Fabric Stores in the ATL

Mr. Right and I might take a little road trip to Atlanta this weekend just to have a little bonding time! I want to sneak in some fabric shopping. Can anyone recommend some great fabric shops. The must-sees of the ATL. Who has the best fabric, best SALES.. I am not above a clearance table. LOL.

So, what size are you -- Part 2

With so much interest in pattern sizes and what size to cut.. I've decided to post some of the answers that really stood out. TRUST ME, read through ALL of them in the comments box below in the original topic because every one was REALLY helpful.

In the end I have learned that I need to play around with the patterns a bit before just cutting them out. This will take some trial and error. I guess I better stock up during the $.99 pattern sales. LOL

I have posted responses and questions some of you have had. Anyone who wants to answer one of the comments questions have at it! I am no expert. :)

Here we go...

ADVICE:
Erica B. said... I'm not scared, I'll tell! LOL In RTW, I'm a size 12. If it's a high-end designer, a size 10 (vanity sizing, LOL). In the Big 4 pattern companies, I cut a size 14 or 16 in tops and jackets. In a dress, depending on how fitting the skirt is, I cut a 14 or 16 and right below the waist, I blend into a 16 or 18 for hip room. In pants and skirt, I cut a 16 or 18.
I do flat pattern measurements (subtracting the seam allowance) and compare to my measurements. I adjust the amount of ease depending on what type of garment I'm making. For example, you wouldn't want the same amount of ease in a pair of jeans like you would have in a pair of dress trousers.
Hope this helps.

***

Lori said... Great topic, and it is so hard to judge sizes. Especially when new to sewing. I am a 8 to 10 RTW in tops. I cut a 10 or 12 in patterns, I rely on the finished garment measurements on the pattern pieces. Also, I take ease into account and if it is a knit garment. Pants I am usually a 6 but I bought a size 4 in dress pants this weekend. I usually cut out a 10, then baste the side seams to see if I picked the correct size. I think your body shape comes into play for pattern size choice and remember most patterns are for B cups.

***

TransplantedOkie said... 10 pants in RTW but cut out a 14 and alter the waist and the rise in a pattern. So far, Burdas don't seem to need as much altering.

***

C. Dishmey said... Like other I really don't even compare the RTW and Pattern sizes. In the end they all all arbitrary numbers. But for the sake of playing along, I wear a size 2/4/6 in RTW and cut a 6/8/10 in patterns.

I cut the pattern based on the design and wearing ease. Since I like my clothes somewhat snug, I do a flat pattern measure like Erica mentioned in and pick the size thats about 1'-1'5 larger. Or i just refer to the guide on the pattern piece its self it has one.

Simplicity patterns for instance will tell you in centimeters how much ease they incorporated into that part of the garment. You refer to that when you pick your size.

EX. If you measure a 34" bust and want 1 inch of design/wearing ease you want the size that measures 35" around the bust on the completed garment. Note its YOUR desired design/wearing ease, not the pattern company's as indicated on the envelope. I've seen them add anywhere b/w 2-5" inches of ease. You can flat trace your pattern with the measuring tape omitting darts and seams to get the completed measurement.

But just like age, size ain't nothing but a number, lol.

***

Leslie in Austin said... My measurements are full bust 35/high bust 33 - 26 - 35 and I typically wear a 0-4 RTW (the cheaper the clothes, the higher the size doncha know). After much trial and error, I've discovered I get the best fit from an XS in Kwik Sew, a 8 or 10 in Big 4, and a 36 in Burda. You are *so* not a size 14. I'm going to venture a guess that you can wear a Big 4 8-10 on top, and a 10-12 on the bottom, and you're probably a 38 in Burda. Get a good high bust measurement and start there. I find using high bust instead of a full-bust measurement will help you pick the most appropriate size. Hope that helps!

