I've got my mojo back, my mojo back...

So I wrote the other day that I was stumped over my lined vest "situation".. Well I decided to set it aside for now and work on something else -- the problem was that I REALLY wanted to wear my beautiful skirt to work!

So I decided to work on another top for it.. this time a jacket. Wow is this turning out well. Here is what I am doing.. I am using Butterick 5039 view E. I am shortening the gathered bottom to make it more of a tailored look -- taking off about 2/3 of the bottom. I am using black grosgrain ribbon as my tie. I think the bottom flare of the coat will make a nice accent with the skirts lovely back kick. I am also using the sleeve from view A. Work with me on the vision here!! You'll see, you'll see!

**Oh yeah, Simplicity is on sale for $1.99 at Joann's for the next 3 days!

When bad things happen to good people..

GET'S TO RIPPING

So I am working away like a good seamstress should on my wonderful vest/ skirt combo. This is what happens when you work for too long....

Nothing strange in this shot but...

Take a closer look.. I sewed the lining seam in the wrong way/ direction. It made for a good laugh and some seam ripping...

*Side note -- I did take Mimi's advice to take in the skirt in the hips to give it a more tailored look. It came out very nice! Thanks Mimi! I have this thing about women with skirts with tension lines across the hips and front from being too tight.

PATTERN DIRECTIONS SOMETIMES ARE THE WORST.. OR MAYBE IT'S JUST ME..

Okay so here is where I admit where I am in my sewing skills. I have avoided putting in a lining for a while now. I just find it hard.. Now that I am a little more into the culture of sewing I am ready and able to put in a jacket lining (I think).. A vest lining is a different story.

I really think it has to do with the directions in this pattern being scatterbrained.. Take a look.. I am sewing view D. Tell me you can't figure out which directions are for me and which are not!! I only have four pieces to work with #7, 11, 16, 17. I think I have figured out where I went wrong but I am just mad the directions just didn't come clearly for me.

I am *almost* ready to give up.. but not just yet.

So where have I been??

Okay as you all know it is very unlike me to not post everyday or at least every other day. I have been going through laptop breakdown withdrawal, severe weather coverage at work (winter weather - icy roads = a hectic morning news show) and an overall busy schedule! Ha! With that said, I am back and I had a great weekend working several projects.

Here we go...

PROJECTS

Vogue 8418

First up, I finally got to make one of the Vogue patterns I had been coveting. Talk about a quick and elegant pattern. This top (Vogue 8419) goes great with a suit or jeans. I love and need more versatile clothes. I have a ridiculous amount of suits and dress clothes and I need to work more on my date night and girlfriends outing attire. I plan to make this top in a few silky solids. This bright and busy fabric takes away from the pattern's elegance. I love it -- be it busy though.

Butterick 4815 (vest view D) & McCall 5523 (skirt view D)
For the longest I have been turning my nose up at all of the vests that have been turning up on all of the blogs but now I am a convert. I love this ensemble I am working on.. I am hoping it will be a nice look for the anchor desk.

How chic is this?! I am going to pair it with a black or grey button down and coordinating jewelry.

The skirt has a wonderful pleated back. The fabric is my fabulous find in Dallas at the 2 story Joann Fabrics. I can't begin to tell you how great the price was. It's a dressy denim that reminds me of a twill. LOL

BABY BURP CLOTHS

I've gotten several questions about the baby burp clothes I make so here is a quick explainer.

All you have to do is pick up a pack of cloth baby diapers -- the one with the extra padding down the middle. It should be about a dollar more than the other thin type. Next pick out your fabric. I usually go with any of the the cottons in the quilting section or the spring fabrics out right now at Joann and Hancocks. Any fabric is fine as long as it is machine washable. You will need to have at least a quarter to a third a yard of fabric. I end up cutting about 7" by 15" piece. You need at least a 1" overlap for the length and width of the diaper. Depending on how you want it you can add a little interfacing to give it stiffness.. or keep it super soft with none. Baste and stitch. Usually I stitch the bottom of the cloth to the fabric.. turn it up and then fold the sides in and stitch. Trim with ribbon. I usually stabilize the ribbon with a little heat and bond.

