08 Jan Odds & Ends – Plus a New Top!
While I wait for my Mood Fabrics to publish my first garment-of-the-year post, I believe it’s a good time to clarify a misconception among some readers.
I have recently received several comments from readers who believe I have continued my RTW Fast into a second year. Not so….. just my blog!
When I completed my Ready-to-Wear Fast on August 31st, 2012, I continued my blog but I did not renew my fast. It was two months after completing the Fast before I walked into a dress shop with a new discriminating eye and bought my first RTW in 14 months. I wrote about the experience HERE. My sparse shopping trips have filled in the glaring wardrobe gaps I discovered during the RTW Fast, but I am continually grateful to be rid of my past dependency of retail shopping.
I guess one might say I’m in a maintenance program now!
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Soon, I will be reviewing an Online Sewing Class for Craftsy entitled
Sew the Perfect Fit, by Lynda Maynard.
Widely known in the industry as a fit specialist, Linda Maynard has authored two books including her CD book Demystifying Fit. Vogue pattern 8766 is included with the class and is illustrated throughout the lessons.
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Lastly, I made a blouse/top. After placing this McCall’s pattern on the list of misses for 2012, I decided I should give it another chance.
My first top (HERE) ended up rather bulky due to a large cut and heavy spandex fabric.
I snatched this lively equestrian spandex upon first sight because it reminded me of an expensive equestrian silk print.
This fabric is lighter in weight and I cut a size smaller. I also shortened the length so I could tuck it in when needed.
The fit is better but not perfect.
I am pleased that it fits nicely under sweaters, almost resembling a scarf!
But I am ready to learn the tricks of the trade for fitting especially during my maintenance program 🙂
More soon!
Gail
Posted at 20:53h, 08 JanuaryI’m excited to sew your new top as this pattern is next up in the sewing pile. Great fabric choice
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:26h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Gail! I found it runs big and long! The pattern includes fitting guides which I used during the first make but as I said I just went down a size this time. Good luck!
Dilliander
Posted at 21:14h, 08 JanuaryLovely top and I may just join you in Linda’s class!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:27h, 09 JanuaryPlease do Dilliander! The class looks very promising! Many thanks for writing 🙂
Pam from South Australia
Posted at 21:20h, 08 JanuaryGreat versatile top and looks good with the cardi too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:27h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Pam!
Lorraine
Posted at 21:42h, 08 JanuaryLovely top – great colors!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:03h, 09 JanuaryMany thanks, Lorraine!T
laurahoj
Posted at 22:07h, 08 JanuaryI look forward to your review of the class. I definitely want to take this one. Fitting is definitely something I am working on presently.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:04h, 09 JanuaryHi Laura! I’ll try to do meaningful reviews in different segments. Many thanks for writing 🙂
missparayim
Posted at 22:17h, 08 JanuaryThat top looks great! I am lookin forward to that class. I signed up last week, but haven’t had time to watch it yet.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:06h, 09 JanuaryThank you! I was pleased with the top but I believe it was difficult to alter the bodice. So glad you will be taking the class!
Aileen
Posted at 22:19h, 08 JanuaryWhere did you find the beautiful equestrian print? Your top is wonderful. You look great in the do over top. Spanky
Sent from my iPad
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:07h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Aileen. I bought the fabric at a shop in NYC called B&J fabrics – one of those lucky finds because it wasn’t expensive. I really love the colors.
Heatherspher
Posted at 22:32h, 08 JanuaryWhat a gorgeous print and style on you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:08h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Heather! The pattern is very long through the bodice so there was m u c h altering to do which involved guess work since the bodice is gathered. 😉
Lori
Posted at 23:25h, 08 JanuaryLooks very pretty, anxious to hear about your class.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:09h, 09 JanuaryMany thanks, Lori 🙂
gingermakes
Posted at 23:28h, 08 JanuaryThe top is so cute! I really like it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:09h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Ginger!
Andrea
Posted at 23:28h, 08 JanuaryOoh, love this fabric,! Your shirt turned out looking lovely on you,but I get what you mean about perfecting the fit. Did you make the pretty grey sweater?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:10h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Andrea! The sweater was a Christmas gift from my husband. I have no idea how to knit 😉
velosewer
Posted at 00:34h, 09 JanuaryExcellent design choice as can be see by how you can add it to your existing collection. Very clever!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:10h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Maria!
