tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7847330163627035572024-03-15T05:24:07.025-04:00Just Keep SewingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-37037739626375632792019-01-30T19:52:00.001-05:002019-01-31T07:42:54.614-05:00PR Challenge #2: Zippers!!!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><b>"Sew an article of clothing with the zipper(s) being the primary focus. Show us how you incorporate them not only for function but also as a creative element in any garment you create for this challenge."</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Say, what? ZIPPERS??? I was stumped. I had to walk away for a bit after the Sewing Bee Round 2 challenge was announced. As I muttered to myself, "Zippers?! Seriously? Zippers...", I thought of zippered cargo joggers, a dress, a jacket... and I remembered. About 5 years ago at the American Sewing Expo, I purchased all the fabric and supplies to make a many zippered Islander "Motor City Express" jacket. After printing the pattern, I lost interest as I taped all the pages together. It was set aside, and never resumed. Flash forward to last week, when this Round 2 Challenge was issued. I fished it out (all the fabrics, zippers, and even thread was with it) and started taping again. But, wait... it's the WRONG SIZE now. Dang. I hate "growing" in my 40s... Off to the pattern cabinet! I pulled a few different jacket patterns that might work, but my trusty 15 yr old fashionista pointed at Simplicity 1324 and said, "This one, Mom. This one."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Just one issue... This pattern doesn't call for a single zipper. Hmm...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I immediately knew I could add half a zipper as trim around the should yokes, but the challenge requires at least one "functioning zipper". I could add some wrist zippers, like the kind you see on motor cycle jackets. But, I just knew that jingling pulls would bug me as I wrote on the board or under the document camera as I teach. What about some zippered pockets? Pockets in a jacket are necessary and helpful (and quiet). Ok, got the plan!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I have more than enough gunmetal gray faux leather, and just enough tweed boucle, with 7 matching metal zippers and 3 yards of coordinating charmeuse lining, I was set for supplies. Even found the matching spool of thread I bought for the project! Woohoo!!! With a snow day to get started, I was feeling pretty great, and got everything cut out on day 1.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The next morning, we got another "snow day", so construction began. It was impossible to mark the darts on the boucle, but since the front pieces are all interfaced, I transferred the dart marking to the white fusible interfacing, and continued on my merry way. Stitched the zipper tape to the round edge of the shoulder yoke, turned it under, trimmed the extra, and attached the faux leather yoke to the fronts. Now, I have to tell you... I got pretty good at removing the extra metal teeth from the seam allowances where the zipper was used as trim. both shoulder yokes, both lower front pieces... small sharp wire cutters and needle nose pliers are a necessity for this job!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">When it came time to mark and create the "windows" for the zippered pockets, I dug into the scraps for some organza, using a method I learned from Kenneth King in a class about welted pockets. I didn't want to mark on the leather, so I did everything on the wrong side, marking the rectangle, putting the large piece of organza underneath (on the right side), stitching the rectangle of the opening. I carefully cut down the center and opened the window, pulling the organza through to the wrong side. I pressed the rectangle flat, careful with the heat on the faux leather. Trimmed away the extra zipper and extra organza, using my serger to prevent the fabric from fraying, and carefully basted the zipper into place. I topstitched around the rectangle, securing the zipper at the same time, and lastly, placed a large piece of black lining fabric under the entire lower leather front portion of the jacket to create the pocket space. I basted these layers together around the edge, and continued construction. Phew! I spent most of that sewing day creating those zippered pockets, happy dancing around the sewing room as I finished! My machine didn't really care for topstitching that texture though, so another caution... keep your scraps and do a trial run first!!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The remainder of the jacket went together pretty easily. I missed a step that told me to trim the bottom 1.5" off the lining, but I knew the edges wouldn't line up otherwise. I also recut the fabric for the opening edge. The tweed boucle just looked to "dowdy", so I had enough faux leather to recut and it was a HUGE improvement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Monday, 6" of snow fell. Tuesday, roads still weren't safe for school. Wednesday, wind chills of -30F. Thursday, predicted wind chills of -40F. I'm so glad I was gifted all this extra time, as I severely underestimated how long it would take me to do the required hand stitching with so much leather, tacking the layers together with invisible stitches in the seam. Pressing carefully using a piece of muslin to protect the faux leather surface. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The sleeves needed to be taken in a little and I didn't make the hem as deep as it called for. I hate sitting at my desk typing with my wrists hanging out... so the sleeves look a little long, but that's the way I like it! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Nothing special in the back, no leather, no zippers. It's a very comfy jacket, it wears more like a sweater! The crazy low temps today made an outdoor photo session impossible, so my apologies for the dark pictures. We tried everything to brighten it up, but dark gray is hard to shoot!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So, the contest deadline is tomorrow (Thursday) at midnight, and I'm very, very, very proud of my jacket. Working with the metal zippers this way was a new experience for me, and creating the pockets in faux leather was not simple. I don't think that anyone would ever guess that this jacket was "homemade" by me, and I've got a new item in my closet that I'm excited to wear. These challenges are tricky... I want to be "original and creative", but I need to end up with garment that I'll actually WEAR. It's a little about winning, but it's more about making something that I'm proud of. In those terms, I've already won. I'll keep you posted how judging goes next week!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-67952801280567025092019-01-19T19:48:00.001-05:002019-01-19T19:51:21.402-05:00Living Coral Cardigan (Part 2)Can I tell you... if I had another day (and a much less demanding week at work), this cardigan would've been absolutely phenomenal! So, I'll just have to settle for "pretty darn cute"!<br />
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The pattern is a definite winner: McCalls 7254. I will be pulling out this "5 piece wonder" again, as it went together so very quickly! My only wish: pockets. Isn't that <i>always</i> our wish in garments? LOL...<br />
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Anyhow, it was looking rather plain (aka "boring"), and that picture of Kacey Musgraves in a jacket with decorated lapels kept bugging me. I had the inner argument with myself for a few days as I played with embellishing the lapels... Too much? Not enough? Too weird? Not "living coral" enough?<br />
After playing with multiple coral scrap fabrics, I settled on an ombre coral chiffon I bought a LONG time ago. I figured that the ombre would be perfect for a flower, making some "petals" darker and others lighter. But, what kind of flower do I make? How do I make a fabric flower? Should it be flat or 3D?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark basement, sorry... but, YIKES! Too big.</td></tr>
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My first attempt looked too much like a flower brooch... so, back to the drawing board. I got out some gold embroidery thread I had, threaded a needle and started placing running stitches in the curly "wave" pattern in the fabric. Oooh, I like that!<br />
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Ok, how about the other side, too? This is actually working! A lapel embellishment that ties into the fabric... a harmonious design detail! I tried another flower design (smaller and no raw edge), and stitched a few pearls inside it. Pin it on the lapel, and...<br />
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Happy Dance! This is working!!! Still looks a little flat, it needs more dimension. What if I add a few of the same pearl beads into the curly-wave stitching...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3juA8Owx5d35PxGA0cfpvOUvH9J4QcalW9LlvvDIDeP2Cq8JQS8ik2GRml58g2jyYSm4Y1jDmoDrsrhgjcY_6ez0oWPfOrX9u14HDw7vscU9VDPaXxFXaZKvHto6vKTZFPyfnjEVO0LA/s1600/IMG_8012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="1106" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3juA8Owx5d35PxGA0cfpvOUvH9J4QcalW9LlvvDIDeP2Cq8JQS8ik2GRml58g2jyYSm4Y1jDmoDrsrhgjcY_6ez0oWPfOrX9u14HDw7vscU9VDPaXxFXaZKvHto6vKTZFPyfnjEVO0LA/s320/IMG_8012.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9qeipc_mPx-yqybJHt7-vppI7z7_q9VBtGJ_aqLJ1peKAEgJ174I9KtS9JJGFSkaQF_L5qBmZROOOzv4cJk_SfY5mXRCifuDI7A5GFBKSqSjROzeOQN7cUOLcxDBbxYKmRVlK0CFyQQ/s1600/IMG_8014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="1278" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9qeipc_mPx-yqybJHt7-vppI7z7_q9VBtGJ_aqLJ1peKAEgJ174I9KtS9JJGFSkaQF_L5qBmZROOOzv4cJk_SfY5mXRCifuDI7A5GFBKSqSjROzeOQN7cUOLcxDBbxYKmRVlK0CFyQQ/s320/IMG_8014.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
Yeah, that's cool. I like it!!! Oh, and... WAVES + PEARLS + CORAL... I'm just nailing this competition thing, right?! LOL... Now, if I had more time (and a less demanding week at the "full time job", I would've continued the stitching and pearls a little further down the lapel and also done some on the sleeves. But, the contest deadline was looming and I needed to do the photo shoot!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMriekDBOjkfQM359Beg4LKrAM_9EHTR4ZGXTQR6CArv1Y-FNmUJZ6xF6T6sbEWOxpc1u8IPUHrgYuB4eGE7d2UgIz1bgEKJZa8RMHKXRxL6ECri2UAuM5540zjVHh7QVV1A0I05whpE/s1600/IMG_8005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1123" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMriekDBOjkfQM359Beg4LKrAM_9EHTR4ZGXTQR6CArv1Y-FNmUJZ6xF6T6sbEWOxpc1u8IPUHrgYuB4eGE7d2UgIz1bgEKJZa8RMHKXRxL6ECri2UAuM5540zjVHh7QVV1A0I05whpE/s640/IMG_8005.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
So, in the end... I have a blue cardigan that is inspired by "Living Coral" (and Kacey Musgraves)! I think it works, not only as a "color story", but considering the descriptions of the "Golden Hour" album and the "Living Coral" color, too. "Energizes and enlivens with a softer edge" accurately describes my cardigan, the music, and the color "living coral", so I'm pretty proud of myself and my new garment. I will wear it happily, with pride that I was given a challenge which I met in a very creative and honest way, using materials and supplies that I already had on hand. Not bad, if I do say so myself! I'll find out Jan. 23 if the judges agree with me! Fingers crossed... but, I'll be happy to just make it to the next round of the contest! I've really enjoyed reading different people's inspiration explanations, and am amazed by how differently everyone reacts to the color, the coral, and the description.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv4FBRTGTJHTxFEICPrizkBrfoi2IFh_r5V5MF6W09OatnRtZaeKN9npKsvlubs0Gw1nHuwakJYSUbCxOpZ8Wdf07uqUavgPx05OxHqMF_9Zz0WcLDI6ajd_RcRZXOc6cz38DjUB_-Tc/s1600/IMG_8027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv4FBRTGTJHTxFEICPrizkBrfoi2IFh_r5V5MF6W09OatnRtZaeKN9npKsvlubs0Gw1nHuwakJYSUbCxOpZ8Wdf07uqUavgPx05OxHqMF_9Zz0WcLDI6ajd_RcRZXOc6cz38DjUB_-Tc/s320/IMG_8027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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*Disclaimer: Sorry about the dark basement pictures. It's so difficult to capture colors accurately in my sewing cave. The outdoor pics capture the colors accurately!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v28h_qu8boC_UZ4_Hwf3pJAS6567lr1-GgigHm5H5-scO-294fWsaVOpv3DEV1HWajKtPFRkmouVwj56kkrKkCyth3E8Y0lFXT7OveG8YICGyetFRY1C1h5LP4OmHOVjzXv1K7DF2tQ/s1600/IMG_8016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="1018" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9v28h_qu8boC_UZ4_Hwf3pJAS6567lr1-GgigHm5H5-scO-294fWsaVOpv3DEV1HWajKtPFRkmouVwj56kkrKkCyth3E8Y0lFXT7OveG8YICGyetFRY1C1h5LP4OmHOVjzXv1K7DF2tQ/s640/IMG_8016.jpg" width="434" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-53741447634639749052019-01-13T11:10:00.001-05:002019-01-13T11:10:59.582-05:00PR Sewing Bee Challenge 1: Living Coral Cardigan (Part 1)<span style="font-size: large;">Round 1: Sew a Knit Cardigan Inspired by the Pantone Color of the Year, "Living Coral"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">"An <b>animating</b> and <b>life-affirming</b> coral hue with a <b>golden</b> undertone that energizes and enlivens with a <b>softer edge</b>. </span><b>Vibrant</b>, yet mellow Living Coral embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide <b>comfort</b> and <b>buoyancy in our continually shifting environment</b>..."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'll be honest... The first thing I did was google it! And I saw this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBOqcxhwIEmg9VTkkcvWzP8aic72S3WAbB_DxIN7asdwKYt5eZMRoTfzB431bHAGleEqS4f7bTjUvvxaSRoMp6iQdPenbcfjiOldKV3F4N1vON-pImHu22UxLzH__ayUYemryyXU8xWI/s1600/PantoneSquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1242" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBOqcxhwIEmg9VTkkcvWzP8aic72S3WAbB_DxIN7asdwKYt5eZMRoTfzB431bHAGleEqS4f7bTjUvvxaSRoMp6iQdPenbcfjiOldKV3F4N1vON-pImHu22UxLzH__ayUYemryyXU8xWI/s320/PantoneSquare.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Coral isn't a color I wear often, and I know there isn't a coral knit in my fabric stash (which needs to be depleted before I make any new yardage purchases). Two things came to mind... a teal blue knit in my stash and the Kacey Musgraves "<b>Golden</b> Hour" album cover.