Try To Think Spring

One of this winter worst storms is passing slightly south of us. When I say slightly I mean the worst part of the storm.  Both Milwaukee and Chicago areas have started shutting down, and schools not 30 miles away had off today and are already canceling school tomorrow. one local collage today said no class so far. But this is WI and the weather changes by the minute.

One thing I know that is not going to change is that winter will last another 6 weeks at least. So thinking spring is very hard, but wanting to add color to the grey days is a must. So I've come up with the idea that I need to create a late winter/early spring collection. I will be doing the collection as a endless combination style collection where one piece plays off of the last so the each piece can work with 2 or more pieces.

The first idea is to create some color with a palette of denim, orange and brown.  Which could work easily through three seasons. Fabric clockwise is dark blue denim, orange double knit, brown print poly woven, orange satin that was permanently wrinkled during washing, cotton lycra knit in upbeat dots, orange rayon blend knit and a brown print rpl knit. Missing would be brown double knit for a pair of pants, skirt and jacket combo.

The second color idea for some reason yells summer to me, and for that reason alone I think I might hold it off. Clockwise aqua bamboo knit, royal blue prl, aqua rib knit, cotton blend satin twill print in white, aqua and royal, charcoal poly blend with royal pin stripe. Whats missing would be a white double knit for a skirt/dress and royal blue double knit for a pants/skirt.

What do you think? Happy sewing.

Winter 6 PAC Completed

I finally did it. I completed a sew along in the allowed time with out burning out or changing my plan. As some of you may know I have been quietly sewing along with the Six Piece Winter Collection over on Stitcher's Guild. So quietly in fact that I have never posted I was in but mainly kept reading the updates to keep my going. I am excited to say the least. Sewing this super casual winter wardrobe had to main goals. 1. To test how true to fit Lutterloh is for me, and 2. to create a weekend wardrobe that would allow comfort to be at the forefront yet allow me to get up and run to the store if need be.  I actually created 7 pieces that work together quiet well.

It all started with piece 1 the winter coat. I want to try my hand at making my own coat and so this unlined fleece version was created to slide over all my weekend ware and keep me warm through the chilly months.

Than came the legging and solid black 3/4 sleeve tunic as pieces 2 and 3. These two pieces can go from sitting on the sofa to a night at dinner with just a change of accessories and shoes. Loving them both.

Pieces 4 and 5 continued along the lines of truly casual workable wardrobe. The short sleeve print tunic can be worn with either the black knit pants or the leggings. It can also be worn with the black tunic as a laying pieces.

In all these 5 pieces alone create several great looks together as well as worn with other items in my wardrobe closet. So needless to say they have been worn alot during my down time.

Now on with the show. Taking some serious looks a

t where I was going with this 6 PAC and some minor fit issues I decided I really wanted to walk away with at least 1 TNT pattern from this collection. I believe I did and that brings us to pieces 6 and 7.  They are both made using the Lutterloh supplement 279 # 203. I started with the v neck 3/4 sleeve t-shirt/tunic pattern and made it up in a groovy print that was in my stash. With the help of Easy Sewing The Kwik Sew Way I did the alterations need to make a cardigan.

Pattern Description:

This is a great pattern that includes two great basics. First a 3/4 sleeve v neck knit top and second a pair of pants with a straight leg jean look to them.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. Your pattern is drafted out using these two measurements. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?<
Yes the top did. The cardigan looked the way I thought it would.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no instructions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
What I like best is that this pattern is a great basic and can be used as a standalone top or a layering piece. The length is perfect for leggings or other pants. The pieces are well drafted and went together quickly and easily.
At this moment maybe only that I don’t understand why Lutterloh always gives the idea/pattern for a neck facing piece. Next time I think I am going to try to make a neck band.

Fabric Used:

The top is a RPL piece from fabric.com
The cardigan is from a piece of knit found at a local thrift shop. The hand of it makes me believe it is a wool blend.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

For both pieces I did a 1/2 narrow shoulder adjustment.

For the cardigan following the directions in Easy Sewing The Kwik-Sew Way I add 3/4 an inch to the pattern front and neck facing piece. And cut both pieces not on a fold. Using the edge the fold line on the original pattern as my straight of grain.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I plan to sew it again. My plan is to play with sleeve and length on this one as I believe it is a TNT or very close to one. Yes this is a great pattern for others. If you understand how to sew a t-shirt a beginner could us this.