***

Kat said... Just wanted to add some thoughts because I've been mulling this over yesterday. I view pattern size as merely a starting point. The size "12" I use is my base size that gives me the *least* amount (and I do a lot anyway LOL!) of pattern alterations that aren't too big. By too big I mean pattern distortion from large alterations. Maybe this is unfounded, but I'm no math whiz so keeping alterations as small as possible is a good thing for me. I could use a 10, but that just seems like more work.
Pants are a little tricky because my hips are a 12, my waist a 14, but realistically, most Big 4 size 12's are too big in the leg requiring tucks. What I've been itching to try is Nancy Ziemen's recommendation in Fitting Finesse which goes against the traditional mantra of "pick your pattern size by your hip measurement". Her method would put me in an 8 if I'm remembering correctly. She feels this eliminates leg bagginess, then the hips and waist are altered to fit. So many ways to go about this, I guess. I just use a size 12 as a starting point for tops and jackets because it's the easiest for me to work with. I use my sloper for skirts, and am working on a pants sloper right now so maybe the size 12 pant size will be irrelevant. It sure will be nice to have a custom-fitted pants pattern. If only I wasn't checking out so many nice blogs, maybe I'd get there... :) !

-------------------------

QUESTIONS:
wendy asked: Do you choose a sewing pattern size by the waist size? I always do that, even for tops, and it seems to work well.

***

Jen asked...
Well I am a size 6 or 8 in clothes from the stores but I have been cutting patterns that are a size 14 or 16 which are way to big but the waist and bust measurements correspond to what I measure So I am not really sure what size to cut. I had just made a pair of pants from a Vogue pattern I cut out a 16 and had to have them taken in once and they are still to big on me any suggestions are greatly welcome jhagan@westerbeke.com (Lovely: But please share your answers with us!)

***

Betsy K said: I have a question: What is "flat pattern measuring"? (Lovely: This may be answered already above BUT anyone who can go into further detail is great appreciated!)

-----------------------------------

The weekend is here so I will leave you all with a little fashion flashback Friday!

Fashion has come a long way! Aren't you glad you aren't making these ensembles for you and your man?! More here.

We are SEW live!!!

Okay so sewing budding, Tanya, came over and BOY did we have a blast last night. Here is the thing, I get up at 2:30am but we stayed up until 9pm (that's living it up for me! LOL) and I wasn't even ready for her to go! We had so much fun sewing, learning, bonding and talking wife-talk! Good times had by all!

(peep the "candid" shot taken by Mr. Right)

..and she came with gifts!! It was a little something to say thank you for the sewing guidance. Gingher 4" knife scissors!! She shouldn't have, but she did -- and I am happy! I had been eying hers and I know she could tell. LOL I was/ am so excited.
Remember a few days ago I talked about Miss Dish's quest to make a pattern view that doesn't jump out at you LIVE! Well I think Tanya is doing that to a dress I felt wasn't that great. Her rendition and pattern choice has me wanting one now. Funny hunh?? Wait until you see the finished product..


I am almost done with my blue jersey knit dress!!! It looks really cute on.. All I have to do is hem it. Wait until you see it fully diva-fied. Hotness! Also, not just anyone can rock a dress and gym socks -- don't try this at home..

Finding Your Pattern Size

Friday I will post the best of the best on your responses to pattern fit and sizing. I didn't know that I wasn't the only one with a million questions.

What size are you.. really?

Okay, I know this is personal BUT what size do you cut out? I know the sizes are on the pattern envelopes BUT I still struggle with my pattern's fit. So if you would rather not leave your answer in my comments box just email me!! Just tell me your size in "at the mall" ready to wear clothes and then in patterns.

**Follow-up: Oh my goodness, I didn't know this small post would create such a stir!!! I am glad that I am not alone! I will post a lot of the replies in a follow up post later. Keep them coming!!

If anyone can elaborate on the flat pattern sizing, please do!

The Ladies Have Spoken

So as you may know by now I have amassed some WONDERFUL online seamstress friends.. I want to share some wonderful posts that I think you all need to check out.

