D.I.Y Fashion with Simple Style

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T06:31:00.004-04:00

I wish everyone a very Happy Easter!!

Project Princess

2010-03-18T10:07:00.001-04:00

Time for the weekly update for Project Princess
(little late)
Well the muslin is done and we did the fitting for it to get an ideal where changes and snips and tucks needed to be made.

I am now mapping out a plan of order for putting this together.
So far so good and she has been happy to my surprise. And she is making a crazy face but I like
when she give the peace sign from the back.

So come on back for the weekly updates has we count down to Ms. Taylor's Senior Prom.

The Postman always ring twice.

2010-03-17T09:51:00.003-04:00

I love it when I come home and there is a box on the porch.
The two books that I order from amazon arrive today.

The books are not what I thought that they would be. I guess I can use the them more for a resource tool.

I will take some pictures of the inside of the books and post them later.

New Patterns

2010-03-15T20:39:00.005-04:00

Well there was a lot of things that happen over the weekend. I did pick up two great summer patterns I can not wait. NL6735 and NL6648 (Tops) .

I did find this great knit at Joann's
for NL6648 view A.

Project Princess

2010-03-08T20:59:00.005-05:00

Last posting we had chosen the fabric for the dress.

Now in order to make this happen it is going to take two patterns M5623, B5182 and some self drafting. I did start the muslin and got the bodice fitted for her and the length. I forgot to take the pictures of her trying on the muslin so I have Lady Gwendolyn standing in for my DD. I will keep you posted with muslin fitting. I still have the bow and the overlay to do. So here are a few pictures until the next time.

Snap Shot

2010-03-05T13:11:00.005-05:00

At the 41st NAACP Images Awards singer Keri Hilson wore all black flamenco style dress by Rami Kashou who was a designer on Project Runway season 4.

Old NL 6857

2010-03-02T06:13:00.001-05:00

Project Detail:

*Because the pattern is so old NL6857 is now a pattern for scrubs.

Pattern: NL6857 view A

Description: Sleeveless princess seam dress with v-neck with zipper in the back.

Pattern Sizing: 8-18 I cut a size 8

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, It did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow.

Fabric Used: A mutl-color fabric that I have had for some time in my stash. I thought it was very retro.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I did like it another quick pattern for the summer.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did change one thing. I used a type of knit and for that reason I did not put in a zipper. Love, Love.

Would you sew it again? Yes.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes.

Burda 7678

2010-03-01T14:57:00.004-05:00

Well on Sunday I did get out and of course some how I found myself at Jo-Ann's how does that happen? Well I got my first Burda pattern 7678 . I decided to keep it simple by doing the boat neck top. I found this taupe color knit for $3.99 and my 40% off coupon who could really walk away from that.

Project Princess

2010-02-24T20:12:00.012-05:00

You may recall from previous posting the Theme for the Prom is "Fairytale". So we set out to search for fabric at Jo-Ann. There were two things that she knew for sure. She did not want a long dress and she wanted it to have an overlay. The color did change a few times which I had to veto, but she did pick one that was perfect. She decided on the Sea-Glitter Swirl Organza for the overlay with white Casa Satin underneath. It really did say "Princess". Until the next time

"Project Princess"

2010-02-23T14:02:00.006-05:00

What is "Project Princess"? I have decided to make my DD Prom dress. After speaking with her and looking at a few books I was able to do a sketch and I actually came up with something I must say that she really do like and did not request any changes so that is a really BIG plus when dealing with a teenager and clothing in the same sentence. I will post the sketch later. I am going to blog about the "Project Princess" from start to finish. So keep checking back. My goal is weekly postings unless life just gets in the way.

The Prom theme is "Fairytale" so I sketch a dress for a Princess.

B5211

2010-02-17T10:00:00.003-05:00

Pattern: B5211 view A
Description: Dress with back neck opening with button extended shoulders and top stitching details.

Pattern Sizing: 8-14 I cut a size 14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did with a couple of changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow.

Fabric Used: A mutl-color fabric that I have had for some time in my stash. I thought it was very retro.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I did like it another quick pattern for the summer.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did a couple of things. I took in the neck so the shoulders are not so extended. I did a top stitch on the pockets too. I closed up the back and removed the button and I took in the sides about an inch. I wanted it fitted in the waist area and less of a box shape. This will be great in denim.