I hope you all understand this right up. If you need more help just email me or leave a comment.

PROJECT RUNWAY

Who's been keeping up with Project Runway?

That one guy that cries EVERY episode, Ricky, is killing my soul. That's all I have to say. He should have been auf'ed instead of Kit. Also Sweet Pea isn't living up to standard. 2 cents given....

Victorya is auf BUT...

Victorya is showing at at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.. I am SOOOOO not impressed by her line on her website.. Think Forever 21 meets Butterick. Nothing wrong with either -- just come on!! This is designer fashion people..

Dallas was "all the fun"

Talk about a great weekend getaway with the girls in Dallas! It was like a sleepover reminiscent of my adolescent days! My dear sorority sister was SO surprised and loved my baby burp cloth set for her baby boy on the way. It was COLD AS ALL GET OUT in Dallas! I couldn't wear my dress because I don't do cold all that well! LOL I will have to rock it in Tennessee instead.

I got a chance to hit up the JoAnn's in Dallas -- a two story venue of sewing bliss. I bought some great black fabric and bobbins for my Huskystar E10 (they were about $9 -- I almost rolled my eyes at the lady -- bobbins should cost a cool $2!) We didn't get to go to the other 2 independent stores because of time *sadness for me*.. But the weekend was so great it didn't matter.

We did get to go to a restaurant called The Grand Luxe Cafe for brunch that was on point!!! I ate until it hurt! Here is what did me in -- those darn beignets!


I miss my girls (and those beignets) already!

Who knew? I sure didn't!

LOL that is my response to the outpouring of comments on the Burda World of Fashion post. WELL.. let me tell you something good people -- I think I am going to try me a Burda! LOL Ya'll are some committed sewers to Burda so it must be good. I will save this project for later in the year. I am still trying to get in the swing of sewing and understanding patterns with the Big 4.

Well I am off to Dallas today to celebrate the bundle of joy of a girlfriend. I am going to try and hit up two fabric stores while I am there Golden D'or and Super Textiles. Should be fun!

I leave you with this.. here is a way to steal some wonderful celeb red carpet looks!:





Have a great weekend!

What's so great about Burda?

I thrive on finding the cutest patterns and having fun making them my own. I have noticed that a lot of my favorite sewing bloggers are really into Burda patterns. I have never tried one and haven't been motivated to do so. With that said, can someone please hip me to the appeal of Burda verses the Big 4? It's not that their patterns aren't to my liking (nothing has made me drop to the floor -- but not bad either) BUT the notion of having to trace my own pattern scares me. LOL

I have seen Cidell, Erica and Chistina come up with some gorgeous pieces -- maybe it's the the beginner sewer in me that makes me afraid to step into the world of Burda...

PS Also is Burda Style different from Burda fashion and are they related to the Burda patterns that are at JoAnns? So many questions...

Vogue, vogue, vogue

Imagine Madonna delivering that title -- I do every time I look at a Vogue pattern. LOL The Spring 08 line is out and well.. I am just not that impressed.. Is it solid? Yes. Exciting, hmm not for me. I was surprised to read Erica's review but I did walk away with some changed opinions. It's funny how you can see a pattern and get a totally different opinion of its possibilities until a fellow sewer gets her hands on it. LOL

So here are my likes...

The short jacket is SO chic!!!

This dress is fun and flirty!
I love this retro shift dress!!!
This top is bad!!!! Could I make it (LOL) NO!! The detailing is amazing.

This dress is simple and since I am on a knit kick I'd try it!
I love this simple sleek dress!!!

Dislikes....
Wow they went all out on this one... a button down shirt...

While a beautiful suit, I know I have seen it before by one of the Big 4. Is it gorgeous? Yes.. just not *new.*
I hate this shirt. Well hate is a strong word.. It looks so messy and huge. I bet the model is like a size 2 under there.. I hope one of you makes this and proves me wrong.. Make it work!

