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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.

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!)

Just 4 to go!!!

Well, I have one month left in PR's Wardrobe Contest, and I think I can do. I just finished my 2nd top, so that leaves 2 tops and 2 bottoms. This is a tunic from Simplicity 3535.

The fabric is a fun green/blue/teal polka dot seersucker that I've had in my stash for a few years. The yoke, cuffs, and tie are white eyelet. This top is very light and great for this summer. It should look great with my white linen pants.

As for the pattern itself, I cut the top, used the short sleeves and added the cuff, adding about an inch to accommodate my upper arm (it is designed to be used with 3/4 sleeves and fit the forearm). The pattern is easy to sew. All that said, it is not destined to become one of my favorites. First, I really don't need many tunics like this. Second, the pattern didn't wow me. I have boxes full of others that I want to try.

White Linen Pants--Modify and Adjust, Again and Again!

Oh my goodness! These pants!

I found 2.5 yards of a beautiful white linen aging in my stash and knew I immediately that I needed white linen pants for Easter. (Keep in mind that this was Friday night and Easter was Sunday. If you know me, you aren't surprised.) I also knew just what pattern I wanted to use. So, I pulled out Simplicity 3688...

As my waist is one size and my hips another, I've never done real well at fitting pants. I decided to do it right this time. I first drew the pattern off onto white broadcloth. I increased the seam allowances to 1 inch so I'd have room to work with. I put the muslin together with very long basting stitches. The only real fitting change I needed was to move the crotch point to increase the crotch depth. I altered that on the front pattern pieces and the fit was great! It took a while, but I think it was worth it. The muslin fit beautifully.

So, with great fear and trepidation, I pulled out my white linen (and, for the sake of modesty, I pulled out some white lining also). I put the lining together first. It fit great! Then I started with the linen. The darts looked great, the linen was pressing beautifully, and I was so excited. Then...
I got a little too careless with my serger. One guess where the hole is. Needless to say, I threw those dumb pants on the floor and stomped off to bed. My sweet husband picked up the pants, hung them up, and then came to bed. Then he said the one thing could motivate me, "I don't think you can fix those."

Well, not being one to back down from a dare. I got up immediately and started thinking. I sewed and pressed and top-stitched--all while texting a friend who was at the vet with her 70 pound monster that stumbled upon a huge bag of Easter candy! What you see are the result:

Not a beautifully tailored, high-waisted, well-fitting perfect pair of white pants. Instead, they are a much more casual white linen pant with huge patch pockets. Oh, and they fit well.

I will definitely make this pattern again. Next time, I will be more careful and I won't sew while distracted. Yeah, right.

These are replacing the white eyelet skirt in my PR Wardrobe Contest storyboard. That means I've finished 5 pieces and I have 6 to go and I've sewn 14.5 yards! I might actually finish!

NOTE: Duke, the dog, is okay too!

Wardrobe contest-Day 15

Yeah! I've finished 4 pieces! I have 7 to go!

Here's my purse:

I had originally planned to make Simplicity 4178, but...I decided I wanted something with a little sparkle. I told myself I would only create this wardrobe from fabrics and patterns I already owned. Unfortunately, I only have 2 handbag patterns in my huge pattern collection. So, I broke my own rule!

This is McCall's 5340. I haven't decided if I like it yet or not.

The purse is made in a silvery-gray linen. It calls for hair canvas as interfacing. Since I don't have that in my stash (not really sure what it is actually), I used some left-over light weight denim. I really like the drape of the linen when interfaced with the denim, but the facings are almost too thick. It is lined with the teal satin that I also used on my jacket and one of my tops.

The pattern calls for 17 mm beads. This might of worked with wooden craft beads, but I wanted something a bit "blingier". These are 14 mm beads.

The beads also cause another problem. The patterns instructs you to thread 3 strands of 1/16-inch cord through the beads to create the handle. Even 1 strand wouldn't fit through these beads. I wound up stringing the beads of the handle on microfilament and knotting the microfilament to the cord.