Conclusion:

This top and cardigan are great wardrobe builders and can be dressed up or down depending on accessories and fabric choice. 

Up next:  Is it to early to think spring? or How about some denim pieces to mix in to this winter 6 PAC? What do you think?

Winter 6 Pack Pieces 4 and 5

A casual winter weekend wardrobe in the only goal I have for my winter six pack. I am rambling along on what seams like an endless combination wardrobe. The only requirement is that it works with at least 2 other pieces and I am happy. Following a long with the other sewist at Sticher's Guild. Three of my completed pieces are posted. You can read about piece 1: the coat and Pieces 2 and 3 : the knit top and the legging. I also have piece 6 completed but that will be in a future post.

This 6 pack has been super fun to complete and I know it will end up with more pieces than my original plan that looks like this.

2 pants/leggings

3 tops (1 solid and 2 print)
1 layering piece
coat

In my head a skirt has been floating around as well as a pair of denim. So we will see. Today for your enjoyment are pieces 4 and 5.

THE KNIT PANTS: are my fourth piece. The are very simple no whistles or fuss elastic waist pants. I want something as comfy as yoga pants but a little more dressy. Lutterloh Supplement 272 #201 fit the bill perfectly and and made up in a nice double knit from fabric.com have allowed them to wash up nicely.
 
Pattern Description:

Every woman needs a pair of simply comfortable pull on knit pants.
Pattern Sizing:

Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. Your pattern is drafted out using these two measurements. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Lutterloh has no directions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This pattern was a super simple elastic waist pull on. No extra bells and whistles like pockets to worry about this time around. The best part was how well draft Lutterloh pants patterns are. It went together with no problems. No dislikes at the moment.

Fabric Used:
A double knit bought from fabric.com over a year ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No alterations made this time around other than taking a slightly deeper hem. I am trying to test out how close to fit Lutterloh is for me. I have been very surprised.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I plan to sew this again because it is perfect for weekend wear. Yes this is great even for a beginner. Just make sure to consult your references for best order of construction.

Conclusion:

Great pair of no fuss weekend wear pants.

THE SHORT SLEEVE TUNIC: Still in search of the perfect knit top or at least a second tnt knit top I decide to try Lutterloh  Supplement 271 #45. The fabric was rescued from my local thrift shop and is some type of rayon poly knit. I loved the pattern of the fabric and could not pass it up.

 Pattern Description:

Color blocked knit top with trim.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. Your pattern is drafted out using these two measurements. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
No due to design changes. But looked how I hoped it would.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no instructions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I was looking for a knit top that could be developed into a new tnt dartless t-shirt. This top had promise. The pieces are well drafted and go together nicely. Dislike I not happy with the sleeve length and won’t be surprised if I lob them of sometime in the near future. Even for a short sleeve top they hit at a odd place.
Fabric Used:

Some poly/rayon or Lycra knit saved from the local thrift store.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not do any of the color blocking as I wanted to be able to show off the print of the knit. Ended up doing 5/8 inch seams instead of the 1/2inch I had marked. Otherwise no changes. This could have used a 1/2 narrow shoulder adjustment but I really want to test out Lutterloh fit with no alterations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Not sure if I will sew this again. Felt like the top was a bit boxy and until I can think of a way to make the sleeve a little more feminine I think this may be a onetime use. Yes I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion:

The top is a good wardrobe builder. If you would like to read more about how I used it in my winter 6 pack read my

 Up next piece six and a brief look at my sewing room/library. Happy sewing.

Piecies 2 and 3 of Winter 6 Pack

I did quiet a bit of sewing in December just not a whole lot of posting. So bare with me as I try to catch up in the next several posts.

First are two more pieces of my Winter Six Pack (six piece collection). I have been sewing along with my fellow sewist over at Stitcher's Guild who have been working on a six piece winter collection. The original idea is that you are sewing a SWAP but it has been split up in to smaller seasonal collections. This works out great for me as I would like to both fill holes in my collection and lack the attention span to try to sew a larger 12 or more piece SWAP. The formula that is suggest for winter looks like this:

WINTER

Trousers (dark neutral)
2 Tops (1 to match, 1 to complement)
2 layering tops/cardigans/jackets (1 to match, 1 to complement)
Coat (dark netural)

I've changed is slightly and hope mine will look like this:
2 pants/leggings

3 tops (1 solid and 2 print)
1 layering piece

coat

This would be 7 pieces and that's ok because it may grew into more. I did not chose a theme for this collection instead I want each piece to be able to work as a casual weekend wardrobe. But I did not want it to just be sweats. The hope was that each piece could be as casual or dressy as it wanted to be. "Sew" working in a endless combination style I have now completed 5 pieces.