Would you sew it again? Yes.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes.

B4985

2010-02-16T22:12:00.004-05:00

Pattern: B4985 View C

Description: Top, have gathered upper front lower section with princess seams, sleeve and band with stand up collar 4 four buttons.

Pattern Sizing: 14-20 I cut a size 14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow.

Fabric Used: A black lace from Joann’s

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I did like it..I can a quick top for the summer.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any changes this time.

Would you sew it again? Yes. I will make it again in different colors like a white top.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes.

All That Glitters Modern Princess-Sea Glitter Swirl Organza : special occasion fabric : apparel fabric : fabric : Shop | Joann.com

2010-02-15T08:57:00.001-05:00

All That Glitters Modern Princess-Sea Glitter Swirl Organza : special occasion fabric : apparel fabric : fabric : Shop Joann.com

This was a test. I was looking at some fabric and I saw that bookmark sharebotton and decided to click it. I wanted to know what it would do.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:59:00.004-05:00

The Fashion World has lost one.

2010-02-11T18:41:00.003-05:00

At the opening of Fashion week with all of the buzzing and waiting to see all of the great collections the Fashion World has taken a lost of one their great designers. As the news spread globel of the passing of designer Alexander McQueen at the age of 40. McQueen, showed what is now knowing as his final collection in Paris last October. McQueen was not taking part in the New York Fashion Week. He will be missed.

The Dating Game

2010-02-10T09:51:00.003-05:00

For those that live in the New York and Washington DC Area and is able to tune into the Steve Harvey Morning radio show from 6 to 10 am (show time). On Wednesday there is a segment that is called "The Dating Game". Where a Bachelorette or Bachelor will have a choice of three persons to go out on a date with (a 5 star date that Steve's people will put together) and then they will come back the following week and you get to hear about the date.

Maybe I have been in the house to long the DMV area is getting hit AGAIN more SNOW. But I thought I would post this to my blog. Click on the link and you can go and check out their profile and please vote on my side bar. Steve Harvey Dating Game.

New Patterns

2010-02-08T11:57:00.007-05:00

While out at my local Wal-mart I pick up these three great new patterns for the summer. I cannot wait.

Did it again V8581

2010-02-06T09:39:00.008-05:00

Well I have done it again with a couple of changes to the tunic top view C.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I gather it at the waist with elastic.
and I did change the cuff of the sleeve and I did the over edge stitching around the bottom for a smoother look and serge everything else.

Fabric Used: I found this a Jo Ann's it is a Knit/Rayon print. Love, Love.

Would I like it again: You will have to wait and see. A real DIY. Laugh

Slamming

2010-02-06T09:04:00.004-05:00

Over here on the East coast Laurel, Maryland. We are getting slammed by Big Blizzard Bertha 2010 and she is not sparing any hip shaking or dropping it like its "HOT". These are just a few shots taken from various windows around the house.

S2653 Top

2010-01-28T21:34:00.002-05:00

Project Detail:

Pattern: S2653 Top

Description: Knit top

Pattern Sizing: 8 -16. I cut the 12 size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow did not take long to make at all. Because of the stripes that were the longest part matching up.

Fabric Used: I choose a Lycra spandex. I got maybe two summers ago at G-Street from 2.97 per yd table.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Well I do like this top and I will

make it again in different colors (a solid color) but in the mean time check out those stripes and are well line up. (Big smile)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did extend the torso by 2 inches. It is a very simple top and will be great to throw on with some shorts or your sexy jeans.

Would you sew it again? Yes, I am planning on making it in a solid color.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes!!! It was quick and easy.

Wardrobe Basics

2010-01-28T16:01:00.006-05:00

White shirts get a fresh update at reasonable prices.

Heritage 1981- Great with slim-cut pants and equally relaxed boots. $19

Loft- Dramatic pleating beautifully framing the face and flattering waistline $44

Metrostyle- Bodysuit requires no tucking $35.

Dockers- More of a casual take the tuxedo shirt or just to give an everyday outfit a pick up $48.00

Reminder Pattern Sale Thursday 01/28/2010

2010-01-26T18:19:00.002-05:00

V8581 Tunics

2010-01-19T20:24:00.004-05:00

Project Detail:

Pattern: V8581
Description: Tunics, has front and back upper gathers, neck binding, lower elastic casting and raglan sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing: 8 -16. I cut the 12 size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did with a one change!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow did not take long to make at all.