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RRIP0wQw8cx-RZXt10nYaT7VwygnpDgQkF1h02bRMjslalIPrjlp0IJkS_fk_kGqfIoIu7xDrfPOgSWcO529DiI3JCefd9OiIR8x7sOeE1Yr1YwyEYaq_rYK-K1zP0Ts9KVW6g6pI_E/s1600/GoldenHour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RRIP0wQw8cx-RZXt10nYaT7VwygnpDgQkF1h02bRMjslalIPrjlp0IJkS_fk_kGqfIoIu7xDrfPOgSWcO529DiI3JCefd9OiIR8x7sOeE1Yr1YwyEYaq_rYK-K1zP0Ts9KVW6g6pI_E/s320/GoldenHour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you're not familiar with Ms. Musgraves, you should check this country music "yeehaw queen" out. She's sassy and sweet, has a little country twang to her sound, but this album is different from her previous releases. Aside from the cover art coordinating with "living coral", this album was described in the following way:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #222222; font-family: Tiempos, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;">Throughout the songs on </span><em style="background-color: #f7f7f7; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Tiempos, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;">Golden Hour</em><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #222222; font-family: Tiempos, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;">, the East Texas singer-songwriter is radiant, awestruck, taking the scenic route to the bar just for the hell of it.</span><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #222222; font-family: Tiempos, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;">On </span><em style="background-color: #f7f7f7; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Tiempos, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;">Golden Hour</em><span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #222222; font-family: Tiempos, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;">, everything sprawls and swells and gushes, a gaping sky that makes the sonic landscapes of her previous albums feel like mere set dressing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">You have to listen to the album to understand how it captures the "living coral" description of being <b>life affirming</b> and <b>vibrant</b>... the songs are <b>soft</b> and give me great <b>comfort</b>. So, that's it... my cardigan will have to encompass those traits, as well!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">This <a href="https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7254" target="_blank">McCalls pattern 7254</a> has been in my pattern drawer for while now, I just love the curve and depth of the collar and how it "swoops" around to the hemline. I like the extra length, so I've chosen view E.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvAMFmtP68e_Ci1LIZ4RCpPf14ESGBW-moZM-4qDOwSGkKCSQH2mIRVqMIlHLtFK58-JIP6_WOoUB1do282RtdGLSIUcXqRcienv-ilZVxD92QuFLCZOfM48PFlgNKGDoyUKzSDO93MI/s1600/M7254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="514" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvAMFmtP68e_Ci1LIZ4RCpPf14ESGBW-moZM-4qDOwSGkKCSQH2mIRVqMIlHLtFK58-JIP6_WOoUB1do282RtdGLSIUcXqRcienv-ilZVxD92QuFLCZOfM48PFlgNKGDoyUKzSDO93MI/s400/M7254.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: x-small;">The fabric is a double knit that I've had for 10 years! I got it from a fabric co-op I was in, and initially bought 3 yards with the hopes of making my mother-in-law a jacket or sweatshirt. Time passed and it was shelved... until now! Speaking of "living coral", this fabric has a tonal curled pattern to it, which resemble OCEAN WAVES. I took it as a "sign", and that pretty much sealed the deal for moving forward with this project! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukUZAmkSs9MdQJ1oGJy9Iwd55JZW3gPFeuz84V7vo9f4hCK9nOv7KpKAYJQWY8rJ-TfUJVaYg3vOMGAIRHk8X6cYSvPskSR6sUJXij8WUucYRhJWPKJYCwyQ2VhYucpqNIoAIgL4Vxh4/s1600/IMG_7930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukUZAmkSs9MdQJ1oGJy9Iwd55JZW3gPFeuz84V7vo9f4hCK9nOv7KpKAYJQWY8rJ-TfUJVaYg3vOMGAIRHk8X6cYSvPskSR6sUJXij8WUucYRhJWPKJYCwyQ2VhYucpqNIoAIgL4Vxh4/s400/IMG_7930.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But, I don't just want to make a blue cardigan with a wave pattern on it. I want to incorporate the "living coral" color, as well as invoke a little "Kacey Musgraves" vibe while I'm at it. I did a few more Google searches and this image spoke to me... the flowers decorating the lapels of her jacket. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0zrSpwsZttla1l54T5D1ahx8u4jP27-rv1zOCiJ3xX_3arJ7LNH0wVgYych6OXEQRQDGsLL86eZKGeJ3Tcn6zcJ45_70YnwGvwfzP1624hyC07nUCD0lC-3CJcu3wiZZv-ceSXTJPZY/s1600/KaceyLapels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0zrSpwsZttla1l54T5D1ahx8u4jP27-rv1zOCiJ3xX_3arJ7LNH0wVgYych6OXEQRQDGsLL86eZKGeJ3Tcn6zcJ45_70YnwGvwfzP1624hyC07nUCD0lC-3CJcu3wiZZv-ceSXTJPZY/s400/KaceyLapels.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Maybe that's how I can include the coral color, in a nod to the "country western jacket" style? I dug through ALL my bins: the scrap bins, the stash shelves, the trims bin, and the sparkles bin. Here's what I found:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o_TpsFWAzZj5COrTiFgaz7rjLbRLJtCuauCGO98oO18_DxqBWEg4Nu31t7WVPxWbM5FJDtb8jkXq8LqcB4HqKDz0F88ZlpgPHy-h_kYt9AhISZ1s_fZqyLUNC4rMqkudtQaEkJOKX5Y/s1600/IMG_7946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0o_TpsFWAzZj5COrTiFgaz7rjLbRLJtCuauCGO98oO18_DxqBWEg4Nu31t7WVPxWbM5FJDtb8jkXq8LqcB4HqKDz0F88ZlpgPHy-h_kYt9AhISZ1s_fZqyLUNC4rMqkudtQaEkJOKX5Y/s320/IMG_7946.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pretty crazy, right? The good news is, I know EXACTLY what I'm going to do next!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-20205496997807563242019-01-07T20:46:00.001-05:002019-01-07T21:10:01.694-05:00Do You Like to Read (Almost as Much as You Like to Sew)?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1WdVAwBc_a1gxC36KUZTtH2GqL6SAcRRfcG731MIkPcmMR1LeMh2Y-WsA0L70RZMtNvxfz5zO1CGNeelvpFldg1ZQN81y6fKK-VOroG_DA2Yb4N4lQkrv4EEzShoT5CJgBITuxOxKJo/s1600/ISuckAtBlogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1500" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1WdVAwBc_a1gxC36KUZTtH2GqL6SAcRRfcG731MIkPcmMR1LeMh2Y-WsA0L70RZMtNvxfz5zO1CGNeelvpFldg1ZQN81y6fKK-VOroG_DA2Yb4N4lQkrv4EEzShoT5CJgBITuxOxKJo/s320/ISuckAtBlogging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello, again.<br />
I'm shaking my head at myself... I've disappeared from blogging before, only to return with lame excuses and apologies. Again. Sorry, it's just that sometimes it feels like I failed, but if I'm being honest, I really needed to lighten my load and remove a few things from my "plate". I could tell you the whole story, but it wouldn't make for a "fun and enjoyable" read, so I'll skip it and just hit the ground running.<br />
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Today was my first day back at work after a 2-week winter break. It was lovely. It was restful. It was relaxing. I read THREE books. I sewed TWO garments... FOR MYSELF (more on that in the next post). I returned to work today not with an ounce of dread or regret, just a promise to myself to make time for the things I WANT to do, and not make excuses for leaving myself for last.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27gOzPALNLVRPp8bTndHv1Omj1KEOh4buJzz8BhBmSR5wrmyhW7DVY6ryQJJHeKqErxi_iIF-aKjspYJ2cxx9xFW_O9PqXPtyPM5inOF5Q6SwMkg-Y-jZDJkuoSAaFncFjiL1KAMyb94/s1600/TheGown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="430" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27gOzPALNLVRPp8bTndHv1Omj1KEOh4buJzz8BhBmSR5wrmyhW7DVY6ryQJJHeKqErxi_iIF-aKjspYJ2cxx9xFW_O9PqXPtyPM5inOF5Q6SwMkg-Y-jZDJkuoSAaFncFjiL1KAMyb94/s400/TheGown.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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I stumbled across this book, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gown-Novel-Royal-Wedding-ebook/dp/B071JLP5Z7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1546911238&sr=8-1&keywords=the+gown+a+novel+of+the+royal+wedding+by+jennifer+robson" target="_blank">The Gown</a>" by Jennifer Robson at Costco during break, and the back cover synopsis had me captivated!<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "muli" , sans-serif;">London, 1947: Besieged by the harshest winter in living memory, burdened by onerous shortages and rationing, the people of postwar Britain are enduring lives of quiet desperation despite their nation’s recent victory. Among them are Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, embroiderers at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell. Together they forge an unlikely friendship, but their nascent hopes for a brighter future are tested when they are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime honor: taking part in the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown.</span></i><br />
<i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Muli, sans-serif;" /></i><i><span style="font-family: "muli" , sans-serif;">Toronto, 2016: More than half a century later, Heather Mackenzie seeks to unravel the mystery of a set of embroidered flowers, a legacy from her late grandmother. How did her beloved Nan, a woman who never spoke of her old life in Britain, come to possess the priceless embroideries that so closely resemble the motifs on the stunning gown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding almost seventy years before? And what was her Nan’s connection to the celebrated textile artist and holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin? </span></i><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Muli, sans-serif;" /></i><i><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "muli" , sans-serif;">With The Gown</span><span style="font-family: "muli" , sans-serif;">, Jennifer Robson takes us inside the workrooms where one of the most famous wedding gowns in history was created. Balancing behind-the-scenes details with a sweeping portrait of a society left reeling by the calamitous costs of victory, she introduces readers to three unforgettable heroines, their points of view alternating and intersecting throughout its pages, whose lives are woven together by the pain of survival, the bonds of friendship, and the redemptive power of love.</span></i><br />
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After dinner tonight, I threw on my comfy-cozies and my favorite blanket, thinking I'd just read for a little while. One chapter lead to two... lead to three...<br />
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Did you know that Christian Dior's sister, Catherine, spent time in the concentration camp Ravensbruck? Details <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-3721959/We-salute-Miss-Dior-story-sister-Christian-Dior-immortalised-iconic-fragrance.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but... I love historical fiction, it makes history so much more fascinating! I'm on page 24 and had to stop to tell you about it because I'm already convinced it's going to be a great read! I also grabbed another title that day, "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paris-Seamstress-Natasha-Lester-ebook/dp/B079L51HZG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1546910989&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=the+paris+seamstress&psc=1" target="_blank">The Paris Seamstress</a>" by Natasha Lester. That book will be next after this one, probably... Thanks, Costco!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mu6AnxemDP_-pKJqAibdrqq09AXGuNOCDJ1GQ19jDu4QOx09b5ogjNR_QYU4z6L1gTyT4mEbh68qGYcilLtrbe6eF0mdeXgddFvmwcecEgeiucNqKrK3SdwWGgxTWqUOW0cvzCN2mOI/s1600/TheParisSeamstress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Mu6AnxemDP_-pKJqAibdrqq09AXGuNOCDJ1GQ19jDu4QOx09b5ogjNR_QYU4z6L1gTyT4mEbh68qGYcilLtrbe6eF0mdeXgddFvmwcecEgeiucNqKrK3SdwWGgxTWqUOW0cvzCN2mOI/s1600/TheParisSeamstress.jpg" /></a></div>
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Have you read these? Hear anything about them? Have other similar titles you'd like to share?<br />
One more thing... If I fall off the face of the planet again, you can always find me in Instagram @couturebykristine Fingers crossed, I come back and post again within the week!?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-84182727051854733852018-05-14T22:33:00.000-04:002018-05-14T22:33:32.630-04:00Riverdale Skater Dress<img alt="" id="id_a753_f906_f161_1fcd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eH7K0J812-M/WvpGqOAQgII/AAAAAAAAFq4/mV_JuU93Ya4gn66CieHSk3lPTA9ooKaHwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">This plaid skater dress reminded us us something that Betty Cooper would wear at Pop's to share a milkshake with Jughead, so I'm calling it the Riverdale Skater Dress! It was inspired by the gray plaid dress shown, which she spotted on the Forever 21 website. I wasn't sure I could beat the $19 price tag, but since I was able to use everything I already owned, that makes my version FREE, right?! ;)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I was pretty surprised to find ZERO skater dress patterns in my cabinet, but I managed through the challenge... I used the top of </span><a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8949" id="id_eb36_8e8c_4afb_52f6">Vogue 8949</a><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"> and the bottom of </span><a href="https://butterick.mccall.com/b6019" id="id_165e_d337_72d0_d3fc">Butterick 6019</a><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">. I had to make some minor sizing adjustments (she's a petite 5'1") and of course, pockets had to be added!</span></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_a335_ccd3_82c_71c8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--gHgXWNHn4w/WvpGqHfXGqI/AAAAAAAAFq8/UYtEqhD4Z6YrOAcXwMdPPNxRfT_XGvCvgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
I was a little concerned about marrying the top to the bottom, but simply removing an inch from the top of the circle skirt gave me the matching measurement to the waistband. I also removed the back darts to give her some more wearing ease... you'd never know!<br />
The fabric is lovely linen that I bought years ago when I belonged to an online fabric co-op. I had about 3 yards of it, which was more than enough. It was very easy to work with, and I lined just the bodice so give a clean finish to the armholes and neckline.</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_d07a_4e72_ccec_4cbb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-71arTHc-gMI/WvpGrfQB1KI/AAAAAAAAFrM/1LqmFoV5uNAf2eq2JzmqZyHG75-_lMfSwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<img alt="" id="id_3161_d60b_a9ae_398" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TAWF5RR0YpY/WvpGq-RYJ5I/AAAAAAAAFrE/kXhZEHDuFf8utAX3Xdj5Pxy-NpYHAfohACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
It's got that "twirl factor", too! We were going to go to the malt shop for the photo shoot, but the weekend ended up being jam-packed and by Saturday afternoon I was too exhausted (party pooper).<br />
