Defining My Style

I recently finished my big PR Wardrobe Contest entry. I am very proud of my pieces. I happen to think I did a nice job finishing each piece and they fit me well. That said, I don't love every piece I made. Some of them just aren't me.

So what is me? I don't really know. Here are the facts:

• I wear a lot of jeans.
• I'm home with my children most of the time.
• I don't need to dress up (heels, dresses) often.
• I really don't like tossing on a tee-shirt. If I do, I'd rather it be a closer-fitting tee.
• I really like this top and this top and this skirt.
• I like clunky jewelry--sometimes.
• I'm probably not going to iron very often.

So, I decided I needed some help. I googled for some quizes that might help me determine my fashion style. I didn't have much luck. Here are my results:

This quiz says I'm "Subtly Sexy". Here's the description:
You're magnetic, sensuous, and full of life. You love to laugh, indulge in delicious food and drink, and be touched by someone you love -- anything that tickles your senses. You've got charm and charisma, and seem to enchant everyone you meet. Your clothes reflect your sexy nature. You relish the feel of luxurious fabrics against your skin, and you dress to bring out your alluring side. Your wardrobe staples: Wide-leg pants in silky materials that flow when you walk. Long or short skirts in velvet, suede, and leather -- any material that feels wonderful.Wrap tops that show off your shape.Camisoles, tees, and light sweaters with details like lace, a ruffle, or embroidery. Sexy, strappy heels. A glittery, oversized ring that catches the eye.

Uhm, not really...

This quiz said it would lead me to the designer that fit me the best. Here were those results:
Dolce & Gabanna: Classy with an edge. You take traditional ideas and give them a kick in the ass! Always stylish and appropriate for everywhere!

Being completely clueless, I check out their website. Now we're talking...

I'm finished!!!!!!!

I am so excited!!!!! I am completely finished with my 2008 Wardrobe Contest Entry. I have finished all my reviews and you can find them on Pattern Review. Here are the stats:

11 pieces:

• 4 tops
• 1 jacket
• 4 bottoms
• 1 dress
• 1 purse

22 total outfits (that I'd actually wear in public)

Fabric used: 26 yards

• 26 yards out of stash
• 0 yards bought

Patterns used: 9

• 3 TNT
• 4 never used from my stash
• 2 brand new (I love 99 cent sales!)

Total spent: $14.40

Not bad for 22 new outfits!!!!

A (successful) study in topstitching, edgestitching and presser feet

Here it is: The final piece of my 2008 PR Wardrobe Contest Collection--my denim skirt.



This was my first attempt at a denim piece (beyond the curtains in my son's bedroom). Even more importantly, it was my first attempt at a jeans pattern. I have never done a bottom with a back yoke like this, a front fly, or this much top stitching. I must say I am very proud of myself!


Here are the pattern details:


Pattern: I used McCall's 5142. I made the higher waist, contoured waistband version (D/E).

Fabric: A stretchy denim from my stash. I'm almost certain that I bought it Jo Ann's last summer. I don't love the fabric after working with it. I hope it doesn't stretch out too much as I wear it.

Thread: After much internal debate, I decided to top stitch with silver (as opposed to black which wouldn't have shown any mistakes). I actually used the same thread for the whole garment rather than switch back and forth.

What I did:

