JUST BE YOURSELF AND SEW

SO READY FOR FALL

2011-09-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

This cool weather is putting me in the mood for the holidays. That first day of cool weather came (even though it was just for a couple of days) and I just had to whip up a cardigan. The first of many is McCalls 6168. ( to the left) I made it from a fuschia rayon jersey knit from Joann fabric , the $13 stuff. This pattern is super easy and goes together fast. Now , I will warn you that it takes some fabric. I only had two yards and i believe the pattern calls for 2 3/4 yards. It took some squeezing to get this cardigan. I had to remove some of the drape of the front piece. Even with me doing that, it is still long - maybe i am just short - and gave me the drama that I was looking for. What can I say besides this is a great pattern . I may make another one.......

Turning Bad into Good

2011-09-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

I would love to say this post is about some philanthropic act, but it is about turning what was almost a wadder into a great addition to my wardrobe. This top is made from Kwik Sew 3891. It looks super cute on the cover but - honey - between me and you (okay maybe the whole world) it turned out to look like a straight sack. Whenever this happens , I am extremely hurt becuase it always happens with my good fabric. So what is a girl to do? I just left it on my bodyform for a couple of days until I finished cursing and had an ice cold Dr. Pepper. When I returned back to this top , I came up with the idea of just makeing it shorter and sewing the sides seams up a little bit more. Pretty happy with the results! I may make it again and just adjust the pattern to the new changes.

The pic to the left is the before. Do you see how lackluster it looks? NOt even my big sunshades could help me here. Overall this was an easy pattern and takes no time to make. Great for stashbusting. The skirt is from Butterick 5539 and was very wasy to make. I believe it only takes one yard to make along with elastic for the waistband. I made it out of a cotton knit which was a booger to sew .

2011-09-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hello ladies ! Summer is winding down but I am still trying to get as much summer sewing done as I can! I hate the heat but love the type of dressing that summer brings! The maxi dresses, the tank tops, the shorts, and you-know-it, the sunshades!!!! This top comes from Butterick 5496. I previously made it in the last post out of an ethnic cotton print and ever since I have been itching to make another. This one is made from a fuschia challis from Hancock fabric. I just love it, but it is a booger to keep pressed! This pattern is so easy. The only thing that I did differently was to eliminate the casing. I instead just sewed the elastic to the top stretching as I went along. This makes a great swimsuit coverup, wearing with shorts or skinny jeans, or even with a pencil skirt. I think this pattern will be in heavy rotation!

IT'S RAINING THREAD!!!!

2011-08-24T09:12:00.001-07:00

Hallelujah - it's raining thread - raining thread!!! I have been sewing up a storm over here! Have you ever sewed something up and it turned out so great that you felt like you brought home a new garment from shopping? What a high! You just marvel at it and think about it all day. And if you are a creatively obsessed sewing person like myself, you can't wait to get off work or for the baby to take his nap so you can make another. Don't judge me - you know you feel it too! Any who my new darling comes from Butterick 5496. If you don't have it, make sure you pick it up at the next patterns sale. This an easy pattern and can be sewn it at the most an hour and a half. Not to mention that it is also a great stash buster. When I put this top on, I felt like a diva. I can imagine it with some skinny jeans and you know my fav - BIG BUG-EYE SUNSHADES! I think this will be a great T-shirt alternative. I will definitely make more.

Before I made this, I whipped up A Loose Fit Knit Top with Cuffed Sleeves by the sweet Dixiediy (http://dixiediy.blogspot.com/2011/08/loose-fit-knit-top-with-cuffed-sleeves.html pot.com/2011/08/loose-fit-knit-top-with-cuffed-sleeves.html you have to download the patterns and put it together) out an olive green $13 knit from Joann fabrics. I love this top! It was a super easy and only took about 1.25 yds. Great for stash busting and also another T-shirt alternative. Many more will be flying from the sewing machine. Where is a wide-brimmed sun hat when you need one?

And last but not least .... another tank dress. I just love them. It is just like the other one that I made . This one is made out of the $13 knit from Joann Fabrics. Super easy and great for when I am out with the family.

Forgive the wrinkles!

Jumping On the Bandwagon!

2011-08-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

Shame on me ! Shame on me ! I can not believe it has been almost a month since I have posted. Oh how did I bear to be away from you singing seamstresses so long. Taking care of a teething 8-month old - that's how!!! On with the show! So many of these long knit tank dresses have been popping up on many blogs and I just had to have one. I used Simplicity 2189 and it has become my favorite. I used a knit off the at-the-time extremely clearanced table . I did not originally know what I was going to make with the fabric, but it made a wonderful wearable muslin. This pattern is super easy and can be made in at the most a couple of hours.

I highly recommend this. Another one has already been made and many more may fly from my sewing table .

All I need are my big bug-eye shades, wooden bead necklace, funky wedges and I am ready!!!

Forgive the fuzzy pics!!!

SOMETIMES I LIKE TO PICK FLOWERS!

2011-07-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

This time the just happen to be in the fabric! OOh how I love this fabric! I got this knit at Joann's and I think I went back and bought more of it. I do that often- buy more of the same fabric and then wonder why I have no variety in my closet. Anyway this top is made from an old TNT pattern that I threw some sleeves. I just needed simple but cute top to wear when I am out with the little fellow. I meant for this top to have two mini-sharktails that hang on each sides of the shirt, but I did not cut out far enough so it looks like two splits on the sides. I was kind of sad about that, but I won't dwell on it long because hey - wadders happen!

The skirt is from Simplicity 2258.I made view C but instead of adding the waistband, I just sew the skirt to some 2in elastic. It is made in a lightweight denim that I got at Hancock's. This has become my go-to skirt but I think I will have to "go-to" another skirt pattern as I have realized that this emphasizes the fact that I don't have any hips! It is a cool skirt for these hot summer days and I just adore the fabric. I still love this pattern..........I love all my patterns really(I just laughed a little wicked laugh)!!!!

