Happy Holidays!!

Next Week Is A New Year!!




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Here's wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!  I'll be back real soon with my outfit for New Year's Eve!!! (If I go out!) Thanks for reading!

Talk Soon Carol

I'm on the Fence. Hmmmm!

To Wear or Not to Wear?

Hello Everyone and welcome to December.  X-mas is right around the corner - that's for another posting soon to come.  (LOL!)  Anywooooo,

I'm on the fence about this outfit. I'm sure you have been in this predicament.  When you make (or buy) something and then you're not quite excited about it when it's all said and done.  Well, here it is for me.  I originally made this outfit to wear out "steppin". The color theme was Grey. (Yes, I said it "color theme".) It's actually kinda cool.  The color is advertised for the party and all the "regular steppers" and "club members" show up in the color for the night.  You have not lived until you have seen a ballroom full of African American men dressed in Yellow or Lavender suits/outfits that look quite masculine and all different! (with shoes to match!)  LOL! 

Anyway steppin is a partner dance we do here in Chicago - ton's of fun and part of the fun is dressing up in "custom" clothes.  Well this outfit looks "made".  I like my clothing to look RTW but this has the "I had this made for the grey party" look.  I'm not real thrilled.  Now, as separates - I'm sold but I think together it may be to much.  Although "To Much" is what steppers do.

Simplicity 2478

I chose to review the jacket as it has not been done on Pattern Review.  This is a little Bolero Jacket with neckline and sleeve variations.  I thought this would be a nice jacket as I thought the outfit needed something more.  I have added a photo of the outfit with the turtle neck and skirt only.  Please pardon the bad photos.  My camera is broken and you are looking at cell phone quality! LOL! I don't think this bolero is for a beginner per say.  Adding the band takes a little more experience.  Advanced Beginner would be able to tackle this.



Jacket front and side. Sleeve detail.



 

Turtle and skirt up close.

The fabric is pearl grey dry weave knit and the camouflage print is jersey. It's grey, black, pink and white.  The pink is vibrant like bubble gum. (smile).  The fit is good on all the pieces but I need shoes.  (Since I'm thinking shoes, I may just save it and wear it to the next "grey" party. I won't do "separates" because then it will be "old" LOL!  I like new clothes.


UPDATE
I ended up wearing black suede boots so here I am in the outfit!  It worked out after all!




  


  Talk Soon Carol

Just in case you were wondering about steppin?

Here's a stepper's video for you to enjoy!!   If you hadn't guessed it's a "White Party"!

Talk Soon Carol

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day Ramblings. . .

I haven't blogged since Halloween!!!!

Well it's Thanksgiving already!  Everyone have a happy holiday and start preparing for X-mas.  Don't let the holiday season stress you out!  I'm not going to that's for sure. Going to be with family today and do a little sewing this morning along with laundry, cleaning, dishes the norm.  No Stress!!

I have been sewing and can't wait to let you in on some great easy finds.  I also took a trip to Khol's and brought a dress!  I was mortified by the quality of items and the prices were obscene.  I need to get out more. (LOL!)  Any way give thanks everyday but eat your ass off today. It's allowed. 

Have a safe and wonderful holiday and thanks for reading.

Talk Soon Carol

My Halloween Costume!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to post my Halloween costume for those of you who made a costume and had a great Halloween!

I used Simplicity 2324 with a few alterations (A-lined the dress bottom to accommodate the letters and shortened front/back by 3 inches). I also fully lined the dress to keep it cool so I wouldn't burn up while dancing.  The dress fabric is a shiny white pleather.  This costume came to me as I was trying to think of something original. Through all the Internet surfing I came across a "Twister" costume and knocked it off!  I was originally thinking of Scrabble but the fabric was to much and I didn't have enough time to get the fabric and make my costume.  So when "Twister" came to mind, I Googled it and WALA - a costume popped up!  Again, I didn't have the time to order so I just made it.  My cost was $13 for all materials and it took me about 5 hours to make!!  Let me know what you think! 