THE COAT : Is Lutterloh supplement 268 #275 that I review here in a previous post.

THE SOLID TOP: is piece 2. It was made from Lutterloh supplement 272 #201. This piece is my last piece of 2010 as it was made over my Christmas break. This top along with the other first five pieces in this collections I made no alterations. I wanted to test how close to fit Lutterloh is and I was very pleased.  

Pattern Description:

Knit top with 3/4 sleeves and facing plus matching knit pull on pants.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?<
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no directions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern was super simple to put together. The pieces and few markings went together smoothly. Only dislike is I got some puckering in the sleeve cap which was inserted flat method. Not sure if this was an ease issue or a sewing issue.
Fabric Used:
Black slinky knit that’s been in stash for over a year from Wal-Mart.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made no design changes or alterations. I wanted to test how it would work if I did not do pattern surgery. What I discovered is I really need to do a 1/2 inch narrow shoulder alteration.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would sew this again. Yes I would recommend it to others as it is a good wardrobe builder. Even a beginner can make this top as long as they have a good Idea how a basic t-shirt goes together.
Conclusion:
This is a great little top that is very versatile and can be dressed up and down.

THE LEGGING:  is piece 3 of the collection. This pieces was my first piece of 2011 and was completed during my Christmas break on New Years weekend. I was not going to make any leggings but I realized I really like how they look with tunic length tops and they seem to give a more finished look than many skinny jeans do. If I can find the fabric this will be made again as a jegging type garment.

Pattern Description:

This pattern is a knit pant/legging pattern perfect for layering or active wear.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?<
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no directions
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I want a quick and easy project to start out the New Year. This pattern only has 1 piece and is perfect to make the legging look that works so well with tunic length tops. I have no dislikes.
Fabric Used:
The fabric is a black double knit that came from fabric.com over a year ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

All though worried at the start about the negative ease that is found in the waist of this pattern I made know adjustments and it worked out very well.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I would recommend these to others. And Yes I hope to make them again.

Conclusion:

These legging have turned into one of my favorite pieces they are warm and comfy.

A parting shot. Me enjoying making the pattern for piece six. I will review piece 4 and 5 soon. Also a peak at my sewing room/library is coming soon. Tell next time happy sewing.

A Winter Coat Piece 1 Of The Winter 6 Pack

Currently I am trying to sew along with the 6 piece winter collection at Stitcher's Guild. If I get 4 pieces done by the time Pattern Reviews endless combinations contest. is in the final week I will enter. In the past I get side tracked entering contests.

I have been in need of a new winter coat for sometime. So a year ago I started playing with the idea of making one. With McCalls 4975 and some cheap polar fleece from Walmart I was ready to conquer first time coat making. It did not take very long into the project to realize the cheap fleece was cheap because it weave was not smooth in some places it was so thin you could see through it. So McCalls 4975 became a trial run that lost is fizzle and now sits hidden in a closet.

In spring I bought some new polar fleece well it was on sale at Hancock Fabrics. It wasn't the black I wanted but a lovely shade of gray. Who can work on a winter coat well it's warm out side not me. Fall is here and we have had our first snow fall. Thanks giving being a four day weekend seemed like the prefect time to try a coat again. I could not find the pattern for McCalls 4975 must be hiding up there in the closet with the coat. So out came my lutterloh and supplement 268 #275 seamed to fit what I was looking for.

This project went together so nicely. I had never sewn with polar fleece before. I was very scared to try to place any heat on it so my seams are not pressed open as nicely as I would like but I am happy with my new coat.

The Stats On It

3 yards charcoal polar fleece

3 1 inch black buttons with a shank

3  1 inch snaps.

I did not line this one.

My Review

Pattern Description:

This a wonderful princess seamed full cut winter coat that works well with the full figured and/or curvy.

Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes very much

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no directions. Used A Guide to Fashion Sewing when to double check what I had planned to do.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love how easy the pieces all fit together. Although I know the coat was cut full I wish it skimmed the body a little more.

Fabric Used:
Polar Fleece. I hate the feel of wool close to my skin. :) Even with a lining I would be itching.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None really. Gosh have not said that in a long time. I did not line this one and I used snaps instead of attempting button holes on this thick fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I will be my daughter pointed out she did not think it will be warm enough for our winters so I am thinking of making a lined one in faux fur.