Wild Thang........I think I love you

2011-07-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

Oh ladies.... When I put this top on , I just want to roar or purr like a wild kitten. This top comes from Simplicity 2971 ( I just looked on the Simplicity website and saw that it it Out of Print) and is super easy to sew.It is made from a soft knit that I got off of the clearance table at Joann's. I didn't look at the instructions at all.The only change to the pattern that I made was to add more fabric to the front bodice piece by placing it further away from the fold. I plan on wearing the mess out of this top this summer and possibly in the winter. You know what I always say, "Just throw on some big bug-eye shades, chunky accessories with a funky hair-do".

I can see another top like this. Lord knows I have a stash of knits that really need a pattern to belong to!

ODE TO CHIQUITA!!! DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN?

2011-07-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hello all!!! Kisses Kissess to all! I have been in need of tops . I mean really in need. Normally when I am at home with the kiddo, I just wear a t-shirt and some jeans. This became a problem when it was time to go out as a family. I suddenly realized that I didn't have any proper tops. So what does a girl with shears in her holster do? Sew a heap of tops!

This top is from Vogue 1245 . This top is really simple, but be prepared to go through at least 3 yards of fabric! When I wore it to out this past weekend , I felt like Chiquita from Chiquita Bananas. ( Hopefully they sell these where you live!) I just wanted to Salsa all over Georgia in this top. It was really easy to sew. The sleeves are really huge. I would suggest wearing something under this because if you raise your arms, people can see your goodies. I made this top out of a challis print bought at Hancock fabrics about 4 years ago. I will be making this again-definitely!

I will post more tops later on in the week

SINGING TO THE CHOIR & DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN?

2011-07-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

"It kind of looks like a choir robe." the Hubby said. Can you believe it? A choir robe. In my mind , I envisioned this top with some big bug-eye sun shades, wild Chaka Khan hair, leggings, chunky accessories, and some cute&comfy wedges. Maybe I should have told him that!! Anyway this week's "DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN?" comes from Butterick 5355. It is made from a peachskin print purchased from Hancock Fabrics. I was a little apprehensive about the pattern/fabric choice because of the print but I went ahead with it anyway. I am happy I did. I loved it. When I wore it today during my post office run, I felt chic and savvy. I felt spunky !

DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN?

2011-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

You thought I forgot huh? Nope - I didn't . But when you have a very active five-month-old, time kind of gets away from you. By the way, thank you all for your comments on my last post. for some reasons those comments have disappeared. I don't know what happened and I promise I did not remove them. This weeks "DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN?" comes from Simplicity 2190. I made View E out of a peachskin print from Hancock Fabric. I am totally smitten with this skirt. When I tried it on, I felt like a diva with a capital D. Honey, you couldn't tell me nothing! ( I know I should say , "You couldn't tell me anything!" but the other way emphasizes my point! HAha) Just give me a pair of wedges, some big bug-eye sunshades, a bangin' handbag, cute tee, and hell - throw in a fly sun straw hat!

This skirt was super easy. Total I believe there were about four pieces to this skirt. The flounces had to be cut on the fold and the skirt yoke is supposed to be cut on the bias. Now don't get me wrong, I like cutting on the bias. I believe bias cut pieces are very flattering, however cutting on the bias takes up too much fabric ! I only had two yards and the skirt calls 2 5/8 yards. So you know what time it was? Thats right - time to make my own instruction and cut the skirt yoke out of what scrap I had left and make it work. Since I have no hips - it worked out well and I have no complaints! I will be making this skirt again very soon! Words cannot express how much I love this pattern and how the skirt came out.

Second Chance at Love

2011-05-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

As much as I have bad-mouthed Simplicity 2258, I am now back in love with it. We, the pattern and I , have found common ground and all is well in my sewing room! This time around I made the skirt in a linen-like material that has been in my stash for awhile. The skirt is super easy. Well, it was easy according to the way that I made it. I was going for View C. At the last minute I decided to omit the ties and the band that the elastic is encased in to prevent any extra bulk around my stomack. So all in all , I just used the front skirt piece, pocket piece, and back skirt piece to make the skirt. I added 2inch wide black elastic as a waistbad for the skirt. I am very pleased with how it turned out and plan to make many more. I made a size 22 out of 60in fabric and I swear it only took maybe 1 1/8 yards. Oh yeah there will be more to come!! Don't you just love when you fall back in love with a pattern???

Here is another cardigan and tank that I made the same night as the skirt. I am super excited about these two pieces. They are such standout pieces! I can't promise that I will wear them together, but I will definitely wear them. OK - back to the machine. I hope your machine is SMOKIN' toooo!!!!!!

DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN?

2011-05-05T13:14:00.001-07:00

Hello good folks! I hope this week has been good to you so far. And if it hasn't - I truly hope it gets better! Buying fabric always perks me up. (And a dr. Pepper)This weeks "DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN" comes from good ol' Simplicity 2374. This pattern is one of my favorites. If you don't have it , you must add it to your never-ending list of patterns for your next shopping trip. I made View C in a knit. Originally the pattern requires that the bodice is made of a knit and the band skirt in a woven, but I chose to make the whole dress in a knit. (the $13.00 knit from Joann's) Hey - I am a slave to the knit. It draws me in everytime. This pattern is super easy and goes together fast. The only thing I did different from the instructions was to add a band treatment around the neck and armscyes. I truly love this dress and plan to make more.

