Mood Sewing Network

30 Sep Mood Fabrics – 10 Favorite Fabrics & A Special Thank you!

As I enter my 10th year of blogging, I'd like to share some of the significant events and milestones that have made this journey so enjoyable. Shortly before completing my first year of blogging, Mood Fabrics, the Project Runway go-to store invited me to join its new Sewing Network as one of the original members. To say it was an honor is an understatement since I was just finding my way back to the sewing machine. After seven years, I recently completed my work with the Mood Sewing Network (MSN), but were it not for this famous fabric store's investment in me,...

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27 Feb Oscar de la Renta Stretch Canvas Shirtdress

After making the white jacket (blogged here), McCall's 6520 turned out to be just the pattern I was looking for; a semi-structured dress with a classic fit and a little tailoring. I had a difficult time believing this whimsical Oscar de la Renta print is canvas, but now, not only am I believer - I'm practically a canvas convert. The fabric is from the Mood Fabrics  stretch-canvas collection. I knew I'd like any fabric designed by Oscar de la Renta, but I was surprised by its light weight and smooth texture. Mood offers a huge selection of canvas for both home decorating and apparel sewing but limited...

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31 Dec It Was a Very Good Year……..

Several years ago I asked a woman at a tradeshow about when her business started to become successful. “When I decided to get serious about it." she replied. I believe there is a lot of truth in that statement with intention and commitment playing primary roles in our successes and failures, no matter how large or small the undertaking. While all years seem to have their share of ups and downs some are certainly better than others. Fortunately, things seemed to click this year. After taking time off to promote The Tunic Bible, a return to sewing and blogging in January was refreshing and relaxing. I...

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17 Dec Merry & Bright in Sequins!

I'd say the catch phrase this holiday season is Merry & Bright, and I fell right in line upon seeing Mood Fabrics' glittering silver baby sequined fabric! I've owned a few formal sequined dresses over the years, and while sequined ball gowns are still around, shifting trends in the fabric now feature more relaxed styles from cocktail dresses to t-shirts. I made the dress for an annual Christmas dinner party and chose a simple pattern to keep the dress from appearing too formal. My base pattern is  New Look 6524, a shift pattern I purchased a while ago for the sleeve variations. My original...

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10 Oct Party Time! Vogue 8997

Raise your hand if you're an Oscar de la Renta fan. That would be me! Frankly I should raise both hands. I think Oscar de la Renta makes the best party dresses on earth! I'm drawn to the gorgeous fabric, clear colors and flattering fits, especially in the bodice. One of these days I might just break down and buy one, but until that time comes, I'll keep sewing O D L R inspired dresses. Mood Fabric's Red and Black 3-D Floral Brocade has party dress written all over it, and I placed an order for 3 1/2 yards of this mid-weight brocade. Little did...

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27 Aug Black White and Cherry!

I've never been able to adopt the 'keep it simple' philosophy, but I do believe in the 'one step at a time' approach to life. In sewing that means sticking to the familiar while learning the new. While I try to grasp the details of machine embroidery I'm sewing with patterns and fabrics that leave no surprises. Mood Fabrics offers a fabulous collection of cotton shirtings, and what better backdrop for cherry red than a black and white check! I knew this smooth shirting fabric with a soft drape would be perfect for a tunic and kept my fingers crossed that it would be...

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05 Aug McCall’s 2401 in Pink Flambe!

With an unapologetic youthfulness straight out of an "Eloise at the Plaza" book, add this adorable Pink and Blue Printed Stretch Cotton Sateen to your collection! Hand drawn flowers, swirled vines and hearts move in a kaleidoscopic fashion over a light blue background. A crisp hand is paired with a stiff drape for perfectly tailored pieces. Its stretch through the weft ensures the perfect fit for bodycon pieces as well! Make crop tops, shorts and shift dresses for an adorable spring/summer look. Who can resist a description like this?? I ordered the fabric with pants in mind since cotton sateen makes wonderful...

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