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<img alt="" id="id_18d4_33e8_c28_97da" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NwkoEqwIqzY/WvpGq6SXg3I/AAAAAAAAFrA/lWcTocmq6FAKLl9Mrc65ptmsIF2Os5n8wCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
I really hope that she wears it and enjoys it... it's so sweet and simple and feminine!</div>
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We have a funny coincidental tradition of me making her a blue and white dress in the spring... Every time she is a little bit older, a little more beautiful, and fills my heart a little bit more than before! I'll have to find the old pics to share next time.</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_e718_cf03_6a2a_3fc7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLta0lOmpXlPO-a3Xbe8wRvrxBxVnVYKWFqBzCGkkl293KN2PXYOk-guwkhf9LSVy8tqScaG_iePZyuSyiLJHFYFM5dQiYWPNVve0RQf3pGEN_ifNFwSg2DeemZJrwz39q7a070I2ent8/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-81671051024232629752018-05-11T14:40:00.000-04:002018-05-11T14:40:38.696-04:00Copying: Crime or Compliment?<div>
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<img alt="" id="id_991d_bed6_f925_c564" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YIwp3gstL6M/WvXjNxnsHyI/AAAAAAAAFqM/HlFH_130FbwxFNrbf3WUMgAQir3Nc8shQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
Isn't this Alexander <a href="https://www.alexandermcqueen.com/no/alexandermcqueen/long-dress_cod34712448fs.html" id="id_3dd1_f849_542f_cb7a">McQueeen dress</a> lovely? I love the way the two patterns of fabric are positioned vertically (with no seam at the waist) and although I have NOWHERE to wear it, I've always been a sucker for an off-the-shoulder dress!</div>
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It appeared in my Instagram feed quite some time ago and I just love it. I'm not crazy about the <a href="https://www.1stdibs.com/fashion/clothing/evening-dresses/cocktail-dresses/alexander-mcqueen-black-lace-jacquard-knit-off-shoulder-dress/id-v_3836653/" id="id_90b5_2d9b_ad03_6715">$700 price tag</a> though! So, I searched online and did some thinking, dug through my patterns and found some lace online that might work for it. I can remember where I bought it from, it's been that long!</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_7d2f_5b82_7471_d443" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8GQyWpnTDC0/WvXjOeAB7mI/AAAAAAAAFqY/vJGIj7-YuocAI6i7c3HxZgflTXascCAxQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">But, I'm really perplexed... I'm feeling some guilt every time I try to get started on the pattern work. I'm a teacher, so there is no debating with me... copying is wrong! But, if I'm not trying to pass it off as my design, is it ok to knock off a designer? Perhaps I should make a dress that's "inspired by" this look, rather than a replica? On one hand, I really like the challenge of adjusting a pattern to create an exact "knock off". It would be time consuming, but gratifying (if it's successful). But, it would be faster and easier to just use an existing pattern with a similar "vibe". I'm not in a great place with my body these days, so investing a lot of time and trouble into a garment that I might not be wearing for a long time seems like a negative (IF I shrink soon).</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">So, if I were to take the "easy" way out, these are the patterns under consideration...</span></div>
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<img alt="" id="id_82fc_c889_49e2_b756" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fauokwQD4Ak/WvXjN422U1I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/c8r6fc8nEsQNm0cc8LYIUk8jWkYTv_3CACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">This one (</span><a href="https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7466" id="id_3364_ca79_3bd3_47dd" target="_blank">McCalls 7466</a><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">) is my daughter's pick. Very wearable, very similar. I could use the chevron lace and place it diagonal, like the stripes on the illustration. </span><br />
<img alt="" id="id_803c_a23f_1be0_4c51" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxO3wem5Hng/WvXjN4snMWI/AAAAAAAAFqI/rqbbtPBQExELwjGfqSrHm5SUfRzHAkuQACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">McCalls 4510 (OOP) came from a swap, I think. The wavy color blocking lines are fun, but would the linear stripes "clash" with the curves?</span><br />
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<img alt="" id="id_ec3b_bf56_d569_383b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQjX1U-RtuPgHiYFaDK6-k_24uTedUoK_6R6UCZNh8bH9F3aWx8HNwAsKRWsrYekrz6_BrlnYFrXscL93gdqzSdBe_QuKPxePx8ssxGvw6uvxrL3Yr4UJr6bWIFeAtr80UJxbcQQGkRU/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; margin: 4px; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /></div>
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McCalls <a href="https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7538" id="id_903d_7e6d_c27d_5c2a">7538</a> could be interesting, with the diagonals at the waist being a contrast. This pattern also has a scoop neckline (which I prefer), and the stripes of the chevron lace would make the "X" of the waistline even more defined.</div>
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So, what's your opinion... Is copying directly in bad taste or a form of flattery? If I use one of these pattern instead, which one do you favor?</div>
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p.s. The dress for my daughter is in the final stages and if the weather cooperates, I should be able to photograph it this weekend and post it in a few days! It SO super cute!!! We have a fun plan for the photo shoot, too!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-79473286016815371052018-05-06T21:46:00.000-04:002018-05-06T21:53:46.111-04:00Ok! Take Two! Wow! I wasn't expecting the response I saw, and it made me SO happy! You like me... you really like me?! :)<br />
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So, let me explain. I left blogging when I decided to put my energy into growing my sewing business. It didn’t take much to go from occasionally doing alterations and creating a couple dresses a year to a calendar full of appointments. Spring formals led into bridal season led into Homecoming season led into the holiday season... Add in a few stage costumes for fitness competitors and before I knew it, I’d been going nonstop for over a year without any breaks.<br />
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<img alt="" height="400" id="id_9cb1_9738_78ba_977c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSqJiVfO5SE-lXBxAwwiSgDGuS8hPkSP1ad0hElaUj8FmgnUMiKxwLc0PfAGXVkCzyQnOKnZTufZDaYrhjZUrzXVxMt7_JAqh1jNd6hYQZO0axhxtQtV13nejSR_sMVL0MNx4QvcyYZs/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 4px auto; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /><br />
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I’ve missed sewing for myself and my family. So, I flipped the “Gone Fishing” sign, and closed my doors... until August 1. I’m thirsty for something fun, so my daughter and I have a game plan!</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_eda9_24aa_7166_89c7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yeSil-9YVpw/Wu-u4wjqnyI/AAAAAAAAFpg/XvhNP7j14Moa_dikOM6lx_DSMxMFJJSNwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 4px auto; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
She likes to shop, but that’s no fun with a mom like me. She’s grown up hearing me say, “I can make that!” so, we’re going to make a game of it. She chooses a “look” she’d like to own, and I will create a similar version using only patterns and fabrics I have on hand! May sound crazy, but it will be a great way for me to reduce my fabric inventory, and having her help tracing, pinning, and cutting will help the projects go faster (not to mention having good company in my sewing room)!</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_90dd_f7ca_d0f3_62d3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmStBhigx0JRFPcFG3kmvznf8KM4iWCDbFbdgUFdd2PqHyhEV04O_4M4XLjJBRX60WHvWX2ttxYuX8oNGnhRn62IqIFAYmr9vwpFuWnxwdaoHsfJ8-KQNMxo2cgex8SM9CgXxCMEhtZg/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="display: block; height: auto; margin: 4px auto; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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Our first project is already well underway, so my next post will have all the details! Here's a sneak peek... See you again soon! </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_f7af_1a78_d0d7_126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQBzYyjYNvKp42E0bVL5LFMRFE0TkKM1mRkFXIluu7KvFrKosSV1vRDoTFK_B3qatLv6Jqx1o03wtVeTjB7pqEEwlP2xTtX6C4ensNritnhwpJOmZUfHJpJz-0B8n6useMQFg3vRpRPE/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 385px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-35626114659371449262018-05-05T08:31:00.001-04:002018-05-05T08:53:29.699-04:00Is Anybody Out There?!?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5JlQ-tTU7sPu86dOqVQCWUTMoODqt3KjlsyaKX_Q6_9Efo9WQnepxFXe5AeI72xQmm1MWptvIx5q-K-2qbur7S_aoeXqVfc-ZoWkaGDUuednxdzeCGSxNjsoi1j205fs_t4DPxefw5U/s1600/hello-is-there-anybody-out-there.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="500" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5JlQ-tTU7sPu86dOqVQCWUTMoODqt3KjlsyaKX_Q6_9Efo9WQnepxFXe5AeI72xQmm1MWptvIx5q-K-2qbur7S_aoeXqVfc-ZoWkaGDUuednxdzeCGSxNjsoi1j205fs_t4DPxefw5U/s320/hello-is-there-anybody-out-there.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Does anybody still follow this blog??? I'm debating about starting fresh or resurrecting this one...<br />
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It's nice to see where my sewing journey and the internet started... but, if I move will people find me?<br />
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So, if you're out there and reading, can you send me a sign? A comment, maybe? How about a "Hey, there! I love to sew pretty things, too!"<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-17375544370376658812016-07-03T11:41:00.002-04:002016-07-03T11:41:43.688-04:00I've Moved!!!You can find my sewing posts at a new location: <a href="http://www.couturebykristine.com/">www.couturebykristine.com</a><div>
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I'll be posting sewing updates about important new projects there, or at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Couture-by-Kristine-166500976714104/" target="_blank">my facebook page</a>, Couture by Kristine. You can also follow me on Instagram at (you guessed it), <a href="https://www.instagram.com/couturebykristine/" target="_blank">couturebykristine</a></div>
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During my blogging hiatus, I've been sewing more and more for clients, so I rather than try to keep up with a blog and a website, it just seems easier to post all in one place. I really hope you'll "readjust your GPS" and keep following me in my sewing adventures. I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for all the encouragement, support, comments, feedback, and help you've given me.</div>
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Thanks and see you soon (I hope)!!!</div>
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Kristine</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-40487261610526639852015-08-17T15:29:00.001-04:002015-08-17T15:29:20.845-04:00North of The Mitten: Pure Michigan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Tahquamenon Falls, U.P.</td></tr>
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I was born and raised in "the Great Lakes State"of Michigan, where people point at the palm of their left hand to show you where they live or where they've been, but that's just the lower peninsula. "Up North", at the top of "the mitten" is the Upper Peninsula, or U.P., for short. When you cross the nearly 5 mile long Mackinaw Bridge, you enter "Yooper" country, where you'll find nearly 200 waterfalls, the shores of 3 Great Lakes, 130 year old copper mines, and old growth forests that are hundreds of years old and hundreds of feet tall.<br />
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Beautiful is a start, but "majestic" is more like it! Hiking, biking, and paddling are my favorite activities up there, but we saw so many people touring the area on their motorcycles... you can view the scenery lots of different ways! Many roads travel alongside a great lake and there are many motels, hotels, and cabins available for rent in addition to all the campgrounds that we passed along the way. We visited 7 different campgrounds during our 19 night "loop" from our home in the lower peninsula, around the U.P. and then back down across the bridge again.<br />
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<b>Rule #1. Do your research and talk to the locals!</b><br />
I know my family, so I know that the kids start to go batty in the car after 4 hours, so I planned our campground visits accordingly. I read campground reviews on <a href="http://rvparkreviews.com/">rvparkreviews.com</a> and made sure there were things to do and see in each area. I relied on a website I found called <a href="http://www.thingstodointheup.com/" target="_blank">"Things to do in the U.P."</a> along with a Facebook page called "Upper Peninsula Travel" when considering our options and making our plans.<br />
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What one person considers a "must see" might not suit your family. For example, there is a restaurant in Munising that many people said was great, but after trying it twice, we know we'll never visit there again! Basically, you know your family's likes and dislikes, skills, abilities, and ages. Read maps closely and check mileages, for both driving and hiking! If you need a stroller, consider that some hiking paths are wide and smooth, while others are narrow, hilly, and bumpy with tree roots. If you can't find the answers to your questions via Google, then call or visit the local visitor's center for detailed maps, attractions, and information. The best visitor center we visited was the Keweenaw Visitor Center, who offers a free smartphone app for all the local restaurants, attractions, and activities in the Keweenaw Peninsula! The Munising visitor center has maps of all the waterfalls, and I can't recommend strongly enough that you should purchase a detailed map of just the Upper Peninsula with mileages between towns. Gas stations and restaurants can be few and far between, and will elevation changes, your dashboard gas estimate may not be as accurate as usual!<br />
