Vogue Pattern sale thru 1/31/2009

Okay- I just returned from a fabric store 'run'. My purpose: to get some 'shirt' interfacing. My ulterior motive: vogue patterns were on sale, interfacing i thought would be 50% off and red tag fabrics i thought were going to be 50% off. What actually happened? I purchased shirt interfacing, more fabric pieces (I missed the 50% off red tag fabric sale by 12 days), and 10 vogue patterns (because that was the max).
Houston.....we might have a pattern addiction! Is there a support group for this?

And now......The Thought Behind the Purchase.....that sounds like a news segment. I think I will make it my new blog segment....a precursor to the pattern review.

#2988--loved the coat/dress, coat/skirt & coat/pants combination. I have some olive chevron wool crepe that came to mind when I saw this pattern.

#2957--loved the pants-style and the finish on the jacket & sleeve hem. Not too sure about the size of the tie ends. May consider using a flat belt finish similar to a vest? Or, no belt? Or, thinner straps?

#2990--this pattern said...classy, chic and comfy. love the long jacket/skirt combo. Saw dark grey fashion knit fabric that would go well with this pattern. Wait......that could mean another trip back to the store???

#2968--what I like about Anna Sui's patterns is that they are so feminine, soft and flowing. In general, I stray away from these types of tops because of my full mid-section. But, the halter-style with the below-waist handkerchief finish makes me want to give it a try.

#2906--This was my 'just-in-case-we-get-an-Inaugural-invite' gown option #1. I actually saw this gown 2 years ago while searching for a wrap for my niece's graduation ensemble. Still beautiful to me!!

#8311--what's a girl without her accessories? Truth-be-told----they had the orange gloves displayed on the envelope center. Yes, I buy orange!!

#8352--very cute sleeveless summer dress.

#2091--love the v-neck, 3/4 length sleeve option without the banded bottom. Don't know if full legs and thighs would be served well with a cinch below the knees? Definite mod on this one for me.
#1032--This was my 'just-in-case-we-get-an-Inaugural-invite' gown option #2. I think a mermaid-styled gown is very flattering to slight hips and a visible rear. The style of the upper portion provides coverage without seeming matronly. For me, I would look for a bold color (fall-tone orange, chocolate, plum or bronze).
#1090--immediately struck me as a chic, relatively easy dress for those wild-print linen fabric pieces I have waiting to be used. For me, this will be a 1st Michael Kors garment (bought or sewn). Because of the roominess in the waist, this would most likely be a good Mommy-to-be or a That-time-of-the-month item.

Now that I've blogged about my purchase, I am on the hook to produce these items before next year. Here's to my 2009 resolution----sew material in-waiting; start using patterns. Time starts now.......will blog my progress soon.

From Inspirations to Notions....

Inspiration #1--My sister's birthday gift. I commented in an earlier post that we celebrated my sister turning '21' again---wink, wink. For her birthday, I made this dress. Please excuse the mess behind the dress form.

For those who know my sister, they know that it starts with Neimans, Saks or Bergdorf Goodman. The first pic above is her inspiration. After some editorial discussions (mainly her saying she likes this, not that), I responded with---New Look #6615.

• Pattern Rating: None
• My Rating: Easy-Moderate
• Skills Required: Pattern measure, sizing, selection, cutout---tracing pattern markings onto fabric--- stitching straight seams, darts & “in the ditch”
• Instructions: Clear with detailed visual aides----especially regarding yoke installation
• Lining Options: Same as fashion fabric pattern pieces in the bodice only. Caution---if using sheer fabric, consider lining the bottom portion of the dress.
• Oops Moment: None, even with altering the sleeve with cuffs and tie ends
• Do Again? Absolutely! Used same pattern for mommy-to-be sundresses with cap sleeve.
• Recommend? Absolutely! It’s a chic look that's comfortable.

Inspiration #2--Prom season 2008

This project brought an opportunity to work with something I had not handled since I was a young child----Tutus! The inspiration dress (1st pic) was a tutu dress with a corset top worn by Rihanna. What struck my prom dress lady were the coordinating dots. What struck me was the cleavage!! :^) The result, a tutu bottom from scratch and a corset-styled top using McCall's#5320. (Side note: LOVED the BCBG shoes!!)

• Pattern Rating: None
• My Rating: Moderate
• Skills Required: Pattern measure, sizing, selection, cutout---tracing pattern markings onto fabric--- stitching straight seams, darts & “in the ditch”---installing boning, zipper, hooks & double-sided bonding material.
• Instructions: Clear with detailed visual aides.
• Lining Options: Same as fashion fabric pattern pieces in the bodice only.
• Oops Moment: None
• Do Again? Definitely the tutu part. That was really fun.
• Recommend? Yes, who doesn't love a tutu?