Category: DIY

Curvy Girls are Chic/

Summer Dress with Pockets Vogue 9100

Hello Darlings..

Well summer here in the District of Columbia and Maryland is coming to and end 🙁 However, the summer type of weather does not end until the end of September sometimes into October.

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So I create this dress with the fabric above using Vogue 9100. I had this fabric in my stash but it came from Fabricmart Fabrics. Its a cotton twill with a bit of stretch to it. I cut the custom fit size 14 but I could have used a 12 because of the stretch. I wind up taking out about 2 to 3″ in the back because it did not fit.


flower dress

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I just love that this skirt is flowy but with gathers vs pleats.. The princess seams and use of the D cup really fit nice and I had no fit issues. The back fit close to perfect with the exception of taking our a few inches.


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The major plus about this dress is it has pockets! I do not know why pockets on a dress have become such an obsession lately! But I just made a shirt dress without pockets and I so regret it, I keep searching to put my hands in my pockets all day!


Anyway I love my dress its so fitting to kick it off with these cute Micheal Khors shoes that I got a few years ago.. cute gold hardware bow and kitten heel!

Do you like my dress? 🙂


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DIY/

Making Jeans McCalls 6610

Hello Darlings!

Today’s Post (is long over due) will speak to jean making. I have created quite a few pairs of jeans in different styles; distressed, dressy like, and just pants created from jean fabric. This is my first pair of “jeans” it has the coin pocket, back pockets, etc.

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I would have to say these are my favorite jeans and are very comfortable. The only complaint I have is I did not create my waistband “sturdy enough” it stretched out quickly. I will not remove and make another for one there is no more fabric and two it’s just too much trouble. So I will still wear them and deal with it LOL.
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The link to this pattern is McCalls 6610 and trust me this pattern is so worth it! It has two different style of legs and each leg style is a different pattern piece, not a pattern piece that you have to cut or trace. And oh yes I refuse to trace a pattern unless its a serious hack or its a bra pattern. I hate the whole aspect of tracing on tracing paper… I don’t sew for others that often so I have no issue cutting up a pattern.
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This is the lay out of the jeans on the fabric I chose view A the straight leg pattern.
I love the pocket detail here it’s just like jeans you purchase in the store where the cotton pocket goes all the way across the pants top. Here my lining is a heavy weight cotton I purchased from Hobby lobby it works really well with jean fabric.

Top Stitching of the front pocket.

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I made an attempt at a bit of embroidery with my regular machine. It’s supposed to be a C and a G to represent Curvy Girl but yeah that’s what I got at the biggest setting 🙁
I have an embroidery machine now I will attempt this again.

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I loved loved loved the coin pocket detail. My machine sewed through this with a breeze! You can see my belt loop attachment as well. I used the exact measurement for the belt loop but it was a bit big. I will need to make smaller next time.

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Rivets are a bit challenging they should be at all the stress points but this was not easy hence, you only see two. I have a rivet machine now so I will definitely try again.

This top is a Lisette 1666 but the pattern is out of print (OOP) now. I altered the pattern to have a lower back and shorter zipper. I also made a matching lace top in the same manner.

Someone commented on my Facebook page “when did I get hips?” I thought that was hilarious!

PATTERN DESCRIPTION:

MISSES’/MISS PETITE JEANS: Fitted, straight or boot-legged jeans have waistband, carriers, pockets, front stay, yoke back, fly front zipper closing and narrow hem. Note: fitting tips included. Purchased belt.
SUGGESTED FABRICS: Denim, Lining for pockets: Medium weight cotton or Muslin.
NOTIONS:A, B: 7″ Zipper, One 5/8″ Button, 11/2″ – 2″ Purchased Belt.
Pattern Sizing: 6-24 (I cut a 16 and reduced the waist)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you completed sewing with it? Yes, exactly.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very easy no problems at all.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing simple “go to” pattern cuts and sews quickly.
Fabric Used: Jean Fabric with a bit of stretch
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Reduced the waistband, widened the hips
Would you sew it again? YES!
Would you recommend it to others? Yes, good traditional jean pattern!
Conclusion: I did not find this pattern difficult at all; I can probably sew it without the instructions next time.

Extras

Booties: Ray Roy from Saks (old)

Bracelets: David Yurman

Watch: Michelle
Necklace: DIY
Belt: Tory Burch Reversible Belt (similar)

I have a few more jeans on my list namely the Ginger Jeans that a few of my fellow Bloggers have created! I have read her instructions and they are quite interesting. I may get around to it in the next few weeks.

DIY/

Simplicity 2255 Plaid Top

Hi again Darlings!
I have been busy sewing but not posting as I should be 🙁 I know I always promise to do better — well I will do and not talk about it but be about it.
This is a cute plaid top that I created from 100% cotton fabric I obtained at Fabricmart 100% cotton and it was a very easy sew! From lay-out, to cutting, to sewing probably took about two hours.
This top is Simplicity 2255 I plan on wearing it with a pair of drawstring jeans I created from New Look 6351.

