Vogue 8196 - Fitted Blouse Contest

Okay, here goes nothing. My first contest entry!

The pattern was great, it was the fabric that created all the extra work. I used black organza for all my facing to prevent a double layer of polka dots showing through. It fits well, special thanks to my 4 year old daughter for taking my picture! Good job, sweetheart! Just so you know... I have never been more proud of a garment I've made. I could wear this sucker inside-out, all the seams are either serged or enclosed in facings, and my hand stitching is getting so good!

I hope you like it!

Vogue 8472 Jacket

Great design... easy to dress up or dress down, can be worn with lots of different pieces (jeans, dress, skirt, pants). The fabric is a wool suiting recently purchased at JoAnn Fabrics for 40% off, so even with the lining, it's a bargain!
I'm planning on beading the cuff end to add a little pizazz.

The pattern also has a dress included, but haven't got to that project yet!

February Challenges

My goal was to complete 4 projects, but these 2 were my only accomplishments!

The blouse is Simplicity 3535, a Project Runway pattern with sleeve modifications. I purchased the fabric at JoAnn's. It was a long process, placing the pattern pieces so the large stripes would occur at the hems of the sleeves and tunic, and matching stripes along the seams, but well worth it. I made a size smaller than the pattern called for because of the fullness of the blouse. Also, I had intended to have bell sleeves, but again, the fullness in the center with a full sleeve wasn't doing my body shape any favors, so I pleated the sleeve hem and decorated each side with 3 small buttons. I received many compliments when I wore it to work, so it must've turned out well, although I doubt I'll use the pattern again, as it really doesn't compliment my body shape.

The coat is Vogue 2988 made of wool I purchased at the American Sewing Expo in Novi, MI (Sept. 2007). The lining I bought at Haberman's in Royal Oak, as well as the buttons. This is the first "couture" garment I've ever made, as almost every seam is pressed open and hand-stitched down to reduce bulk. It is also fully interfaced with fusible knit interfacing. Another pain, as the pattern called for 60" wide interfacing which apparently doesn't exist in my corner of the world! I modified the sleeve here also, as it was rather short, and very wide! So I gathered the hem, and added a cuff, which makes it perfect.

Anyhow, I produced a couple of very well made garments this month. Oh, and I got to use my custom labels that DH bought me for Christmas (see top).

Another project in the works...

I saw this picture in a magazine, and fell in love with this jacket. I'm on the hunt to identify what type of leather it is, where I can buy it, and how much it will cost.

If you know any of these answers, feel free to clue me in!

I've got the pattern, but have never worked with leather before, so I could also use any tips for this project.

Does this look like a couch???

In my opinion, NO. The fabric is a tweed made of ivory, chocolate, and rust. The pattern is Vogue 8107, with a bias cut center front and center back. Warning: Stabilize the center back as soon as you cut the fabric, to reduce "waves" in the zipper. I'll never make that mistake again...
Aside from that, I'm really happy with the dress. It can be belted, or paired with blouse in cooler weather. I think it's a flexible garment, and comfortable to wear. I like the large box pleats at the hem, although I do admit seeing a little "couchi-ness" there.

What do you think?

Butterick 4978

I will definitely make this dress again...

I used a black and white chiffon from JoAnn's and lined it with black. I wanted to use white, so the print would "pop", but it was still see-through. I know... I should've underlined it in white, and lined it in black. Anyhow, it's nearly weightless, has a fitted waistband and bias-cut A-line skirt. It is very flattering, and the neckline is comfortable, the fit and the cut. Next project: a black shantung short sleeve jacket to go with it!

p.s. It's hard to see, but the neckline has a keyhole. Here is a close-up of the front, and a view of the back.

My "Carnival" Skirt

This story starts with a great bargain find at Jo-Ann's. I thought this lightweight embroidered cotton was beautiful, and would make a great skirt. It took me a few months, but I found the perfect pattern that would allow me to set the border at the hem, with Vogue 2894, an Oscar de la Renta design. Really easy instructions to follow, and a flattering fit (I was nervous the pleats would made me look wider in the hips). Finished it up, tried it on, at which point I was informed that I looked like a gypsy headed to the carnival. Hmmm.... truth or fiction? I couldn't be swayed, I really liked it, so I forged ahead with a red linen jacket to match, using the same Vogue pattern. Fully lined, 3/4 sleeves and cropped, it was a style I've seen a lot this season, and would be great with jeans, too. So comfortable, I'm really happy with the outcome, and am trying to keep the carnival comment silent.