The "Twister" was done free hand on red felt at 1:30 in the morning! The felt circles template was made from a CD. Everything is stitched on "ALL THE WAY AROUND!"

Back closure with a ribbon.  I didn't feel like putting in a zipper.  Note the sequin on the collar.



Here is my hat - the spinner actually works.  It's on with a jean rivet! LOL!



All in all. . .

I didn't win the contest (the "sexy" store brought did") but - I was asked to pose for plenty pictures, absorbed many complements and had a great time!

Maybe next year I'll be a "sexy" whatever and buy my costume from the store! Naaaaaaaaaaa!

Talk Soon Carol

Rambling on!

It's the Saturday before Halloween!

Happy Hallowen!

• I made two Cowl Neck scarves! (Very nice and drapey!)
• I made some panne velvet leggings because I saw a lady with some on and I really liked them.
• I made my Halloween costume and I'm excited about wearing it.  It's really nice! (Will blog about that later if I win any contests. LOL!) Gogo boots are over priced.
• Chicken again - smells good today. (Lol!)
• My son is growing up and hearing me.  He got all A's and one B on his report card. I had to buy him something.
• I stayed up all night making my Halloween costume.  (Yawn)
• Got my hair done today and I like it.
• Watched Project Runway and analyzed the outcome.  I agree but I felt Victor should have won. My money was on Josh tho.
• Still have Grey's Anatomy and 4 episodes of Sex and the City to watch - I'm late. I didn't have HBO when it was on.
• My husband made Chili for my department at work - they enjoyed the food.  It was good. He's thoughtful - sometimes. (cheese!)
• I figured out which shoes to wear tonight. I figure, since I have so many pair I guess it would be stupid to buy more.  I'll feel differently next payday.
• Did some laundry.  I hate laundry, but I like clean clothes.
• I guess this will be the week I start using the tread mill and stop looking at it.
• How and when did I get so busy?!

I need a nap - I'm rambling but before I go here's my favorite comic strip for this time of year:
FYI -it's a little Racy so you're forewarned.

Talk Soon Carol

I made a decision!

TNT Pattern - Sweatsuit Alternative

Per Tim Gunn, you are not supposed to be seen out in public wearing sweats! HA!  Finally, I found my personal answer to the sweatsuit.  In a previous post (Ramblings, I think) I needed to make an outfit for a family party.  Well Vogue 1197 was my final decision.  This pattern went together super fast and that's what I needed.  I had in my stash some white velour and the print was sweatshirt fabric. Both I purchased about 6 months ago from Vogue Fabrics.  Originally, I wanted an all white outfit but I ran out of fabric. I found the print in a frantic stash rant at 1 AM. The velour was so thick - glad that's gone and I have just a little more room in my fabric closet. LOL!

The cowl is drafted in two sizes.  I chose the small one.  I can't imagine how messy the big one probably is!  Anyway, the raglan sleeves have rouching to the elbow, the pants have an elastic waist and are an inseam only deal (like pj pants).  I also put the slit at the bottom of the pants and finished all seams with a double needle (cause I don't have a coverstitch machine - YET!)

Small Cowl Neck

Sleeve rouching

Slit at pants bottom

and of course - The Shoes!

I must admit I only have three Sandra Betzina patterns and one was a total "Wadder" but I have to give her her props on this one!  Well written, fast, easy and looks great! Maybe I'll give the "wadder" another go.  (We'll see.)  I love this outfit!! I will be making this one at least two more times. Count on it!

Talk Soon Carol

Winter is coming!!

A Cardinal!!

Look what I had the pleasure of spotting on this past Saturday afternoon!  He stopped (on his way south) to eat some berries from our Juniper bush!!!  WOW!!!  I called my son on the phone (from the driveway) and he got the camera and took pics.  Right outside my office window!

Talk Soon Carol

I Can't believe I did it again!!!