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If you're going to spend a day sightseeing, be sure to pack EVERYTHING. Swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, snacks, lunch, water, bug spray, sandals, walking shoes... and don't forget the camera!!! My favorite thing about the U.P. is the untouched wilderness... the silence of the forest path and the crashing of the waterfalls, the breathtaking beauty of the Keweenaw and Porkies where you feel like the only person for miles. Here are some of my pictures but, honestly, the real views are so much better!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMe72XK1j_QcXPO0nN847YVoRg5FvDNeTLybwk8oUjpVeU75wvBtqfORPTe-X2TJnXuNAV79D6JynmTIVYqoK6TnIaNuKINezG_f0lI6sKQIAPUWDVKBUWp2oVUysjCQDzgHCI5f3xeno/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMe72XK1j_QcXPO0nN847YVoRg5FvDNeTLybwk8oUjpVeU75wvBtqfORPTe-X2TJnXuNAV79D6JynmTIVYqoK6TnIaNuKINezG_f0lI6sKQIAPUWDVKBUWp2oVUysjCQDzgHCI5f3xeno/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+357.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harbor Springs Marina (Lower Peninsula, near Petoskey) Lake Michigan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Tahquamenon Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5d4nQ2KGuYK4V37XCsf6y5-c79NUzfBSeGm9IzZoVWiGMvakgTr0Rt3ZwNHeuXBVxr06RQ_vwr2CLawM6ttD-frzLIiCuwkwnDpnrB2llZrN_tG4mTD4A1oSJnc8V81GbIcvcucj7ck/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5d4nQ2KGuYK4V37XCsf6y5-c79NUzfBSeGm9IzZoVWiGMvakgTr0Rt3ZwNHeuXBVxr06RQ_vwr2CLawM6ttD-frzLIiCuwkwnDpnrB2llZrN_tG4mTD4A1oSJnc8V81GbIcvcucj7ck/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+459.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oswald's Bear Ranch, Newberry Michigan (Yes, those are Fruit Loops!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Tahquamenon Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Michigan view at the Tunnel of Trees (if you love to motorcycle)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGhqLa7Acw8FhyphenhyphenJeS7I7VfP5xXMbG4aGQr_OCFR1A3VHuadBgGWqxDp0sZOrpIFKrwvTChn4I0U_uNIYYTUGE1tscMboKzdXw6C5a3m56Q5ZG339Ub2kePs_142-CIgoF74YudvyTOrc/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGhqLa7Acw8FhyphenhyphenJeS7I7VfP5xXMbG4aGQr_OCFR1A3VHuadBgGWqxDp0sZOrpIFKrwvTChn4I0U_uNIYYTUGE1tscMboKzdXw6C5a3m56Q5ZG339Ub2kePs_142-CIgoF74YudvyTOrc/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+414.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point (Edmund Fitzgerald site)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWKtW_1tSlTRgZgoR0O8SEXtPq0wgmPzdWhXktvrBNsvrhmkJw4IJONTbRubKB1d3YYcS6BWUphlX_vaPZWdto1HVUEI9p-2yYyq5eUvfdj6vAML_ZFIiH-hSgkOw5iwKMKbXD4C9jOY/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWKtW_1tSlTRgZgoR0O8SEXtPq0wgmPzdWhXktvrBNsvrhmkJw4IJONTbRubKB1d3YYcS6BWUphlX_vaPZWdto1HVUEI9p-2yYyq5eUvfdj6vAML_ZFIiH-hSgkOw5iwKMKbXD4C9jOY/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+515.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Falls, Munising </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB19UNMQubBR-QO4Kk0jXRbznJXtBrz2EX9IZiLtsDKWAdoYM3pjAwzyLEEgxZ9mjqwmz_UldLD9JVatvBfRvnZYI8cjlMsjHQ0UV8djLGV35Pup1sRp6D6aCGl0MDppW2UWTdRyo6Hs/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB19UNMQubBR-QO4Kk0jXRbznJXtBrz2EX9IZiLtsDKWAdoYM3pjAwzyLEEgxZ9mjqwmz_UldLD9JVatvBfRvnZYI8cjlMsjHQ0UV8djLGV35Pup1sRp6D6aCGl0MDppW2UWTdRyo6Hs/s640/Upper+Peninsula+2015+575.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughing Whitefish Falls, Munising</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz9_gzfJ25eEEUSZNXH-8U4Abaoi9HhpWSJkz_XnmblOPQczh7QJqRlxd8pXMDsQbwKJUeny96nhrouokBjtNFj72M40qljt5BAoWbURcoRd0YgHhOIpGbx1PByQF-HOOA5L0CV9DZYQ/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz9_gzfJ25eEEUSZNXH-8U4Abaoi9HhpWSJkz_XnmblOPQczh7QJqRlxd8pXMDsQbwKJUeny96nhrouokBjtNFj72M40qljt5BAoWbURcoRd0YgHhOIpGbx1PByQF-HOOA5L0CV9DZYQ/s640/Upper+Peninsula+2015+664.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel Rock, Pictured Rocks, Munising</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlyVzairZAXILABxv8j4bZIB4HMmCrsXdOFTYDrnK1gkmThoar3W2z9f-fXHrSJmhvGJpytwgR_aJ7t1oG30HB3sfv0Ew7BHB2Oj5fBmWGnT8nSjP-oQCoqjWqNB2NcRQTo8bHJBAn4k/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlyVzairZAXILABxv8j4bZIB4HMmCrsXdOFTYDrnK1gkmThoar3W2z9f-fXHrSJmhvGJpytwgR_aJ7t1oG30HB3sfv0Ew7BHB2Oj5fBmWGnT8nSjP-oQCoqjWqNB2NcRQTo8bHJBAn4k/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+681.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Lake Superior, Munising</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwd0x1vt6ojknc5sffL7St1gAz8bftf8A5nTVKooJvnKdXHHLZDiwpLFEgTiY0mZpLeu8Of1nW5WZqJRqo2fu2yrT4qKnIqmdUfNkCKBao5XxOqyidopKXkWihQizTmI6gCUR3qM-VZI/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwd0x1vt6ojknc5sffL7St1gAz8bftf8A5nTVKooJvnKdXHHLZDiwpLFEgTiY0mZpLeu8Of1nW5WZqJRqo2fu2yrT4qKnIqmdUfNkCKBao5XxOqyidopKXkWihQizTmI6gCUR3qM-VZI/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+788.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake of the Clouds, Porcupine Mountains, Ontonagon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQWI8bTJH9lA56EAD_gX4S5vQwxNmLdcw5lb2cefJlnHStYFWJNc575SWoSipy3ztuM-X66slKlqlAmVrWVxS46BNDLOrE7v8vYZUKWHGjPNwr9p3cataOD_s8vNVh84c7fGQy0RraMw/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQWI8bTJH9lA56EAD_gX4S5vQwxNmLdcw5lb2cefJlnHStYFWJNc575SWoSipy3ztuM-X66slKlqlAmVrWVxS46BNDLOrE7v8vYZUKWHGjPNwr9p3cataOD_s8vNVh84c7fGQy0RraMw/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+808.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonanza Falls, Ontonagon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBJKJxjZVqoC7iJDVoSs1Vp3qHry2zoSjvrps7-BPmG_4Zqa9-G3sO6a23PVqsbs6RTHenKm1kEV0kwtgAo8nkOEqrQ-L38AO3aea7os2oR-sRDhr3ZPZ2FPySsscvDWenmQyJsc86ak/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBJKJxjZVqoC7iJDVoSs1Vp3qHry2zoSjvrps7-BPmG_4Zqa9-G3sO6a23PVqsbs6RTHenKm1kEV0kwtgAo8nkOEqrQ-L38AO3aea7os2oR-sRDhr3ZPZ2FPySsscvDWenmQyJsc86ak/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+708.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estivant Pines, Old Growth Forest, Copper Harbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQH0N05DJPOnF4W72l5t7u-vU9xZlea3k1zUILTZTdAnmdX-jQ7KW2NEcrXg10STO5_jcNqxPICMFw2GTrfGMLQgeY4ETZGzcfyZP4bPTTRw8zsznk4BsmZKTL6shK3iQA3QN0kV3F_w/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQH0N05DJPOnF4W72l5t7u-vU9xZlea3k1zUILTZTdAnmdX-jQ7KW2NEcrXg10STO5_jcNqxPICMFw2GTrfGMLQgeY4ETZGzcfyZP4bPTTRw8zsznk4BsmZKTL6shK3iQA3QN0kV3F_w/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+757.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horseshoe Harbor, Copper Harbor (tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S_r_gsNR4ndcl6FqpdLTLlUOcZHHM1Al5N-foRhP21zeKbakL3X8KmXhvdUlVK0HPTzbYbc9DwYPGk6-PF8UwNjcBVjAdUSQv7FRQgkUUlsmOxXifzVNEDQFZPrP4WqeMC8QEOLTZQw/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2S_r_gsNR4ndcl6FqpdLTLlUOcZHHM1Al5N-foRhP21zeKbakL3X8KmXhvdUlVK0HPTzbYbc9DwYPGk6-PF8UwNjcBVjAdUSQv7FRQgkUUlsmOxXifzVNEDQFZPrP4WqeMC8QEOLTZQw/s400/IMG_0471.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Lake Superior, Ontonagon (Porcupine Mtns in distance)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgYoaCNTMSr92XwS1sMVic6Ed_o0ePk9IhH0uy0190CsRfeCa-3FBlcsFSBTAHYdDAzVEn3Ih78Ib6H0X2lvHQew41s_Xc3ORGz20F01LEFeO2mj-GcAmllXSA89oko68s9a3Wkcqprs/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgYoaCNTMSr92XwS1sMVic6Ed_o0ePk9IhH0uy0190CsRfeCa-3FBlcsFSBTAHYdDAzVEn3Ih78Ib6H0X2lvHQew41s_Xc3ORGz20F01LEFeO2mj-GcAmllXSA89oko68s9a3Wkcqprs/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+862.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainbow over our camper in Ontonagon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cEeJU9tUyGQmw_o6PiF6cIKP17_VLSG-QaBj1FHjxT3YgkL5oG-BJ_u4aS6reVM74jBZUfWfLx-5jxo-3AedPRINhQ3rfpUAwUYM_iQfMxzfitocOtBZuKpAVfaQnw9aqBbqT_4swrA/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cEeJU9tUyGQmw_o6PiF6cIKP17_VLSG-QaBj1FHjxT3YgkL5oG-BJ_u4aS6reVM74jBZUfWfLx-5jxo-3AedPRINhQ3rfpUAwUYM_iQfMxzfitocOtBZuKpAVfaQnw9aqBbqT_4swrA/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+878.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring), Manistique</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezKGjFs1QkAw2oLtwKfpTlogbFjw1WrAghC2njIJRZ1MDU0u8YmTs-ulDZgsuZM5hyphenhyphenfJLli7FUSFBAgAuXw0Tzp98wQNtMFZ_NWY-7ItjDi0tV1JpEDcNuglMeuQrZe9cr49pAv07kK4/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezKGjFs1QkAw2oLtwKfpTlogbFjw1WrAghC2njIJRZ1MDU0u8YmTs-ulDZgsuZM5hyphenhyphenfJLli7FUSFBAgAuXw0Tzp98wQNtMFZ_NWY-7ItjDi0tV1JpEDcNuglMeuQrZe9cr49pAv07kK4/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+834.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring a historic Copper Mine, Ontonagon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T88Mn6OhHNs7Sn7nVHSVKNX2EyzT-xX9LjQ9DJBugSHomwdedbDcTgMH40sQhUULtLYUs61yTJ-edt_x-UIIcyFI4jodPNSyGT9_NSM8osiHYNKN6dSTnNS6Tge1LvYqq6LiDPyMVhk/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T88Mn6OhHNs7Sn7nVHSVKNX2EyzT-xX9LjQ9DJBugSHomwdedbDcTgMH40sQhUULtLYUs61yTJ-edt_x-UIIcyFI4jodPNSyGT9_NSM8osiHYNKN6dSTnNS6Tge1LvYqq6LiDPyMVhk/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+941.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mackinaw Bridge (Lake Huron)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj856WiXJMCFZvWMHS7W4wzNZKahQSAudDUNhhTUHN9EkJDg2_8CqiSg1iBsscriSf28YYjJXKKaJ90b3DSdw6Om3nSDftUS3OPWU2M7dtV2vDGWjS-69OQqzkN7mXsVDhW_-di3vghlY4/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj856WiXJMCFZvWMHS7W4wzNZKahQSAudDUNhhTUHN9EkJDg2_8CqiSg1iBsscriSf28YYjJXKKaJ90b3DSdw6Om3nSDftUS3OPWU2M7dtV2vDGWjS-69OQqzkN7mXsVDhW_-di3vghlY4/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+945.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arch Rock, Mackinaw Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLopEbXPIlZGbJ7pJuLlycPQTpF07uBND47kSSX3JLLihIyQV9-yHIE5hwLfT7R_I4hgWL6qMN-Q7AhHiyd_K24mcx_R6aP2skHIId5-3mFxZRpJF4PJz3dVh4UEtCSMrsvm4MYA1H-Y/s1600/Upper+Peninsula+2015+949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLopEbXPIlZGbJ7pJuLlycPQTpF07uBND47kSSX3JLLihIyQV9-yHIE5hwLfT7R_I4hgWL6qMN-Q7AhHiyd_K24mcx_R6aP2skHIId5-3mFxZRpJF4PJz3dVh4UEtCSMrsvm4MYA1H-Y/s400/Upper+Peninsula+2015+949.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar Loaf, Mackinaw Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope that my children appreciate the beauty of our home state, and continue to travel and explore it's far reaching corners. There's more than just beaches here... and while they did their fair share of complaining about the hilly hikes or lack of wifi, I'm pretty sure that we made some lasting memories along the way.<br />
<br />
Please, by all means, if you have questions about Up North travel, just let me know! I'm happy to share more of our experiences!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-88634872110512734512015-07-24T16:25:00.003-04:002015-07-24T16:25:32.776-04:00Faux Liberty Blouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y5uXMrmdd9LQeQWrHRTwVbTAHwDUpdJpuiNV0UPhdCAkLqVr8b_qWV6ttbYbvssC5e4hGkwYaIUDycORKJVzQgxJ_aObpjiMjJWjFJdWbhd1frXttR_3r8PBYAHr2fCKQkw6bEDDx_k/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8y5uXMrmdd9LQeQWrHRTwVbTAHwDUpdJpuiNV0UPhdCAkLqVr8b_qWV6ttbYbvssC5e4hGkwYaIUDycORKJVzQgxJ_aObpjiMjJWjFJdWbhd1frXttR_3r8PBYAHr2fCKQkw6bEDDx_k/s640/IMG_3987.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'll be perfectly honest: I love the look of Liberty fabrics, but not the price. When I came across this cotton print in a local shop this spring (as they were going out of business), I grabbed enough of it to make myself a pretty top.<br />
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<a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8747-products-14717.php?page_id=953&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Vogue 8747 (OOP)</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D9vN7d8MUVGcQZT-YylX9fn5NgbEmM-vVZ5HR-z-7znHeVb0feeTpXwvcS5Bqc9OA34-5PpNzWWmRdbYCc6aE6v4_C5FF2NQUMELsK0sy-gjZhAGz2HguIy2huUGkQkJp1nX8vApoBk/s1600/V8747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D9vN7d8MUVGcQZT-YylX9fn5NgbEmM-vVZ5HR-z-7znHeVb0feeTpXwvcS5Bqc9OA34-5PpNzWWmRdbYCc6aE6v4_C5FF2NQUMELsK0sy-gjZhAGz2HguIy2huUGkQkJp1nX8vApoBk/s320/V8747.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
This is my second time making up this pattern. I just love the way the center front curves slightly at the neckline and the gathers in the button placket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0ApmrS3F3weaL7hyytqwjisQ_TYsjXv1Hyb7Ogo3XyhSd_-n0uLhj46Oo0bheTiWdyYe2QzQw2uMFKjBmVO2_9sQj1rCZW8ST9V4oVEDgVuHZtw7R53khD3uV_gvXE5IbHGJfqTkfFc/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0ApmrS3F3weaL7hyytqwjisQ_TYsjXv1Hyb7Ogo3XyhSd_-n0uLhj46Oo0bheTiWdyYe2QzQw2uMFKjBmVO2_9sQj1rCZW8ST9V4oVEDgVuHZtw7R53khD3uV_gvXE5IbHGJfqTkfFc/s400/IMG_3991.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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There's really not much to tell you, as the pattern is very well drafted and illustrated. It didn't take me long to make, as I'd work on it here and there over the course of a few days. No hiccups, no problems, just a nice, easy, calm, stress-free, quick garment!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXUf80iHmaC9bEJuUIYQxPlglRYPw3vUkolKgvgSQAJ_jGfB9VZMliH7gt9lOXcNosO-EkYSo35pBXwekwLjQA09ZMH5AjMJC-g22UZK5gAIRr721OctUS_F43H58tjrkhQnGLtcQM6I/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXUf80iHmaC9bEJuUIYQxPlglRYPw3vUkolKgvgSQAJ_jGfB9VZMliH7gt9lOXcNosO-EkYSo35pBXwekwLjQA09ZMH5AjMJC-g22UZK5gAIRr721OctUS_F43H58tjrkhQnGLtcQM6I/s400/IMG_3988.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The finest details of the fabric is tough to see in the pictures, but there is a soft background wide stripe of seafoam green, and the print is a "contemporary" paisley, with soft pink accents. It's just lovely. The color scheme, the print, the weight... I think it reads very "feminine" and I really think it will be a nice addition to my closet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQSx0wDk87nCSCurwj-yRF6sX8ZBphvamjh5WOd_pHRXCEPufFlS9uVb7YFOwBj8qaM_2u3IPnR7yOzZxv0D0G8T-mcsmhRBOBIbU8ZISMPnOStpA6rlVa_247YFtUWvg2l66E_6vIUA/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQSx0wDk87nCSCurwj-yRF6sX8ZBphvamjh5WOd_pHRXCEPufFlS9uVb7YFOwBj8qaM_2u3IPnR7yOzZxv0D0G8T-mcsmhRBOBIbU8ZISMPnOStpA6rlVa_247YFtUWvg2l66E_6vIUA/s400/IMG_3989.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can kind of see the soft wide stripes here...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71yHOavDhO2gPptr6BNEopj2ZqLkBf2oe8FTNIAR2fQgYxBXRQSxpptmcZ-6b477kivc-N7iurxrYc2N8-raouVn-YYQOx_hYYwPcpvgXTQiGO_GofXqOZ_M99Phg2uQ8R-YqmRBxulI/s1600/IMG_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71yHOavDhO2gPptr6BNEopj2ZqLkBf2oe8FTNIAR2fQgYxBXRQSxpptmcZ-6b477kivc-N7iurxrYc2N8-raouVn-YYQOx_hYYwPcpvgXTQiGO_GofXqOZ_M99Phg2uQ8R-YqmRBxulI/s400/IMG_3990.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The neckline is perfect for a pretty necklace charm.</td></tr>
