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Pretty Polka Dots – Lady Shorts

Cute hun?

I would never think to make my own “foundations” let alone my own bras or panties.. but after meeting a fabulous ASG member at the sewing retreat in December and she was creating her own bras I became intrigued. I happen to stubble upon another blog where this sewer has created the most adorable pieces Very Purple Person and I knew I had to begin somewhere. However, most of the suppliers seemed to be in the UK or elsewhere and I wanted to begin right away with something simple at least — yes its that shopping impulsive urge. I then stumbled upon Cloth Habits site and link to a free Lady Shorts Pattern .. the result you see above..

Materials Used:
Polka Dot Cotton Knit from JoAnn’s 1/2 yard
Top Lace from JoAnn’s 2 yards
Smaller lace around the legs JoAnn’s 3 yards
You can’t see it but I did purchase a 1/4 yard of thin cotton fabric in orange (they did not have white, why I do not know).  The clerk suggested a different thin white knit but it had polyester mixed.

I downloaded the pattern — pieced it together and I had to think about it a minute.. Like how in the world would these two pieces of fabric become “lady shorts” lol but 4 seams later or less they were!

I add the cute lace with a little ease and tension and there you have it.. I promised this is probably the quickest thing I have ever sewed! And in less than 30 minutes I might add!

For sure using stretch cotton might not be very economical especially with the lace trim which I love.. But if you use different fabric like stretch silk, or other luxury fabrics you will have a unique piece of lingerie to love and it was fun sewing!

Yeah or Nay.. let me know your thoughts 🙂

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Spring is Coming! McCalls 6844

I ordered this pretty piece of sweater knit from fabricmart.com; I originally ordered to create a wrap dress but it was too light for that. I would need tricot lining and this and that and I just did not want to go through the drama so I decided to create McCalls 6844 you see below.

As I mentioned the fabric is quite light so it will be perfect for the spring transition of weather; stylish yet simple and it has a mix of colors that can be worn in the office when the heat is not enough or if the AC is on too high! Ladies you know what I speak of..
Pattern Description: Loose-fitting front tie crop top

Pattern Sizing: xs-small-medium (I cut the medium)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes exactly, only needed interfacing for the collar.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes very easy, with cutting time it took about three hours to sew.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Since the fabric was so light-knit I did not need to use the ease method for the sleeves — love love and winning!

Fabric Used: light-weight knit from fabricmart.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None, just made the sleeves a wee bit longer but I do not think I needed it because of the fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I certainly would its adorable!

Conclusion: I did not find this pattern difficult at all, I can probably sew it without the instructions next time.

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Little Black Dress with a Little Bit of Leather ;-)

Finished Dress… inspiration below

When I saw this black dress with a touch of leather I knew I had to recreate it ASAP.  I first had to think about how it will be done.

Here is the wool fabric I obtained from Mood Fabrics  and the leather skins were obtained from A Fabric Place here in Baltimore.  I used this basic pattern above and then used the pattern pieces that would be used for the leather.

Then the muslin is created with the NEW pattern pieces pieced together allowing for the leather strips in between.
The zipper is inserted prior to dress construction as its easier to put the zipper in without so much fabric.  

Final zipper insertion
Final Dress worn with a BCBG crystal flower belt and JCrew Studded Shoes.  I think the pink shoes above really give the dress more pop and I plan on wearing pink snakeskin sandals in the future..
What ya think yeah or nay?? 😉
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Post Birthday Celebration and New DIY

Hello Dolls!
Happy Birthday to me! Today’s post is about my post Birthday Celebration at Society Restaurant and Lounge in Silver Spring, MD.  I created a few items to wear for my birthday but because Old Man Winter decided to have a “White Party” Thursday and Friday celebrations just did not happen *le sigh*…
Both the top and the skirt are created by me — the top uses Butterick 5895 and the skirt is a simply self-drafted with back zipper and feathers from Mood Fabrics added.
Pattern Description: Loose-fitting front tie crop top
Pattern Sizing: 4-12 (I cut a size 10)
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes exactly, I only used three buttons
Were the instructions easy to follow? Sort of, when it came to the criss-cross of the collar in the back it was not clear.  It had to be re-done a few times.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  Love the pattern very cute and versatile!
Fabric Used:Stretch Satin from Hobby Lobby
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I have fabric on order to create again!
Conclusion: Once again the back collar was a bit difficult to understand, I will consult Butterick for easier instruction.  Although the fabric is quite forgiving I would rather not keep taking the seams out. Otherwise it can be sewn in about an hour or two even with the button holes.
Accessories:
Shoes and Necklace: JCrew (suede and studs — I just love these)
Watch: Michele with snakeskin band
Bracelets: David Yurmen 
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Another Born Day for the Curvy Girl!

I usually don’t get all sappy on the blog because its all about my journey of being a seamstress and continuing to build the business.  But today I reflect on reaching my 45th birthday! While the journey has included good days as well as bad days, I have to admit I am blessed.  I am blessed to see another day, I am blessed to see the day healthy and through clear eyes.  While I still question a purpose and my vision I know that there is a plan for me.. the plan that will be delivered in time.  I don’t always see it — believe it but I know that if I have one ounce of faith it does exist.
I am so grateful to have two beautiful sons who I love dearly and are growing in to great handsome men! I have some of the dearest friends I could ever ask for who have keep me grounded and sane when I truly want to be insane.  Life is good, not without problem — but life is good.
I will be ever so happy to see another 45 years and I hope its with all those who I love and love me back!
*mucho besos* 
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Silk and Leather…

 
 
 
This is the last in the series of photos that were taken in November, unfortunately I don’t have access to rest of them to share .. More will be taken soon hopefully this week as the weather breaks and I have someone available to take them for me..
 

 

This outfit is created from 100% silk and 100% Leather.  The silk was obtained from Mood Fabrics and can be found here. The leather was one big hide I think about 23 sq. ft. and that was obtained from Tandy Leathers in Essex Maryland.

The pattern used for the sweatshirt was Vogue 8877 with alternations noted below and the pants were made from McCalls 6404 altering a few of the pieces.

For the shirt I made it a true sweatshirt by adding ribbing to the neck, sleeves, and bottom of the shirt to give it the bunching look.  The bodice of the shirt was also cut on the salvage as it gave the shirt more character, the sleeves were cut from a different silk.

The pants I cut the legging pieces straight instead of diagonal like view C.  Since this leather does not stretch as recommended on the pattern I should have cut it a hair bigger. Some leather is just like woven fabric they do not stretch. If you get it wet you might find it will stretch but it does not bounce back into shape like a true knit fabric.

Would I create the pants again, yes as the style of the legging have lots of character and design alternatives? Another lux sweatshirt maybe not..

Shoes: JCrew
Hair and Highlights: Kier Ross-Johnson for Bangz Hair Salon Montclair NJ

 

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