And another problem. Even braided, 3 strands of 1/16-inch cord makes a very skinny strap. I'm afraid the purse will cut into my shoulder.

All that said--I think this is a really cute purse. It coordinates nicely with my wardrobe plan and I think I'll enjoy using it this summer.

Just to keep track, that's another 1 1/2 yards out of my stash. That means 8 1/2 total!

2 down...9 to go! (and 1 UFO!)

Yeah!!!!! I've finished 2 pieces for the PR Wardrobe Contest. Here are a few pictures of my dress (HP 102) and jacket (HP 104) modeled by my favorite dummy!

This dress is made of 100% cotton jersey in solid black. It is a beautiful, wash and wearable fabric. The style itself is perfect for me: easy to wear, wrestle kids in, and take care of. It is made from Hot Patterns 102 No Sweat Easy Sew Triple T-Shirt Dresses. I used the low-scooped bodice, short sleeves and the straight skirt. It took about 1 1/2 hours to start and finish this dress. I love projects I can finish quick! (4 yards of my stash used! 2 for the dress, 2 for a muslin)

This jacket is made in a sweater knit I bought at Hobby Lobby some time ago. I have no idea what it's made of, but that's part of the fun of stash shopping! The facing on the jacket are actually the satin I will be using on a top. (2 yards from my stash!)

The jacket is also a Hot Patterns pattern. It is from HP 104 Sugar Babe Set. I will be finishing a top and pants to match this week, I hope. The biggest change I made on this piece--I didn't use the drawstring neckline like the patten recommends. Having made this once before, I found the drawstring terribly impractical, especially for the Mom of a 3-year-old imp. Instead, I measured the neckline I wanted and cut a piece of 3/4 inch elastic. I ran that through the facings, stitching it in place 1 inch from either front edge. From there I can adjust the gathers as needed. As for a closure--it is being debated. My Big Girl wants me to use a big rinestone button. I'm leaning more toward a fancy hook and eye type closure.

Nope, this dress doesn't match my wardrobe. It's actually a dress for Mom. I started it back before Christmas, but I stopped, dreading the lapped zipper. I decided to finish it so that I could reposition the cushioning on the dress form to fit my figure instead of hers! She tried it on today and it fits quite nicely, I must say. It is Simplicity 3744 and you can read my review here.

1 down...10 to go!

I finished my little black dress today. The whole thing took about 2 hours--which is easily accomplished when you are home with yet another sick child! Yep, the LM has a stomach bug. Lovely.

In case you're following along: I made the Hot Patterns No Sweat Easy Sew Triple T-Shirt Dress. I made a low-scooped bodice, short sleeves and straight skirt. I cut and sewed a 6 out of a beautiful solid black knit. (I think the knit is cotton, but as I'm stash shopping, I really have no idea.)

My review on PR and pictures tomorrow. Promise.

Finally--I've cut something for the Wardrobe Contest

It has been almost 24 hours since my last pain pill (I had my wisdom teeth removed Monday), so I felt safe to pull out the fabric and actually begin.

I decided to begin with my little black dress. After reading PR reviews of the Hot Patterns No Sweat, Easy Sew Triple T-Shirt Dress, I pulled out some old $1/yd knit and whipped up a muslin. Why waste good fabric, right?

Actually, the muslin fit well, but as it was very sloppily cut and sewn (and I look like a chipmunk) I won't taking any pictures. (Did I mention the fabric was $1/yd and printed off grain?)

What I like about this pattern:

1. It's quick.
2. It's simple.
3. It's an easier fitting garment.
4. I can mix and match the patten pieces to get the dress I want.
5. It will dress up or down with the right accessories.

I'll be using the low-scooped neckline, the straight skirt, and the short sleeves. I hope to have the dress finished by Friday and reviewed over the weekend.

What's a Mom to do?

What's a mom to do?

I know the same rule that y'all do about keeping a child home until they are clear of fever for 24 hours, so when my big girl ran a fever 101.3 Sunday afternoon, I choose to keep her home from Kindergarten on Monday.