Nothing is really wrong with this dress -- it's just not very Vogue.. I would make it though.

Again this just isn't very Vogue.. Not bad just not great..

What do you all think???? Am I off on this assessment?

Happy Thursday!

Pattern Review's Best Patterns of 2007

*image ganked from Erica Bunker's blog!*

To my surprise and excitement I was featured in Pattern Review's Best Patterns of 2007 article! Go me! Some of my fav fellow bloggers, Erica Bunker , Narcissaqtpie and Pirouette were also featured! Check out the full story here!

Also don't forget:

JoAnn's 5 for $5 sale on Simplicity is going on this week!
Simplicity's new patterns are posted on its website.
McCall's new patterns are posted on its website.
Hancock's 5 for $5 sale on McCalls until the 16th.
Hancock's 75% off on Vogue until the 16th.

What a Weekend... (Arisha DO NOT READ this post!)

First off I am still complaining about my 1 year old laptop acting a fool and pretty much dying. I may need a new motherboard. I am T-Oed! Moving on...

With no computer to distract me, I got a lot done sewingwise! I finished the dress that I am going to wear to my sorority sister's baby shower in Dallas this weekend. I am so excited at how well this turned out! McCall's 5468 view D!


I love how the stretch stitch function on my machine let's the fabric give without popping seams. I did learn though to baste parts together first using a regular seam on its widest width and once in place correctly -- then put in a stretch stitch. If you haven't ripped a stretch stitch seam -- it is a *special* experience.


I did modify the pattern because I thought it was odd that the sash didn't call for the fabric to be shown with right sides on both sides.. Instead it called for one cut out with the seams turned under and narrow hemmed-- therefore exposing the wrong side of a knit fabric in the center. Um, no thank you. I cut out some more fabric and reworked it to my liking.
This was my first time working with elastic. It came out pretty nice. Hopefully I won't cut off my circulation when I wear it. I will post it to patternreview.com once I get some action shots of me in it in Dallas!

ARISHA -- DO NOT READ BELOW THIS POINT!!!

Okay, so I started working on some things for the baby on the way (still shower related -- not my baby -- cause I don't have one.. LOL) I made Arisha's little boy some burp clothes. His room is blue, brown and cream and his Dad used to play football.. so here is what I came up with!

(Picture 2) I also made a replica of something I saw online, which is called a "Nappie" .. apparently Mommy puts this on her lap while baby sleeps to keep slobber, etc from getting on her clothes. The jury is still out on this one but I think it is cute enough to add to the gift. It's soft velour on one side and a cloth diaper on the other.

What I love about this girlfriend/ sorority sister is that the first thing she said to me when I asked her what she most needed for the baby on the way "Girl make him something fabulous! I am all about custom made!" LOL! I love a friend who appreciates the gift!

Here is a throwback of a gift I made for a friend last January. This is when I started dipping my toe into sewing again. I was SO PROUD of this dress for her little girl. I still don't know if she ever let her wear it.. Anyway I LOVE IT!

I am SO mad...

So WHY did my one year old HP laptop die?? 1 year?? My husband is furious. I am sad. Whoa technology, whoa. Anyway I will post with pictures when I get to work in the morning. I've got some great updates!

Crafty Ramblings on this Thursday..

First off let me say that I WISH it were Friday. I woke up this morning thinking it was only to be told there is still one more day to go. Hmph.. anyways...

Lone Star Diva's Baby Shower Dress

So I am working on my darling dress for my sorority (line sister = we were initiated together) sister's baby shower in Dallas. I am loving my fabric choice but boy talk about a random start.
So all is well.. I told myself that I was going to take my time and sew neat and well.. and then this..


It is like something crazy happened to the machine on the understitching.. it looked like a plate of spaghetti under there.. I had to rethread my machine basically and get the tension back.

