Inspiration Comes from the West Coast & Other Updates

I was inspired by a true Blog Fashionista and Designer Mimi Goodwin when she rocked the modified McCall’s6519 dress C. She made it in black and white zebra print and I remebered that I had picked up and ITY knit at Spandex House about 3 months ago in NYC for $6 in this cool brown and ivory ITY knit.

So I said all hail to the Fashionista from the west coast, Thanks for the Inspiration and bringin the Style. I cut it out 2 weeks ago sewed it up this weekend.

I modified it by making the tie out of some ivory polyester fabric. I will post more pics when I get it paired with jewelry and my strappy sandals.

McCall’s 6519

Pattern Description: Dress has fitted, blouson, slightly gathered bodice. C and skirt D: wrap, right front pleats, back darts and purchased ribbon.

Pattern Sizing: I cut the 10

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, are easy to follow

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Stylish collar and a wrap dress I  can wear it to different venues

Fabric Used: ITY Knit Print

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Well as you can see I added sleeves because I did not like the sleeveless look after I tried it on so thankfully I had enough fabric to draft some sleeves but you could use any sleeve from a fitted shirt pattern and make it work to save time. I also shortened it a quite a bit because you know I like it shawt! lol
Would you sew it again? Yes,I am plan to make it in a solid color or another print

Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: A cute and comfortable dress I love it

Thanks Mimi

Formal dresses on the way

I know that Dear Boyfriend Mr. T and my Bestfriend Ms. J  and I will being going out to some formal parties this year so I got inspired to look at my stash of fabrics that I will be using to make dresses out of

(left to right) Black and white swirl brocade, Pink and Gold Brocade, Brown and Gold brocade, all from Jomar in Philly, textured gold knit from NYC 

Spring Dresses on the way as well

 

2 Sweaters Make 1 Cute Warm Dress

I was in northern Virginia this weekend and I was perusing through a thrift store and I remembered being inspired by the Slapdish Sewist blog in which she did a sweater refashion. Check it out here http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com/2010/01/sweater-refashion-colorblocked.html

So I decided what better than two warm sweaters making a cute dress. I found the bottom of the dress by choosing a women’s XL sweater and I then I matched it with a medium sized red turtleneck. In the pics you can see that the top is a small cable knit. The turtle neck is 100% merino wool so it is warm. I couldn’t find the content of the blue sweater the tag was torn.

Thriftonomics defined as saving money on clothes or whatever and looking great doing it. The store was having a half off sale so I figured I could buy 2 sweaters each $4.99 equally $2.50 each and then make a $5 dress. I remembered I had red shoes and I am really wearing a lot of red this month. It makes me feel happy and I was inspired by the Chinese New Year.  

I was so excited I made the dress that night and the Dear Boyfriend Mr. T gave me the approval.  I didn’t take pictures of the construction but you can see at the hem that this is the bottom of the XL sweater. I cut off the sleeves of the blue sweater  and the bottom of the turtleneck then pin fit the tow together and slim fit the dress. Then sergered the raw inside seams.

So I wore it to work today and got some compliments on it, just walking pass people and then when I explain it was two sweaters they were gasping.  This will be great for the the cold days we may get in March.

The Top that makes for a cute Party dress

MCall’s 6400 I was inspired to make this top when I saw it on The Mahoghany stylist It looked so easy and comfortable to wear with jeans or a skirt. So I made the top and liked the way it came out. Then I was inspired to make it into a dress because it shows some shoulder.  I like to party so I will use it in the spring or on a date with my Dear Boyfriend Mr. T.

To make into a dress I just lengthened the bottom of the pattern. It did come out to long so I ended up cutting off about 4 inches to get it to be knee length. The inset is how the print of the fabric looked. I love color so I will be seen a mile away withthe confidence to pull it off.

Happy Valentines Day to All

Give Love, Share Love and Receive Love

Dear Boyfriend Mr. T and I attended a Sweetheart Ball on Saturday Night in Maryland. So I had to whip up a easy cut dress to wear. The  TNT (tried and true) Butterick 3137 which is OOP (out of print). This is the same dress I wore New Year 2011 when I first met him. It is so easy, a front, back, 2 darts on the front and back and I cut the neckline down and made my own ruffle. I lined it in black polyester.

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Jumping into January with a Stash Slash

Since the New Year started I have been on a sewing tirade to make myself some new clothes and finish some dresses that hadn’t been completed in 2011.

 Here is what I was able to complete and deplete my stash.

	Item	Pattern
1	Striped Turtleneck	Burda 7742
2	Black Turtleneck	Burda 7742
3	Black and grey top	McCall’s 6400
4	Pink orange black dress	McCall’s 6400 modified by length
5	Blue square print wrap dress	Butterick 5454
6	Cowl neck dress with sleeves	Vogue 1250 added sleeves
7	Cowl neck color block dress	Vogue 1250
8	Black and white dress	Burda 7828
9	Purple snake print	Vogue 1179
10	Brown striped knit dress	Burda 106 Jan/09 changed sleeves
11	Cowl neck border print dress	OOP McCall’s 3397 made a dress
12	Faux Fur Coat	OOP New Look 6112
13	Orange, brown and ivory dots	Butterick 5397
14	Paisley orange and black dress	Burda 7696
15	Felt fleece coat	Vogue 8775

That equals up to over 25 yards of fabric. I will set up individual post about them but starting next week I will wear my dresses.

I also finished 3 blouses for a client,Simplicity Top 2181, Simplicity top 1945, and Simplicity top 3536 as well. Will post soon.

Hold Tight Pic Heavy

This jacket is a McCalls pattern that was made 4 years ago. But the dress is Burda 7828

Will need the coats to stay warm in the dresses.