Vogue 1245

This is an Alice + Olivia pattern, a variation on the traditional peasant top.  I've done a review on it at Pattern Review, so you can read my thoughts on it there.  

The blue is much more vibrant than what you see here.  I did this in a soft rayon (60% off at Hancock's) but next time I think I'll use a crepe-de-chine.  I just wanted it lighter and "floatier."  It does drape beautifully, and feels wonderful!

I am disappointed that the fit is off for me.  I kind of roughly fit it with the tissue to check for the waistline measurement, and it seemed fine.  But in the finished product, it just sits way too high on my waist.  I wanted it down more toward my hips -- so live and learn!  It will fit Rose nicely, and the weight of it will be perfect for winter.  I hope she'll love it!

It's been so nice to get back in the sewing room again!  Next up is Vogue 1255, and I'll be interested to see just how much work all the ruffles are.  This patter (1245) taught me that I definitely need to get a package of those metal bias tape makers.  That would have made it SO much easier!

xoxox

Project Who-Knows-What-Way

If you're anything like me, you're a huge fan of Project Runway.  I have a love/hate relationship with it, I must admit.  But I love to see what the designers do creatively, within those ridiculous time limits, and how they stay on-trend with the fashions they create.

I follow a blog called "Made by Lex."  Talk about beautiful fashion!  She remakes thrifted garments, sews for her little girls, and creates new fashions all to sell in her Etsy shop.  I especially love her scarves, which are hand-dyed.  Beautiful!

Lately Lex has been participating in a contest called "Project Run and Play."  It's a blogging version of Project Runway, except all the fashions are made for little girls.  They're given a pattern, or a theme, and eight designers then create magic!  There are 3 regular judges and one guest judge each week.  And viewers can also vote for their favourites, although the judges have the final decision.

So even if you're not into kids clothing, this blog is worth a look.  I think it is flat-out AMAZING to see what these designers are doing!  Project Runway has nothing on them!

Speaking of which (and I'll try not to rant here) -- Project Runway is supposed to be about great design with some good tv mixed in.  Thursday, September 8, 2011's show was just nothing but drama, drama, drama.  We wanted someone "out" because of their attitude and ability to play well with others, not because of their designs.  This show irritates me regularly for this very reason - they "auf" the nice ones and let the evil geniuses stay.  But the show also usually amazes me, so there you go.

I also had a look at the new Spring 2012 collection from last season's winner, Gretchen Jones.  Let me just say this:  her main cheerleader, Nina Garcia, is probably denying she ever knew Gretchen.  That is all.

So have a look at Project Run and Play and feast your eyes on great design for kids.  It will brighten your day!

Dip-Dyed Shorts

Yet another cute find!  These shorts are just what I'd like to be wearing this summer, especially since I constantly wear denim, white, and khaki.  Great tutorial -- and be sure to bookmark the site, because it has some terrific ideas and tutorials.

Enjoy!

From p.s. I made this:

Sew Stylish Spring 2011

I picked up the new spring 2011 edition of "Sew Stylish" at my local Sam's Club.  It's published by Threads (Taunton Press) -- and they're dependably good when it comes to sewing magazines.  I've also checked out "Quick Stuff to Sew" but never been nearly as impressed as I have been with "Sew Stylish."

So here's what I loved --

1.  The new runway fashions they note in "Fabric Lab" on pg. 12.  I could watch runway shows all day long, but I can never remember what it was that I really liked.  This helps immensely.  No wonder I really like Anna Sui -- the denim jumper from her show is adorable!

2.  The article on Cath Kidston was great, particularly because I picked up a book by her recently called ""In Print."  She has a wonderful website!  Check it out here:  Cath Kidston

3.  Hide a Zipper Inside a Pocket.  Good to know, nice reference for later.

4.  Quilt-Fabric Fashion.  There were a few things in this that helped me, and I have to say that I love working with this kind of fabric -- because it's predictable!  The section on underlining was great.

5.  The twisted cowl tank is so pretty -- and I already have a Hot Patterns version of this.  What interested me here was the way the construction was done.  There is also a pattern in the back, in case I want to use that.