*Miss Dish, who is SO STYLISH, makes the case for the Neglected View. We all have done it. We find that one pattern view that calls our name and the other 3 garment on the pattern fall by the waist side. She is challenging all of us seamstresses to try at least one pattern that didn't move us and remake it with our own flare!! I TOTALLY agree. She shows how she is changing this dress that I didn't care for and is making it runway worthy! FOR REAL! So what pattern view are you going to give a second chance? I am looking through my stash now and I will post soon what my garment challenge will be!!

*Carolyn has a DYNAMIC post on why you should use patterns as a guide not an absolute. I subscribe to this philosophy, not because I am so good, but because I usually interpret at least one instruction wrong, LOL. She is a master seamstress in my book!!

*Erica Bunker -- who is the best thing since sliced bread when it comes to sewing! Has just finished her first Chanel Jacket. She is Sew Live -- it just makes no sense.

*One of my all time favorite posts is from my girl Adrienne. Her young daughter loves to watch her sew and is now cutting out patterns with her. This reminds me so much of me growing up watching my mother sew. Her little girl is rocking her two pony tails and a pair of safety scissors! LOL

Enjoy. I look forward to finishing my blue knit dress today! Pictures *cross fingers* tomorrow!

The Blind Leading the Blind

So I had a GREAT weekend. I got a lot done sewingwise and I got to help a girlfriend!

The Blind Leading the Blind...
My coworker Tanya is a beginner sewer who is tackling her first dress. She came over and we got a lot done.
Here is Tanya (not happily taking this picture although I think she looks great!)

She is making McCall's 5516 the view on the main left.

Her fabric selection makes the dress looks ten times more fabulous then the pattern picture. She chose a black knit for the main body and a mod dotted cream, purple and muted blue poly print for the trim. It looks great!

As for me, I finally made some headway on that blue jersey knit dress I started Friday! I ran into some "lost in translation" moments where I inserted and stitched the wrong part of the front trim.. But boy did I fix that! I love the fit and look of the dress so far. (Picture with chocolate brown boots a leather coat and a bad handbag! HOT)


And last.. At 8am this morning, this is what I was eating at my desk! California Cheesecake from this Italian restaurant me and Mr. Right went to last night. It was HUGE.. Cheesecake, pound cake, graham cracker moist filling, topped with kiwi and strawberries. The icing was a whipped butter cream with chocolate chips. It hurts just thinking about it..

Cooking without a Plan

I hope all of you had a GREAT Thanksgiving Day feast! Me and Mr. Right sure did! This is the ridiculousness that was our meal.

Why is it ridiculous? We made TOO MUCH FOOD!! There was no order to it. We each just started adding food that we had a taste for. Our plates were crammed! LOL What was great was every time I commented on the amount of side dishes, Mr. Right just kept saying "What's wrong with that?" He was in HEAVEN. I guess that's what it is all about.

SEWING ROOM UPDATE

Okay, so I mainly sew in one of our guest bedrooms. I have finally decided to make the room more of a sewing room than a guest bedroom. I bought some shelves to place in the sitting window that will house my fabric and notions. Mr. Right wouldn't stand for a whole sewing closet although that would be FUN!!

CURRENT PROJECT

So here is what I am working on now. I have this great blue jersey knit fabric that I am working with!


It is for the pattern I told you all about earlier.. The Simplicity Design Studio dress.. The red on in the top right hand corner. I am making it as i said in the blue knit with NO ruffles around the neck. Should be great with chocolate knee high boots and tights.

EVERYDAY IS A NEW LESSON

So in the pattern direction is something I have never seen before. It's called a croquis (kro-'ke).

Croquis drawing is quick and sketchy drawing of a live model. Croquis drawings are usually made in a few minutes, after which the model changes pose and another croquis is drawn.

Who knew? I used to call this a paper doll! LOL Do any of you all use this??? Seems like fun!



Have a great weekend. I have already hit up JoAnn's today for a little Black Friday fun!! I bought my first (5) Vogue patterns! yay.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

I hope everyone takes a little time out today not to focus on all the food you are going to eat, but what you are truly thankful for!