First dillema-is it worth taking her to the virus-filled doctor's office waiting room to get a school excuse? I called the MD and here's what my MD said: yes, I was right to keep her home and as long as the fever is completely gone by Monday pm, I can just swing by and request an excuse without seeing the MD. In days past, they would've faxed it to the school, but thanks to privacy policies (thank you Mr. Clinton), I now have to go in and pick it up.

Second dillema-it's back to school on Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday. My Big Girl seems to be running and playing fine, but when she is resting, doing chores, and working on homework, she complains about a headache. I'm giving her tylenol or ibus when she complains, but is she sick? Yet again, is it worth risking all the germs at the doctor's office for a sometime-headace?

Finally, on Thursday, this Mom has had all the whining she can handle. So, I send my hubby to the pediatrician with BG. Get this--the child has strep! Not once, has she complained of a sore throat! What the heck? In fact, after she returned home from the MD, I asked, "Does your throat hurt?" The answer--"no".

Apparently this bout of strep is one of 3 things: 1. A new case (not likely); 2. A flare-up of the strep that we had on Mardi Gras Day that never went away (after a 5-day Z pack); or 3. The child is a carrier for strep and will always test positive for it, in which case, removing her tonsils would help to prevent recurring infections. Lovely.

And all this on the weekend before I get 2 of my wisdom teeth cut out. It looks like it'll be Wednesday before I get back to my sewing machines. I guess I can wait that long.

BTW, check out the new froggy jon-jon on www.personalitychildrens.etsy.com and the new strawberry jumper and bloomer set on www.personalitychildrensclothes.com in the summer section of my boutique.

Happy Leap Day!

Wardrobe contest-Day 1

My oh my, where to start?

To get myself motivated, I'll start with the Sugar Babe Set Pants, Top and Jacket. I've made this pattern before and here's why I love it:

1. The pants are light and loose--perfect for summers in Louisiana.
2. The 2-inch elastic on the bottom of the tube is very flattering on my mommy tummy!
3. The tube stays put!!!
4. The jacket is a fun topper to the tube and looks dressy with slacks or cute with jeans.
5. It's easy and quick to sew!!!!

I'll be making the pants 2 times, as they fit my lifestyle so well. They are quick to pull on in the morning, but look much classier than my jeans. They are cooler too! I plan to hem the black pair at a length appropriate for my black strappy heels. I will hem the grey pair (made from a mystery fabric) so that I can wear them with my black flats or flat sandels.

The tube top is (surprisingly) flattering on me. It will be cute, cute, cute with my jeans--that is, if my DH and I ever get to go out! Plus, when the tube is under the jacket, you can't tell it's a tube top. I can wear the tube top and jacket to church with either pair of pants. (Hush, nobody will ever know.)

The biggest reason I want to start with this set--I need to get a jump start on this. I've got 11 pieces to sew in 2 months. What was I thinking?!?!?!?!? Here I go!

The Solution to My Dilemma

The Solution to My Dilemma
I looked in my closet.
Ugh! I’ve nothing to wear.
“Where could those great clothes be?”
I began to despair!

Should I panic or cry?
Time to do something rash!
And then, in the corner
I find the answer--my stash!

There are my clothes, I see!
But they’re not cut or seamed!
Just lovingly folded,
Not the clothes that I’d dreamed.

Then on Pattern Review,
A Wardrobe Contest I spy
And a wardrobe I need,
So let’s give it a try!

Not dressy nor formal,
No office attire
For this everyday mom
Just the Basics! Quick! It’s dire!

I return to my stash
And each piece I caress,
Dreaming up my wardrobe:
What to sew? In what to dress?

Let’s see. I’ll need 4 tops.
Something cool and cute would do.
Plus I’ll need a tunic
And a knit top or two.

As for some great bottoms,
I’d like to flatter mine!
I’ll need great fitting pants
And a skirt that’s divine!

And the final piece I’ll need--
A great little black dress!
Something simple and cool
For Sunday’s. That’d be best!

I’ve chosen my fabrics.
Patterns ready to go!
Scissors sharp! Bobbins filled.
On your mark! Get set! Let’s sew!