• I started by tracing the pattern pieces that I needed onto freezer paper. The pattern piece measurements matched my measurements, so I didn't make any size alterations this time. Next time, I need to figure out how to adjust for sway back.
• Instead of tracing the pant leg pattern piece as is, I needed to modify them. I traced the top part of the piece, down to the widest point on the outside of the leg (the hip). From there I drew straight down. On the crotch side, I found the center front, added 5/8 inch and drew a line straight down. Because the stitching lines for the crotch followed the slight angle on the crotch, I just rotated the pattern to match my new center front and traced those off.
• I wasn't sure about the pockets, so rather than use the pattern provided, I traced the pocket off my favorite jeans and added seam allowances. The designs on the pockets were totally free-handed.
• I did not include the small coin pocket (piece #1).
• I put the front pockets together like instructed. (These are lined with the same green and blue dots that I made a top from for this wardrobe. Sorry, no picture of the lining.)
• I put the fly together following the pattern instructions, except for step 14. That tells you just to stitch between the larger and small circle. Since I wasn't making a pants crotch, I actually stitched a 5/8 inch seam from the large circle to the bottom of the skirt.
• I put the back together as instructed until step 37. Since I wasn't making a pants crotch, I just stitched the back seam.
• I tried the skirt on before adding the waist band and wound up making much deeper seams on both sides. I probably could have cut a size or 2 smaller in the hips, especially since this is a stretchy denim.
• The waist band went on just like the instructions.
• I choose to leave off the belt carriers, as I never wear belts.
• I chopped off extra length and used a blind hem to finish the skirt.

As for all the top stitching and edge stitching:I switched between 2 presser feet constantly.

To edge stitch, I used my blind hem foot and moved my needle as for to the left as possible. The blind hem foot allowed me to follow the edge or the seam as closely as possible.

To top stitch, I used my zig-zag foot. I found that if I lined my edge-stitched seam up with the edge of my presser foot, then my top-stitched seam would fall 1/4 inch away.

I am very pleased with the effect.

As Promised...Here's My Sunshine's Theatrical Debut

Watch the Sun!

Tonsils, Purses, Wardrobes, and My Sunshine

My we've had a lot going on. The Big Girl has had quite a time. 2 weeks ago she had her Kindergarten program. (I'm trying to post a short video. I'll try again later tonight.)

She spent last week recovering from strep throat (again!) and this week is recovering from a tonsilectomy!

As for sewing: Yes, I am still working on my PR Wardrobe Contest. I have just one piece to go!!!! Of course, it would be the brand new pattern that I've never tried and that I want to modify into something else. I need to just bite the bullet and do it!!! Here are a few piecesI've finished lately:

Simplicity 4020 (how do I love this pattern!) Actually, I'm a little disappointed with this top, but I won't tell you why. Then maybe you won't notice. ;)

This top is New Look 6648. I love it!!! The skirt is from Simplicity 4036 (modified alot!)

I whipped up this purse for a sweet little friend's 6th birthday. I love the pattern because it is super simple and therefore, perfect to play with! It's Simplicity 4178. I've made it up in a cute school-girl plaid. After I finishing embellishing it, I'll post pictures and the review on PR.

And in closing:

Guarding the Pork Chops

(Check out the shoes!)

What does my name mean?

How fun is this? And how true (at least part of it.) The rest, well some of me apparently contradicts the rest!

The part that rings the loudest: not always finishing what I start. How long is your UFO pile?

What Salinda Means

You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Shopping with 3-year-olds

Since her mom was working this morning, my Little Man and I spent some time with his best Bud-ette. We had 45 minutes to kill before preschool started and her mom left BB with a gift card and instructions to buy something for herself, LM and the Big Sisters. So off to the dollar bins at Target we go.

Immediately, BB (with her sparkly earrings, pink dress and painted toes) keyed in on what she wanted--plastic snakes! For the LM, maybe a water gun, but he just couldn't decide, of course. BB found her big sister's gift just as quickly--Strawberry Shortcake lotion. The LM still couldn't decide (now it was between glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs and Spiderman crayons). He choose a paint-by-number kit for his big sister. And finally! The GITD Dinos for him.

We leave the bins to pick up a few things I need. About 20 feet away, LM changes his mind--again! After I finish shopping and begging him to chill out ("We ARE going back, in just a few minutes."), we head back to the bins.

Now, he wants a bouncy ball...or dino stickers...or wait! What's that? A dart gun. Oh dear. Then, Miss Plastic Snakes changes her mind. Great!

If you've been keeping up, you probably still don't know what we bought. Neither do I. All I am certain of is this: The receipt totaled $4.32 and foam darts are hitting me in the back of the head. Lovely.