Fabric Used: Rayon /Knit a wonderful rich deep green from Joann’s.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Well I really did like this top and I will be
making it again in different colors with a couple of embellishments to them. Because of the sleeve variations short, ¾ and long I make them as the season change.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: After I made my sample / muslin I did extended the length of the front and back by 2 inches and I did not like the end of the sleeve so I did the change that to a flare cuff with elastic and the edge I did the edge stitch Love Love.

Would you sew it again? Yes and Yes soon

Would you recommend it to others? Yes!!! It was quick and easy and by changing one thing it became a Simple DIY.

Getting Organized

2010-01-19T19:44:00.004-05:00

I was getting caught up on my blog reading and Mimi had written about the ideal that she had gotten from Victoria "Ten Thousand Hours of Sewing ", how to organized her thousands of patterns. Well to make a long story short I got on board and started to organized my own patterns
and to make this evening better during a store closing of Jo-Ann's I was able to get one of their pattern file cabinets. I did go to Wal-Mart to get my needed supplies 6X9 envelopes and the sheet protectors I started with 100 of each. I haven't gotten a total yet doing a little at time.

V8581 / Update

2010-01-14T08:13:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the delay I am running a little behind with this one. For the New Year I put myself on a project/posting schedule. I am really excited about this project I can not wait to share it. Friday is the deadline come back and check it out.

B5224/Jacket

2010-01-05T21:10:00.004-05:00

Pattern: B5224

Description: Jacket, Loose-fitting, unlined with gathered lower section, band and collar in one with

Extended sleeve variations.

Pattern Sizing: Xsm-Med. I cut the med size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow did not take long to make at all.

Fabric Used: Woven /Knit from Joann’s on clearance for $4.00 per yard great deal could not pass that up.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was okay. It was a lot roomier than

I thought it would be. Very simple to make and I would make it again but I would make it in the x-small.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any changes this time. Next time

I am going to use some embellishments. I have a few ideals in mind.

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? Yes!!! Why not? It was simple and quick and by changing the type of fabric can give it a very DIY look.

Sundress M5654

2009-08-05T22:04:00.002-04:00

Project Detail:

Pattern: McCall 5654

Description: Sleeveless sundress with 2 inch wide straps over shoulders.

Pattern Sizing: 4-12, I did cut the size 12

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow did not take long to make at all.

Fabric Used: A Cotton, Black w/yellow and white / From Joann’s which I found on clearance for $4.00 per yard great deal could not pass that up.

I did pick a solid black for the straps.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was okay. Something very simple to make

I will make it again.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any changes this time. Next time will need to bring the front down some it’s a little to high. But I really do like it.

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? Yes!!! Why not? It was simple and quick and by changing the type of fabric can give it a very classic look.

S4020

2009-08-04T21:25:00.004-04:00

Project Details:

Pattern: 4020 (I could not find it on the Simplicity web site.)

Description: Sleeveless top with wide waist band View C

Pattern Sizing: 4-12, I did cut the size 12

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy. I only occasionally look over them.

Fabric Used: Two Way stretch knit.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was okay. Something very simple to make

I will make it again with a couple of changes to the collar.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any changes this time.

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? Yes!!! Why not? It was simple and quick.

Lost Mojo

2009-08-04T19:34:00.002-04:00

Well Ladies I was MIA and I had lost my MOJO for a while. I had to get some family things in order. For those who did not not know I have been out of work. I got laid off back in January of 2009. Its starts off okay you know like a vacation taken a break. Not having to get up and clean the snow off of the car stuff like that but after awhile you start to look at the calender and now you are fliping another month over and then another month and now its spring and then summer you start to worry a little. But with a lot of prayers, faith, and great love and support. I AM BACK!!!! Today was my first day and it feels great.

Now lets get to the good stuff. What's been going on????

Great Deal

2009-07-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Well I found this fabric and I got really excited about it. I am planning on making something for my DD "the 5 year old", I thought that B4765 of See & Sew would be great for this fabric that I found at Joann's in the clearance area it was $4.00 per yard. I could not pass this up. It is a cotton with 3% spandex so with some pull.

More on Garment District

2009-06-30T20:26:00.010-04:00

My next stop was to Pacific Trimming
I did pick up a few things sew-on rhinestones, a couple of zippers for up coming projects
And pursue handles. I thought that their rhinestone was a bit on the high-end with cost. (I will explain why) 7 in. zipper was .50 cents each.