Missed Tim Gunn!!!

My friend got to meet Tim Gunn Saturday!!! He was here at a local mall for Liz Claiborne.  I was invited but had to pass. What the hell was I thinking?!
It sunk in after she text me this picture! :-(

Anyhoooooo (HUGE Sigh). . . Here she is with the man of many words!  That's ok, I'll get my picture one day!  I'll make it work! Bet That!

WTG Kathy!!!

Talk Soon Carol

A Fleece Moment!

Fleece!!

My friend and I were at JoAnn Fabrics on Friday and she hammered me about a fleece poncho I made about 3 years ago.  It's pilled and discussting old, but clean. :-)


It's Dead!!

Anywhooo, as I was standing in front of  Polar Fleece for $3.99 per yard. She said (aloud) GET OVER THAT PONCHO! BUY SOME DAMN FLEECE AND MAKE A NEW ONE - PLEASE! Nothing like friends, huh?! She then proceeded to point to out a nice print as I stood in front of it, not noticing but laughing my ass off! 

OK! She was right so here is my new fall  "running around" coat.

OOP Vogue 8562

I did view B and size 18.  This is a quick and easy pattern.  It's fully lined coat with flannel back satin for a little extra warmth. I added a jacket stay and muslin in the front shoulder area to eliminate stretching over time. I also put a button at the top of the neck instead of a coat snap, which I used as closures on the rest of the jacket.  I made this jacket about two years ago to match a dress and remembered how fast it was so Saturday night I whipped it out and got to wear it today!



Jacket Front



Full Lining

Jacket Back

Here in Chicago "Fall" lasts about a month if we're lucky, so it's actually going to be good weather to wear this coat.  I made a hat and purchased some $1 stretch gloves to match to carry me to the first frost. The whole ensamble cost me $11! (LOL!  I love those cheap gloves!)

It's so soft!!

Talk Soon Carol

The Ramblings of a Seamstress

Going to a family function on Saturday - don't know what the hell to make (as usual).  Its an opportunity to blog about it but I can't seem to pick an outfit to save my life. They keep changing!!!

If I don't get my hair done Saturday morning I'm going to scream!

I cooked chicken again today. Ick!

I checked my Blog Stats today and saw I have a some readers in other countries!  Wow! I'm ecstatic about that and Welcome to my world folks!! Thanks for reading!

Anywhoooooo,

Today when I got off work, I took a drive to Hancock Fabrics to buy all of the wonderful patterns I mentioned I wanted. You know, the new Vogue winter stuff. I was going to buy a Simplicity pattern for a Halloween Costume and a McCall's pattern top too. 

Would you believe the patterns are all on Sale too! 

Yes, I want to be a penguin.



 

I've been waiting on this forever it seems.



They didn't have a @#%*#^! thing and the costume I want is not in the book! Now I don't have any damn gas or new patterns!  (Well I guess I have to wait until next week!) Aw Man!

Talk Soon Carol

Vogue "New" Pattern release

Vogue has released it's new Late Fall collection of patterns.  I say "Late Fall" because I'm still in denial that cold weather will be here to stay in Chicago by Halloween. (Gurrrrrr!) 

I like to check other blogs and see what the other sewists have to say about the patterns and what they will be making. Well here are the winners that will be making their way into my crazed collection of patterns:

 

1269 Chado Ralph Rucci - This is my favorite! Can't wait to make this!
This will be a flattering look because I'm short. Peplum ruffles work for me!



1273 Badgley Mischka - This will be a great two color dress! Black/White or Orange/Fuchsia!
 Maybe New Year's Eve?!



1275 Sandra Betzina - I need a cute knit top for all that knit fabric I have. 
This one will be made twice.  I'll have one of each!



8780 Very Easy Vogue - Oh! Oh! Oh! That's all I can say. 
I have some Houndstooth wool that has been waiting for this jacket!
OK, I'm gettin geeked about the cold weather! (LOL!)