Here is a sneak peak at my list..

I am so thankful and blessed to be in my right mind and of good health! I am eternally grateful for my wonderful husband, Mr. Right, who is my hero. I am thankful for "my good job down at the TV station." (that's the way my mom labels it.. LOL) I say this even though I am working today and tomorrow... I am also thankful for the best family and in-laws a girl could ask for. I am thankful to have FINALLY discovered a hobby I like -- yay to sewing!I am thankful for the best girlfriends and sorority sisters in the world (OOO-OP to that.) Lastly I am thankful for my wonderful network of online sewing friends who have made me apart of their circle.

Take care everyone!

PS I will have a look tomorrow at the pattern I am working on now..

Take That, Take That, Take That.. Wednesdays...

Greetings good people!

Do you all ever watch Access Hollywood? It comes on at night here so I miss it because I go to bed so early. With that said, the ladies that anchor that show have some of the best stylist I have seen for a program like that. It's not that their outfits are so elaborate -- they are real styles that real people like us can wear. Yay to that!

If you like this cute little number Nancy O'Dell is wearing..

Try these to play around with!

(1) Simplicity 3692 or (2) McCall's 5516

***

I love this bright gold and brown pairing.

Here is a great variation. I have not seen a V-Neck version but this is just as cute.

***

How about this McCall 5094 pattern to recreate those beautiful embellishments on your garment? Even if you aren't a fan of her dress, this gives great inspiration to take your next simple SWAP garments to a higher level!

***

This is SOOOOO cute. My favorite color is yellow and this calling to my soul! LOL.
For your version, what about...

(1) Butterick 4976 or (2) Simplicity 4074

--------------------------
Black Friday

So you all know I am obviously all about news! I live eat and breathe it! (I need a vacation). Have you all started looking for the Black Friday sales? I cannot stand crowds, but I might have to hit up Joann's! (They closed both of our Hancocks here -- grrr!)

Here are the stand out items I am looking forward to getting (if the Black Friday sites are true about the JoAnn sale)

Simple Silky Prints - 50% Off
OTT-LITE TrueColor 13W Folding Craft Lamp - $29.99
Sew Essentials 36"x59" Cutting Table - $49.99
Buttons - 50% Off
Corduroy - 50% Off
Fall Suitings - 50% Off
Knits - 50% Off
McCall's Patterns - $1.99
Pins Needles And Sewing Accessories - 50% Off
Sew Simple Adjustable Dress Form - $89.99 (for those of you looking for one)
Tissue Lame - $1.99/yd
***Vogue Patterns - $3.99***

****
Friendship

So I have been out of sorts for a few days with the blogging thing. I have been dealing with something I have NEVER seen first hand -- and it has been scary. A dear and wonderful girlfriend of mine has finally come to terms with an eating disorder. It has been tough but this week was the big breakthrough. God is good. You all have no idea.
So, my dear, (if you ever check out my blog...) you know who you are and I am SO proud of you for reclaiming your life!

Sewing for the Season

Here is a little something I started that I really like. The question is, "Why am I sewing a Summer/ Spring top in the Fall/ Winter??" LOL

This top is from Simplicity 3760. All I have left to do is finish the hem. I love the way this came out! I am not one for bows but I decided to keep this one and move it from the center of my chest (no thank you) to the shoulder (cool).. The fabric is the jet set knit I bought for an unbelievable .99 cents a yard! Heeey! (*snaps*)I think I can rock this in the fall with jeans and chocolate boots!

Make it Work!

Design by Rami Modeled by Ashley

So this was the winning design of the premiere episode of project runway. I like it but I don't.. I really think the model's figure isn't doing it justice. Then again top notch design supersedes and enhances any body shape. I am very curious to see what Rami puts out next though.

Design by Simone Modeled by Lauren

and then there was this... I could have made this. That's not saying much. As I watched the show I kept thinking how did Simone make the cut out of thousands of entries??