THREAD......YOU CAN'T LIVE WITH IT...YOU CAN'T DRESS WITHOUT IT

2011-05-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of weeks, I have had the same turquoise color thread on my machine and serger. I have been trying to sew everything that color to prevent having to change thread. Those who sew alot can attest to days when your thread wants to show it's true colors (no pun intended) ! Sometimes it puckers, skips a stitch, flies out of the needle, or is just the wrong kind of thread for your fabric( and in my case, too lazy to get the right kind of thread). Anyway, all of this leads to the hesitation I have for changing my thread.

However, not changing thread has really helped me to see how many garments I can sew with one spool of thread. Are you curious to know too? Well lets see:

1. knit top 2yards
2. cardigan 1.5 yards
3. Easter dress 2.5 yards
4. tank top 1 yd
5. stripe knit dress 2.5 yd
6. turquoise knit dress 1.5 yd
7. tiered ruffle skirt 2.625 yd
8. receiving blanket 1.25 yd

The spool of thread is made by Coats&Clark and comes with 250yards of thread. This observation means alot because it shows me just how far my dollar goes! 14.875 yards of fabric sewn with 1 spool!!!!A spool of thread costs $2.80 i believe. $2.80 divided by 8 garments so far comes to$o.35 worth of thread per garment. Imagine when thread is half off! And I still have thread on the same spool left to sew something else.

How hard is your thread working for you?

DON'T YOU HATE WHEN A PATTERN LOOKS BETTER ON YOUR DRESSFORM THAN IT DOES ON YOU??

2011-04-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

That is how I feel about this dress! I will still wear it, but it will always be in the back of my mind that that heffer (my dress form) wore it better. Well -she is slightly thinner. Anyway this pattern is another morphed creation. The bodice and ruffle is from Simplicity 2374 and the skirt is from an old Stretchh&Sew pattern. This wonderful fabric was gifted to me from Faye. I honestly had the hardest time trying to think of something to make with this fabric. I knew whatever I chose had to be just right because of the print. I love how it turned out!!!

DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN?

2011-04-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

So I thought it would be fun to have a weekly post series called , "DO YOU HAVE THIS PATTERN?", that features different patterns. It won't be on any specific day - just on day out of the week! Often times I have made something and in the process of show&tell , one of my friends will say, "Do I have that pattern?"
It always tickles me !!!

This week's DO YOU HAVE THAT PATTERN? comes from Burda 7389 . This is a super easy pattern! Great for a beginner or just a fast project. It only has three pieces and is great for stash-busting as I have come to realize.

I made view A out of some rayon challis from Joann fabrics. (this fabric is super soft after you wash it and sews really nicely)I did not change anything about this pattern. This is my second time making it and I will definitely be making it again. I plan to wear this dress with a cute cardigan and maybe a belt. I love a great pair of wedges and I think they will look great with this dress. If you don't have this pattern, run to the store and get it. Some might say that this has that Granny-housedress-look. I say it is all in how YOU ROCK IT!!!

Here is an image of the pattern.

I am so ready for spring/summer that I can hardly stand it!!!

This season I am all about easy sewing and easy dressing. I mean how fancy can you get with an 18 week old!!!

This tank comes from my TNT vintage tank pattern and I love it. It is an easy top to make and great for stashbusting! This knit fabric comes from the wonderful folks at fabric.com. I promise I am not being paid to say that. I have just always had good experiences with them. Lord knows I hate to order fabric online because I cannot feel it, but they have not let me down yet.

THE HEAT IS ON!!!

2011-04-27T00:13:00.001-07:00

OMG! I AM ON A ROLL! The hubby and I were talking about things we can do to make time go by faster while he is deployed. I merely mentioned that I what I hope to accomplish before he comes home is to sew up my stash!!! Now I wouldn't say that I have a ton of fabric , but I do have a lot. Not to worry though - I know I can do it. Imagine his face when he comes home and sees that fabric gone!!!

Join me on my journey folks as I sew my stash down !!! It is 3:16 a.m. Wednesday and I have already completed 3 receiving blankets, a dress, and a top. If didn't have to be up in a couple of hours to feed the little one - trust me - I would keep on sewing!!!Lord knows I have a ton of ideas floating in the fashion show in my mind!!!

It pays to have dr. Pepper at 10:00 p.m. What a boost.

I will post pics tomorrow!
Peace Out!!

My Easter Dress

2011-04-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Oh I am so in love with my Easter Dress. It is nothing fancy - just a simple dress that made me smile. I used Mccalls 5975 and an old Stretch&Sew pattern to make it. The inspiration came from this post of Tam Styles' blog , Get it Girl Style. Once I saw this dress, I could not get it out of my mind and just had to have it.

I used M5975 for the bodice and the sleeves . I used the skirt from the Stretch&Sew pattern.This image to the left is the back view. Sorry for the blurry image! I altered the back neckline to sit just above my bra closure. This design change was simple and I can see another dress in the works. I added my usual band treatment . Elastic was added at the waist. (Kind of addicted to elastic - secretly)

Here is an image of the patterns that I used. This Mccalls pattern is a keeper. Great fit right out of the envelope - even with the pattern change.

A pic of the fabric!!!!!

OOH I am so giddy over this dress. It is exactly what I wanted!!

I SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS

2011-04-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

You ever have an idea or project in your mind that lingers around all day? That is what happened with this particular dress. I remember several people making it a while back and thought to myself that I must make it. That was over a year ago. Anyway while searching through my patterns, I came across and quickly brought it to the forefront.This dress is from Mccalls 6109 and it is made from the $13.00 knit at Joann's ( love the stuff!!!). I have no complaints about this pattern nor the fabric. The pattern went together really fast and was really easy to sew with only 5 pieces!I added the bad around the neck. I plan to make this again. I have a bad habit of making something I like out of many colors so we will see how this turns out. Could this pattern be a runner up for my Easter dress? We shall see!!!Here is a picture of my hanging storage that I made with all of my bias tape in it. it is filled to capacity!!!