6.  "Snap to It" -- what a great idea!  I loved this!  So many ways to change up a dress, skirt, shirt, sleeves -- I am forever pulling things in to give them shape.  This was just wonderful, giving a new way to do just that with snaps.

7.  Remakes -- I love the flouncy tank.  So pretty, although I think I would do a different neckline.  And since I've made some scarf-necked cardigans lately, the one they showed was cute and easy.

8.  Although I probably will never get time to do it, the Leather and Chain bracelet is a very cute idea.  It looks easy enough for me - a non-jewelry crafty person -  to accomplish.

Lastly, I have to say that I have an infinite appreciation for the way these folks always give a little photo of the inspiration for the project.  This is usually straight off the runway, very now, very on trend.  I pay attention to what's in shops now, but this is so much more helpful when it comes to keeping up.

No matter what your level of sewing expertise, you'd do well to pick this one up.  Let me know if you do one of their projects!  I'd love to hear about it!

xoxoxoxoxo

Pattern Envy

You know, I don't buy patterns like I used to do.

(just couldn't bring myself to end that last sentence with a preposition)

I don't buy them for 2 reasons:  1-I have a ton of patterns already, and 2-the basics of tops and bottoms never change that much.

HOWEVER.

Remember that little black sundress I tried to make for the Bug and was a near fail?  I tried and tried to find more of that fabric, and finally found it.  So while I was in Raleigh yesterday, I ran into JoAnns for a quick look and got 2 more yards of it.  Plus interfacing.  And then I noticed --

McCalls patterns were $1.99, and Vogue was $3.99!

How could I resist?

So I quickly flipped through the catalog -- I really only need the first few pages for what's new -- and decided on a couple.  Some were gone, which was unfortunate.  But they were all McCalls and what I really wanted was the Vogue -- so here's what I got!

Vogue 1044

This was for me-- it's a Vintage Vogue that takes yards and yards of fabric.  But so pretty, and hopefully I can make it up.  Barbie likes it too.

Vogue 1178

This is an Anna Sui, and I loved the ruffles and tiers for my girls.  Maybe even me if I cut it a bit longer--

Vogue 1182

This is a Kay Unger/New York, and I loved the lines of it.  It says it needs to be made up in a satin or shantung, but I think you could probably get away with a lightweight linen.  I have a couple of things in the stash that I may try.  I think JB would look like a million bucks in this.

McCalls P355 or 6168

This caught my eye because Barbie has a cute 3/4 sleeve sweater she got recently at Gap, and it looks a lot like the views to the right.  I love the idea of the sweater with a belt.  I think maybe some sort of lightweight knit would work here, even a sweater knit.  

And lastly, McCalls 5138

Honestly, I wouldn't have gotten this one if it hadn't been $1.99.  But it's a classic white shirt, with cute lines.  I liked the sleeve variations.  I probably should have gone with a shirt with a collar + stand, whereas this is just a flat collar.  But I probably have a couple of shirts in my pattern collection already that are just that: a basic button-down with a stand-collar.  

Classic, tunic-length white shirts seem to be all the rage right now.  I love that look; I swear my uniform since I was about 8 has always been a white shirt and pair of jeans.  Add a big wide hip-slung belt and a cute pair of boots, and you're ready for fall 2010.

What have you been buying?  Made anything lately?  Put it on your blog or Flickr, and link it up in your comment below!  Like I always have heard (and still hear) from my girls:  "I wanna see!  I wanna see!"

xoxoxox

Cool Flip Flops

Check out Gianny's cool DIY flip-flops.  How this girl does this with those nails -- well, let's just say that I have my acrylics cut short for a reason!  But she's a genius with using pliers to push a needle through the rubber of the shoe.  End result?  Gorgeous!

Maybe It's Just Me, But . . .

has anyone at all noticed how the new maxi-dresses for summer do not flatter ANYONE? I've seen them everywhere -- the airport, shopping, out and about -- and nobody looks good in them.

Just my opinion, but I think maxi-dresses are the next thing to follow Crocs in fashion.

xoxox