Design by Elisa Modeled by Lea

Something ain't right about Elisa. Sometimes really creative people let their crazy run wild. I have no words for her. All I know is that I was waiting for her model to eat the carpet while walking. Lea gets 4 stars in my book for not falling over that mess coming out the back of her dress.

Design by Carmen Modeled by Anna Lita

I felt like they didn't give Carmen the face time she deserved. I really like her design. Is it my style and would I buy it? Probably no. But I loved the silhouette of her piece and it was cute. It felt designer. It is something I can see Gwen Stafani wearing on the red carpet.

Design by Kit Modeled by Marie

This mess right here. I will give her props for having a cool name like Kit, but that's it...

Design by Chris Modeled by Marcia
I really like this but it needed more "wow factor." It looked like something I could have bought at Macy's. Nothing wrong with that, I just think it needed to look more grand.



Design by Jack Modeled by Aviva
This was quite "ordinary".. It looks like a sun dress in the Dillards junior section.


Design by Christian Modeled by Lisa

I am sorry but this skirt looks like it needed some Static Guard. I was not impressed. I didn't like the jacket but I see its potential. What did you all think about the raving they did on this? You can tell Christian can sew and tailor very well. The fit of the garment is really good.


Design by Jillian Modeled by Amanda
This was my favorite dress. I don't think anyone though had a knockout night. I love the color and I love the silhouette of this dress. She should have gotten more fanfare from the judges.

So here was my favorite outfit for the night...


The outfit Jillian wore on the first episode. Did you all see it? SUPER CUTE! She had such a great retro look.

So what did you all think of the first episode????

I HEART Jennifer Hudson..

We all have our days of hits or misses.. But she overall always looks like a stunna! Check out this fabulous mocha brown ensemble that is smoking!! Her undergarments are working overtime, but that's why we buy them ladies! Ha!


You know I couldn't post this photo without showing how to make this myself! Vogue 8409. I am going to put this on my to do list. I have never thought about pairing a knit with a silky satin!! Of course some modifications will have to be made, like adding the cuff to the long sleeve pattern. Elongating and tightening the cuff. The question is do I move over the front pieces to get a little cleave action? LOL I am not ready...
*Let me know if you have found a better pattern!

Vogue 8409

Getting "Caught Up" at JoAnn's

So every time I run into JoAnn's Fabric I get "caught up." I can't leave that place without something -- anything.. LOL Yesterday I ran to just look around and left with 2 patterns, 2 spools of thread, 3 cuts of fabric and a Threads magazine.

I checked out Simplicity's new Project Runway inspired patterns. I think Erica summed it up best in her review. I give it a big *womp womp.* Talk about lackluster. On top of that, I saw one pattern from the collection that would make a cute simple fun dress, but the pattern was so hard to read on the back I could figure out how much fabric I needed so I put it back. It is not that it was difficult but just more difficult than it needed to be.

So here is what I got.

Simplicity 3560 and Simplicity 3760 -- both patterns on sale for $1.99 (regularly $15 each)!

My goal is to work on more casual clothes. I have more suits than one woman should have. LOL.

I also bought some interfacing and two knit fabrics. The one on the left is a comfy jersey knit ($3.99 a yard on sale) and the other was 99 cents.. I didn't stutter 99 cents a yard. I read the sign, it read $3.99 a yard.. but rang up 99 cents!!! You should have seen my face! So I got a few yards of that and then I couldn't find it in any other colors. Booo... but I am still quite happy!

Don't forget Hancock Fabrics has Vogue Patterns 75% off, McCall and Butterick Patterns 99 cents! JoAnn has Simplicity Patterns $1.99!

Take that, take that, take that Tuesdays!

So I think I am going to start a new Tuesday style watch entry. I keep seeing celebrities and designers with fashion that any seamstress worth her salt can make her own -- minus a few hundred dollars!

First up, Katie Holmes Cruise and Ashley Tisdale have on the cutest little day to night dress..

