Way....Way Excited!!!

As a result of much pushing by my beloved 'Peanut Gallery', I have placed my order for garment labels. I am toooooo excited about this move as it is taking me to another place that I am starting to like very much!! Will post label pics soon......

So Fresh.....So Klean!

Shout-out to the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.



Here was a little something for the 2009 All-White Linen Party
Men's shirt w/french cuffs (Kwik Sew #2777)


and Cuffed Trousers (Vogue #1753).

I have used K2777 for loose-fitting dress shirts with success. So far, my experience with sewing for menswear (including my little guys) has identified some major differences to women's fashion and home decor.

-----seams are assembled on a 1/4 inch seam allowance versus the standard 5/8 inch for women's fashion and 1/2 inch for home decor.

-----sleeves are attached open; first to the collar/yoke areas; then the inside sleeve seam is sewn with the bodice side seam.

-----men's shirts generally are buttoned left over right; versus women's fashion is either way.

Pattern Review--KwikSew #2777 and Vogue #1753.

Pattern Rating: Green Dot---Easy

My Rating: For both--Easy. On short notice, a pants pattern (V1753)with 4 pieces definitely does the job!!

Skills Required: Pattern measure, SIZING, altering (modified for french cuffs @ arms) selection, cutout---tracing pattern markings onto fabric--- stitching straight seams, darts & “in the ditch”; ironing.

Instructions: Clear & straight forward. K2777 included seam sewing guide (3/8" or 1/4") with the requisite instruction step in addition to marking pattern pieces. I later find out that this is standard with most patterns. ;^)----okay, so I don't always read the fine print.

Lining Options: None for (K2777) shirt. For (V1753) trousers, I added a front leg lining only.

Oops Moment: Do not use clothing being worn for waist-to-floor measurement! First fitting yielded 'ankle-busters'!! Aaaarghhh! Thankfully, there was enough fabric to make the trouser cuffs.

Do Again? Absolutely! I am totally fascinated with the construction of menswear. Besides, I still owe my brother a belated birthday outfit.

Recommend? Yeah! I think these patterns are great starter choices for menswear.

One Hot Mama!!

So, a lady had a dress made while on business in India. She warned me that I should have taken before pics..........but......well.....I was looking forward to bringing her notion to life.

Alteration #1--The original dress had a 2-piece look: 'blousy' top and straight bottom. I removed the fullness in the top portion of the dress to reveal Ms. Hot Mama's waistline. ;^)

Alteration #2--The straps of the dress crossed in front of her neck and then wrapped around the back (halter-style). Ms. Hot Mama wanted some 'bling' as it were for her special occasion. With some real reservation, I added clear flat-back beads in a pattern designed from a collaborative effort--- I am now a convert to Fabric Glue!!

Alteration #3-- Add a 'wow' piece to finish down the front of the left leg. Copied the existing pattern; enlarged image and voila--------fill in with clear flat-back beading and sew-in blue sequin and WOW!!-----

TaaahhDaaahh!!! One Hot Mama