ZoSews
Posted at 04:14h, 09 JanuaryI’ve been wanting to read a review of this new Craftsy course, so I look forward to hearing what you think.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:11h, 09 JanuaryWill do my best to give a good review!
hazel walker England
Posted at 04:28h, 09 Januaryfantastic just what we need to lift our spirits this dark dull frosty grey morning……….. you inspire us. hazel walker
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:11h, 09 JanuaryWhat a sweet comment, Hazel! Many thanks for writing 🙂
Sally
Posted at 08:01h, 09 JanuaryReally like the fabric!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:12h, 09 JanuaryI’m not surprised 🙂 🙂 🙂
mzsweetpea
Posted at 08:05h, 09 JanuaryHONEY BUNNY-You look marvelous! Love the print and fit….I think you’ve embraced knits rather well. I love looking at all the trends, then figuring out what I want for ME….I have a beautiful soft wool Liberty, yes a Liberty print on wool……you’ve inspired me, going to cut it out TODAY!
Laura
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:13h, 09 JanuaryHave fun with your Liberty, MzSweetPea! Can’t wait to see what you make 🙂
mzsweetpea
Posted at 08:06h, 09 JanuaryPS: I’m a seasoned sewist, and can fit myself rather well, do you still think the CRAFTY class would still be of benefit to a girl like me? Laura
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:14h, 09 JanuaryI’m not sure how to answer your question, because I always have so much to learn! You can preview the class on the website fairly extensively. Let me know what you decide to do!
Madeline
Posted at 09:59h, 09 JanuarySigned up for the craftsy class! I have been sewing for a while but I never get the fit right! Love you top and love the blog. I may even get inspired to try “fasting” for a year!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:39h, 09 JanuaryOh wow – thank you for your comment, Madeline! I loved my fast and will do it again 🙂
Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
Posted at 11:47h, 09 Januarycute tops, that pattern is so similar to the one I just made. love the equestrian print, great color on you. And I think the Craftsy classes are fantastic, as an advanced sewer there is always more to learn and they are so well done. I am impressed with them.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:40h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Beth! I’ve tried two Craftsy classes and find them very helpful and thorough. I look forward to #3 🙂
Karen
Posted at 12:01h, 09 JanuaryI like that blouse pattern made up in a print much better than the “plain fabric” examples shown. That blue print is gorgeous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:42h, 09 JanuaryHi Karen! J Mc Laughlin sells this style in prints and they are beautiful. I’m determined to get the fit and may try another pattern 🙂 Many thanks for writing!
Ann-Britt Uhrbom
Posted at 12:19h, 09 JanuaryA very beautiful hue of blue and a nice print – the top is great! I like you cardigan too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:43h, 09 JanuaryMany thanks, Ann-Britt 🙂 !!
Pauline Droy
Posted at 16:06h, 09 Januaryyour blue version looks so much nicer, enjoy the class
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:43h, 09 JanuaryThank you, Pauline! I look forward to the class 🙂
Sewer
Posted at 17:35h, 09 JanuaryIn your upcoming review of the Maynard class, I’d be most interested in learning if it gives instructions for people without dress forms or fitting buddies. I don’t want to spend the money if I can’t use do this on my own. I had a problem with the Craftsy class on couture sewing because I couldn’t fit the pattern on my own. Some classes promise too much.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:44h, 09 JanuaryI will keep your request in mind when I review the class. Did you take Susan Khalje’s class?
Myra
Posted at 05:28h, 10 JanuaryWow, you may think this top is better suited for another body type…However, I think this top does your body GOOD! Beautiful!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:42h, 10 JanuaryThank you, Myra! I managed to make it work but I’m going to look for another pattern that will give me the fit I’m after. 🙂
joen
Posted at 10:19h, 10 JanuaryI just cut out a top view B fromt he McCall pattern. Iam using a light weight sweater knit so I’m glad the lighter weight fabrics work best! I love your top so I may try that style next.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:59h, 15 JanuaryThank you, Joen! I was tempted to make View B – would love to see a photo of your completed top!
HouseOFpinheiro (@HouseOFpinheiro)
Posted at 16:46h, 10 JanuaryVery chic x
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:00h, 15 JanuaryThank you! It’s quite a compliment coming from someone I consider to be very chic and stylish 🙂
Lynne
Posted at 20:14h, 14 JanuaryOh, cute. Stylish, flattering, cute top!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:04h, 15 JanuaryThank you, Lynne! Your Chanel jacket is beautiful!!!!!
Ines Hughley
Posted at 22:00h, 06 OctoberI love your site. It is so inspiring. I have sewn for many years but not for myself. My mother was a professional seamstress who worked for Lord and Taylor and for Oscar de la Renta. Although my mother was a wonderful seamstress she had very little time to teach me this wonderful skill. I muddled through teaching myself to sew through trial and Lots of errors. Fit is a challenge since I am 4’10” and chucky ( not curvy since my waist is not small). I am currently taking a pattern fitting class with Craftsy and so far I am thrilled. How can I join the Ready to Wear Fasters?
Ines Hughley
Posted at 22:05h, 06 OctoberLove this blouse. The fit is wonderful, the fabric is gorgeous and the color is beautiful.