Supergirl... in a Super Dress!

 Simplicity 2294

This is a brand new release from Simplicity, which I just picked up last week for $1.  It's a "Hannah Montana" set of coordinates, with dress/tunic, pants, jacket, and vest.  LMP (Little Miss Princess) chose the dress version.  Of course, she's already submitted her request for the coordinating vest, too.  Maybe next week...

The pattern includes sizes 8 - 16, but she needs about a 6, so I graded the 8 down, using the difference to the size 10, but going smaller.  I'm pretty proud of myself, as it fits perfectly!  I cut on the 8 lines, figuring that I'll probably be making another in the future.

I used about 1.5 yds (60" wide) of some really cute pink/grey/lavendar flannel I got from Ressy's co-op not too long ago.  LMP is very happy with how cozy and warm it is, so it's a great garment with tights or leggings for this coming winter.  Our 60 degree temps have disappeared, and snow is in the forecast by the end of the week!

My favorite features of this dress are the little touches that make it look so RTW.  The front cutton placket and the button tabs for shortening the sleeves weren't difficult to do at all, and really make the dress more current.  Although... can I tell you that I made 3 major mistakes during construction!?  I accidentally caught the facing and stitched in flipped open when I did  the little box at the bottom of the collar opening. Rip, rip...  I stitched the side seams with the wrong sides together WITH THE SERGER.  Rip, rip, rip...

That's what happens when you let your mind wander late at night, huh?  A sure sign to close up shop for the night and get some zzzzz's!

We bought the coordinating belt at Meijer, and stopped at the bead store to make matching bracelets.  LMP did all the stringing, and I did the knotting.  Obviously, this girl (along with all little girls) loves a little bling, bling!

This dress (and pattern) is a win-win, so I'm happy.  The instructions and sizing are spot on, and construction wasn't tedious (except for my mistakes).  I worked on it here and there, over the course of the week, and she was happy to wear it to church this morning.  I'm planning on making the vest she wants, along with a pair of leggings to put underneath.  I highly recommend this pattern for any little girl in your life, whether they are a Hannah fan, or not!

A New Top & Tapering a Pantleg

I must be on a Threads kick lately, with 3 new garments from the Simplicity Threads Collection, and a linky-link (below) to their website! Weird... but, maybe not.  After all, I do think that their patterns are a step above the others, with special attention paid to details that make for good construction techniques and for better fitting garments.  In this new top (which I've made before), there are separate pattern pieces for different cup sizes.  I know I've got another one in the line-up (2424, isn't jacket A cute?) so, you know there must be something there I like!

 So, the top... it's Simplicity 2614.




The top right corner... yup, that's the one!

  The back and bottom of the front are bias cut, which helps make it a "pull-on".  I hate zippers closures in blouses, just so you know...  I cut the front top using the piece for a C-cup, and also placed the CF on a fold, and eliminated that seam in the picture.  The fabric was in the stash, from Joann's last spring.  It's got the texture of a shantung, and I absolutely love the colors (navy, purple, teal, periwinkle).  The v-neck is perfect for work, definitely not revealing, even when I lean over.  The sleeve length (on me) falls just under my elbow, so it's a love-hate length.  Good length for fall/winter, but I hate when the cuff catches under my elbow and I raise my arms and it pulls on the shoulders and makes me mad.  Not a deal-breaker, just slightly annoying. No biggie.  I made the size 14, and it fits great all-around, even in the length.  It works perfectly with the new navy pants, and makes me think that I should make a navy pencil skirt with the left over wool.  Another great wardrobe staple, so why not?!  Oh, and I found short cut on the sleeve cuffs using my serger! I folded the cuff in half lengthwise, and attached the gathering to both edges at the same time.  The serger cleans up the seam allowance, and I don't have to stitch the seam closed by hand.

Many thanks on all the compliments with the pants! I'm wearing the navy ones today at work, and I'm really happy with them.  I started thinking about the best way to taper the leg, and found this wonderfully illustrated article online from Threads Magazine, and thought I should share!  I also found a tapered pant pattern in my pattern drawer, and I might use that as a guide, too.  I'll keep you posted, as always!

Next up... that Hannah Montana pattern for Little Miss Princess.  I've got a super cute pink flannel plaid, and feel a little greedy doing all this sewing for myself this week!

My (Newfound) TNT Pants!

Simplicity 4135
I've had this pattern for a very long time, which is why I reached for it this time.  My work pants are all too big now, and with the weather cooling off, I needed some new ones.  The pattern I got from the pants class isn't that impressive, seeing as how it doesn't even have pockets, a waistband, or parts for a fly front.  The last time I made this Simplicity pattern, I was smaller (and I wore those pants A LOT), so I figured they would be a good place to start.  I didn't expect them to fit perfectly right out of the envelope, and have so many of the features I like the best.

