Butterick #4343 with a Twist

My 2009 started with 'hair' issues......breakage, dryness and general blah. What does this have to do with sewing you say.....? Well, after a few months of the Don King, trying-to-go-natural look, enough was enough. I received a call from a good friend who sends great sewing project referrals. She mentioned some possible prom projects coming up. One of her referrals turned out to be someone looking for a cocktail dress for their 40th birthday party.
During our initial measurement session, I find out that this referral is my good friend's stylist. Imagine my surprise........Divine Intervention had struck again. She needed a fabulous dress......my hair needed some MANAGEMENT help.

For the fabulous dress, we started with a tank-style black cocktail dress w/ruffle detail (she found @Lord & Taylor) and created her notion........a one-shoulder white dress w/similar ruffle detail (with the help of Butterick #4343).

Pattern Rating: Fast & Easy
My Rating: Fast & Easy for the basic pattern. With the modifications, I would still rate this as Easy; but NOT FAST. Modifications included: the bottom portion of the dress to A-line and added the ruffling details. There were about about 70 ruffles around the dress bottom and shoulder in various lengths.
Skills Required: Pattern measurement/sizing, alteration, cut-out, creation (for flounce/ruffle detail). Narrow hemming and top stitching each ruffle
Instructions: Very easy and clear for the fashion fabric (outside layer) & lining (inside layer). I used the 'concept' dress to figure out the flounce/ruffle attachment.
Lining Options: Same as fashion fabric pattern pieces in the bodice only. Caution---We used a light-weight white linen fabric; which can be a sheer. To maintain the Diva's body, we used a cotton lining fabric to keep her cool. ;^).
Oops Moment: With this project, there were 2. First, every white is not the same. The fabric chosen for the bodice was white linen. 2 different fabrics in white were chosen for the ruffle detail---I started with organza and crepe; similar to the concept dress. The coloring of the organza was perfect; but the crepe was off. Thanks to the birthday lady's vision & my sales lady @ Sarah's; we went with satin organza instead of the crepe. The 2 pieces (organza & satin organza) were not only in the same color tone of white; but the sparkle gave the dress a 'princess-like' feel. The second oops moment............Thinking that I could get this done in 2 days. The basic dress was no problem. Finishing and applying each flounce/ruffle detail was time consuming.
Do Again? Absolutely! I loved the way the final product came together; even with the up-front time investment. The attention to detail for each piece paid-off and resulted in a cohesive artistic presentation. I never imagined my work as art, but I must say I was moved!!
Recommend? Yes, especially adding that type of detailing to your garment. I believe this is what fascinates me most about fashion----individual expression.

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?

Playing Catch-up

Whew! It has been a while......I am still trying to figure out how Divas juggle their family, their craft, themselves and a blog site. Any and all feedback welcomed on this one. That Kelly Ripka commercial makes it look so easy! :^)

What has happened in the last 8 months........

June 2008---Okay---this was summertime. It's either on-line posting or fun in the sun----you know where that left my blogsite, right? Anyway, we treated my hubby to golf and dinner at his favorite spot---Ruth Chris for Fathers' Day. We celebrated 13 years of marriage with a 'kiss'---wink, wink. We had a blast with the boys on our family beach vacation in Ocean City!

July 2008---We celebrated my Mom turning 29 again!! :^) I completed a home decor project (draperies, window seat cushions, roman shades, dining room chair covers, cornice boxes) and a custom garment project (sundresses for a Mommy-to-be).

August 2008---Completed another home decor project----dining room chairs covers and coordinating cornice box with linen shades. Pics to come......... On a personal note, we began our homeschooling adventure----Yay! Another personal note, my god-son started at Bucknell University----Go Christian! Yeah!!!

September 2008----1st Homeschool Field trip to the Balimore Acquarium and the Dolphin Show. The guys had a blast. Completed some alteration projects: bridal gown (removed lace straps & adjusted waist in for better fit) and cuffed hems/waist adjustments on some items from my hubby's closet. (Side note: His tailor passed away about a year ago......so, I'm picking up where he left off. ) After receiving the 'grunt & grimace' approval on the adjustments; I moved forward on a custom vest and pants set. Pics to come. I sew for my little guys all the time and am looking forward to adding to my big guy's wardrobe! This month, we celebrated my Sister turning '21' again? (Ha-ha---remember Mom won't move off of 29). To round out this month-- Vegas Baby- Our Own Girlfriends' Getaway. I have been told several times that What Happens in Vegas.....STAYS IN VEGAS. So, all I can say is that the Hoodie Awards show was so much better than I had expected, the spa at Mandalay Bay was fabulous and B-52s are a wonderful thing!

October 2008---We re-acquainted ourselves to the world of Duckpin Bowling for our youngest son's 3rd birthday---what a knee-slapper! His ball delivery was so slow it got down the bowling lane and started rolling back. Check out the bowling pin backpack party bags (quilted batting, woven straps & belt adjuster) I made for the guests. Interested in having these for your next bowling party? Send me an email.

Model: The Birthday Boy

velcro opening--easy access for the kids and

adjustable belt clip for smaller guests. Also, this month, I turned 23 again...Happy Birthday to me---Yahoo! I began the sewing room organization project---group thread, refold and sort fabric, pull together supplies, clear off cutting board, organize patterns. The one item that I don't have an answer for-----what to do with scraps?? Do you recycle scraps? If so, or have any scrap use ideas, let me know!!

November 2008---Barack the Vote '08! Celebrated Thanksgiving---pulled out the China; prepared a fabulous meal; thanked God for all of His blessings bestowed upon us; prayed for all in need.