8771 Very Easy Vogue - Another nice knit top.
I like the two tone option and the sleeve as well.

Aside from all the other projects I have on the horizon, these will trump some of them.  Can't wait for the pattern sale at JoAnn. I'll be front and center with my $20 on hand!   

Talk Soon Carol

A Jumpsuit Story!

What a weekend!!

I was really inspired to make jumpsuits this summer when I saw a few of my fellow seamstresses on the Pattern Review website making them left and right.  Well, I jumped on the band wagon and made a few myself in various styles. This one I want to share.  I made this jumpsuit to attend a surprise birthday party all the way in Tampa Florida this past weekend!  The party was great and I was having a good hair, outfit and jewelry day! 

I happened to have picked up my fabric (Ponte Knit) at the end of the season sale at JoAnn last spring.  Originally this fabric was priced at $15 per yard but I managed to get it on clearance with an additional 50% off for only $3.50 a yard!!!!!

My Inspiration came from Salvatore Farragamo's fall collection.

This outfit was very easy to make. I didn't use any instructions because I didn't need them.  I did however make some major pattern adjustments.  I took the pant legs in 1.5" on the front and back below the knee, shortened the crotch by 1", shortened the legs 3", a 1" FBA and a low bust adjustment of 2" and eliminated the ruffle.  My reference for the FBA and LBA is in this book. Luv it!



Back

The pattern called for full lining.  I underlined the bodice with stretch mesh but opted out on the pants because my fabric was so thick.  Instead I added a heavy foundation in the bodice so I wouldn't have to wear a bra.  My foundation is made from crinoline and crepe and I added a waist stay.  I also used metal boning which added great support.  To add a pop (as if I needed more) I added an exposed zipper in red!

The Foundation and waist stay



Red Zipper





The Shoes

 

I love my outfit and had a great time! Hope we get to go somewhere again soon!

Talk Soon Carol

Quick Fix!

Hellooooooo!

Went out Saturday night with my sister in law and had a great time! Earlier that day I was pondering what to wear, as usual, so I decided to finish a dress (quickly) that I originally made for mother's day.  Anywooo, it's chilly here at night now so I needed a jacket.  I think it may have been 60ish degrees.

I figured I'd make a little fleece jacket with a ruffle detail but while in Joann Fabrics I walked by some furry stuff they called "Grizzly".  I had to have it!

 SIDE NOTE:  Since working with faux fur is very very messy I decided that this project needed to be super simple and fast. (I came to this conclusion when I took it to the cutting counter.)  Upon arriving home I forgot my husband (the gadget buyer) had recently purchased a mini shop vac!!!  The clean up was 10 minutes. I even got the fur off of me!  If you like to sew faux fur go and get this thing!  I love it!

Genius Invention!



Now for the Bolero review:

Simplicity 3921

This jacket from cut to finish took 1.5 hours.  (Not including clean up.) It is very fast and easy to sew.  I like this particular jacket because it has a center back seam. I used the center back seam on the lining only. For the jacket I eliminated the seam allowance and cut the back piece on the fold.  Also, it has instructions to finish sleeves at the wrist. All inside seams are finished as well and the closure is at the bottom back. I included pictures of the fabric, the jacket turned lining side out and front/back views so you could see all the details.  Great for all levels of sewing and a great project for that needed "quick fix!"



Front



This is a pattern I use a lot for myself and clients too.  I recently got it out as I made this for a customer about a two months ago and hers was so nice I kept this pattern as a "mental note" in my head. LOL! I love it it was perfect!

Back



I love the lining from Vogue Fabrics



Grizzly is like the Bear!!!












My dress I had on is pictured below but I made it so long ago I don't remember any struggles.  I did put a chiffon overlay on the bodice and I remember that being time consuming but no issues with this dress.  It is now out of print but still available for purchase on Butterick's website.

Butterick 5024



That's it!

 Thanks for reading!
Talk Soon Carol