Easy solution

2011-04-16T06:11:00.000-07:00

So, because I have a ton of bias tape from all of the receiving blankets that I make for my etsy shop , http://anaeve83.etsy.com/, I needed something to keep them organized yet visible. Thursday night I stayed up like a mad woman creating this hanging storage. I wanted something with a funky style yet sweet for spring and this fit the bill.

It warms my heart!!!

2011-04-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how it warms my heart to have followers!!! I just recently started back blogging on a more consistent basis and I am truly thankful to all of my visitors and followers!!

More tops

2011-04-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

This knit top and skirt are both from McCalls 6288 from the Generation Next collection. This top was super easy and is made from a super soft knit. The top is very form fitting so I added some extra on the sides of the bodice piece. I did not look at the instructions at all because I am familiar with sewing this particular type of top. I did add a band to the neckline and the sleeves.

The skirt is super easy as well. It is made out of a broadcloth. Next time I will make it out of a challis or something with a little more flow. I think this one has turned into a wearable muslin. I don't know that I will make this one again because there are so many others too try. Plus, patterns are coming out so fast!!!

This striped top to the right is made from Simplicity 2190. It is one of the newest ones. As an on the go mother, I needed some tops to throw on when I am out with the little one as well as go to the gym in. This top definitely fit the bill. However I do suggest making this top in a fluid knit like an ITY, or a rayon jersy. Otherwise if you make it from a knit that is kind of stiff, lets just say it is not too flattering. This knit looks lightweight and airy however it is kind of stiff. When I put the top on, I did not feel pretty. But you know how it is when you have made something that you kind of like but might not want to throw away. I pictured it with jewelry, with my hair done, and even other pieces in my closet. I just believe I can make it work!!!:) Can't you see the S on my chest for SuperSewer!! I know - so corny! But she is this super hero that lives in my head when a questionnable garment arises!! Please forgive the wrinkles - I was just too lazy to take it off the mannequin and iron. So lazy!!!

And to the right is a sneek peek at a cardigan i am working on. The pattern came from a cardigan that I bought at Target. I simply made a painters tape pattern of the purchased cardigan. I think it is coming along nicely. With a few little design elements left, I think this will be finished this weeked. The fabric is from Joann's. It is one of their - what faye and I call - $13.00 knits. I kow it sounds like alot but the stuff is truly worth it. It is super soft and not does not bead up after the first use. It only gets softer after you wash it and the color lasts a long while. I think the fabric has some Rayon in it and another fiber content that I cannot remember and belongs to the Sew Classisc collection.

So in love with Purple

2011-03-31T12:35:00.000-07:00

OMG! I am so excited for spring ! I want my closet to be full of colors and most importantly, full of colors I love. This season I am in the mood for worry free clothing. I think this will fit my new lifestyle as a new mommy!!!!! So to kick start my spring sewing we have Butterick 5351

I made View D in a purple Rayon challis. This pattern is super easy. But in all fairness I did not sew this dress according to te instructions. Like I said, I wanted this garment to be worry free. I omitted the zipper in the back but added extra space in the bodice pieces . I added elastic to the top as well as to the middle where the bodice meets the skirt part. Talk about easy-peasy sewing. This dress is so easy. I can see this as a bathing suit cover-up and definitely with a cardigan when running errands. I love it. I can see another one already!!!!

Hello

2010-01-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Hello there!!!! Wow - it has been a minute since I last posted but you know sometimes things get hectic in this thing called life. I decided to open an Etsy shop(ebbyjfabrics.etsy.com) to sell what I love - fabric - as well as goodies that I create and the rest is history. I am enjoying the ride and would love for you all to join me!!! Here are some of the goodies that have been created lately...

New Vogue's are out

2009-10-02T20:15:00.001-07:00

Here are a few of my favorites from the new Vogue pattern collection. I predict a stampede at the pattern cabinets. Some of the patterns look a little frumpy but look at the style lines and envision your fabric made up in it. Sometimes the pattern companies don't always use the prettiest fabric for some of the garments OOOOH the drama in this collar.

Yep - this is hot. I have several winter fabrics that need to be made up in this

great pattern for an easy jacket but not so nice fabric.

Again imagine some of your great knits made in this.

Really nice for fall/winter dates with the hubby.

Have to have this pattern

Anyone who knows me knows I love a great challis and this would be great for it.

Brings out the matrix in me

HEEYYYYYYY!!!

2009-09-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hey to everyone out there. It's been a minute since I have last posted. (I mean my god - we have a new president and everything) but here is what I have been up to. All of theses necklaces are for sale on my etsy shop http://ebbyjfabrics.etsy.com/. I also started selling ****drumroll **** ..........fabric!!!!! Here are just some of the lovelies that I offer.

To Vogue or not to Vogue

2009-03-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

At first I thought, man - Vogue missed the mark with thier summer collection of patterns. Though as I looked on, I was able to find some that sparked my interest.

Here are my favorites for the new Vogue collection.

New McCalls

2009-02-26T23:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my faves from the new collection

will be making this over and over. I can just feel it

This will be made multiple times as well.

I totally love this pattern.

Great for the bohemian in me.

I love this one as well but it reveals a lot of the bossom area

i know what you are thinking.......What in the world? This an example of a pattern made in the wrong fabric. This pattern should have been made in jersey to give it more appeal on the envelope. It really appears that the lady is walking around with a big diaper in her pants similiar to that fella form George Clinton and P-funk.

More Vogue patterns that I forgot about

2009-01-13T04:10:00.001-08:00

I really love dresses and sometimes the dresses that I might make can be a little moomoo-ish so I am trying really hard to move away from those type of silhouettes. This pattern is on the verge. But I think that with a little shortening (not hoochie short) and the pockets this can be a very young silhouette. I say shorten it because I myself am a little short.