The pants sit about 1" below the waist, and have a wonderful curved waistband.  The waistband is cut to hug your curves, so there is no gaping open at the center back, which is usually my main problem with other pants patterns.  There is a pattern piece to interface the edge of the pocket front, which stabilizes it from gaping open, along with the pocket bag that extends into the center front.  I re-adjusted the fly to open on the other side (like RTW), and am playing with the idea of narrowing the leg on the next pair.  They are wide (fit at the thigh perfectly, then drop straight down), but I like them.  The only other thing I would like to change/add is a back pocket, just to break up the real estate (if ya know what I mean...) even if it was a fake welt opening.

Like I said yesterday, the fabrics were both from the stash.  The beige pin-stripe is from Joann's and has tones of camel, ivory, pink and dark brown.  Please forgive the wrinkles, they sat through mass yesterday! There is a subtle herringbone, and slight stretch in the wool suiting.  I think the combination of the stripes and wide leg leaves me looking a little bit... squat and short (maybe it's the dark shoes?).  So, I am glad that I did the second pair in a solid.  The navy, on the other hand, has absolutely no stretch, but pressed gorgeously, and I feel like I am wearing very well tailored and expensive pants with these! On the second pair, I was smart and serged all the edges of the front and back pieces before starting construction.  I simply pressed the side and inseam allowances open, and they are perfect and flattened out beautifully.

If you have 4 hours (that's exactly how long the navy blue pair took yesterday!), I highly recommend this pattern.  Pants are hard to recommend though, since IMHO they are the hardest to fit perfectly.  Like I said, I think a narrowing of the leg will happen in the next pair... I'll either measure my favorite RTW's in the closet, or dig through my old issues of Threads (I remember seeing an article about this awhile back).

5 for $5!? Woo-hoo!!! Stopped at Joann's today (the cutting line was ridiculously long, so I'll have to get my lining elsewhere!), and Simplicity patterns were on sale, so I grabbed these 5:

2281: Cynthia Rowley (dresses)

2447: Easy to Sew (tops)

2283: Knit Tops and Vest

2284: Another Chanel Jacket

2294: Hannah Montana Coordinates

 (Yeah... that last one? Not for me. Just in case you were wonderin'... )

Sewing Bliss = Free Babysitter!

After a rough start (thank you, Daylight Saving Time... NOT) I had the most wonderful surprise.  My in-laws offered to take the kids for a few hours after church this morning, so I could enjoy the peace and quiet of an empty house.  In those 4 hours, I cranked up the iPod, and stitched up a pair of pants.  Actually, the 2nd pair of pants this week! I can't remember the last time I had 4 uninterrupted hours of sewing?!  I felt like I was a teenager again, holed up in my bedroom with the radio blaring... and it was so rejuvenating! No stress of "late night", poor lighting, yawning, "just one more step" working.  No kids yelling, "MOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!, I want a _______ (drink, movie, snack, toy, friend to come over)".  No pinning upstairs, running downstairs to sew, running upstairs to trim, running downstairs to press, running upstairs to answer said hollering kid...

Do I feel guilty about enjoying the absence of my kids for a few hours today? Yes.  Did I truly enjoy myself today, be-bopping between the ironing board and the sewing machine? Yes.  Did I end up with the most wonderfully tailored wool pants?  Yes!  Did the kids enjoy being spoiled rotten, eating too many Dorito's at Grandma's house? Yes!  Do I have pictures to show you? No.  Sorry... I was on a roll there, wasn't I?

It's dark now (thanks again, Daylight Saving Time), so I'll need to have a photo shoot tomorrow with my wonderful personal photographer.  But I'll leave you with a couple little sneaky peeks...

 The beige stripes is a stretch wool I bought at Joann's about... 4 years ago. No kidding.  The navy suiting is from the Expo last year, and being 60" wide, I only needed a tad over a yard, so I've got enough left about a yard and a half left over!  The colorful cotton are quilting cotton scraps left over from dresses I made for Little Miss Princess. I used it to line the pockets and waistband, reducing the bulk, and adding some "inside interest".  Also, they are great memories of my little girl twirling around and grinning from ear to ear.  Kind of like me in my sewing space today...

Happy Halloween!

Maid Marion's costume turned out great! She's a little frustrated that her friends have no clue who Maid Marion is, but she loves that she's all princessed up!

 All fabrics came from Joann's, but NOT the costume section. With a 40% coupon, the "special occasion" fabrics were nearly the same price, and so much easier to work with! Stretch Panne Velvet for the cape, with faux fur trim (looked like a Golden Retriever pelt!) cut into strips.  The trick with that was cutting with the wrong side up, making small little snips, while keeping the blades as close to the back side as possible.  That way I wasn't catching all the fur in the blades and making a mess!

