participated. The rules were; the outfit had to be a MimiG Simplicity pattern or one of her tutorials.  The ladies were also allowed to add their own "spin" to the garment if they wanted.  I got to sit in the front row!  I actually was on time (a first) so I got to get a prime seat!  I sat with Anita and Karlyn two ladies whom I met and bonded with last year. 

It was awesome to see them again and fun because we kept in touch throughout the year. I really enjoyed these ladies! Excitement was all over the place  an errrrrrwurrrr!!!!.  I was in heaven! I was with a bunch of "sew sistaz" and all we did was talk SEWING!!!

Fun Ladies!!

(Dorothy, you are not in Kansas anymore!)

During the conference we not only had the fashion show but we took a Basic Pencil Skirt Block Class, had a seminar on garment finishing and fit strategies. All was fun and informative. We went to lunch and fabric shopping and we talked and got to know one another.  I got soooo many hugs from women I never met! With all the crazy going on in the world right about now that sure was refreshing!!! 

Fashion Show

The sewing sisterhood is no joke! I think we have taken it to the next level!

The last conference day was filled with more valuable information about business, budget, branding, financing, handling your legal business then we shopped some more!

I found two beautiful combo fabrics that got my mind off 

the blue stuff (those are not my hands!)

This is the most beautiful stuff EVER! Ain't no moe!

Now I am able to move on! Let me  just leave you with this Periclip on thoughts of my last conference day! https://www.periscope.tv/anncie2001/1jMKgnBekeyxL

In the meantime in between time - I'm gonna save for next years conference and have my foot at the starting line cause it's gonna be a bitch trying to beat the sistaz to the first come first serve! LOL!!!

I think it's getting bigger and bigger!!

Talk Soon Carol

WTW!!! A Blog Post?

Where have I been? Reading everyone else's Blogs and living life!

WTW!  I have come out of BLOG retirement for errrrr uuuuum uuuuuh I dunno, We'll see!  Anyhooooo,  I entered a contest on Pattern Review!  The last contest I entered was back in 2009 and I won a prize!  It was a knit challenge and I made a dress.  Well this contest I'm in is a mini wardrobe A match B match C ext.  I made myself a little wardrobe for work because the Fabu Terri of Virginia's Sew Blessed Daughter put us all to shame and made a smokin 80,000 piece wardrobe and won the PR Contest to boot (OK, maybe not 80,000 pieces, but close) and because I needed some business casual clothes.

So, I stopped my current project to check to see if the pattern was reviewed on PR and I saw the Contest Link.  I usually check it out and cast my vote.  Low and behold there was a contest I was actually eligible for and was done sewing! After the loooong entry process (no it's spelled correctly), it felt crazy to not add the "blog" link.  I'm not going back to add it so errrr uuuuh anyway. Yeah.  I made 5 pieces and I'm adding Pics! Work has slowed down a tad so I'm binge sewing and blogging (today). I even cooked dinner and did "some" laundry.
(I loathe laundry). Did I mention I forgot to check that pattern review? (yeah.)

This is my entry photo!

Just the shirt.  It's so soft!

Thanks in advance for the complements and comments! (ROFLMAO!) And for those of you who know me, the answer is still No.  Now that I have time on my hands, I still won't sew for you!  Enjoy Errrrrbody!! Prom sewing is almost over so to my "Sew Sista'z" you can relax, relate, release.  Me however, I don't sew for nobody no more so I'm already chillax'n!  If you belong to Pattern Review's website - vote for me.  Voting starts May 16th.  (is that tacky?)

I went back and added the blog link. (stop laughing)

Talk Soon Carol