Yes this is a great little coat. To get your winter coat making skills started.

Conclusion:

I love my new coat and hope to get lots of wear from it.

First Outfit of Spring

Well here it is the first outfit of my spring sew season. I started these two peices to be part of Pattern Review Mini Wardrobe competiton. All though I did not complete the 4 pieces of the competiton I did get a good start on my spring summer wardrobe with these 2 pieces.

The first piece is Burda Plus Fashion 02-2010-410. This tunic hip length tunic can be made in a woven or in a knit. I chose to make mine in a stretch jersey knit with orange and teal dots on it from http://www.fabric.com/. I'm loving how carefree it is but I'm not liking the fact that it makes me look pregnant which I am not. you can read my review of the pattern here on PR. I used some new idea/techniques on this top that I learned from some books in my sewing library. The titles of the two books are The Stretch and Sew Guide to Sewing Knits by Ann Parson and Easy Guide to Sewing by Lynn MacIntyre and Marcy Tilton. I will most like make this top again in a solid color because I really would like to try to create a casing that would make the drawstring go completely around you body instead of resting on your back and gathering all in the front.

The second piece is Burda Style 03-2010-136. This is a wonderful lined pencil skirt with real neat front darts that come off the side seam. Just what my belly needed. Ah! I can not tell you how comfortable this skirt is. This was the first time I lined a skirt. Let me just say every skirt I make will have a lining. Being a rectangle type of body I just want to say pencil skirts look so great on us. I believe O shapes/apples would look great in a pencill skirt too. It's all about the legs baby. I made this skirt out of some 100 % cotton white denim from Hancock Fabrics. Just can't tell you how great this denim was to sew. And did I mention the china silk polyester lining from Fabric.com. Yeally enjoyed this project it went together so well. I did have to shorten this skirt about 4 inches and add about 2 inches to each seam to the waist make it work. Resources I used to help make this skirt; for the kick pleat I consulted Easy Guide to Sewing by Lynn MacIntyre and Marcy Tilton. For the waist I used Nancy Zieman's Pattern Fitting with Confidence. Did I mention that I put 1/4 inch elastic in the seam of the waist band so it could expand and shrink with me a little. You can read the review here on PR.

My hope is to complete the 4 pieces I had planned for the PR mini wardrobe compatition and ad two more pieces to it so it is more like a Stitcher's Guide Summer six pack (six piece summer sew-along). My theme colors are still orange and white for this collection. Next up is a pair of white denim crops from my tnt pattern, Burda Plus Fashion 02-2009-411. Happy sewing.

How Do You Plan

Well mini wardrobe competition is done on PR. Like usual I ran out of time. Good thing I got two items complete and did not lose my sewing mojo. My completed items are Burda Plus Fashion spring/summer 2010- 410, which is a tunic, and Burda Style 3-10-136, a pencil skirt. I love both pieces and will photo and review them soon.

Today's temperature is not going to be above 60. I was perplexed at how hard it is to figure out what to wear for days like this. I'm sick of sweater, pants and many other RTW clothing hanging in my closet. I realized the majority of the clothes I have made are for summer and I have very few items that are for spring. So out came two of my favorite pieces (see picture). They are my favorite Khaliah Ali drawstring pants, S5074 and my favorite t-shirt B5398. Some how the two worked for my casual look of the day and I'm content and comfortable with my choice.

Back to the question how do you plan your wardrobe, SWAP or mini wardrobe? With two jobs at what seems like opposite ends of the trend pool answering this question can be difficult for me. With a degree in fashion merchandising and many years of retail behind me I'm ashamed to admit every year I buy new books on wardrobe planning. Currently on my shelf I have Nothing to Wear, Instyles Secrets of Style and Fashion for Dummies just to name a few. But it seems some how I still lack the skills needed to build a wardrobe that is functional and comfortable all year around. So I've decide that my sewing and fabric buying needs to take a more planned approach. Instead of just plopping out individual items I will be creating mini collections of 4 to 6 pieces that all relate and work together. Instead of trying to make all the items fit both jobs I will try to center each collection on one job. A few pieces might be able to cross over and that's great. Most of all I'm not going to get mad because I have to add a few RTW pieces. I know I don't have the time to create everything. Instead of worrying if I'm in trend or on point with the outfit I'm going to work on comfort and fit. Not sure if I'll every break the addiction to new fabric but hopefully holding onto some type of plan will help.

