sewing clothes

12 Jul McCalls 3830

I recently bought the August – September issue of Vogue Patterns magazine. When sewing blogger Robin Denning announced her new position as Editor of the magazine I immediately renewed my lapsed subscription, however, after catching a glimpse of pages 76 - 83, I wasn’t willing to wait for it to arrive and bought a copy.  This issue provided me with instant inspiration along with a solution to a four-month dilemma! In March I ordered this fabric based on the jpeg below.   H e l l o………..   “Too bold.” I said. “Too bright……too big……..too much…..” The 7 magazine pages filled with big bold stripes changed my...

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04 Jul Red, White and ………

No, this isn't a costume, but if I had a torch I might be in business! H A P P Y  F O U R T H  O F  J U L Y  ! ! ! I discovered this great jersey on the Mood Fabric website, and paired it with this Vogue pattern just in time for America’s Independence Day. Generally I can envision the end result of a sewing project before I start, but not so with this one! Gathered shoulders, ruching and oversize red zebra jersey were all new to me  from a sewing and fashion standpoint. Would you believe pages 3 and...

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30 Jun Memorable or Forgettable? Vogue 8570

"Fashion is made to become unfashionable."  Coco Chanel I tried to keep this quote in mind while admiring Kate Spade’s new black and white paisley garments. This snappy print is featured all over the website in the form of a skirt, a top, a dress, handbags and other accessories all seen here. Fun, yes! Classic, no! Would I have if I indulged in one of these memorable pieces of clothing if I were shopping this year? I’d like to think not at $238.00 for the skirt, $238.00 for top, $398.00 for the dress and now $498.00 for a silk dress of the same print at Saks, but who...

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11 Jun Style Arc Lexley Blouse

“Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” Richard and Karen Carpenter Not really………………… I have been out-of-town for nearly two weeks and came home inspired by the beautiful tunics I saw on women of all ages ……. on the beach, on the streets, in restaurants and concerts. Upon returning home, I headed directly to the sewing machine and finished this tunic just in time for heavy downpours on this dreary Monday afternoon.  Earlier this spring I placed my second  order from Style Arc which included the Lexley Blouse and Dress. I experienced a setback upon receiving the pattern when I realized the ruffles are intentionally...

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09 May Anyone Else Fasting?

Today while reading  The Sew Weekly website I read a lovely article entitled I Remember Mama written by a woman named Barbara whose mother died at the age of 68. I visited Barbara’s website and learned she too has taken a pledge to stop buying RTW for a year. She began on January 1, 2012. I found ZiberGirlSews quite entertaining with creative photography and wanted to share it in case you haven’t seen it. I have a feeling Barbara and I are not the only two people in the world abstaining from RTW for a year. I S   A N Y O N...

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04 Apr Style Arc Embellished

Since completing the “Kate Spade” dress last week I took a short break from the sewing machine and eased back in to the eighth month of sewing my clothes for a year with something super simple. For a moment I thought this project was so easy it didn’t deserve a post, but then I decided it certainly deserved a post just because it was so easy. After several successful experiences with Style Arc patterns, I placed another order which included the Diana top pattern.  The top would have taken one hour to make but I decided to add a neckline ruffle -...

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