Striped with Couture

 
Just thought I'd share this Kate Spade Striped Coat with the cutest bow on the side. I believe the retail price is $628 here. I needed to grab this image to remember how simple this coat looks and to guide my inspiration for later projects.



See you.

Fear NOT Sleeve Adjustments

I have been working steadily on my 1940's retro dress from Simplicity 1777 to meet the deadline for my first sewing challenge as previously posted here. I love the pattern, but I have to admit, the pattern required a couple of major alterations around the waistline area, sleeves, and neckline. Since I used matte jersey fabric (stretchy), these changes have been easier to make.    

 

This is a picture of the sleeve with alterations- added 3 inches at the underarm area, added 2 inches to the sleeve cap, and pin-fitted the sleeve for a better fit. I am so excited about this dress because I absolutely love the pink/orange floral fabric. I already have the shoes! Take a peek:

 

It's all coming together slowly.

Nitey-nite.

A Pattern From My Stash

I have signed up for the Pattern Stash Contest over at pattern review. Check out the button:

 

I like the idea of looking through my stash and dedicating time to a pattern that I have purchased in the past. So, I did choose a pattern. Here you go:

I will do version B. I have been a busy bee this weekend. Here are some pictures of my pin fitting:

In a nutshell, these are the changes I have made so far to get the desired fit: (1) added 1.75 inches to the side seams, (2) pinned the princess seams at 0.5 inches and (3) dropped the neckline 0.5 inches. Those changes helped get the fit right for my curves.

Toddles.

An Upscale Frock for Spring

It's a combination of the weather change and daylight savings time, but I'm really thinking of altering a pattern to mold it into a fanciful frock from Oscar De La Renta. Here is the inspiring dress:



Love, love, love the black and white dress on the left side. I have no idea how much this dress would cost, but I'm sure it's out of my price range..lol. But, that's why I sew. I have to look through my patterns to see which ones come close to make my own version of this uptown, classy dress.
I do have the Peony dress pattern from Colette. The structure of the Peony Dress seems to match the profile of the Oscar De La Renta dress. Of course, the changes that would be made include (1) changing the neckline to a V-neck, (2) Take out the sleeves, (3) Add the neckline detail, and (4) make a bow belt.

Here's a quick sketch of what would be my Upscale Peony Inspired Frock by Oscar De La Renta:

 

My apologies for my simply sketch.

That's it for now.

L8

Basted and Sleeveless Simplicity 1777

                       

Here I am wearing my version of Simplicity 1777 on matte jersey fabric. I had to switch the fabric as previously mentioned here. I also realized that the muslin fabric I was using (linen) did not match the fabric I was going to use (matte jersey).
I love how the dress looks, but when I followed the instructions for gathering the center front bodice and skirt, I had to get rid of them. I decide to keep the inverted gather at the center front and eliminated the rest. These extra gathers near my waistline were not working for me because gathers add bulk. So, out the window they go, asap!!
Everything has been machine basted. Now, its time for the sleeves.

Hasta Luego.

Visual Chart for "Figure Flaws" (Part 2 of 4)

My quest to use images to demonstrate possible solutions for our "figure flaws" according to McCall's Step-By-Step Book continues. If you are interested, click here for part 1 of 4.

If you have a Thick Rib Cage, McCall's book suggest these solutions:
"Boxy jackets, bloused bodices, soft draping and over blouses." Check these images:

   
and AVOID the following trends:
"Snug midriff styles"
   

If you are Short-Waisted, McCall suggest the following solutions:
"Low waisted designs, hip length jackets, and over blouses with smooth, uninterrupted lines. Peep this:
    
McCall's sewing book suggest AVOIDING these styles:
"Contrasting waist belts, very slim and very full skirts."

  

If you are Long-Waisted, some Suitable Solutions include:
"Wide sashes, set-in midriffs, contrasting belts, tunics, peplums, [and] long jackets."
     
McCall's book suggest to AVOID these fashion designs:
"Top heavy look from wearing skirts too short." Picture it:
  

Peace.

Muslin for Simplicity 1777

     

This was the perfect time to be more environmentally friendly. I decided to use the leftover scraps of a stripped linen sheet used here. There are several other popular slogans from the 1940's, but the "Make Do and Mend" really speaks to me. During those times, Americans were in the midst of a war and had to figure out how to work with the resources within their reach. Now, we have slogans such as "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" or "Go Green" to protect our planet Earth. Our actions make a global difference.

Here are my pattern pieces:
  

A couple of hours later...

 
I used baste stitches to assemble this wearable muslin. I was surprised at the 5 inches given to fabric and design ease at the bust area, which made me choose a size smaller. I have to go back and figure out the front part because the bodice front is suppose to have a point, mine does not. The linen fabric has some drape, but it looks stiff around the waistline. The pattern suggested matte jersey, is that the same as jersey? O-well, I guess I just have to "make do and mend!!"

Toodles.