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I'm working on cleaning up the UFOs in the sewing room, I've got two more patterns that are completely cut and ready to sew: a Vogue skirt and a dress. Summer is flying by too quickly!!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-40837044515326857432015-07-19T14:08:00.002-04:002015-07-19T14:08:28.433-04:00Vogue 1302: Little Black Lace Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5I0OFAuJWn229TRAIrd97wXAXih2SLFqYZpri0D5EHpdagD8Bw_mgDgk0t9X-Oe-EVldcFcZg8M2TuqvUDRjhm0gLLr9p-DBRxL9rmLJ6Q4_frHfd9QeI5tkb2pKk_aWVgHBcrVmqXg/s1600/IMG_3669+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5I0OFAuJWn229TRAIrd97wXAXih2SLFqYZpri0D5EHpdagD8Bw_mgDgk0t9X-Oe-EVldcFcZg8M2TuqvUDRjhm0gLLr9p-DBRxL9rmLJ6Q4_frHfd9QeI5tkb2pKk_aWVgHBcrVmqXg/s640/IMG_3669+%25282%2529.JPG" width="354" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1302-products-22876.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">Vogue 1302</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu_bY-mlADmNG2q2V4Gf9_u7Pf9BW8EEQO6krWgc1b9IWoCY31HeW0EAxEzFQ9KOcQUXHKLr0ZYTXOErpcJDjk6m1RLmjJ7ywXGrtr54c-Wwy_PgVs4F3evItf8ArvcYOgC0lAkkvF2Q/s1600/Vogue+1302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu_bY-mlADmNG2q2V4Gf9_u7Pf9BW8EEQO6krWgc1b9IWoCY31HeW0EAxEzFQ9KOcQUXHKLr0ZYTXOErpcJDjk6m1RLmjJ7ywXGrtr54c-Wwy_PgVs4F3evItf8ArvcYOgC0lAkkvF2Q/s320/Vogue+1302.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kay Unger with lots of ruching</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My pattern review is <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&ID=114075" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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With a wedding to attend, and no little black dress in my closet, I thought it would be a good project. I managed to have EVERYTHING on hand in my stash already: lace, charmeuse, lining, zipper, and thread! There was only 1 other review I could find on this pattern, and it warned of the multiple layers of fabrics being heavy to wear... so the lace and charmeuse made a lot of sense to me. In hindsight, I'm afraid that the nature of the lace is not ruching-friendly, and maybe I'd have had more luck getting the gathers to lay correctly if I'd used a chiffon?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72lZt69l3OrFBu2LAvw3I4Z6VQTv6vLGrf6DD73s8VZPLIVfl5y29-79PTSO-YpcLSCYHmOOSzQJKPqKyPHFPj9ZMerRd0R4EGVGChxNltIDzyYplYwCRwemsl0X9cFoxUIyQuThFG3w/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72lZt69l3OrFBu2LAvw3I4Z6VQTv6vLGrf6DD73s8VZPLIVfl5y29-79PTSO-YpcLSCYHmOOSzQJKPqKyPHFPj9ZMerRd0R4EGVGChxNltIDzyYplYwCRwemsl0X9cFoxUIyQuThFG3w/s400/IMG_3508.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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As I started construction, I hand gathered the lace over the 4 side panels of the dress (2 front and 2 back) which didn't take nearly as long as I expected. As I approached the draped and gathered lace pieces of the bodice, I was careful to first attach the flat edges of lace to the under layer of charmeuse, which made the gathering and attachment of the remaining edges much less confusing. My new Baby Lock Imagine serger was absolutely amazing going from lace to charmeuse, over gathers and switching between single layers and multiple layers with gathering. It was the absolute best investment in the sewing room, next to my Baby Lock Jane straight stitch machine!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBKPLuvOluvwloF9Ursu4CH9cbsWV_QJNOth-a3OPMVmmz_REaQDkl491ULCJhKLlxN0COjbwDcbKkT58_fstJ68Rib6VWyv2E0KtYX4ug4CuG7T-Bu36TV52iw44x42lI9Qn98ACPwc/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBKPLuvOluvwloF9Ursu4CH9cbsWV_QJNOth-a3OPMVmmz_REaQDkl491ULCJhKLlxN0COjbwDcbKkT58_fstJ68Rib6VWyv2E0KtYX4ug4CuG7T-Bu36TV52iw44x42lI9Qn98ACPwc/s400/IMG_3530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One it was all together, I did NOT like the way the lace was poofing across some of the gathers, but a little time spent distributing the ruching and pinning and hand-tacking made for a much better looking bodice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Z30xeiQ5rHnnbv2C1POTQaSi58UqFF773EGTVjfMAdiKCtIZ1JH1e9TKd8aLdeRf6-PkV74t5rukuI0JeuZA9L5GrVX0tids29FGW7xy3gk6sM7V5xDSm7XGPQ9gRCvmoPXx6ZsyTDU/s1600/IMG_3672+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Z30xeiQ5rHnnbv2C1POTQaSi58UqFF773EGTVjfMAdiKCtIZ1JH1e9TKd8aLdeRf6-PkV74t5rukuI0JeuZA9L5GrVX0tids29FGW7xy3gk6sM7V5xDSm7XGPQ9gRCvmoPXx6ZsyTDU/s640/IMG_3672+%25282%2529.JPG" width="402" /></a></div>
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You can see how I placed the pattern so the hem would fall along the scallop edge of the lace. Other than taking it in a pinch in the waist at the side seams, I made no alterations (and from all the corners and angles, I'm not sure it would've been possible to anyway).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFpvNDDJb_kH1hqkQcTj1hgVvNUpTIzXm41hwRHGdey86yhTPGbz-BvPxiI1DHqYJkNyggnQbFsVgpXo3qSGJXBcq0nbK-yZNmlaTHFQ0YZrb0kDYxxwj9RQdYBwLRsRv0T_uIzthmG8/s1600/IMG_3671+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFpvNDDJb_kH1hqkQcTj1hgVvNUpTIzXm41hwRHGdey86yhTPGbz-BvPxiI1DHqYJkNyggnQbFsVgpXo3qSGJXBcq0nbK-yZNmlaTHFQ0YZrb0kDYxxwj9RQdYBwLRsRv0T_uIzthmG8/s640/IMG_3671+%25282%2529.JPG" width="299" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm very happy with the final product. It's a great addition to my closet for special occasions, and was actually very comfortable in weight considering the heat index yesterday was 100 degreees! I'd definitely recommend this pattern, just be sure to select appropriate fabrics and have the patience to work with lots and lots of gathering!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtb27noJfqg24oOiz-RQfg_j2OAIbQuzFn8-nyGuxT4vtkkQCwGoYS8sbmZqE1R76rVSlyNpnSp2RkD52M_ckSN2e7CPZR3rGGYXTa93j0i-Ooqx9-jQtu5FyaY_Alm76b_rJkZJ2FIA/s1600/Selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtb27noJfqg24oOiz-RQfg_j2OAIbQuzFn8-nyGuxT4vtkkQCwGoYS8sbmZqE1R76rVSlyNpnSp2RkD52M_ckSN2e7CPZR3rGGYXTa93j0i-Ooqx9-jQtu5FyaY_Alm76b_rJkZJ2FIA/s400/Selfie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A little selfie at the table with my honey.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-75427063436617282472015-02-21T18:54:00.000-05:002015-02-21T18:54:25.837-05:00Mini Winter Wardrobe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Funny how projects find their beginnings... this set started out back in the fall when I happened to catch "Good Morning America" the day after "Dancing With the Stars" ended, and I really loved the look of this monochromatic sweater skirt set that Whitney was wearing.<br />
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I knew the crop top was out of the question, but I loved the overall look. So, when I was at Haberman Fabrics, I looked for a sweater knit and coordinated faux leather. I found a lovely combo in a deep purple/burgundy, along with a coordinating plaid wool. While I didn't know what I would do with the wool, I knew it had to come home with me! Looking through Pinterest for ideas, I stumbled across this image and thought, "Damn. Gotta have it."</div>
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Skirt: <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8750-products-14720.php?page_id=263&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Vogue 8750</a><br />
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Talk about easy, this skirt went together very quickly. Well drafted, the style lines are fantastic and perfect for leather. I used a teflon foot and leather needle for construction, and my only complaint is that I'll need to go back and line it, as the faux leather is quite "noisy" when I walk?! Sorry about the shadows in the pics that are hiding the seamlines, It's tough with the contrast of the snow!<br />
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Sweater: <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-9763-burda-style-t-shirt.aspx" target="_blank">Burda 6990</a><br />
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This sweater knit had a really neat woven pattern to it, but it also had WAY more stretch than necessary! At the time I was sewing this, <a href="http://vacuumingthelawn.blogspot.com/2015/01/sewaholic-renfrew-in-chunky-sweater-knit.html" target="_blank">Kyle was using the same knit (but in ivory) for a Renfrew sweater</a> (which made the project like a mini sew along). Anyhow, the Burda pattern has this HUGE cowl, which can be worn down around the shoulders, or loose around the neck. Super comfy sweater, I'll definitely make it up again, but do view A next time (no cowl).<br />
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Back to the Bomber jacket...<br />
<a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7100-products-49295.php?page_id=115&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">McCalls 7100</a><br />
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I liked the style of the pockets on view A best, so I proceeded, cutting a size Medium (which fits pretty perfectly), but added 2" to the length at the hem. Even though the pattern doesn't call for a lining, I dug around in the stash and pulled out some black poly lining to protect the wool (and my skin).<br />
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I cut the pockets out of the lining fabric and skipped the front facing, since I added the lining anyway. I needed a 22" separating zipper (since I added some length), and the rib knit is bamboo, also from Haberman's.<br />
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I'll be honest, the pattern illustrations are a little wacky, it took me a few minutes of studying to figure out the pockets and if you don't line it, the facing and bottom ribbing installation looks a little strange. But, now that I've been through it once, I'll definitely be using this pattern again, it's really pretty perfect! The wool is substantial, thick enough to be really cozy and I wasn't even cold taking these pictures. I'm really glad that I added the 2" to the hem, I think it will rest in a better spot in the back, especially when I sit.<br />
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Sorry for the super long post, but there was lots to share! Pretty proud of myself for turning all that fabric over in less than 6 months! I really feel compelled to keep moving on the rotation of fabrics and patterns, as it doesn't do me any good sitting on the shelf! I'd rather have it hanging in my closet!!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-84256546365006945922015-02-20T22:50:00.000-05:002015-02-20T22:50:32.706-05:00S.W.A.P.Sewing with a plan. Yup, I definitely need a plan.<br />
Between a stop at Joann's and today's mail delivery, I'd better get my plan in order!<br />
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After spotting Taylor Swift in this Oscar de la Renta dress on Pinterest, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Found a link to <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/424270/Oscar_de_la_Renta/gingham-wool-blend-dress" target="_blank">the original</a> ($2590), which only fanned the flames more! The blue graphic print is a poly charmeuse roll end (1 3/8 yd) and the coordinating navy solid is 1 yd of RPL, both from Emma One Sock. The pattern is Vogue 8667, view E. Even though it was on sale, it seemed silly to pay for shipping a single pattern, so I also ordered Vogue <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9077-products-49528.php?page_id=857&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">9077</a> & <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1440-products-49522.php?page_id=311" target="_blank">1440</a>, and McCalls <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7091-products-49286.php?page_id=96&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">7091</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZeH8ZrfOA2xnnsorsBc5iP7LCaRTgjiVArmJ5FDXrqEYb28wpXcnGFj1-ivNVTUCr2GsXFSRi7mYNwdl2MH6DD1C3cU0Q26FDvEbSlGsgMhG6WZvoBWDnUs0ImlgduHCHDkWBWcAnC0/s1600/SWAP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZeH8ZrfOA2xnnsorsBc5iP7LCaRTgjiVArmJ5FDXrqEYb28wpXcnGFj1-ivNVTUCr2GsXFSRi7mYNwdl2MH6DD1C3cU0Q26FDvEbSlGsgMhG6WZvoBWDnUs0ImlgduHCHDkWBWcAnC0/s1600/SWAP1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9077 (denim), 1440 (white blouse), 7091 (for my girl)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This morning I needed to pick up 2 zippers at Joann Fabrics, but of course, I left with more than that!<br />
Buttericks were 3 for $5 and these 2 knits were too pretty (and on sale) to pass up!<br />
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Butterick 6054 is for the <a href="http://blog.mccall.com/?p=1205" target="_blank">McCall's Wrap Dress Sew Along</a> and the blue fabric pictured will be used (I think I have an addiction to blue fabrics lately). The colorful print is a beautiful spandex knit that will either become <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7046-products-49086.php?page_id=108&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">McCalls 7046</a> or <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b6166-products-49563.php?page_id=147&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Butterick 6166</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyyOfAJD8cyNCS2lFU5MMWoYIoM4cDq3x1-bVD1t4opJ0dH1ht8WRU40URnjbfXpVjoGfBbctR2LDWjkxgUwgKGm_RQsklcziNeCAslW-Or8nPJ4OlRiDHJwIKkhm869n8vTAXtNLChg/s1600/SWAP2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyyOfAJD8cyNCS2lFU5MMWoYIoM4cDq3x1-bVD1t4opJ0dH1ht8WRU40URnjbfXpVjoGfBbctR2LDWjkxgUwgKGm_RQsklcziNeCAslW-Or8nPJ4OlRiDHJwIKkhm869n8vTAXtNLChg/s1600/SWAP2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I'm putting myself on a fabric and pattern diet until I finish some of these garments! 3 dresses doesn't seem so impossible, and I'd really love to make Little Miss (not so little anymore, though) a couple of things, too. I'll keep you posted!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-24893672669878380362015-02-13T23:35:00.000-05:002015-02-15T12:03:54.500-05:00Red Hot Valentine!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcmqkPv0CA3Gqliy2ZEWOcsxRrJl1lH6yKLHE9XMr79LE4Jg9HGuqh33pgbO8rIP3-MmNBRjOPDwXoGOmoSdJsyhSxVJA2gBJK9AKnnfPldOFeO3EkfqnnM_16rS_vm80cJvIvUWTY8c/s640/blogger-image-456380712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcmqkPv0CA3Gqliy2ZEWOcsxRrJl1lH6yKLHE9XMr79LE4Jg9HGuqh33pgbO8rIP3-MmNBRjOPDwXoGOmoSdJsyhSxVJA2gBJK9AKnnfPldOFeO3EkfqnnM_16rS_vm80cJvIvUWTY8c/s640/blogger-image-456380712.jpg"></a></div></div>When I last posted... this dress was sketched out, but need to be muslined.