And talk about a power suit. I love this suit ensemble. I could make this in several colors. in the summer you could wear the jacket with a nice pair of shorts and a belt. Endless opportunites!!!!

NEW VOGUE

2009-01-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

OOOOOOOH I thought the New Vogue patterns were so good, I just had to do a post about them. Here are some of my favorites that I might actually sew.

Now you always need a dress just to go about the town in. You know-something not to fussy - to window shop or actually shop in but that can still allow you to be free. I can see this in challi, a linen look-like, and a knit.

Another great jacket pattern. I know that butterick has come out with a pattern similiar to this, but I think it is the sleeve that attracts me to it. I would definitely make this pattern in some type of black material and maybe cut the neck differently. I have learned the hard way that this neckline completely swallows me.

Anyone who knows me knows I love a great cardigan. I see many fabrics from my stash in this pattern. Oh - the drama.

Call me paranoid if you want but every time new Vogue patterns come out, I always feel everyone and their mamas are going to be late that morning so they can buy Vogue patterns. I still feel the same about the pattern sale. I think this pattern might be a hot seller. And since vogue only sends about two patterns for every design, it is sure to cause some teeth sucking.

I love this pattern. What can I say? A girl can never have too many jackets.

Honey I think I would fight my mama for this pattern. Just joking. This is another really hot one. It seems complicated but I think I must have that jacket.

Hot Hot Hot. I think I will try this in khaki first.

Isn't this a hot little number. I can see this in so many fabrics from my stash. I would wear with a cute cardigan and some flats. And you can't forget about the accessories.

I think I might make the mess out of this one. Maybe a version with or without the pockets.Sometimes Vogue can get a little complicated. Maybe this can be one of my resolutions to challenge myself with a Vogue pattern.

A nice summer dress.My brother will be graduating soon and this pattern could be in the line up of dresses I am thinking about wearing to the graduation.

Another knit top pattern for all of my knits. I am trying to get out of the habit of making raglan sleeve knit tops. How many can a girl have? I would make the wrap version at the bottom right.

Well I hope you all enjoy and please make your list before you go to this pattern sale. If you sit and browse through the pattern catalogue there - you might miss out. Til next time.

HE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-04T21:58:00.000-08:00

It is a new day in America. In my eyes, it appears the first day of a new life , a new world. My eyes filled with tears as news broadcasts announced Barack Obama as the President elect. I feel, as I am sure many others feel, that this election has shown how the world really feels. The world is ready for change. As I watched the coverage of the election and saw the many people in the audience waiting for Barack to come out and give his speech, it touched me to see the array of people standing to hear his speech. The array of people just goes to show that the people need to see a change. YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!

I can't help but think about all the civil rights videos and literature that you read in school and think, it has all led to this. YES WE CAN!!!!

So the song goes, "It's been long time coming, but I know a change gon'come. .........

And today it has.
YES WE CAN!!!!!!!

my nameless collection

2008-10-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Okay- so do you all remember my story line for my collection? Just in case you don't, here it is again..........

I took a different approach when sewing not only this piece but all of the pieces for my winter wardrobe.My winter wardrobe is based on the idea of a traveling poet during a modern dayHarlem Renaissance that listens to Billie Holiday, Chrisette Michelle, beyonce, Eric Badu, jay-z, Solonge, Common ad the list goes on. She travels all over of the world hoping to book gigs. She so desperately wants the world to hear her work, her point of view. She travels with one suit case of interchangeable peices of clothing and a quilt. (She really needs two but we will make believe it only fits in one.)

I have been working on it bit-by-bit. But it is not just about the clothes for me , it is about the way I take the pics, the props, everything. Imagine doing all of this for clothes that I will everyday and not just extravagant one of a kind of pieces. Enough with the rambling, here is a pic of garment number 2 (remember the Burdastyle competition was piece number 1).

I didn't want to come off as a bum but isn't it part of the struggle?

Okay that is all for now. The hubby is my photographer and you know how that goes? Will post more stuff later.Still don't have a name for the collection. Anyone have any ideas.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!

2008-09-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

LINDA is so precious. She nominated little ol' me for -in my book- such a prestigious award. i thank her so much.

The rules for this award - prize are as follows:

1. Select 6 bloggers to whom you would like to give this award- prize (choosing only 6 is hard because there are so many wonder blogs that I learn from).

2. Put the award - prize on your blog and indicate who gave it to you by identifying her/his blog;

3. Paste these rules on your blog;

4. Write 6 of your most important values and 6 negative points you condemn,

5. Inform the 6 recipients by leaving a comment on their blog.

6 of my most important values

1. honesty

2. dedication

3. positive

4. responsible

5.hardworking

6. and is it wrong to throw creativity in there?

6 negative points that I just can not deal with is:

1. Lying
2. Being Messy - as in starting mess within a group
3. Being materialistic
4. inconsideration
5. not being able to be happy for another person
6. and who likes a user?

When I have a little more time and am not extremely sleepy, i will add a list of those who I would like to give the award to.

Thanks again Linda!!!

OK YOU GOT ME

2008-09-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Linda and here goes 7 things people might know about me:

1.I am a Libra/Scorpio water sign

2. I am the oldest of fourteen grandchildren

3. When my husband asked me to be his girlfriend (back in ninth grade), I told him, "maybe we should just be friends". Who knew - that 4 years of high school as friends, 2 years away at college, and 4 years of reunited marital bliss would equal to 10 years of the best friendship ever.

4. I secretly ( not a secret anymore) wish that I have the courage to sing in a jazzy nightclub.

5.Dream of drving around the world buying as much fabric as I could.