So what is your plan? How do you decide what to sew or buy?

Spring is in the air and so is.....

Spring is in the air and so is PR's Mini Wardrobe Contest. This years contest runs 3-16-10 to 4-15-10. The goal is to create 4 pieces that can create 4 distinct outfits. Every year I look forward to these competitions and every year I seem to lose my sewing mojo once I enter them. This year I'm hoping to trick my mind and not enter until I have at least 3 of the 4 required pieces finished. All week I searched my Burdas and switched my fabric stash baskets from fall/winter fabric and colors to spring/summer fabric and colors. Did not have quite all I wanted so fabric.com and my local Hancock have been searched for white denim and a fun colorful print. Today I spent the day playing with my Burda line drawings. It was fun playing paper dolls. I have more than 4 patterns I'm playing with so I will need to narrow it down. The goal was to create some funny and some serious looks. Below and above are a few combinations I created and laughed about. This weeks goal is to pick my 4 patterns, trace and paper fit them, and prepare my fabrics for the contest. So excited.

August Review and New Look At SWAP 2009

August was a sad sewing month for me. It was a month of trying Several muslin and ending up with more wadders than I would like. The below composition picture are the few that are wearable only at home.
So a quick recap.
BPF 8-2009-493: This was round 2 with this top. My dd happily inherited round one. This version I did my usual FBA, shortened the shoulder length, shortened the sleeve length and shortened the body length (petite). What I like about this pattern is that it has a cozy fit. Will be great during the long winters. What I did not like is that on my rectangle (H shape) body it looked really boxy and gave me new appearance of a shape. Fabric recycle from Goodwill cost of project $2.50
Simplicity3699: This was a test garment for the SWAP on PR. I decided it would make the perfect PJ top. I did my usual FBA and shortened the top from the hem. It was nice not to have to do to many alterations. A little more tweaking and I should have a TNT knit top. What I like The fit is really close to correct for my shape. What I need to work on working with binding and neck lines that have binding. Found out I need to work on this.
Easy Sewing The Kwik Sew Way: I made the t-shirt and the knit pants from this pattern. The T- shirt surprised me. This was my 5th try at this simple garment and my last. Not sure why but I am not impressed with t-shirt pattern. I ended up starting with a M even though my measurement would indicate I need a x-large. I'm still not satisfied that the sleeves and shoulders are correct. I did my normal FBA and shortened this pattern. I'm starting to see trend that I need to shorten my patterns. The pants Went together quickly. Alterations on this one included crotch depth shortened and length shortened.
Simplicity 3699, and the two Kwik Sew pieces made a nice set of PJ's (lounge wear) for this fall. The jersey from this project came from Goodwill and the cost for all 3 pieces $5.00
Simplicity 4503: Oh my cheetah skirt. I was so excited the day this cheetah print fabric arrived from fabric.com. I was not so excited once I finished Simplicity 4503. The a-line skirt fit just fine but did nothing for me. Instead of make the rectangular (H shape) look like it had curves it hung straight from the waist and looked frumpy. In attempted to save the skirt I tuned it into a pencil skirt by taking it in 5 inches on each side at hem. Like that the skirt is so light weight. Dislike even with alteration skirt did not make it to the yes I can wear this to work stage. Project cost: $9.00
BWOF 1-2009-131: Practice, practice and more practice was called for on this top. I pulled out the bonded neck 4 times and still it is not correct. I love this top and will make it again to practice the binding. Since this was also a muslin I tried to use fabric scraps. It was made with the left over Cheetah Charmeuse from fabric.com and some poly interlock for Hancock. Cost of project $9.00
BWOF 6-2009-137: These pants were actually a June/July project. I haven't reviewed them yet so I thought I would add them here. This pattern is another one of those patterns not good with my rectangle body. The pattern has these great in the seam cut out pockets. On fortunately on me they stick out. The good thing about this pattern for the rectangular sewist is that it has a faced waist instead of a waist band. The waist also sits nice and high so you feel covered. Project Polyester stretch twill from Fabric.com cost of project $9.00


September is going to be a better sewing month for me. It's the begining of PR 3 month long SWAP. I was not excited by my original SWAP plan so I created a new one. Below is the new story board. Well it's time to get sewing.