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Turned out that those little pleats on the skirt just weren't right for me. The skirt profile was not as flattering as I'd like, so after some advice from sewing friends, I switched it out for a plain flat front skirt, and was so much happier! The muslin was also a chance for me to audition the sleeve options, and I definitely preferred the pleated band as opposed to the short sleeve, so my plan of action was ready to be executed!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMnpEZXAb_Ns2jOJ2VTltt7FKHClpWNumLTdS8GEPhYN7GbHLJqEg5joh8Xa4Mie7CmEcDLjXMEp7LT7ASdUZ4_oKmpOAsEV9xFiYA6vnGW_hKlUl-k0zi7sBTz572BfDYrU9f8E25-E/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMnpEZXAb_Ns2jOJ2VTltt7FKHClpWNumLTdS8GEPhYN7GbHLJqEg5joh8Xa4Mie7CmEcDLjXMEp7LT7ASdUZ4_oKmpOAsEV9xFiYA6vnGW_hKlUl-k0zi7sBTz572BfDYrU9f8E25-E/s1600/IMG_1341.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzagz3lEVnHFIRpzW6C14Yi64J8x_n3CYlp_o0fiU8QJgbHkx9CYOSMpI5V1E3cxYIG8DLUKc6x1Za2a8-2JSNvNIOH9gq1-N9RUJkOwxtsJCJ_70dsiI0dWtg_-nXYpjmrTl0dnZaCxI/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzagz3lEVnHFIRpzW6C14Yi64J8x_n3CYlp_o0fiU8QJgbHkx9CYOSMpI5V1E3cxYIG8DLUKc6x1Za2a8-2JSNvNIOH9gq1-N9RUJkOwxtsJCJ_70dsiI0dWtg_-nXYpjmrTl0dnZaCxI/s1600/IMG_1448.JPG" height="400" width="400"></a></div>
Butterick <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b6129-products-49136.php?page_id=152&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">6129</a>: Off the shoulder pleated bands.<br>
Butterick <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5814-products-27962.php?page_id=4453&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">5814</a>: Surplice wrap bodice (front and back, and skirt back).<br>
Butterick <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5947-products-47641.php?page_id=155&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">5947</a>: Straight skirt (front only).<br>
<ul>
<li>I wanted the bodice side pleats to extend into the side seam, so I had to add some space into the bodice front pattern piece, and reshape the curve.</li>
<li>I used only the skirt back of 5814 so that the back darts would match the bodice back darts.</li>
<li>I eliminated the bottom pleat of the arm band, as I felt it was more visually pleasing with 3 pleats instead of 4. I simply folded the extra fabric up into the inside, which finished the inside of the band quite nicely.</li>
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The fabric is silk taffeta from Haberman Fabrics, here in Michigan. Love that store!!! Actually, everything (lining, zipper, thread, rigilene boning, horsehair braid) all came from Haberman's. I caught the silk on sale, and while taffeta wasn't my first choice, it's amazing how the underlining changes the drape! I had some red silk organza in the stash for a different project, so I used that to underline the skirt. I wanted more structure in the top for the rigilene, though, so I used some cotton for the bodice underlining.<div><br>
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Getting the proper order of construction together was my greatest challenge, so I just went slow and thought things out before stitching anything down. I placed the rigilene along both side seams, in a line up to the armhole "peak" of the front and also on the back. 2 yards of rigilene was pretty much what I used. I also bought 2 yards of horsehair braid to stitch along the top bodice lining edge for added stability. I used <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2014/10/shaping-neckline-with-horsehair-braid.html" target="_blank">Gertie's blog post</a> about it, and it worked beautifully. The most important thing to do with the Rigilene is to wrap the ends, or the plastic with rub through the lining and scratch you all night. <div><br>
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I knew the lining would hide the underlining (striped cotton), so I didn't worry too much about that. If I had to do over again, I would've used the pattern pieces for the lining (darts) rather that making extra layers with side pleats, but with all the other changes I made, it was easier to just stick with what was working.<div><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgENyj9vnlp4h90Mygxc0tL9anQrYpwG51vv6ieXryHme39ZA75mekibhxx3jFFERRAVc3reVHc1AKMFyhmz6rKiBO24VHmYfNCscSMIkpt19Sv3oprKFMeG9PKGVhpjWl7Lt9j13VmY/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgENyj9vnlp4h90Mygxc0tL9anQrYpwG51vv6ieXryHme39ZA75mekibhxx3jFFERRAVc3reVHc1AKMFyhmz6rKiBO24VHmYfNCscSMIkpt19Sv3oprKFMeG9PKGVhpjWl7Lt9j13VmY/s1600/IMG_1443.JPG" height="320" width="320"></a></div><div><br></div>
At this point, I was over the moon. Overjoyed that my vision had (mostly) become a reality, and I was thrilled.<div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Uk3VEA1eofIvMdr4-ZdqUFEujg3L0N510EK833ukr_kMZ_Z-kThpFux4bMA4ctleMSYbBVGSZncbCcJ9kci50Q5trcXPkdhd03WFaoSNgauslEQumpT1AziG7vHIkkdxX9OeXkwVGxQ/s640/blogger-image--1971766584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Uk3VEA1eofIvMdr4-ZdqUFEujg3L0N510EK833ukr_kMZ_Z-kThpFux4bMA4ctleMSYbBVGSZncbCcJ9kci50Q5trcXPkdhd03WFaoSNgauslEQumpT1AziG7vHIkkdxX9OeXkwVGxQ/s640/blogger-image--1971766584.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I forgot to photograph the back, sorry! Just an invisible zipper back there anyway! I was really pleased with the how well the inner structure of the bodice behaved, there was no gaping open, it fit my body closely and kept everything concealed (the way it should)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxG-IzPS9iLOaHCLDHDIf_xN55KbP20DcyLH0UeXFZSgjihuep6TEoI_Xxz4TorF7P5ylvdx9IupKSZgrO_vJrj3otOwNbYV6x2n7ALCK42OiM-F4fOen7rsPhvfMwJBjmaZx2BN86GI/s640/blogger-image-497055181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxG-IzPS9iLOaHCLDHDIf_xN55KbP20DcyLH0UeXFZSgjihuep6TEoI_Xxz4TorF7P5ylvdx9IupKSZgrO_vJrj3otOwNbYV6x2n7ALCK42OiM-F4fOen7rsPhvfMwJBjmaZx2BN86GI/s640/blogger-image-497055181.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My fear was that the arm bands would be restricting, but they really weren't, I had no trouble on the dance floor at all! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We had a wonderful time helping to raise money for the Great Lakes Burn Camp and we look forward to attending again next year!</div><br></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-75992729001815855362015-01-19T08:35:00.000-05:002015-01-19T08:35:25.229-05:00Valentine's DressDH and I are going to a dinner dance fundraiser for Valentine's and I'm so excited to make myself something fancy for once! <br />
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The <a href="http://www.moodfabrics.com/fashionary-wm-red-sketchbook-102814.html" target="_blank">Fashionary sketchbook</a> was a Christmas gift this year, and I'm loving it! I can't draw to save my life, but I can connect the dots... each page has 3 silhouettes, very faint and dotted silhouettes and you just have to draw the style lines on the figure! I found it on the Mood website and am so glad to have this new resource in the tool kit! I took it with me to Haberman's this weekend and it was so nice to have a hard copy of my "vision", along with my shopping list of yardage and notions.<br />
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The dress is a composite of 3 different Butterick patterns... the skirt from one, the bodice from another and the sleeve from the last. But, it won't be as easy as it sounds since 1) I need to grade the sizing up and 2) I want the bodice pleats to end at the side seam.<br />
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The skirt will be the straight skirt from 6019 (the easy part), with the surplice bodice of 5814, but I'd rather have the complete off the shoulder look of 6129 (just can't talk myself into the easy route). Haberman's was having a silk demo and sale Saturday (my birthday!), so I grabbed some classic red silk taffeta to come home with me. If I was more brave, I'd have bought charmeuse, but it's one of those fabrics that I "love the idea of", but working with it frustrates me (even after paying close attention during the demo class)!<br />
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I've already traced off the pattern and re-graded for my size (and added 1" length to the bodice), but all those changes make me nervous, even though I'm going to do a muslin and there's nothing to be afraid of. Out came the pattern drafting reference books and I'm quite tempted to just start from scratch.<br />
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Since I already have it all traced off and ready to go, I'm going to attempt to "frankenpattern" the bodice first and if it's awful, I'll make my first ever attempt at pattern drafting! Is it weird that I kind of hope it is awful so that I'm forced to take this first step toward gaining a new skill that I've always wanted? I'll keep you posted (sooner than my last post, sorry)!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-37785013569388618162014-11-30T20:09:00.001-05:002014-11-30T20:09:30.202-05:00Progress in Organization Before and After<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyO9W-ZBrYFd9S_5xFHXqLtLjJ1XTwDoYIJPJWKXcS7tMCFziF_gGYKBEEG-Ypb-zW98M7-1ai687NG_QnNLL0ocdb389bm4WgNDQ4ZMUjZGIijjS6NlQwtmlQZsKTNHjHwbFrqGwcE0/s640/blogger-image-352434509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyO9W-ZBrYFd9S_5xFHXqLtLjJ1XTwDoYIJPJWKXcS7tMCFziF_gGYKBEEG-Ypb-zW98M7-1ai687NG_QnNLL0ocdb389bm4WgNDQ4ZMUjZGIijjS6NlQwtmlQZsKTNHjHwbFrqGwcE0/s640/blogger-image-352434509.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk-yKjnajSci9z1QzugnRb2iYclK2Mb-F_WXyPE-_pQCr3c-EhaHW0tclMvreOHWw8FrF_aWNqgvQksPbsRSdFSpdFum_rh4hAZfuxOgRQO2FX-WvYY7ikuCueCamt78ByC37Fc5xlbo/s640/blogger-image--1759589155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXk-yKjnajSci9z1QzugnRb2iYclK2Mb-F_WXyPE-_pQCr3c-EhaHW0tclMvreOHWw8FrF_aWNqgvQksPbsRSdFSpdFum_rh4hAZfuxOgRQO2FX-WvYY7ikuCueCamt78ByC37Fc5xlbo/s640/blogger-image--1759589155.jpg"></a></div>So much better!!!</div><div>I still need to make the ironing board and make the base with casters, but so far... I am in love! DH came up with a possible tank holder fix, too... So stay tuned!</div><div><br></div><div>The blue bridesmaid dress in the picture is one of two that are in for altering. The hems are both done and one needed taking in, so that's out of the way. Left to do is stitching on the straps that the bride wanted everyone to add to their gowns. Everyone had to pay the dress shop an extra $15 for these lovelies...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQZowtWYBe8yAqXXln0sUL_WKXQ6thzInIKSujgwu8J0DHSZ5svbCj6i3QP8vptHZVyQ-9oHYmpiUTvpQdVzTX1BQXe3tksh8xryH-X__AtMyQhwB6MuprSh7go_ult6E9oZnj4dhR_s/s640/blogger-image--441944968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQZowtWYBe8yAqXXln0sUL_WKXQ6thzInIKSujgwu8J0DHSZ5svbCj6i3QP8vptHZVyQ-9oHYmpiUTvpQdVzTX1BQXe3tksh8xryH-X__AtMyQhwB6MuprSh7go_ult6E9oZnj4dhR_s/s640/blogger-image--441944968.jpg"></a></div>Can you believe it?!?! I was in shock when the customer handed me these. I couldn't hide the look of disbelief on my face, and she admitted that they don't look right. She pulled out the pair for her daughter's dress to compare and they are not only as poorly made, they are even wider?!?! Oh, and the shop only gave her daughter one strap, they shorted her a strap! I told her that I wouldn't want them looking different from the other girls, so I won't re-do them, but I will adjust her daughters to be the same width and I'll make another to match! </div><div><br></div><div>Have you ever seen anything like this before???</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-6626064363244652622014-11-26T11:37:00.002-05:002014-11-26T12:00:59.211-05:00Vogue Jacket 8839<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I feel silly that it took me so long to see this project come to fruition, when the actual construction time was next to nothing! Leave it to me to turn a simple unlined jacket into a complicated project...<br />
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What came first: the pattern or the fabric? The fabric!<br />
I picked up this lovely brocade from Emma One Sock last winter during a roll end sale. I fell in love with the red/black/silver print, but knew that a yard and 2/3 would limit my options. When it arrived and I saw that it was also flocked... it had to become a jacket of some type.<br />
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<b>Pattern Description:</b> <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8839-products-27114.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">Vogue 8839</a><br />
<table border="0" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16.5060005187988px; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="7" valign="top"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><i>MISSES' JACKET: Loose-fitting jacket has contrast reverse side, front extending into collar, collar/front/sleeve/lower bands, side front seams, welt pockets, darted sleeve cap, no shoulder seams, and topstitching. Bands (collar, sleeve, lower): cut on crosswise grain of fabric.</i></span></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="7" valign="top"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>FABRICS: For Moderate Stretch Knits: Wool Jersey, Sweatshirt Fleece, Double Knit.</i></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Hmm... Moderate Stretch Knit? Nope. Going to move forward anyway? Yup!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><u><b>NOTE: There is no hem allowance included. Raw edges</b>.</u> This issue (since my fabric was not a knit, frayed and unraveled) altered my pattern layout (causing said complication). Once I cleared that hurdle, life was good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The pattern also makes use of the wrong side of the fabric as the contrasting bands. The EOS fuzzy brocade didn't have that different of a wrong side, and since I needed more fabric anyway (the pattern calls for 2 1/4 yd for size M), I was on the look out for a coordinating fabric to make up the difference. I got super lucky at the American Sewing Expo in September when Haberman Fabrics had the perfect red/black/silver wool, so I scooped up a yard!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b>Pattern Sizing:</b> XS - XXL, I made up a Medium, and it's nearly perfect. As usual, the sleeves are about an inch too long, but it's winter and I'm cozy now! <br />
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<b>Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?</b><br />
Yes, I think so.<br />
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<b>Were the instructions easy to follow?</b><br />
Yes, but remember, I chickened out on the welt pockets. Good instructions, though.<br />
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<b>What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?</b><br />
LIKES: Super easy and fast sew! No hemming at all!<br />
DISLIKES: Slightly shapeless. No hemming at all?<br />
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<b>Fabric Used:</b> 1 2/3 yards of fuzzy brocade from Emma One Sock, 1 yards of wool tweed from Haberman Fabrics. No closures.<br />
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<b>Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: </b><br />
1. I eliminated the welt pockets. Lazy bones here. I just finished a really complicated project for a client and desperately needed a quick sew. Welt pockets (do not equal) quick sew. While I'm slightly ashamed, I'm don't regret my decision.<br />
2. I did NOT use a stretch fabric. The sleeves do have a more narrow fit, so you may want to double check arm circumference against the pattern if you choose to break the rules, too. One piece (I think the sleeve cuff) did need an additional 1/2" since it had no stretch.<br />
3. I used my serger to finish the edges of the pieces that didn't have a fringy selvedge. I used my serger A LOT, as it's an unlined jacket and the front inside seams flip out as part of the intended design.<br />
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<b>Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?</b><br />
Yes and Yes. I would definitely make it again, if I found the right fabrics. With a slightly loose fit, this would also make a great gift for a friend.<br />
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<b>Conclusion:</b> I really do love this alternative to a cardigan. Now that I've done it once, I know what to do next time, so this already "easy make" will be even easier! Love, love, love!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-42828123762648240582014-10-04T12:04:00.000-04:002014-10-04T12:08:10.094-04:00In Progress: B6104 (Inspired by Gucci)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last month McCall Pattern Company was sponsoring a Pinterest contest for Fall/Winter sewing inspiration. As I was combing the boards for ideas and filling up my own inspiration board, I stumbled across the Gucci Fall/Winter 2014 collection and fell in love...<br />