Okay, so no big deal on the spaghetti flub and then this.. Let me say that the stretch stitch is the TIGHTEST, HARDEST stitch to rip. My goodness!!! I went one step to many and had to back track on the bodice front and back pieces..

Other than those random ordeals I am on my way to my cute little dress.

The Jackie O. Christmas Dress

With all of the holiday hub-bub I forgot to post the final look of my Christmas dress. This is the one I wore in Miami. It came out GREAT. I redid the zipper without mom's help!

Mommy's Diva Vogue Dress From the Early 90's

If you have been reading every now and then you know that I write about my mother's sewing all the time. She doesn't sew as much anymore but I am working on getting her back in the fold! With that said. While I was home this Christmas she was showing me some of her work (especially now that I know what I am looking at and looking for) and WOW is all I have to say.

When I was younger I thought this black and white silk Vogue dress she made was the BADDEST! You have to see it on. It was all the rage when she made it. It was in the back of her closet so I asked her if I could have it and remix it.

I am looking for a way to make it relevant for 2008. Maybe making it into a jazzy blouse with skinny jeans and pumps. Kind of an 80's flare look. Her detailing is amazing and her sewing is impeccably neat and beautiful. I almost don't want to touch it. The pin tucks at the top aren't done with a special presser foot just a steady hand and a lot of basting. Anyway hats off to Mommy Dearest who is the best seamstress I know!

Gotta Love Him

And last.. Mr. Right comes into the sewing room to say he finished the dishes. First off we have a dishwasher and second if he did them by hand the water isn't coming out of a hose! LOL Gotta love him because the kitchen was clean and I guess that's what matters.

It's On!!! I mean it is SOOOO on!!!!

So, my girl Miss Dish has hipped me to the latest contest taking place at Pattern Review.com. This one is so up my alley, which is why it was no surprise to see the who it is managed by!! That's right the always fun to read blogger and diva extraordinaire Cidell!

You all know I love to find runway and designer pieces using the big four pattern companies! It is onnnnnnn!!! (Did I say it was on?)

So here is the contest info! Are you in???

"RTW/Designer KnockOff" Rules Managed By: Cidell

RTW/Designer Knockoff Rules

This is a challenge to copy or create a garment inspired by RTW (ready- to wear) or a designer collection, that can be worn by either a child or adult.

1. No cutting in to your actual fashion fabric until December 29th. All garment construction should be started and completed within the contest dates, beginning Saturday, December 29 and ending Friday, Feb 29. Voting will begin on March 1st and continue for 10 days.

Winners will be announced on March 17th.

2. Garment does not have to be the same color as the inspiration garment. But, should emulate the same or similar style.

3. Contest includes clothing and accessories for adults and children.

4. Only one garment / ensemble can be entered for voting.

5. Completed garments can be entered starting January 14th.

6. When posting your garment, you must include a link or a photo to your inspiration garment.

7. If known, please state the cost of your inspiration garment.

Prizes

There are two prizes for this contest. The first prize will be a $200 gift certificate from Textile Studio Patterns. And the second prize ($100 gift certificate) will be based on the votes given by Judges (Vonnevo and Ann Smith).

"I can make that.."

Every seamstress has said it! So in this Monday's back to work edition of That's Sew Live! I bring you some of the styles I am loving and how "We can make that!"

Happy Monday.. now get to sewing!


1. Jones New York Dress Cap Sleeve Matte Jersey Dress $73.90 at nordstrom.com
2. Try Butterick 5079


1. David Meister Jersey Sheath $268
2. Try McCalls 5466 (better known as the dress heard around the world since we ALL bought it! LOL)


1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Hermoine' Tie Neck Dress $345
2. Try Simplicity 3529


1. Muse Silk Trapeze Dress - $178
2. Try instead McCalls 5585 with slight modifications!

1. Lilly Pulitzer Kylie Metallic Jacket & Jacqueline Button Dress
Dress - $368.00 -- Jacket - $298.00
2. Try McCall 5596 with some modifications

Enjoy!

Sew Much to Tell You About!