The dress was a poly matte satin and I used 2 rolls of gold ribbon trim along the princess seams in the front. I should've followed the instructions and lined the sleeves, because the huge full sleeves leave the seams exposed, and I didn't use my serger (see previous post, "Who Takes a Sewing Machine Camping?").  The apron is made of embellished poly organza, which has itty bitty pieces of glitter and gold stuck to it.  I used a super wide gold ribbon trim for the waist tie, and pinned it to the inside of the dress so it would be easy for her to put on at school.  For the headpiece, I used the "real tiara" I bought for her during my trip to NYC from Pacific Trims, and attached some of the poly organza from the apron.  The only flaw in this was that I didn't attach it strongly enough, and it came off before the parade at school.  Just a minor repair, and she'll be ready for tomorrow night! For today's event, I braided her front hairline to the side, and stuck the tiara in, like a headband.  I actually like this look a lot better... 

 The cape pattern called for a frog closure, but I was out of time, so I grabbed a pin from my jewelry box.  It actually fits the whole look perfectly! (See what I mean about the "Golden Retriever" trim?)

 Here's the whole look in action today, during the downtown Trick or Treat event the stores all hosted.  Buzz Lightyear had a great time, too!

  One more look, with the hood up.  It was pretty windy today, so it kept her ears warm, and we were both grateful for that! Halloween in Michigan usually involves layering, so I really didn't mind making the cape, knowing it would keep her warm.  I hated when my mom made me wear a coat over/under my costume!!!

Oh, the patterns were both Simplicity.  5512 for the cape, and 5520 for the dress.  Sizing was accurate, I made her a 6 in both, and aside from trimming off some length, it was perfect everywhere else! I especially liked the design of the cape, the way the seams are rounded to sit on the shoulders made it stay put, even in the wind.

Happy Halloween everyone! Next up: some dress pants for me, and a new embroidery project!

Have Machine, Will Travel

Who takes a sewing machine camping?

I do! (Notice that I forgot the make-up and curling iron, but remembered the sewing machine?!)

We did our last camping shin-dig of the season this weekend, and had a great time.  Jellystone Park in Frankenmuth, Michigan.  Gorgeous weather (chilly at night, though!), with LOTS of Halloween decorations and trick-or-treating. I think for some people, Halloween requires more decorations than Christmas, which means that come November 1, I'll be stocking up on some, too!  All in all, it was a fabulous way to end a great year of camping festivities!

Little Miss Princess wore her witch costume from last year (Maid Marion is still under construction. Did you see the top picture???), and Little Man was Optimus Prime.  If I'd been thinking straight, I'd have prepared myself enough time to make him Robin Hood or a Knight, (Bad Mom!) but thankfully, he really gets excited to wear the store-bought costumes with the cool masks.

Anywho, just thought I'd check in, and say thanks for the compliments on the silk dress I made for Vegas.  4 ply silk is my new favorite fabric!

Viva Las Vegas!

Elvis = Vegas

Trash Bags = 4 ply (silk)

Martini = Cocktail (dress)

Tough clues, huh?  Sorry about that... but, I loved your crazy guesses! Winners will be notified...

Saturday was our 11th Anniversary, so DH and I hopped a plane and headed west!  It didn't occur to me until 5 days prior to leaving that I would need a special dress for the event! I had bought the silk from Ressy's Co-op back when it was really cheap, figuring it would come in handy some day!  I also had the lining and zipper in the stash, so I didn't need to go to the store for anything.  Some boning would've been great, but at that point, it just needed to get done!

I used Simplicity 2398 (view B), and it went together very, very nicely.  Meg, you were right... 4-ply silk is a wonderful fabric to work with! So stable, and yet, so glamourous!  I wasn't sure if the bias cut "clingy-ness" would work on me, but the only change I would make would be to add a little bit to the top of the bodice edge, but I really, really love how it turned out.  I would enter it in the "Little Black Dress" contest at PatternReview, but I have no clue how I can make a "daytime" look!?

Anyhow, we stayed at Bally's (centrally located with affordable food and drink options), and we spent Friday walking around seeing the sights (and drooling over the windows at Tiffany & Co. and Michael Kors).  Dear Santa, I've been a very good girl this year...

I tried my hand at Roulette at Bally's but wasn't very lucky.  At least I looked good in my neon "slinky thing" print skirt (made back in June, thanks Ann!) 

Saturday we went up to Fremont Street where I learned how to play Roulette (and win!),

Watched the Spartans kill the Wolverines... (Oh, I won $$ on that bet, too!)

And, got the most beautiful sapphire necklace from the greatest husband in the world!

We had a very special dinner at VooDoo Steakhouse on the top floor of the Rio Hotel.  Amazing food and spectacular views! 50th floor with windows all around, and you can step out on the patio, where later in the evening there is also a DJ and dancing!

Flew home yesterday, and was back to work this morning! All in all, it was the most excellent weekend, and I look forward to going back.  Next time we want to rent a Harley and ride to the Hoover Dam, and see a show.  If only Garth Brooks hadn't sold out back in January!  It was a fabulous way to celebrate 11 great years together... I love you, babe!

Next up... Medieval Maid Marion's Costume!