6. Big fan of Beyonce and own just about every season of Good Times - the best show on earth.

7. i would love to be a Librarian someday.

VOTE FOR KJBUNNY1

2008-09-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Burdastyle.com has all of the contestants for the Malissa Dress Variation contest up and you can vote now. Just go to burdastyle.com and click where it says "Vote for your favorite Malissa Variation" (should be closer to the right side of the screen). Scroll down to where you see my dress. I go by the name kjbunny1 (that is kjbunny and the number 1)on the burdastyle site.

Thank you all.

AN EBBYJ EXCLUSIVE

2008-09-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

Okay - I do not think of myself as some fancy couturier, but the dress that I am about to unveil - in my opinion- is hot. It is a dress that I entered into the BURDASTYLE MALISSA DRESS VARIATION CONTEST. First, let me show you what the original Malissa dress looks like.

The second image is the Malissa dress already made up out of a knit fabric. What do you think? Can you think of any changes and variations you would make? SOOOO- you are supposed to take this dress and make a cocktail variation of it. After sketching-which really does help when you can't make up your mind- this is what i came up with:

AN EBBYJ EXCLUSIVE. An EBBYJ EXCLUSIVE. AN EBBYJ EXCLUSIVE. AN EBYJ EXCLUSIVE. AN EBBYJ EXCLUSIVE. AN EBBYJ EXCLUSIVE. AN EBBYJ EXCLUSIVE.
I am really excited about this . What a hot little number for a plus-sized girl.

I really thought the lace was a chocolate brown but the eggplant color of it still works.

I took a different approach when sewing not only this piece but all of the pieces for my winter wardrobe.My winter wardrobe is based on the idea of a traveling poet during a modern dayHarlem Renaissance that listens to Billie Holiday, Chrisette Michelle, beyonce, Eric Badu, jay-z, Solonge, Common ad the list goes on. She travels all over of the world hoping to book gigs. She so desperately wants the world to hear her work, her point of view. She travels with one suit case of interchangeable peices of clothing and a quilt. (She really needs two but we will make believe it only fits in one.)

(I want to say thank you in advance for traveling with me as I share my wearable colection inspired by this off-the-wall-idea)
I say wearable collection because i am going to wear the mess out of it.
I know I am rambling, but I really believe in this concept and i am excited about it even though the collection is just for me.
Follow along as I post different pieces to the collection.

I CAN'T STOP

2008-09-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

OMG!!- I can't stop sewing. I really should be studying but I have been sewing since I got home. Have you ever been in a mood like that. Where you are just bursting with energy;energy for sewing. And it feels as though you are sewing up a storm. That is how I feel. I found that making a list of the things I really want for the upcoming season has helped me have an idea of what to sew. I have made some of the pieces on my list already and will post later as they are part of a project i am working on.

I was wondering how you all feel out there about maxi dresses?

Do you all have any songs that constantly play in your mind that might even inspire some of your creations?

The song that plays in mind is "Lover Man" by Billie Holiday.

Also, how do you keep track of all of your inspirations such as magazine clippings and what not? I am in desperate need of some help or else clippings will be everywhere.

A change is gonna come

2008-09-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have noticed that I change the name of blog. I didn't do it because someone is after me or anything. I did it to reflect my new outlook. So many times we look to superstars, friends, and magazines to tailor our style when really we should be ourselves and sew. There is nothing wrong with sourcing these inspirations for upcoming seasons, but do not let it dictate to you what you should look and dress like. Be an individual. When sewing for yourself, add in current trends that are flattering to your body and not just because they look good on Halle Berry. I wished I could have came up with this realization all on my own, but I didn't . I have Lisa and Linda and of course you mommy and the rest of my family to thank for the encouragement.

New Mccalls patterns

2008-09-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Has anyone see the new Winter/Holiday Mccall's patterns. I would say that their okay. Some of the silhouettes I swear they have created before. I was hoping to see some different silhouettes.
(More fashion forward maybe).
I did manage to find some patterns that I like.

This jacket is sharp. You have to have the right fabric though.
This caftan is great for around the house. I really want to make one to wear in public- but - I just don't know if I am that bold yet. It would have to be a solid color. Maybe I could make it in black with gold accessories. Hmm-Have to think about that. Definitely don't want the crazy looks.

Sexy Sexyyyyyy! Finally, a pattern that I feel comfotable sewing some of my wovens in. When one of the Hancock's that I worked for closed down. I bought so much fabric, it was not even funny. So I have a large amount of pretty cottons that I originally planned to quilt. However I do not quilt everyday, so they just sit there.
Really want to make this.
Another great pattern for my wovens.
Another great pattern for my knits and some lightweight cottons.
What a cute jacket.

Tell me what you think.

In a nutshell (or a long list rather) here are the things that I want for the fall

2008-09-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for their comforting posts about my stash and obsession with knits. I am very excited to sew them all. The hardest thing to decide is what to make with what. Looking in all of the magazines that right about now are big and fat, I am getting a lot inspiration. I mean of lot. I have put so many little notes, bended corners and used lucky stickers to mark all of the things that I am dying to have for the fall and winter season. So in a nutshell, here is a list of all the things I plan or hope to make (I know-what a wish list):

Some kind of funky khaki jacket with funky buttons

a flowy red dress

raglan sleeve shirts with slight variations in jeweled tone colors (my fav is eggplant)

high waisted skirts - one fitted-one loose-vogue 1068 perhaps (as soon as I get the belly down)

more knit shirts of course grey

dresspants-slim and wide leg in various colors

a slew of winter jackets (Hello - Mccalls, Butterick, and Vogue have some bangin coat patterns)

a great carry-on for plane ridescouple of quilts

and Lord knows what else I will come up with.

I want this winter to be full of color - color- color.

