Author: CurvyGirlsareChic

I am falling in love with the idea of creating things with leather.  I found this piece of leather at G Street Fabrics in Rockville, Maryland. They are having a fabulous sale right now that can’t be passed up! In fact I am eyeing a Bernina machine that is on sale as well.. anyway I needed a good size Black leather clutch for a long time and to see this piece of patent embossed piece — was a must have.  It was a really large piece in which I utilized a great space of it, I lined it with a cotton/silk lining and interfaced the lining versus the actual piece of leather.  Although I did do a test piece of leather and I fused the interfacing to the leather, I thought it would be better to do the first option.

Stitching this required longer stitch lengths, and a walking foot.  I used Gutterman’s polyester thread and a regular all-purpose needle.

I measured the size I wanted onto pattern paper, then transferred to to the leather, the interfacing, then the lining.  I also cut a square lining pocket for the inside just to give it a more “professional look.”

I then measured the front 10” from the bottom and marked it with chalk, I stitched down that line. Then measured and marked another 10” to the back section and stitched down that line. The rest of 5” is the flap.  I then stitched up each side 5/8, tacked each end.  Then stitched around the flap, trimmed close to the edge of the stitching.  I then cut a 1” strip the length of the flap folded it over and stitched across the edge just for decoration purposes.

I used fray check around all the edges just so the little lining threads do not fray.  I will be looking for some other kind leather edge sealer to put on the sides.

Let me know how you like it .. subscribe to the blog or send me an email 😉

Grey Stripe Romper V8813

This is a Throwback Thursday Repost.. I originally posted on 9/5/2013 — Reposting today as I am wearing the dress again!

Original: 9/5/2013 One of the dresses I made finally getting to wear it. The most flattering thing today is when my sewing teacher saw it and me she was shocked I made it lol lots and lots of love from men who admired it as well as women .. #vogue #diy #seamstress #sewing #picstitch #Vogue8813

Pattern Description: Vogue
8813 MISSES’ DRESS: Pullover dress (semi-fitted through bust) has gathered
front extending into back collar, side front seams, draped lower side front
with pockets, and stitched hems. A: pleat and button trim on pockets. A and C:
narrow hem on cap sleeves.
Pattern Sizing: XS
– Small – Medium.
Did it look like the
photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
 Yes,
just like the photo!
Were the instructions
easy to follow?
 Yes for the most part, the pocket became a bit
complicated although the pattern says EASY.
What did you
particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
 The directions for the
pockets.
Fabric Used: Two-sided
Jersey from www.lowestpricefabics.com
Pattern alterations
or any design changes you made
: No I cut down a size, I made a small
and it was very roomy.
Would you sew it
again?
 Maybe
Would you recommend
it to others?
 Only if you have good commercial pattern reading skills.

Conclusion: Great
dress and I would sew this again!
Shoes: Michael Kors
Sunnies: Thomas Ford


Living in the DMV area we have sporatic weather changes! One day its 90 the next day it could be 40! However, a cape is a good cover-up for going out, or if you are shopping in the mall.  Its easy to throw over your outfit for warmth and still leaves one very stylish.  I admired a Red cape that someone else blogged about and I was going to use a different pattern, however when I saw this pattern McCalls 6209 I knew I had to create it.  Then when I saw the fabric in Metro Textiles I knew exactly what I would create.. if fact I have enough fabric left over for a beautiful pencil skirt!

Project Review Detailed

Pattern Description: One Hour Various Capes
Pattern Used: McCalls 6209
Pattern Sizing: I cut the size small and it was still plenty big!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done? Yes, just like it!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were clear.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing it constructed well
Fabric Used: 100% Boiled wool
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None at all
Would you sew it again? Perhaps make a cape with the hood in red..

This fabric was a dream to sew! It cuts with ease, drapes nice, does not slip when you stitch it or slip when the serger touches it. Its nice and soft and feels good on the body — has good body for sewing.

Project Review Detailed

Pattern Description: Very Easy Vogue Top (quarter and long sleeves), pants and skirt
Pattern Used: Vogue 8935
Pattern Sizing: I cut the 8 top and the 14 skirt adding about an inch in the hip line.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done? Yes, I would say so
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were clear.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing it constructed well

Fabric Used: Jersey knit with lycra from Chic Fashions fabric house
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Yes I used the shorter top with long sleeves
Would you sew it again? Maybe I am not sure why I would need two of these sets..

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