Fall SWAP

OK so in past I mentioned that on
PR there is going to to be a wardrobe SWAP contest coming up from September 1 to November 30. I'm so excited for this contest. The last SWAP I entered I didn't finish and I'm hoping this one will give me the motivation I need to do all 3 stages of the SWAP mentioned in this
article.
My goals are to create clothing that is fun and playful, able to work at both my job, and at relaxing times with my kids. Although I know not all the pieces will be able to do everything I'm excited to see what they can do.

SWAP Goals 5 tops, 4 bottoms and a topper. All tops must go with all bottoms and topper must go with all outfits created.

Today when I started my day this is what my storyboard looked like.

Items for my tops are Easy Sewing the Kwik Sew Way long sleeve t-shirt, BWOF 01-2009-131, BWOF 06-2009-135, BPF F/W 2009 403, Simplicity 3699, McCall's 5630. Yes I have an extra top here you never no when something doesn't go as planned. The bottoms are BWOF 01-2009-132, BWOF 04-2009-134, BPF S/S 2009 411 (I'll be lengthening these to be pants) and Simplicity 4503. I've chosen two toppers at the moment because I can't decide. They are McCall's 5860 and BPF F/W 2009 424.

But.......

Today I worked on a second wearable muslin of BPF F/W 403. The first one my dd is wearing in the picture below. This one is ok at best. I'll post a review and pictures once I have a camera man. My basic problem with this top is that with my rectangular (H) body shape I can not make it look like I have any shape. I feel like I'm wearing a pillow case or some thing. Please tell me your thoughts once I write the review but for now it is off the SWAP storyboard. I hope to find a replacement.

Another current goal is to to create some TNT patterns that fit me very well. I've noticed that many of my favorite bloggers seem to have a file cabinet full of their tried and true (TNT) patterns.

Have fun sewing .......

Rainbow Jeans and thoughts on a SWAP

I finally finished
BWOF 04-2009-134. They turned out to be a great pair of trouser jeans. I love how they have waist darts to help create waist and hip shaping. They then flare gentle to the floor creating a great shape for the wearer. I wore mine to work today (retail job). It was not jean day but these looked dress enough. They wore well with all the bending. lifting, walking and what not I do at my retail job. With that being said when I'm back to my job at the school these will be my Friday jean day pants. Any way I did my topstitching on these in rainbow thread so I've nicknamed them my rainbow jeans.

The fabric I used was 10oz Denim metro blue from fabric.com $3.99 per yard Used 3 yards so $11.97 plus .68 rainbow thread so a pair of pants for $12.65. These are the first pants in my mini SWAP to get ready for the bigger on that starts in September on http://sewing.patternreview.com/ . I'm so excited to start the big 10 piece SWAP. In that SWAP you need to make 4 bottoms, 5 tops and an overpiece. the pieces have to work with each other. Should be challenging but fun. With 90 days to sew it we'll see how many pieces I get done.

Ok, a few weeks back one of the managers I work with in the retail store asked me if I really save a lot of money sewing my own clothes. My answer at the time was I don't know. But when I think about it the two RTW tops I bought that did not make it through the summer cost about as much as all the clothes I made and have been wearing all summer. I was so inspired by her question I decided to try a year long SWAP in which I rebuild my wardrobe only by sewing the garment. This challenge is sewing the clothes I uses in a year excludes undergarments, shoes and acessories. I will post how much the item of clothes cost me and where I bought the fabric. At the end of the year I'll add up how much I spent. I will also post composit pictures.

anyway it llte until next time.

Creating a Fall/Winter SWAP

Here we go again. It's the time of year where I start to think it's time to change my wardrobe. This year I've opted to sew a SWAP. A SWAP is Sewing With A Plan. My first step was collecting and going through possible fabric, patterns and magazine pictures of items I would like to use. The next step was trying to figure out how I was going to use each of these 20 pieces of fabric. That is what you can see in my slides. I've named each piece to what it will be used for. Sorry picture 2 is a bit fuzzy. What I hope to do is create all the stages in this

great article. The article is broken down into 3 stages that in the end create 28 to 30 pieces that can be mixed together to create a basic wardrobe.

My challenges: I work two jobs. One who's dress code is best descibed as work-casual. The other job's in a retail store is more semi-professional and needs to be some what on trend. To top that all off I'm a busy single mom of 4. So yep you guessed it my wardrobe needs to fit all my roles. Next blog I hope to show you a small grouping of ideas for this SWAP.