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This coat just took my breath away. The silhouette, high collar, and row of buttons... I was instantly obsessed. It's such a stylish feminine coat... and exactly what I needed for fall. I have a long winter coat, but I really need something of a medium weight and length.<br />
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<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b6104-products-48799.php?page_id=369" target="_blank">Butterick 6104</a> grabbed by attention, as it has a similar collar and opening. The addition of the patch pockets wouldn't be an issue, but how closely did I really want to match the Gucci coat? I love the single row of button extending up, but... wasn't so sure about buttoning all the way to my shoulder. I love the high collar (looks so regal!), but did I want it to fit that closely?<br />
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I decided to leave the coat with the Butterick collar and front edge opening, but add the single row of buttons, patch pockets and 1" of length to the top bodice pieces (I always need a little extra length in the waist on the "big 4"). I'm not thrilled about losing the "useful" pockets hidden in the seam, though. Patch pockets aren't very useful, in my opinion, and I know I'll want at least one useful pocket for my keys. Hmm...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC-Os4M_wv9m8ofmHNu18n4k2ounq5KZuT-QZ1TPaXhddOgkWHBe1cYHm0ixOizKKaMDgRC65fOvXlcwpy-ABgerhYRuhsBVq67mFUTj6aLugszdLQg8k6ZVD4Nsq9JOzvDcZR2InXcQ/s1600/IMG_9065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidC-Os4M_wv9m8ofmHNu18n4k2ounq5KZuT-QZ1TPaXhddOgkWHBe1cYHm0ixOizKKaMDgRC65fOvXlcwpy-ABgerhYRuhsBVq67mFUTj6aLugszdLQg8k6ZVD4Nsq9JOzvDcZR2InXcQ/s1600/IMG_9065.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fabric: 2 1/2 yards from The Wool House (Toronto). Oh my goodness, the fine wool fabrics they brought to the Sewing Expo in Novi!!! The owner found me petting a bolt of camel wool, complimented me on my taste and explained that it was $85/yd. Would I like some? Oh my... too big for my budget! Even after he adjusted the price (since there was only 15 minutes left before the show floor closed for the night), I still couldn't pull the trigger. But, he had this lovely rose/mauve wool at $35/yd, and still discounted it further, so I splurged and bought it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4NG1rG3vuOGO1K8NzzGvmc-JlX9wEBMgemlikhOpBeakw1alh6j9ZQjGjav_iOQn4TV0a71CerYxKCUie-xKr-IvljLmkrbBCIX2IUpKoirYwMdeiRu8fpf9VPnkVFcKkrG-kXrI6zo/s1600/IMG_9064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4NG1rG3vuOGO1K8NzzGvmc-JlX9wEBMgemlikhOpBeakw1alh6j9ZQjGjav_iOQn4TV0a71CerYxKCUie-xKr-IvljLmkrbBCIX2IUpKoirYwMdeiRu8fpf9VPnkVFcKkrG-kXrI6zo/s1600/IMG_9064.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Buttons: Soutache (Chicago). Maili (the owner) had a small booth just across from The Wool House, and had just what I needed when I showed her the picture of the Gucci coat. It was narrowed down to 2, but the varying metallic tone on this looked so "warm" with the color of the wool... and the emblem on them is very "smart", so it was a sale. Another splurge, at $4/button, but I'm working from a Gucci perspective, so what do you expect?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqxnzykpy2_MYPzl3sELIXeAUoBV2XCaYWYt72g3MdsC0OqdmS_M-m9SCeRqZo5g93luTex5YP-2NkDIAO09mYLsLNttHnAu-dZm6jDFqj0OtqNH9d4x8iML786ChAKPjPVtCB8j7Nc0/s1600/Gucci-asymmetric-sleeveless-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqxnzykpy2_MYPzl3sELIXeAUoBV2XCaYWYt72g3MdsC0OqdmS_M-m9SCeRqZo5g93luTex5YP-2NkDIAO09mYLsLNttHnAu-dZm6jDFqj0OtqNH9d4x8iML786ChAKPjPVtCB8j7Nc0/s1600/Gucci-asymmetric-sleeveless-dress.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
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When you consider that <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306418048&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446714025&R=888108174423&P_name=Gucci&N=4294912411+306418048&bmUID=kzkac_Y" target="_blank">this dress</a> (similar, but no sleeves) is $1950, then I was able to purchase "my version" at a 95% discount! ;) Look honey, I saved you $1800!!! Geez, when you put it that way... maybe that camel fabric was a deal!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kRtl1FKWWU3TvInLI64QcINozbg1L4JLJtp13wQuhYQpyYxUshDf2Puq_KcojSr8HPlLJ2YFQnHKAT0Poa_qK0Zg_tqhzy9ZovUQKnGnp2gwOqwzONgTnf9DAPP5ZicX8nDI5r6_uiI/s1600/IMG_9061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9kRtl1FKWWU3TvInLI64QcINozbg1L4JLJtp13wQuhYQpyYxUshDf2Puq_KcojSr8HPlLJ2YFQnHKAT0Poa_qK0Zg_tqhzy9ZovUQKnGnp2gwOqwzONgTnf9DAPP5ZicX8nDI5r6_uiI/s1600/IMG_9061.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buttons are only pinned on. They make me happy.</td></tr>
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So, here is where I stand... I followed the pattern instructions and used fusible interfacing on just the front bodice piece and the collar. The wool has a lovely drape and I want to keep it a "mid-weight" coat. It went together very quickly and I'm loving the length.<br />
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I need to decide on the lining, though. I've got beige silk charmeuse that I bought from Ressy's co-op years ago. I'm wondering if I shouldn't go for a better match, though. The pattern doesn't include self fabric facings for the lining, so I'm afraid that the beige will peek out from the button placket. I do have about 3/8 yd left, so I could make my own facings, couldn't I? Hmm....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SrFm3ePzYV5ESyyAdntrXaM4AH1z1PKSSi4MG-30FtPSeJSqpHr9iZz4tGXxcvB3SsZB1F5mAfN5KXo79dSGS225WjLdgNFe2JYW1RdEBYHXKXPnmrZmthXaaKGobS14efqwcHBwS3A/s1600/IMG_9068+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SrFm3ePzYV5ESyyAdntrXaM4AH1z1PKSSi4MG-30FtPSeJSqpHr9iZz4tGXxcvB3SsZB1F5mAfN5KXo79dSGS225WjLdgNFe2JYW1RdEBYHXKXPnmrZmthXaaKGobS14efqwcHBwS3A/s1600/IMG_9068+(2).JPG" height="277" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also picked up this buckle at the Expo from Vogue Fabrics (50 cents!). It's the right color and shape, but I've never made a buckled belt before! Embroider the holes? Use eyelets? I'm afraid they'll fall out. Maybe I should just buy a slide buckle? This part of the process will require more research...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-9967088785966372232014-10-02T10:43:00.004-04:002014-10-02T10:43:39.169-04:00Finale: Vogue 8946<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4m9xsUyhv1sH8vLu_RnUrUFF5ysK5SfVWrqeSU9Ox_hMpbk3dczxu9wnnpe2DA4nOqAjHvTQVss2ij7EA_u-7Wylo7sxnOEW55Nny_dLpp9f92TGjB7hwfelAm_vy9L_I9-uGkT-t94/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4m9xsUyhv1sH8vLu_RnUrUFF5ysK5SfVWrqeSU9Ox_hMpbk3dczxu9wnnpe2DA4nOqAjHvTQVss2ij7EA_u-7Wylo7sxnOEW55Nny_dLpp9f92TGjB7hwfelAm_vy9L_I9-uGkT-t94/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="298" /></a></div>
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"Mrs. B, I like your dress! Did you make it???" </div>
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Here's the final look... I think I spoke too soon in saying, "Go ahead, use a woven... it'll be fine!"<br />
You can see the drag lines across my shoulder... I think I'll remove the sleeves, and see if that helps. I can always put a jacket or sweater over it when the cooler weather arrives.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWl-t4smPNPJKjPK4GMgKcqmh_ToFaM4AeaYLu5sIcI64tnaF9CIhUFNvZRvbjL8YXiP2q5ZLjfYtTcZPnwva_bkaX069EbmmlovlERG0gDwLZCZ4x-HUkW5_Y4SF0RffoCH4H-tsF0lA/s1600/Grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWl-t4smPNPJKjPK4GMgKcqmh_ToFaM4AeaYLu5sIcI64tnaF9CIhUFNvZRvbjL8YXiP2q5ZLjfYtTcZPnwva_bkaX069EbmmlovlERG0gDwLZCZ4x-HUkW5_Y4SF0RffoCH4H-tsF0lA/s1600/Grey.jpg" height="640" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inspiration garment.</td></tr>
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You can see that there also pull lines in the back, too. Nothing terrible, but enough for me to know... "The fabric recommendations are on the envelope for a reason!" Here's my <a href="http://www.kbdesigns74.blogspot.com/2014/09/under-construction-vogue-8946.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>.<br />
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCe5HfhyphenhyphenLHiC_6niAyX-TWfB6K6O4icvpOfBMtyVCUGHpyA4NKLWQjK6668V5CwVS97kPKISkAyZ-IDQ82ScibJ64KZij5bTzK0346cTq8DWt9kg0sH7sKX5c5v4lBMasDWK0A468NOk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTCe5HfhyphenhyphenLHiC_6niAyX-TWfB6K6O4icvpOfBMtyVCUGHpyA4NKLWQjK6668V5CwVS97kPKISkAyZ-IDQ82ScibJ64KZij5bTzK0346cTq8DWt9kg0sH7sKX5c5v4lBMasDWK0A468NOk/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Other than that, I really like the pattern and am still happy with this version. I have some black ponte (with copper threads) that will make a wonderful holiday LBD, so I'll definitely be pulling this pattern out again.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc4KESdFcMLj0nl_BE31p01j4bKadlKgLnJwOVjp8rw4hVjLXFLcW6sxVcNprkcgyVt6ny1aBtI8Ebdvi2_oMt1-20hcpLtDAYnpFelq0V5QXZfsZvbaf-tGPLS90cgyncCw2s0NVb04/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc4KESdFcMLj0nl_BE31p01j4bKadlKgLnJwOVjp8rw4hVjLXFLcW6sxVcNprkcgyVt6ny1aBtI8Ebdvi2_oMt1-20hcpLtDAYnpFelq0V5QXZfsZvbaf-tGPLS90cgyncCw2s0NVb04/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's 6:15am... A real smile is a challenge!</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-52150538245256387262014-09-30T10:56:00.003-04:002014-09-30T10:56:27.488-04:00Under Construction: Vogue 8946<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz57fCWW0KOj3t6GezcinIng0oJhyabdhvLzXOqvonsBjcrxpkLgaeMNemYCW49Bbbz24vwVaWb7nPQ1BGFzHlCWUg5GN8Yb9zXqFCP2OaMIeT1kLMWvQypXmuumrQl14KjmQ3dDYJ3k/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiz57fCWW0KOj3t6GezcinIng0oJhyabdhvLzXOqvonsBjcrxpkLgaeMNemYCW49Bbbz24vwVaWb7nPQ1BGFzHlCWUg5GN8Yb9zXqFCP2OaMIeT1kLMWvQypXmuumrQl14KjmQ3dDYJ3k/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="281" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY2lEsEpQSeRrdPQwdaNnwiS9m2O1g4hqKAGcQFal1BkNHijgYOAJMVNoLAS3vzhaDEHyTGMQnfMWMUYUUzo7XLsW8NrlwUBY5p7mcAziJhLBmNWjHCMC956jgoB4xY3tv6xCNRkOTcI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY2lEsEpQSeRrdPQwdaNnwiS9m2O1g4hqKAGcQFal1BkNHijgYOAJMVNoLAS3vzhaDEHyTGMQnfMWMUYUUzo7XLsW8NrlwUBY5p7mcAziJhLBmNWjHCMC956jgoB4xY3tv6xCNRkOTcI/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
Don't you just love Pinterest?<br />
When I stumbled across the image of this dress, I had to make one similar.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWKc2BFDnbT7RoTlw4fJQNZvHu_2kehDUeW2y_Yd8yylJxIn_uk2C_SJZDPT0moP10OO8_Oq9USh0FOYiE2RsA66AVmO2nFvkdDzQUrvYOCzV3wrn6A7fg4TuHn2v204NS04yVcLOEl0/s1600/V8946Inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWKc2BFDnbT7RoTlw4fJQNZvHu_2kehDUeW2y_Yd8yylJxIn_uk2C_SJZDPT0moP10OO8_Oq9USh0FOYiE2RsA66AVmO2nFvkdDzQUrvYOCzV3wrn6A7fg4TuHn2v204NS04yVcLOEl0/s1600/V8946Inspiration.jpg" height="640" width="232" /></a></div>
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I love everything about this dress, from the color and the asymmetrical folds to the shape and silhouette. With a couple yards of gray suiting on hand (and the lining and zipper even), I was ready to dive in.<br />
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<a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8946-products-47826.php?page_id=857&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Vogue 8946</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mc0ibmj33zRIeoK8ZVHUvWEoX98ZN-fO4ATWLDPo0607CCoQojQJ4StYKT72jVSA3wgcCMmI5_L7YfE7xbgfUvPtRFvFWbfv3EKQ6mG03t_ReSva3UxLuUKThkFEp7bMBJP21KsTRfk/s1600/V8946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mc0ibmj33zRIeoK8ZVHUvWEoX98ZN-fO4ATWLDPo0607CCoQojQJ4StYKT72jVSA3wgcCMmI5_L7YfE7xbgfUvPtRFvFWbfv3EKQ6mG03t_ReSva3UxLuUKThkFEp7bMBJP21KsTRfk/s1600/V8946.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The print hides the style lines, which is a shame.</td></tr>
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There aren't any finished garment measurements printed on the tissue, so I made my usual size (16). I made no fit adjustments to the pattern, as they usually fit pretty well straight out of the envelope. <br />
I'll admit though, that I didn't notice that the fabric recommendation is for a stretch fabric until I double checked it. Oops... now what? My suiting has no lycra in it, so... what to do? I went back to the stash closet and dug around for a knit (and found one), but my heart wasn't in it. I wanted the gray Pinterest dress, damn it!!! Hmmm... if I only knew how the sizing ran!? Lightbulb! Check the PatternReview website and see! Sure enough, <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/topsearch.pl" target="_blank">people have said</a> that the dress runs just a bit big, so out came the gray suiting again, and I was ready to start! I decided on view C, but the shorter version.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRqn6wNKxU7Dq6rZwmbDsuDeN4ILO7wYzxmJN6EWq5iEBTbbZ1RwZ1rFNYcPHRKDe5iwHQPp1LQu78GunUqvU3sYeox0olxmAgAIt7oKACrKjDoyBsv95e7D5n126YRK1JpmNxWa4rWk/s1600/V8946Lines.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRqn6wNKxU7Dq6rZwmbDsuDeN4ILO7wYzxmJN6EWq5iEBTbbZ1RwZ1rFNYcPHRKDe5iwHQPp1LQu78GunUqvU3sYeox0olxmAgAIt7oKACrKjDoyBsv95e7D5n126YRK1JpmNxWa4rWk/s1600/V8946Lines.gif" height="375" width="400" /></a></div>
Construction has been pretty uneventful. The pleats and darts were pretty straight forward and not tricky or anything. There is a separate front lining piece with darts instead of pleats, which is nice as it reduces the bulk created by all the tucks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzn13gZO0EKeEF0aDDpnQnKh9-PxwurzuV9XaDMzkNWJcBBywdlU6PqEl-wwmCtOSSSR8bXgha8F4Q4bIh0bT1uLcd26C0zLJQ6zUjRNtmh0J6VADW6IPGhx0-yFfxEZSreS197Bxehu8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzn13gZO0EKeEF0aDDpnQnKh9-PxwurzuV9XaDMzkNWJcBBywdlU6PqEl-wwmCtOSSSR8bXgha8F4Q4bIh0bT1uLcd26C0zLJQ6zUjRNtmh0J6VADW6IPGhx0-yFfxEZSreS197Bxehu8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFgHcBuWlDgvr92jv25xSQLRb0p4sYzzzNiY7IM9dl95UOTcYdGoaWRrYE8bv_il0dzVyup3mvNJdIEv9ju0kfOSXAN2XdX0x39iXhjGekYsG0B8rRZntl1I8VsPLOH9eZ861m5jFD3U/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFgHcBuWlDgvr92jv25xSQLRb0p4sYzzzNiY7IM9dl95UOTcYdGoaWRrYE8bv_il0dzVyup3mvNJdIEv9ju0kfOSXAN2XdX0x39iXhjGekYsG0B8rRZntl1I8VsPLOH9eZ861m5jFD3U/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="320" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invisible zip at center back and 2 darts</td></tr>
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The fit is actually pretty awesome, considering I'm not using the recommended stretch fabric. It's a wee bit snug in the hips, so I'll likely just decrease the side seam allowance 1/4" on both sides and move forward. I really like it a lot, and although it's not a perfect replica of the Pinterest inspiration, it has the same vibe... a polished (and sexy) business look.<br />
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I've worked on it here and there while the embroidery machine was running Sunday (an hour, cutting fabric and pleating the top), and last night it had my undivided attention for about 2 hours (skirt pleats, cutting lining and construction), which ended with getting the zip inserted and the lining closed at center back. So, I've only got the sleeves and hem left to go! Super excited, I think this will be a great addition to my wardrobe!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-30220148439223599112014-09-28T12:45:00.000-04:002014-09-28T12:45:07.160-04:00American Sewing Expo 2014<br />
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I attended the annual <a href="http://www.americansewingexpo.com/" target="_blank">American Sewing Expo</a> in Novi, Michigan this weekend and I left feeling re-energized and excited about so many new projects! I attended 4 classes that covered a range of topics, from colorblocking and industrial techniques, to spandex and sewing for profit. I learned new techniques that will be so handy in the sewing room, and new concepts that gave me lots of food for thought about my business...<br />
