I'm Gonna Mention my Unmentionables!

I am doing the happy dance because I just made some panties using lace. O-yeah, uh-huh!! I used McCall's 5651 version D with donated swimwear fabric and lace from my sewing class. Once again, I traced the pattern pieces onto tracing paper to preserve the original pattern pieces. I used a ballpoint needle, zig-zag stitch width 3 and length 4 for the braided elastic, and the lightning bolt stitch for lace.
This was my first time working with lace, so I turned to one of my sewing books for some helpful hints. The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing suggested to use a small zig-zag stitch. What a breeze. So here it is:

  
                               [Front]

 
                   [Back]
The pattern suggest to place elastic on the waist but I like how it looks without it. The area where the elastic meets the lace had to be modified. I folded the elastic side by side and used the lightning bolt stitch to make that part thinner. Come to think about it, I should make that alteration on the pattern piece. Ok, well these chonis were super comfortable and my hubby liked them. Shhh! Don't mention it.

Laters.

My FIRST Sports Bra

I am so excited about sewing up my first sports bra!! I used McCall's 4261 as seen here in Version C using swimwear 4-way stretch fabric. Peep this:

 

The pattern to make this simple sports bra has only three pattern pieces. Yay-yeah! To preserve my original pattern pieces, I traced the size I needed. I used self-fabric as lining instead of what the pattern recommends- tricot. Currently, I'm taking a swimwear sewing class, and using the self fabric gives you more support and coverage. 

 

Ta-ta-tum...the big-o-gap popped up only on side. This has to do with the distribution of the braided elastic. I will ask my sewing teacher for her recommendations. She had us do a math calculation for elastic distribution on the triangle bra, so I'm hoping she can shed some light on this sports bra. I will keep you updated.  

 

This is how it looks on the left side- elastic firmly laying flat.

 

This is the back view of my sports bra. I am blown away by how comfortable this feels on me. I will be testing the support either by running or doing zumba. If this sports bra gives me the right support, I'm definitely going to be making more.

Bu-bye.

Hollywood Inspired Sewing Challenge

In my quest to find the Butterick Patterns 5880 as seen here and 5895 as seen here, I stumbled upon a sewing challenge they are having to celebrate 150th years. If you are interested, you can check here to find out more.
I took the time to  view their timeline that showed Butterick patterns "evolving through the decades.." (their words not mine..lol). Then, there it was- a picture of Marilyn Monroe wearing the iconic white halter top dress alongside B 4919 as seen here. I so HEART Marilyn Monroe and will be searching for an inspirational picture to possibly recreate the look. So far, check these 'hot little numbers' out:
             



Based on these pics, it seems like I have a particular style in mind. I like the figure hugging, slim-fitting dresses with a modest hemline. Now I have to see what sewing patterns can be used to make my desired look. If you have any suggestions on sewing patterns (it doesn't have to be Butterick), just drop a comment.

See ya.

Retail Motivation on a Budget

I just found this cute sleeveless dress where, if you have the dinero, you can go here to drop a pretty penny. But if you are like the rest of us, trying to live life looking oh, so fabulous, may I suggest pairing it up Simplicity 2209 as seen here.  As for the bow, you can search YOUTUBE for video tutorials on making fabric bows.

RED Valentino Stretch Poplin Bow Dress Retail Value $595.00    Alice + Olivia High Waist Back Zipper Capri Retail Value $187.00

A few seconds later, I stumbled on these polka dot, back zipper capris. This look is totally do-able for the home seamstress on a tiny budget. You can use Butterick 5895 as seen here. FYI: Joann's is having a 5 for $5 sale on all Butterick sewing patterns from Thurs., April 4 to Sat., April 6th.

There are certain items that I will splurge on, but I often prefer to live within my means. I'm putting these creative suggestions together to use as a future reference for everyone and anyone to undertake.

Adios.
 

Sew for Victory Entry PICS

Today was the deadline for the the 1940's sew along hosted by Rochelle from Lucky Lucille. Check out her blog here. This was my first time participating in a sew along that was truly at your own pace. I started working on my retro dress from Simplicity, as mentioned here and here, sometime in February. There were many adjustments, bloopers, mishaps, and fitting issues that I had to plow through in order to finish in time. So here are the pictures that my hubby took:



 


   

Overall, the dress looks fabulous to the untrained eye, but it does have unfinished hems at the bottom and sleeves. I had to do so many alterations because in the middle of this sew along, I made a lifestyle change. I decided to give up Fast Food for Lent, meaning I would be cooking my own meals at home. Well, I started loosing inches from bust, waist, and hip area gradually. Therefore, I kept having to fix the side seams because I wanted the dress to compliment my curves. It was a lot of hard work and feel super excited about these pics.

Laters.