Now I like this Vogue 1013 is a great get for this style. All you need to do is shorten the length, forgo the belt and belt loops and tighten the length of the bell sleeves and you are there..

This one is an easy one! Rihanna wore it well and it looks like it is an EASY sew. (You know I am all about the quick sew weekend!)

McCall 5425

Style Watch tipster and Domestic Diva extraordinaire Adrienne spotted an even better fit: Vogue 1012!!!


Reese Witherspoon who is consistently well dressed with style not just trend. I saw her in this gown a few months ago and fell in love with it.


Well Vogue 8416 is the perfect pattern to steel this look. With a few modifications, like inserting lace into the upper bodice and shoulder you can have her look in any color you fancy-- but I vote black!

So what do you all think?? I may add more as the day goes on.!

My First Suit and the weekend recap!

Talk about a GREAT weekend!

I finally finished my Simplicity 3845 two piece suit. I had to make some adjustments once things started to come together. I found that I don't look good in bows. So, I dropped the belt w/bow and really liked the suit with less going on. I really liked the top stitch around the collar and down the center front so I did the same at the hem of the jacket and on the skirt on contrasting orange thread. I also kept the top stitch on the sleeves (sorry Mimi, I promise my next jacket will have hand stitched finishes! I know better. LOL)

Overall I really liked this style of suit. The pattern is great for an advanced beginner.

Okay on to the weekend wrap up!

Sewing 202

So I told you all that I bought a new machine, a Viking Huskystar E-10, well that purchase came with a free class this Saturday to "get to know your machine". I had such a GREAT TIME!! First off, the class was long as all get out, but very enjoyable and time flew..

That's me "undercover, " toward the end of the class this wonderful older woman asked me what I did for a living and she gasped when she realized she was taking a sewing class with "her" news lady. She was SO cute.. she was like I watch you every morning! LOL The ponytail I rock is the equivalent to Clark Kent's eyeglasses.

Our teacher Sarah was so knowledgeable she taught me somethings as an advocated beginner that I didn't know. I learned:

• how to blind stitch on my machine (looking at book pictures didn't click for me)

• finish an edge on my machine (serger style)

• tack on a button using my machine (I should know that already, hunh?)
  

• and other stitch function uses I didn't know!

I finally broke a needle while sewing.. that has never happened to me. It scared the poop out of me.. I have always had this image of needle chunks flying in the air at me. That is why I always sew in my glasses and not my contacts. LOL.. however it wasn't as dramatic as I thought it would be.

Belly dancing, Dinner & Meeting Fellow Seamstresses

So, Mr. Right and I went to the UT basketball game this weekend. We had SOOOO much fun. UT is his old stumping ground.. Afterwards we went to a new restaurant downtown called Mirage. (*side note -- I HATE going out to eat dressed casually, I love to dress up, but here in Knoxville UT gear is accepted everywhere as "alright!" LOL I am used to it now..) The restaurant serves Middle Eastern cuisine and it was great.

The decor was so authentic and cozy.. although Mr. Right asked me, "Babe, do you think all of this stuff came from that one section in Marshalls?" LOL I almost passed out because he was dead serious!

The highlight of the night was the performance of Arella, a local belly dancer I met via PatternReview.Com. She makes all of her own dance outfits.. She changed clothes several times (she reminded me of Diana Ross with that) and her outfits were gorgeous! She balanced a sword and a plate of candles on her head and other parts of her body! She was fierce!

Overall a great weekend!

Feeling Good About My New Suit...

From a million little pieces to this:

My Simplicity 3845 suit is really coming together. I am so excited. Since I was home sick yesterday I took a little time to work on the jacket. I have decided that I don't like putting in sleeves. They really don't give you much instruction on how to put it in. I mean they tell you were to place and stitch but not on how it should look. Thank goodness this pattern has a photo and not a drawing on the front.

I am REALLY loving my fabric choice of faux suede. Since I am making the skirt and belt in brown, I am thinking about making the top stitch in brown to really pull it together. I will finish this bad boy up and debut it on Monday's newscast! Yay!