I actually made a bowtie from the same fabric

DIY/

Burda 6765 and Burda Style #131 Tailored Pants

Happy Wednesday Darlings! Yes its me again can you believe it twice in one week whoo hoo for me!
I made this two piece crop top and pants for a birthday event I went to in Baltimore.  The event was for my sister’s pastor of The Greater Hope Worship Center. The party was held at the Baltimore Rowing Club this place is adorable close to the water great view and the weather was fabulous!
We had a great time and it was so good connecting back with my family I really missed! 
This outfit is two Burda Patterns: Burda 6765 and Burda Style Tailoring Pants.. What are the differences.. Burda Patterns sells retail paper patterns and Burda Style does strictly .pdf patterns.  Since I am one of their Top 50 Bloggers I try to use their patterns a lot more often.. plus they have great modern style.. the patterns are clean, classy, modern.. only downfall you have to print and tape it all together GRRRRRRRR… But the results are great.
Burda 6765 is a set of adorable tops that comes with a cap sleeve and long-sleeve with a V-neck.. You can definitely interchange the pieces but I liked the short cropped one this time. The only thing I found odd about this pattern is its cut wayyyyyy sha-medium (yes a new word when its in between a small and a medium and just does not fit urgh!
The first one I cut did “fit” but it really fit and it was not appropriate for this event plus my tummy ain’t set up right LOL The first one was cut in a size 10 and the second one I went way up to a 14.  The sleeves as you can see are still a bit tight which tells me that this is cut small. My arms are small and most sleeves are big and roomy this not so much but it wasn’t uncomfortable.  It feel to a nice length and is not too revealing.
The fabric came from Fabricmart on one of their cotton sales.. its cute fabric with a slight stretch and Swiss dots..
The pants came from the BurdaStyle.com Trousers 131 – very cute tailored pants that goes from size 17 to 21 which is meant for juniors.. Well Juniors aren’t working with the curves so I had to do my own thing with it. I always have to alter the crotch area and the rear area.. and most often the hips.. The length is fine, although I generally add 2 to 3 inches because I like my pants long as they elongate my legs vs. cut me off with too short..
There is no leeway with this if the pants are short they have to be capris, shorts, or long.. I have tried this a few times and although I’m 5’4″ I have a short waist and long legs.. certain lengths just don’t work.
This fabric though oh my this fabric! I got this beautiful Loose-Woven Black Cotton Jacquard I actually picked this up last year on one of Mood Fabrics fabric sales and 1/2 this price.. I got 5 yards and it really is nice!

Clutch Bag: Saks 5th Avenue
Shoes: Prada Flats (last season)
Watch: Michelle
Bracelets: David Yurman
Lip color: CHANEL Gabriella
Huggs and kisses xoxoxox
DIY/

Mothers Day 2015 New Look 6130

I am such a slacker lol Blogging is a lot of work! But if I want to grow my blog I must be more consistent.. Last blog entry was January and that is soooo not acceptable.. However I have quite a few posts in cue and I promise to become more consistent! If you have tips for me please share I would love to hear them!
Anyway! Happy Belated Mother’s Day to all the mother’s, soon to be, and those that have stepped in to fulfill the mother role! You are loved!
My baby boy came down for Mother’s Day to visit and I was ever to happy! I had all you can eat brunch and mimosas set up at Zengo’s in DC (You know foo foo food) and he hated it LOL I myself enjoyed it. Although he told me it was ok I will be more mindful next time to choose a place we both like this was not I!
He decided to snap me while moving the food out the way lol

As you can see this is a black and white top made with a cotton gauze fabric made by JCrew.  I used New Look 6130 ..

Full Outfit view with linen pants also New Look 6271

It was dark on the first floor but I decided to post it anyway lol

My baby boy who is 24 🙂

They gave all the mothers roses for Mother’s Day 🙂
Pattern Review – New Look 6130 and 6271
Pattern Description: New Look 6130 – Misses’ Sportswear. Misses’ peplum top with neckline and sleeve variations, slim pants, pencil skirt and tie belt.
New Look 6271 – Misses’ Skirt in Three Lengths and Pants or Shorts

Pattern Sizing: I cut a 12 for the 6130 and a 14 for the 6271.

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, both are straight forward and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing the are both great basic staples.

Fabric Used: For the top I used a cotton gauze one piece had dominating white flowers and the other piece has black dominating flowers. Both pieces are black and white made by JCrew that I had in my stash. The fabric for the pants are linen and I made them last year.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did widen the waist a bit, why I do not know because its too big.  The fabric needed a heavier weight interface at the neckline b/c the opening flops instead of lying flat.  The pants I would add pockets in the future because I kept trying to put things in the pockets and weren’t any 🙁

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I would.  Both patterns are pretty basic and you can create in any color almost any fabric.  Basic and easy pieces.


Conclusion: Great basic pieces!
If you like this let me know!
Suggestions on blogging I want to know that too!
Clutch Bag: Authentic Alligator skin by Juliette Jake
Shoes: COACH heels from Bloomingdales
Sunnies: CHANEL aviators
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