December 2008---Celebrated my son's 6th birthday with a family trip to Bumper Cars on Ice. This is the one that had to have an outfit like his Dad's for my mother-in-law's funeral (see earlier post with pics). We had a ball! Also, did the family trip to the Winter Festival of Lights.

Sewing project---and my first pattern review, Butterick #5295.

• Pattern Rating: Easy
• My Rating: Easy
• Skills Required: Pattern measure, sizing, selection, cutout---tracing pattern markings onto fabric--- stitching straight seams, darts, buttonholes & “in the ditch”
• Instructions: Clear with detailed visual aides
• Lining Options: Pattern comes with lining pieces (which I prefer for a better drape on the body). Uses what I call an “envelope” approach---put fabric pieces together, then lining pieces, stitch fabric coat to lining coat @ right sides, flip inside-out, hand-finish hem.
• Oops Moment: Since I altered the collar for a dramatic effect, I altered the side that joins to the back versus the side that is the outer edge. It worked…no puckers.
• Do Again? Absolutely! See next post--- Inaugural Viewing Party ensemble.
• Recommend? Absolutely! It’s a classic look with the waist-defining darts, resulting in a fashion-forward finish. Loved it!

The Choir Director requested a new outfit for the Church Holiday Program that could be worn again for semi-formal occasions. We went with black wool crepe, bridal satin detailing. The jacket/overcoat (Butterick #5295 above) design utilized darts as the 'WOW' factor defining the waistline area. The pencil styled skirt contained black bridal satin detailing at the waist and rear kick-pleat opening (see pics below).

Aarrrgh!! this 2nd pic is determined not to appear right-side up. So, if you tilt your left ear to your left shoulder, you should see the satin trim on the skirt waist band below the olive print fabric.

Lastly, we celebrated Christmas at home. Check out my reversible tree skirt----I used velour fabric and fringe trim pieces (from 3 years ago) for that cozy look.

Home Decor & Crafts

Still playing a little catch-up........ Here are some pics from home decor and craft projects.


I believe I am STUCK on orange, chocolate (both color and food) and earth tones. We found a chocolate, gold and blue (never a 1st choice for me, but a surprisingly gorgeous color combination) drapery fabric for our roman shades. I couldn't get enough of the accent colors, so I trimmed out the sofa cushion with the drapery stripe, some coordinating fringe against......what.....more chocolate.



The 3rd picture is from our kitchen window. What is amazing to me is that all the fabrics used throughout our home were chosen at different points in time----not the same shopping trip. My Mom says that I am a brown woman, with a brown truck, living in a brown house and married to a brown man. I guess this is the one area in my life where I am consistent!! :^)
(model: our neighbors' son---Go Steelers!) For my boys' birthday parties with an art theme, I made aprons for all of the guests with their names painted on the pockets. This was definitely 1 project where I got to use up the left over jean and gabardine material hogging up space. ;^).
My first Kids' chair was made for my sorority chapter's auction fundraiser. Here's a funny---the person who won this item asked me what it was. :^) I'm thinking the unique pillow must have thrown them off? Ha-Ha!!

My friend decorated her daughters' bedroom with an outdoors, bug theme. So, of course, for Christmas, I made coordinating theme pillow covers for their beds. Yeah....Auntie M got lots of love that Christmas!! :^)

Here's a Pattern Review: New Look #6522

• Pattern Rating: Easy
• My Rating: Very Easy
• Skills Required: Pattern measure, sizing, selection, cutout---stitching straight seams, layers to a center point---hand stitching to finish
• Instructions: Clear with detailed visual aides
• Lining Options: Pattern pieces are same for fashion (outer) and lining (inner) fabrics.
• Oops Moment: None.
• Do Again? Absolutely! Made 2 more in that extra jean material still left over.
• Recommend? Absolutely! For those of us with a "large brain", this custom hat is a doable options that looks great finished.

Sex and The City Fans.....

(source: www.businessweek.com) If you missed opening night for the public at large, you've got to get your ticket ASAP! I really enjoyed the movie........just like another episode at home. What was funny to me was the fact that there were maybe 10 guys in the theatre. I guess this movie would qualify for Chick-Flick status? :^)

I had a lot of expectations about the fashion statements and the girl-talks. What I did not expect was the amount of flesh!! And, I'll leave it at that.

Another thing that was funny for me, was the audience participation on character appearances and emotional turns. You would have thought it was a live performance. :^)

While watching the movie and reminiscing on the old episodes, I tried to find ME in the characters. I found that I could not choose just one. For now, I believe I present a Miranda appearance; living a Charlotte lifestyle; a Samantha flair for change; rounding it out with a Carrie love (wink, wink for the movie goers) for the written gift of gab. How about you??

My Testimony-----God is Good!

When you are fulfilling God's purpose for your life, you can be a blessing to others. I thank all of the Angels that were there to help me focus on doing this and to God for preparing me to be a help to others. Just when you think that your special skills or talents (at whatever level) are of no consequence........think again. Who ever you are.....keep on doing what you do best! It all works in His mighty plan.

It was (still is) prom season and I got a call the morning of the prom. The mother was 'hustling' to correct what could have been an awful experience. Through a friend of my brother, she contacted me said that the seamstress that she was working with had a stroke and could not finish. In my mind, I'm thinking hem......maybe take in the sides. When she came to me, there were 'pieces' of a dress......no hem......no zipper......no straps adjusted. And, by the way, there were 2 dresses in need of finishing. Trying to manage expectations while delivering a wearable product in what would be the veritable '11th hour'---I marched on to making it right. Almost 9 hours later......2 dresses were completed, smiles all around and our home became prom central!

I am still reeling from the awesome feeling of being able to help in a time of need. The families were so happy that they sent flowers to say thank you.....and, yes they were ORANGE! Now, you know that is my favorite color. ;^) Totally awesome!