Sew Sick

..not of sewing.. but I have a major cold. I had to leave work after the morning show because I simply couldn't breathe. Broadcasting the news and breathing go SO hand in hand.. or is the saying hand and hand.. whatever.. Anyway...

Yesterday I had lunch with local TV Critic Terry Morrow -- who is one of my new favorite people. He is so funny and we have a similar sense of humor. Well guess what?? **brace yourselves fashionistas..** He is letting me borrow his *not yet released* DVD of Project Runway Season 4!!!!!!
I will let you all know how it is.

I am off to bed, tissues in hand... Sew on...

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

So I have gotten quite a few questions about what I am making from Simplicity Threads 3845 (see post underneath this one)..

I am making the suit in the middle with the bow belt.
The fabric for the jacket is an orange faux suede and the belt and skirt will be a chocolate brown faux suede.

Isn't that fabulous!? I think so.

Last night I got the Threads and Sew Stylish magazines (fall issues). I wanted to see what they are all about. I like them but I think I prefer Sew Stylish to Threads. What do you think? Is there a favorite sewing magazine you like?

Quick Sew Weekend

So this weekend I tried to get some sewing in but boy it was hard. I did manage to complete this great wardrobe builder skirt. (McCall's 3830) It was very simple but I decided to go a little beyond the call of duty and give it a "lovely" touch. I enclosed all of the seams with red biased tape -- just because. It gave it a very polished look. The fabric is a heavy weight denim. This was my first time sewing denim. It was a little hard to maneuver but worth it. This pattern is REALLY great for beginners and anyone looking to build their basics.

Girls Night Out

I had the chance to hang out with some of my girls this Saturday! What a time we had at P.F. Chang's Bistro.

We were "destroying them!"

I'm An Animal

Here is a fun little bag I made with no pattern. I just cut out a rectangular piece. It's the faux animal print in all of the stores now. I made the lining out of red knit fabric I had laying around. I used handbag strapping (is that a term?) that I picked up from JoAnn's.. and just kind of made it come together.. I also put in a little grosgrain ribbon tie. I am very pleased with the way it came out.

A Million Little Pieces

Have you ever cut out a pattern and just feel like there are a million little pieces -- to be cut in triplicate? That's how I feel about my current project! This is my first suit! Wish me luck... Here is the pattern (below)

I am the Queen of R&B

Yes I am the Queen of Rouge & Blush, that is. LOL I have finally found that perfect shade of contouring blush and highlighting blush. Yes, I wear two blushes at once. Ladies, I am telling you once you discover your perfect pairing you will be hooked. I love MAC's BLUNT for my contouring (darker under the cheekbone shade) and Sunbasque for my highlight (on and slightly above the cheekbone shade). So yes, I am the queen of R&B...

What's Next????

I am all about vision.. So I went through my fabric (collection) and paired fabric and patterns. *This is because I have a tendency to sew and shop without a plan.*
Here is what I am thinking about....

One down.. many more to go...

I finished my first simple denim skirt. It came out very well. I will take pictures tomorrow and post. Nothing earth shattering but aren't some of the best fashions nice and simple?

Let Me Upgrade You

I am so excited to say -- I bought a new machine. I bought this machine about 3 years ago while shopping at a Target. It was on clearance for about $60. I was just deciding that I should start sewing seriously but I wasn't ready to make a financial commitment to it until I knew I was serious about it. I have mastered procrastination so at least I knew I wouldn't cry over $60 down the drain should I give up. LOL.

This machine is a EuroPro 8260. It does an decent job and I have a lot of love for my lil' Euro! But... It was time to upgrade. Now I am by no means ready to spend $400 on a machine.. I say, baby steps!

I have now upgraded to a Viking. BOY does this thing sew SO smoothly. I was used to the hard sewing my Euro Pro does.. I was also ready for more stitch functions. I am so excited maybe this weekend can produce a few quick sews!! Yay!!