I just know for sure that I am into jeweled tone colors and any piece of fabric with a little stretch. I tried to come up with a cohesive selection to make a mini wardrobe, but my day to day imagination changes . And plus, I like to take on each project individually so that it has all of may attention. I am excited to see what you all are excited to make.

By the way lets give Michelle Obama a handclap not only for the blue dress with flowers at the neckline that she wore to the DNC, but just for her style period.

I'm Back

2008-08-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Question? Is it possible to have too many knit shirts? I try not to make too many knit shirts that resemble a t-shirt and try to change the silhouette a little.And due to my overwhelming knit stash, I have vowed to sew only knits until I get the knit stash down and then go to another area in my fabric stash. So here is one piece that I have made so far:

This is a rayon knit that was purchased at Hancock Fabrics at half price. I bought so much of it and later found out that not only does it have to be handwashed but, you have to line dry it as well. I guess that is what I get for buying while excited.

The pattern come from burdamode.com in their download section. It was a free tunic/dress pattern that has become one of may favorites so much so that I hang it on a hanger for repeated use. I have tried and tried to copy and paste a pic of the pattern for anyone interested and somehow it must be restricted because it will not paste.

You can make this pattern from not only a knit, but challis, linen, georgette, or just about anything that has some drape and flow to it. I made the largest size that it had just to be on the safe side and that seemed to work for me .

Would I continue to make this pattern? You know it. Once you have downloaded the pattern, printed it, and put the pieces together, the possibilities are endless. What you save by the pattern being free, i guess you would say you make up with the expense of buying ink. By the way, is anyone else a fan of putting pattern pieces together that you have printed from the internet.

On another note here is a pic of my new sewing room before I set it up. (Linda I am still working on those curtains.I know - I should be ashamed of myself).

I wished I could have gotten a better pic of the room before but I could not even step in the room because of all the stuff - I mean fabric. So this pic is basically from the entrance to the room. Here is a pic of it afterwards.

Also, when reading other blogs, I sometime get the feeling that some of you may not have big fabric stashes. Could it be true? Do you just buy enough to make you current project and then from there or do you buy when you see something like? Could your stash possibly look like this?

So, I am trying not to buy anymore fabric, but how can you resist a good sale. Anyway write me back and tell me about your stash.

This is the last time I move - I hope

2008-08-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry guys for not blogging in a while. I was moving and working at the same time. Though this transition prevented me from moving, it has not stopped me from sewing. I promise to show something as soon as I can get any amount of consecutive days off.

Not exactly my favorite

2008-07-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

Has anyone seen the new collection of Burda patterns for fall/winter. I mean- come on. They were not the usual spunky and vivrant designs that you would normally expect from Burda. Looking back at all of the top pattern companies, I tried to decide which one company was my favorite. I kind of think they were all just missing something . Though if I had to choose from this season which company had the best collection of paterns , Mccalls would be my favorite with Vogue coming in second. I think eventually everyone should take a pattern-making class. So I want to hear from you all. Who was your favorite this season?

Got to have it

2008-07-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else see the new Vogue patterns? I have got to have them. I can see a whole heap of fabric being sewn with these patterns.

Watch out because at the patterns sale , its every woman for herself.

Still trying to catch up

2008-07-05T12:24:00.001-07:00

you can never have enough black and white right? I love this dress especially when I think of how I managed to make it work when I only had remnant pieces to make it out of. This is simplicity 2922. The top contrasting fabric is a black and white tweed fabric I guess you would say and the black is just some linen. Total, I don't think this dress cost me more than five bucks. Eat your heart out mass retailers with skyrocketing prices. I love this pattern . It is very easy. I will make it again once I get my bust area down. Kinda tight.

Sorry for the back view only. The front was just not doing it for me.

My first attempt to make a suit turned out like this. I like it . I just need to go back and do something with the collar. I even covered the buttons myself. It is made from Butterick 5168. Everything is made as instructed in the directions except fot the back. the back is supposed to have a big pleat , but at the time that I made it, I was dog sick and didn't really feel like going through the trouble. So i took the pleat out and just turned it into the center seam. I like that better . I don't think that I would have like all of that fabric hanging off of me.

I would have gave you all a view of the pants but I still need to get the fit right. I had one major "camel toe" going on and that is not cute. ---At all.

You have got to take risk sometimes. This dfabric is amazing. I got it at Joann's Fabrics and have been in love with ever since. The strips are mostly this cappucino brown but every so often a hit of silver will turn up.

Can you see the silver? Imagine - with a cute little updo, some silver accessories and sute shoes to top it off. No on will be able to tell you anything. And if they look? Just walk a little slower and let them admire the fabric.

I almost forgot to say that this simplicity 2934 with a cap sleeve and without the drawstring at the waist.

Trying to catch up

2008-07-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

This top is from the Built by Wendy collection from Simplicity pattern 3835. This is my second time making this top . As you can recall , I used the pattern in the previous post to make the beige and black animal print dress. It is totally easy. The chocolate band is leftover linen from a dress that I made some time ago. The chartreuse sheer was not that easy to sew, but you know once you have an idea in you mind, it is hard to let it go. I can wear this top anywhere. Just throw on some slacks , shorts, or a pair of jeans with some cute wedge heels or sandals and the world is my oyster.

This top is great for the summer time. It is made from Simplicity 3529. The dress is primarily made from brown challis. I decided to bring the facing to the outside . I made the facing out of a drapery remnant from Hancock Fabric. I love love love this pattern and have made it at least three times.

This dress is from Butterick 5040. The only alteration that I made was to make the sleeves fit tighter. I made this same pattern out of a ribbed knit and I swear it looked as though I was getting ready to go cook Sunday dinner. I mean it looked straight up like a mumu. But I am not one to let a silly pattern defeat me, so I tried it again and am very happy with its outcome. At the bottom, I just sewed three different colored strips to give it some pizzazz.