Okay so now that my camera has been found.. I have so much to update you all on.

First up I completed a cute little knit dress (Simplicity 3835). It is one that a lot of sewers have done lately. I wore it out the other day and Mr. Right was *loving* it! A new dress and a new hair do made me into a whole new woman. LOL. I promise you it looks 10 times better on me instead of the dress form. Remember I love to rock knee length boots!

I've got to remember to take a picture in it.

I will say this -- this dress taught me that I need to do some reading on sewing knits. I used the stretch stitch function on mainly the horizontal seams (hems) but not some of the straight and diagonal (sleeve joining stitches) seams. Anyway, I love knits so I have got to read up and figure out some good first time lessons.

What's Next?

I have found that I do better with projects if I cut out maybe two at a time and that way when one stumps me I have something to get my mind off of it. So here is what I am working on. One work outfit and one play outfit. I have cut out and bagged the pieces for a navy suit. It is a simple buttonless blazer and slacks. I am thinking of way to make it more exciting (embellishments) and less classic.

When I cut out patterns I usually bag them by pieces (pants, shirt, etc..) so I don't have random cutouts everywhere and so I don't have push pins in the carpet from stacking pinned fabric on a shelf.. I find this method simple and neat. Here is what I use:

The Lone Star Diva's Baby Shower
(outfit for play)

I am making view D:

In two weeks I am headed to Dallas to celebrate my dear sorority sister's baby boy who is on the way. My ever so fly soror (sorority sister) is having a "Girlfriends" themed baby shower!! So I thought a super fly dress will release my inner Joan! I am hoping to find some purple suede pumps to go with it.

Lovely's Bookshelf

So I have finally gotten into The Collection: A Novel which was so wonderfully won from fellow fabulous blogger Christina over at Assorted Notions! What a great book. If you love the art of sewing -- PICK THIS ONE UP! Hands down a fun read. I have already cried once.

New Pattern Alert!!!

McCalls has finally posted its newest patterns and wow they have some goodies!!!

*I have already bought some!

And now my biggest surprise.... *drum roll* I am learning to knit. Ta-da!

I said I wouldn't but it seems like such a fun past time. So I bought some supplies and got online...

I still don't know exactly what I am doing so any advice on books or videos (online or DVD) would be appreciated. LOL At least I *think* I've got casting on right....

Okay, enjoy your weekend!

I've Got a New Attituuuuuude

If you knew me than you would know I hate cutting my hair. I have 2 hairstyles -- the long bob and the shoulder length bob. That's it. LOL. I finally got something different - well not drastically different but huge for me. I got bangs cut. Yay me. I hope I can stick with it for more than a month. LOL



Since I have found my camera I will post some of the things I am working on later today when I get home.

Go me, go me, go me!

So imagine my surprise when a coworker tells me that I was in the paper this week! I somehow missed it.. The local TV critic (who NEVER writes about TV personalities at my station -- great guy though) pinned a few words about me..

Here is the clip:

GREATEST UNTAPPED RESOURCE

Tearsa Smith

WATE has a true local star in the making with Smith, whose superb comic side can be heard on WWST-FM, 102.1, and whose serious news side is evident on WATE's morning news. If only WATE could utilize Smith's multifaceted strengths on the air - maybe with a local talk show of some sort. She has the brains, the sass and the look to make her a triple threat. Now, if someone could only tap into that.

Go me, go me, go me!

Moving on..

So I am cutting out some new projects and I will post pictures (when I find my camera) of what I working on. Be intrigued, be very intrigued.

I got my hair cut! Yay. I've got fabulous bangs that knock about 5 years off my age -- I so look 12 now! LOL (when I find my camera I will post that as well!)

Take care and happy New Year..

BTW I hope everyone has read Cidell's post on sewing for others.. I think it has all of us mad as heck!!!

New Year, New Look

I think I will start switching up the look of my sight! Here is what I am loving now blogger template wise :)! Okay I've got to read the morning news.. I will post later today.

Take care,

Lovely