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When I think of the expo, I really do associate more with the people it's brought into my life... The first year I attended was 2007, when I got to meet Chloe Dao (Season 2 winner, Project Runway) and left feeling so inspired and excited. I remember calling my mom and telling her how much fun I had and all the things I saw... She had been sick and I was amazed at how good she sounded on the phone. It was the best conversation we'd had in weeks, and it made my day even better. Sadly, it ended up being the last "good day" I had with her, as she passed away one week later. So, every year as I attend the expo and leave the show, I always think of that, and how my mom was the one to introduce me to this "hobby" that I've so deeply fallen in love with. From the time I was 13, I've loved to sew and create. In the pre-internet days (yes, I am that old), the only other people I could talk "sewing" with were the customers and people I worked with at Joann Fabrics. 25 years later, I found this sewing community of blogs and boards on the internet, and have made friends around the world. Then, I attended the expo and was connected with this community face-to-face. The first sewing classes I ever took were at the expo, and when you add in the vendor floor of fabrics, trims, embellishments, and other techniques... well, I've attended almost every year since.<br />
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<a href="http://www.angelawolfpatterns.com/" target="_blank">Angela Wolf</a> is a fantastic teacher and gives me so much inspiration. I've been reading her book, "How to Start a Home-Based Fashion Design Business", so I was already lit up with about a hundred questions on that topic. I attended her class about Color-blocking, but quickly learned that you don't have to use separate colors (or even separate fabrics) to utilize this technique. She was gracious and kind, and I thoroughly enjoyed talking with her mom and sister at her booth. I'll definitely be signing up for her Tailoring RTW courses on Craftsy.<br />
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<a href="http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rhonda Buss</a> and I first met and became friends at last year's expo, when we both participated in the Passion for Fashion competition. This year, she was attending as a teacher, and I was lucky enough to land in one of her classes about sewing with Spandex. She answered all of my questions and offered such good information... and I was thrilled that we were able to find additional time to sit down and have a one-on-one visit, too! (Thanks for the private instruction, I'll send you a pic of my progress!)<br />
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Janet Pray is the owner of <a href="http://stores.islandersewing.com/" target="_blank">Islander Sewing Systems</a>, and also organizes the whole entire expo every single year. Islander is known for their instruction of industrial sewing techniques, so I enrolled in a 3 hour class about sewing without pins or basting, even zippers! It was a fast-paced course, but very helpful. The instructor says she only really ever uses 2 or 3 straight pins at a time during a project. My husband would be forever grateful if I could reach that point!!! Lol...<br />
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<a href="http://www.habermanfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Haberman Fabrics</a> and <a href="https://www.voguefabricsstore.com/" target="_blank">Vogue Fabrics</a> (among others) had some beautiful fabrics, and too many came home with me! The McCall Pattern Company was there, and I was able to meet a few new faces there that made me feel like I had arrived at the "cool kids lunch table"! I picked up the pattern and all the necessary supplies for 2 garments: The MotorCity Express Jacket (Islander) and a Butterick Jacket (Gucci knockoff). Fabric, buttons, zippers, even a buckle, so I can start the muslins today!<br />
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<a href="https://trimsonwheels.com/" target="_blank">Trims On Wheels</a> has a great selection of trims, elastics, appliques, buckles, and bling, which is always a favorite on prom dresses and formal wear. She was my saving grace on last year's Passion for Fashion dress, having all those crystals for the bodice of my "Saturday Night Fever" dress. Her prices at the expo were amazing, which is why so many pieces came home with me!<br />
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I had a lovely dinner with long-distance sewing friends <a href="http://couturesmith.com/" target="_blank">Connie</a> and <a href="http://vacuumingthelawn.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kyle</a>. We were missing some of our dinner buddies from last year, but maybe we'll be reunited next year (I hope). Thank you ladies for a wonderful evening of chatting and laughter! No matter what the expo holds, it's that time with you that I look forward to the most these days!<br />
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There's so much more, but I'm sure I've bored you by now. If you've never attended, you're missing out. It's educational and inspirational, and I'm so excited to get creating new garments now!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-23539458124322161862014-09-20T07:49:00.002-04:002014-09-20T07:49:51.298-04:00Uh Oh.... Now, what?!?! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thursday morning I reached for one of my favorite jackets... and guess what?<br />
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WHAT?!?! How did THAT happen? I don't recall seeing that when I put it away, but it must have been there. The more important question is, HOW DO I FIX IT???? It's along the back center seam. I feel like the Hulk, must've flexed too hard...<br />
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Hindsight is 20/20... I should have block fused that fabric from the start, with it's loose weave. Bad seamstress, BAD seamstress!!!! But, what's done is done, so now I need to know, have any of you done a repair like this before? Any ideas on how to attack it?<br />
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Thanks in advance for your help. I'm pretty bummed about it, as I only just made this up last year and the fabric was from my one and only trip to the NYC garment district. So, aside from the fact that I labored over the trim and love the way it turned out... I want to cry.<br />
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Thank you all for your advice on the pink floral print purchase. A went back to the Mood website, plopped a few yards in my cart, and... couldn't pull the trigger. Something in my gut said, "This isn't exactly what you want," so, I did more searching. And came across <a href="http://www.moodfabrics.com/rose-floral-mesh-print-302696.html" target="_blank">this</a>:<br />
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Now, it's still not "right" because this fabric is mesh. I've found a lovely print, but the wrong type of fabric. Crap. And, I really like this fabric! So, I do a Google search for "mesh print dresses" to see what styles I should be considering for this fabric. Slinky. Tight. Short. Body Con. Not the vibe I was going for with this print. Ugh. But, then this dress popped up and I thought, "HEY!!! I really like that look!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Milly 'Natalie' Faille & Mesh Print Dress</span></h1>
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Hmm... reminds me of another dress I've always wanted to make...<br />
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Which I bought a <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8943-products-47823.php?page_id=855" target="_blank">pattern</a> for a year ago...<br />
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Funny how things come together, right?! Granted, that Natalie Portman/Dior dress still HAS TO happen, when the right fabric crosses my path. And to make the most of my Mood credit, I filled my card with 3 yards of navy silk crepe de chine and 1 yard of Oscar de la Renta <a href="http://www.moodfabrics.com/oscar-de-la-renta-papyrus-black-navy-herringbone-hemp-woven-305250.html" target="_blank">herringbone</a>. Why waste fabric dollars on shipping, when I can maximize my purchase? The silk will be this McCalls top and the herringbone will be a pencil skirt to match. Mood Account credit now... ZERO!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi191BWWeY9t-VOO_TkpcjI7XrdNdEYi92w6adn5BDsJkOi4ZFy4EXSxALJZHd_QnNcMRfSTmAXKmdo3h7X2_TFSAPbj0r4tc7vEk22WFID4AvgVino58UupgS2KUZBo66mQGMZiGD9hcY/s1600/M6991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi191BWWeY9t-VOO_TkpcjI7XrdNdEYi92w6adn5BDsJkOi4ZFy4EXSxALJZHd_QnNcMRfSTmAXKmdo3h7X2_TFSAPbj0r4tc7vEk22WFID4AvgVino58UupgS2KUZBo66mQGMZiGD9hcY/s1600/M6991.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My version will be navy blue...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuafyzGpPoyGAzcLJ-IbD1tYHt4WNPVEB9-TFhccw9H0MXFmvXnEwauz0rSFtzWqHFCenDb2KrV6lTebENyfR3HY5TYANyZ0k8MlSVXq9gCXgye3mQ6ltNkCoYWJrOLHowOx6SU8x5yE/s1600/herringbone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuafyzGpPoyGAzcLJ-IbD1tYHt4WNPVEB9-TFhccw9H0MXFmvXnEwauz0rSFtzWqHFCenDb2KrV6lTebENyfR3HY5TYANyZ0k8MlSVXq9gCXgye3mQ6ltNkCoYWJrOLHowOx6SU8x5yE/s1600/herringbone.jpg" height="158" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-2568555295874862612014-09-15T16:07:00.002-04:002014-09-15T18:19:42.729-04:00Last Dress of Summer :(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu95YogAOCj2NcReBX8FgDBLSAEoVtof38otKRgqfRSspqhm1r02hE8cw3DA0PXK-sAhxcx834iu-aRsv8-R4kWIdAkNJ5sqZthP8jhy4AaEujJFjQHnkK8oRHJommjX6I5POGoToNL8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu95YogAOCj2NcReBX8FgDBLSAEoVtof38otKRgqfRSspqhm1r02hE8cw3DA0PXK-sAhxcx834iu-aRsv8-R4kWIdAkNJ5sqZthP8jhy4AaEujJFjQHnkK8oRHJommjX6I5POGoToNL8/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
48 degrees Fahrenheit.<br />
<br />
That was the temperature this morning here as I left the house for work.<br />
I miss summer already.<br />
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I finished my Banana Republic/Milly knock-off dress this weekend, and regardless of the weather, it had to be worn! My denim jacket did a great job as my "top layer" today, and since the day was going to warm up to a balmy 61, I chose my sandals over my boots, and headed out the door!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlk2IVRSjnFtaG9-knEIp6wcBaOouSjqs1Pu7kFn7XsrIuBKb5wKEpQV7If8wax6whJctvRE8Zlgcnc4zihQrS4qFa37b0U9X0W5uhvshyWTv79uQ0CK4HhJe2x0WnCD0JMpvUUMEq0Y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlk2IVRSjnFtaG9-knEIp6wcBaOouSjqs1Pu7kFn7XsrIuBKb5wKEpQV7If8wax6whJctvRE8Zlgcnc4zihQrS4qFa37b0U9X0W5uhvshyWTv79uQ0CK4HhJe2x0WnCD0JMpvUUMEq0Y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="278" /></a></div>
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It was love at first sight when I first spotted this dress in InStyle magazine last year. I knew that the bodice would have to be changed so that I could wear it at work, but I *loved* the bias striping on the skirt! I tried to search for a similar fabric, but to no avail. When I saw this blue/green/black striped voile (cotton/poly blend) on the bargain table at Joann's last year, I scooped up 3 yards and took it home. Sadly, it wasn't until the end of this summer that I finally had time to take on those stripes!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVpcnJeicEN_pMdIS3J-DQsUi2yAHgfX0Gp4CknFJ6VmHNsYnbmowQXtWNuj6PhcM91xNlwS63pnV8VYmOr0RwaJ135PFrEgu3EUeQvfuALUHdq4bYXrzaPbuHGeOL-Gq6Odp8uiBTB4/s1600/milly+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVpcnJeicEN_pMdIS3J-DQsUi2yAHgfX0Gp4CknFJ6VmHNsYnbmowQXtWNuj6PhcM91xNlwS63pnV8VYmOr0RwaJ135PFrEgu3EUeQvfuALUHdq4bYXrzaPbuHGeOL-Gq6Odp8uiBTB4/s1600/milly+copy.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inspiration dress by Milly for Banana Republic</td></tr>
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I'm really very pleased with the final outcome, as the dress fits perfectly and is exactly what I wanted. The stripes matched up easily at every seam, even at the zipper (which I moved to the side so that it could be hidden, just in case I messed up. It has a lovely drape and weight and was quite comfortable to wear at work all day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhUGO2p0TYHq8JsoQUN3HZ3jiwxn4W3NsHT1K1_rWG5bWWEO1Ozi1Le-kjZmXYEygcsvHitD9kaZ3FfHkzo9tdxnXFW71wLNnUw3SRlAZEEzQWOqSpKP-RHsyqZ_fGjy7JROYfB2lnI4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhUGO2p0TYHq8JsoQUN3HZ3jiwxn4W3NsHT1K1_rWG5bWWEO1Ozi1Le-kjZmXYEygcsvHitD9kaZ3FfHkzo9tdxnXFW71wLNnUw3SRlAZEEzQWOqSpKP-RHsyqZ_fGjy7JROYfB2lnI4/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="459" /></a></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-2091-miss-miss-petite-special-occasion-dresses.aspx#t-2" target="_blank">Simplicity 4070</a>, bodice from view A, skirt from view E.<br />
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Perfect amount of circle skirt for the fabric I had (3 yards), I think I will get a lot of use out of this pattern in the future! With the fabric being nearly sheer, I lined the entire dress with a navy blue poly blend. <a href="http://kbdesigns74.blogspot.com/2014/09/what-was-i-thinking.html" target="_blank">Here</a> are some pics and details from mid-construction. The black belt was hanging in my closet (along with a brown one that will also work), so that was ideal!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiB75vG87FU_Ra2HdIJHjijjsE9CpHJ-3YVLy-Ghyphenhyphen-_1EKsbghbT8EYYnYXxlmbJxLzqrg6vwQYni-bzSVAklM9CIJ7P4PYOYexAr1EzC-WeCmJLQtq7NPf1T5hyphenhyphenVr5m47rzDWkWAASMw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiB75vG87FU_Ra2HdIJHjijjsE9CpHJ-3YVLy-Ghyphenhyphen-_1EKsbghbT8EYYnYXxlmbJxLzqrg6vwQYni-bzSVAklM9CIJ7P4PYOYexAr1EzC-WeCmJLQtq7NPf1T5hyphenhyphenVr5m47rzDWkWAASMw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
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Look at that stripe matching!!! I'm SOOOOOOOO proud of myself!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinc3HixDC0_ki5KHn7kwm9vkJri3OrwDFJjj9UY7BzMcOsGWIs2CGOnRn1G0vXks2jxBO9J0-bL1gwm4fLDjcHYfMnjfVLtP6R3t8jJc4qOadYjl1HrLiGFvtTJRF2FBXru5pZXpu0gY/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinc3HixDC0_ki5KHn7kwm9vkJri3OrwDFJjj9UY7BzMcOsGWIs2CGOnRn1G0vXks2jxBO9J0-bL1gwm4fLDjcHYfMnjfVLtP6R3t8jJc4qOadYjl1HrLiGFvtTJRF2FBXru5pZXpu0gY/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'm still trying to figure out if I can squeeze one more wear out of this with the addition of tights and boots. Anyhow, it's time to put the chiffons, batistes, and voiles away. Time to bring out the sweater knits, denim, and wool. Someone, hand me a pumpkin spice latte...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-784733016362703557.post-44663696365394192052014-09-06T16:36:00.001-04:002014-09-06T16:36:38.748-04:00Should I? (aka "Step Away from the Mood Website")Help! Not sure what to do...<br />
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Ever since I pinned this image on Pinterest, it's been repinned repeatedly. I love the neckline and the utter femininity of this look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCySvEjI3A6vwutJ9adQ05gBPjH8xgPY0OeHV94Vy8w_bUi1LgrLC2Wy4kC9AHnjUzBHF6iHg7x7xhhyphenhyphenGZ6bNGMmlsJxcXw5WdKLiCBs2XlODNPiIJ2zi0Z5Y8kZPplBK72vHXvmnZfb4/s1600/V8633+Inspire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCySvEjI3A6vwutJ9adQ05gBPjH8xgPY0OeHV94Vy8w_bUi1LgrLC2Wy4kC9AHnjUzBHF6iHg7x7xhhyphenhyphenGZ6bNGMmlsJxcXw5WdKLiCBs2XlODNPiIJ2zi0Z5Y8kZPplBK72vHXvmnZfb4/s1600/V8633+Inspire.jpg" height="640" width="368" /></a></div>
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I already have a pattern in mind, <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8633-products-10775.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">Vogue 8633</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRj8d72Xj74D6iXkVaIc1NaqEWqmrwTtlVtm2UBVXpfP0caXbX8yhX0O6AfDeeKe-QMQluwneMfPOFtmmfI_oq5PCDH-UbZ2KngMXUr2LAesEz8KDBX6HVbgIyY-5XSfBGLouh2b_gac/s1600/Vogue8633+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRj8d72Xj74D6iXkVaIc1NaqEWqmrwTtlVtm2UBVXpfP0caXbX8yhX0O6AfDeeKe-QMQluwneMfPOFtmmfI_oq5PCDH-UbZ2KngMXUr2LAesEz8KDBX6HVbgIyY-5XSfBGLouh2b_gac/s1600/Vogue8633+pattern.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
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This fabric is available at Mood, and is "almost sold out".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyhn7-7MQyAit7CPyBDlOHQOkLNJHKUmELybEL4FgKntJDSfeyvYIpgEwrhqQzHpKGCoSVdzjOg6FryQKnOp7bM3eYLV5-P8XaPXO9dG5FKLwXbCYkg0y_8Rg_1HSoXg3Pz98EH2Tx1U/s1600/Vogue8633+Fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlyhn7-7MQyAit7CPyBDlOHQOkLNJHKUmELybEL4FgKntJDSfeyvYIpgEwrhqQzHpKGCoSVdzjOg6FryQKnOp7bM3eYLV5-P8XaPXO9dG5FKLwXbCYkg0y_8Rg_1HSoXg3Pz98EH2Tx1U/s1600/Vogue8633+Fabric.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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The angel on my shoulder says, "It's September, what are you going to do with a pink dress?"<br />
The devil says, "You'll sew it up and wear it in the Spring!"<br />
The angel says, "You NEVER wear pink."<br />
The devil says, "But, it's so pretty... you look great in pink!"<br />
The angel says, "You have boxes and boxes of fabric already."<br />
The devil says, "It won't cost you a dime, you still have that big credit on file at Mood!"<br />
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WHAT SHOULD I DO???Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.com18