So glad it is Friday

2008-06-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

Hello again to everyone out there. This post it about me being tagged. Yep, Lisa at Sew On and Sew On tagged me. So here goes.

1.What was I doing ten years ago?

Ten years ago I was just beginning high school. I was new to this particular school district and only knew two people. I also met my sugarboo around this time but at the time we were only friends. I didn't know how to sew just yet. My mom was a single mom , so my time after school was spent helping here with my two brothers.

2.What are five things on my "To Do" list today?

1. cut out fabric
2. clean house
3. figure out a place for mountain of fabric
4. do laundry
5. make a "honey-do" list (get it - "honey-do" "honey-dew" maybe it's a little corny)

all these things must be done and not necessarily in this order

3.Snacks I enjoy

french fries
cake
wings from American Deli or Timmy Chan (shoutout to all of my Houstonians)

4. What would I do if I became a billionaire

What wouldn't I do?

First I would tithe (can't forget about the Lord)
Then I would have a meeting with my family members in which I would give them all a portion
I would build a dream house for me and my sugarboo complete with the ultimate sewing room
Buy the car of his dreams
start my own business
invest
give to community and other various organizations

5.Places I have lived

Houston , Tx (Oh-how I long to be anywhere in Texas)
Denton , Tx
Dallas , Tx
Warner Robins, Ga

6.What type of work have I done?

Cashier at Chat'n'Chew at Six Flags Astroworld in Houston
Cashier at Krogers
Cashier at McDonald's
Clerk at Hancock Fabrics
Supervisor at Hancock Fabrics

7.People I would like to know more about.

Most of the people that I would like to know about have already been tagged

Tearsa from That's Sew Live

Back with a vengeance 2

2008-06-24T21:25:00.001-07:00

If i were a cat this is how I would look.

Yeah - if I were a cat, I would totally look like this. My skin would be animal printed rayon challis. Now the top dress is from a pattern that I downloaded from burdamode.com . (it was free) It has the round neck with gathers in the front and the back. The sleeve is built into the dress with a ruffle at the end of the sleeve. This dress is very free flowing and comfortable. Would I travel in it? No. Great for a day of shopping or venturing around town. The second dress is Simplicity 3835. I didn't really make any changes to the pattern except for adding a little more on each side to make it flow more and not be so clingy. Both dresses were easy to make. i will continue to make more of each. The legs , however, are courtesy of yours truly and working at Hancock Fabrics.

Back with a vengeance

2008-06-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hello to all. I didn't realize it had almost been a month since my last post. But Lisa and Linda never let me forget. Great friends who encourage me . You too Sharon. Anyway here are the latest bedazzelers.

This dress is made from fuschia and black broadcloth. The top part had to be altered to be a little longer in order to get over my bust. Somehow though, I must have missed a step or went wrong with the darts because I can hardly zip it up in the back. I will have to try this one again. Someday I will wear it though because it is still pretty cute. Oh yeah this is Simplicity 3777.

When I made this , I was thinking of something that I could wear out with my sugarboo. I saw this with a cute little updo with some thick and funky bangs, black accessories, and black pumps .

I call this my blue twill jacket. It is made from Simplicity 3760. The only thing that I changed was to add a little bit more to the under arm seam to make the jacket swing a bit more. All it needs now is a nice button to set it off. Come on- can you see this with some type of big wooden hoop earrings, cute litte white tee , some skinny jeans OR some funky wide leg jeans
(shout out to Lisa at Sew On and Sew On - THE PEOPLE NEED TO SEE YOUR WIDE LEG JEANS ON YOUR BLOG) and a bad pair of pumps.I call this my jailbird shirt.

Don' t I look nervous and ready to answer questions. Well anyway this is Simplicity 2934. I did the front and back insets with a contrasting knit while at the same time matching the colors and adding a little flare. My only change to the pattern was to sew a strip of fabric where the sleeves were supposed to go . I will definitely make this pattern again and I have.

Please Forgive Me.

2008-05-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

I need to have my tail whooped . You know it is sad when sew things up so fast before you even have a chance to put them on your blog. But anyhow, Lisa suggested that maybe I should put up closer pics of my Safari dress so you all could see the details . The top is a cotton/polyester brown and white striped. The scallops or pecadils right below the sweetheart bodice is a black and white checked silk dupioni and the skirt is a challis print. The bodice part has boning.

Next up is my try at Simplicity 2971. This tangerine color knit was purchased at Walmart for a dollar a yard. (Walmart was having a good day.) This pattern was really simple. I was afraid that like other patterns, I would look like I was wearing a mumu ( forgive my spelling). But it turned out nice. I especially love the finishing at the top which is just a strip sewn over the raw edges of the neckline. Kinda like you would sew bias tape.I will definitely be sewing this again.

I am into all things summer right now. I try to add different things to my wardrobe that can be interchangeable for work and leisure. I have learned that for my pleasantly plump size, fabrics that drape well flatter me mostly . So I kept that in mind when I made this hot number.

This is McCalls 5659. The fabric is a chocolate linen "lool-like" fabric from Hancock Fabrics. The pattern was fairly easy to sew except for when you begin to join the neckline to the dress portion. The notches do not match. I ended up having a flub in the back of dress .Will I make it again? Probably so. Maybe I will add ease. After all that was my only issue . The silhouette looks nice but just remember , it has to be the right fabric.

Just a little taste

2008-05-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone out there in blogland. I just couldn't wait to share my creations with you and get this party going. I enjoy sharing with others as well as viewing other people's creations. This garment was designed for my final project in my patternmaking class about a year ago. It is by far my favorite. ( too bad i can't fit into it due to the fact that it was made for a size 8-10 person). Hope you enjoy.