Author: goodbyevalentino

08 Mar Anchors Away

Posted at 12:18h in McCall's Sewing Pattern, Mood Fabrics, sewing clothes, Sewing Tops by goodbyevalentino 105 Comments

“I don't really know how to do casual clothes.” Oscar de la Renta I don’t know how to sew casual clothes - the kind of knock around frocks you wear on the weekend - but I’m going to learn. I believe the art of making a simple garment requires an underestimated level of sophistication that I’ve yet to acquire. How does one Avoid the discount department store look? Address excessive ease in loose-fitting patterns? Achieve a finished appearance despite a lack of construction details? What is Eileen Fisher’s secret? I gave myself the assignment to sew a very casual top - one I would wear on a...

28 Feb Sew the Perfect Fit – Review, Part 1

Posted at 13:52h in Craftsy, Sewing Dresses, Vogue Sewing Patterns by goodbyevalentino 63 Comments

At last I’m now sewing along with Linda Maynard in her online class - Sew The Perfect Fit! The Craftsy course title and description completely captured my attention leading me to contact Craftsy. “Learn how to alter your patterns to achieve a flattering fit for your body. Fit specialist Lynda Maynard teaches fitting techniques you can use to customize any pattern to your shape.” Since I am receiving the class for free in exchange for a review, I plan to write at least two thorough posts. I also want to let you know that Craftsy is offering a 40% discount on this class to my...

22 Feb K a t i e Spade

Posted at 17:40h in Kate Spade, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 115 Comments

Can you tell the difference between the Kate Spade and the Katie Spade? Most people can’t thanks to Kenneth King’s online course, Clone Your Favorite Garment! I've made several pencil skirts during the last 17 months, but was still searching for the perfect pattern when I broke down and bought my sixth garment since completing the RTW Fast in August; the Kate Spade Judy Skirt. At 60% off, the skirt was a bargain?? Surprisingly, everything about the skirt works for me, enough so that I wanted this pattern! Enter Kenneth King. In a series of 10 brief lessons Kenneth demonstrates how to create a pattern...

14 Feb What I Did For Love

Posted at 12:19h in Fashion Sewing by goodbyevalentino 102 Comments

My sewing goal for this post was to make two pairs of Style Arc’s Elle Pants from fabric I bought over a year ago inspired by Robin of A Little Sewing. The fabrics are a hi-tech matte hybrid in chocolate-brown and red. I made the pants in black last year, blogged here. For some reason I asked my husband’s opinion about making the pants………. “Make a dress out of the red fabric, like the one you had at the beach,” Hubby was referring to his favorite dress pattern. Of all the dresses I’ve made this is his favorite. “But Cissie, one of the RTW...

09 Feb A Movement?

Posted at 18:08h in Ready to Wear Fast by goodbyevalentino 25 Comments

I am thrilled, elated and joyous that the RTW Fast is catching on. Could become a movement? In late September I was informed by a reader that the day after I completed my RTW Fast, a sew-a-long inspired by my 1 year challenge started on the Pattern Review website in my absence, with many citing me as their inspiration. I was quite moved to say the least. Just last week I learned Pattern Therapy along with thirteen other women are hosting a year-long challenge for home sewers who want to commit to ONE YEAR of sewing to build their wardrobe. The challenge is to avoid purchasing clothing beginning...

08 Feb Missoni My Way

Posted at 10:52h in McCall's Sewing Pattern, Mood Fabrics, sewing blogs, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 106 Comments

I cannot begin to explain how much I have always wanted to own a Missoni dress. Those chevron stripes in wacky colors simply speak to me. Unfortunately, Missoni is w a y out of my price range. I was willing to settle for the one-time Missoni for Target line, but guess what? The event was held during my ready-to-wear fast...

02 Feb Party Pep – Vogue 8815

Posted at 18:13h in Kate Spade, sewing blog, Sewing Tops, silk, Uncategorized, Vogue Sewing Patterns by goodbyevalentino 67 Comments

I'm a little late to the party with this pattern but I've finally arrived :) Vogue 8815 has received dozens of favorable reviews on PR. I came close to buying a Kate Spade zebra peplum made in the same style, but the "I can make this" mindset thankfully kicked in...

27 Jan Style Arc Willow

Posted at 21:43h in Mood Fabrics, sewing blog, Style Arc Patterns, Uncategorized by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

“One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.” A. A. Milne Had I known organizing my sewing room would result in a two-week hiatus from sewing AND blogging, I bet I would still be in the midst of a huge mess declaring I couldn't take the time needed to bring order and modest aesthetic appeal to my cluttered space. I reached a good stopping point and expect to finish up over the next few weeks with pictures forthcoming. At last I can sew in pleasant surroundings! Last year I made five pairs of pants. The first pair...

13 Jan Le temps de nettoyage!

Posted at 21:27h in Ready to Wear Fast by goodbyevalentino 0 Comments

My sewing room looks like an absolute war zone. From pictures knocked off the wall to a floor covered with everything and anything. Would you believe my calendar is still showing August 2011? I started sewing my own clothes on August 31st, 2011 and never looked up. Some might describe this sewing frenzy over the last 16 months as enthusiasm, which it was, but to me it's more like I was possessed by making clothes. I truly thought of little else and it shows all around my house. I'm ready to leave the mess behind and sew in an organized space. This week...

10 Jan New Year’s Spirit! Vogue 8241

Posted at 11:55h in Mood Fabrics, Uncategorized, Vogue Sewing Patterns by goodbyevalentino 116 Comments

I started the New Year generous in spirit by making a dress for my daughter. It’s been over 15 years since I have heard “Will you make me a dress, Mom? ” and she wasn’t referring to a Children’s Corner or Martha Pullen pattern anymore. Mimi wanted a formal dress. Not only did I make a dress for Mimi, but I made a dress for Mimi with my Mood Fabrics allowance using this baby sequined fabric with a poly-knit mesh base lined with matching china silk. I bought the fabric at Mood NYC and understand there is a good amount available. I have linked you...