My next stop was to Rosen & Chadick Fabrics, I did pick up some fabric. I could not help myself.

I fell in love with this rich multi colors, which I thought would be great has a maxi dress.

“Big Ups” to David Chadick, which after speaking with him I found out he had attended a college in my area. So Bloggers, the customer service is great and great quality fabrics so stop by and introduce yourself A must stop by!!!

Next stop was B&J Fabrics, It’s on the high-end but again the fabric is great. I was able to find a lot of what I wanted but I did decide on a black and red on white and a tan and chocolate piece. A must stop by!!

Next stop was to Joyce Trimming, which I loved and the prices were the best compare to Pacific Trimming and a lot more choices. I did pick up more embellishments from here. I got some flat backs resin rhinestones. A must stop by!!!

And I ended my day with M&J Trimming which is great of course and have the same competitive prices as

Joyce Trimming so you can not loose with either one. A must stop by!!!

I want send a big thanks to Lindsay for her blog and the great information about the "Garment District".

My Weekend in New York

2009-06-30T18:45:00.004-04:00

I would first like to send a “Big Ups”, to Ms.Lindsay T., her blog

Was a great help when planning for my trip to the “Garment District”

Which included a map with the “must visit” listed.

Well let’s get started. My first stop was to the FIT Museum where an exhibit

for Isabel Toledo was being held. Isabel Toledo, has become world known for the beautiful dress that Michelle Obama, worn for the inauguration.

The exhibit included the famous dress and pieces from previous collections.

(which can be seen in the link above)

(No photos were allowed to be taken.

I was only allowed to take these photo which was in the stairwell.

My First Blog Award "Thank You""

2009-06-06T05:38:00.004-04:00

One Lovely Blog Award

Jackie from Jackie's Sewing has granted me the "One Lovely Blog Award". Thank you so very much! The rules to pass the award on to others is as follows:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award on to 5 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
I have just recently discovered the blogs listed below. I pass the award on to:

Update McCall 5662

2009-06-04T19:43:00.008-04:00

Well Ladies I have had some trouble with my current project which has taken me much longer than I wanted it to, But one of my goals was to pay more attention to details, my stitches, and the fit of my garment. For those who may not recall I was working on McCall 5662.

I did make a couple of changes. I had decided to make View D but one in a white knit
with embellishments and the other in a red knit. Well I did finish the red and it came out great but the white is kicking my a@# and I can not really explain why(laugh) The biggest problem I am having is it moves a lot ( the fabric) the knit is VERY soft a different then the first one. But I am not giving up the fight I will finish this project.

I will do a review on this pattern within the next couple of days.

Until Ladies.

Hump Day!!

2009-05-27T21:05:00.003-04:00

Well I am working very hard over here getting back on track and getting my projects done. After my weekend of meeting Mimi and the other ladies, I have really been putting some time in my studio. I am very proud of myself. I have even started to draw again. I hope to share some my art work with you has well.

Well its getting late and I still need to put together my plan for tomorrow.

I hope to have more to share with you tomorrow.

Meet and Greet

2009-05-24T11:33:00.013-04:00

For those that follow Mimi's blog knew that she was going to be in the DC area for the weekend. A little meet & greet and shopping if you could not contain yourself with the coupons 20% off was planed at the G Street Fabric store of course, at the Falls Church, VA. location. On Saturday I got to meet Mimi, Shawn and Netty. I wish we could have had a bigger turn out but it was a great time for me because I have followed Mimi's blog for awhile just as many others have I am sure and watching her work really has inspired me to get back into my love for sewing. It was great meeting the others ladies, I know that I am not alone in my area.{laugh}

from the L. Shawn, Mimi, me

Ms. Shawn see something.
Watch Mimi work!

Netty, Shawn, Mimi, Jacqui

I think that Mimi found something.

Time to Kill

2009-05-24T09:32:00.012-04:00

On Friday after my appointment I needed to kill some time before picking up my husband and ladies I could not think of a better way to spend that time then at the fabric store.

This allowed me to be inspired, to let the gates of creativity to flow and hell just to do what I like {laugh}

I was at the Rockville, Maryland location, which will be closing and relocating on June 11th to the Montrose Shopping Center, so ladies create your date saver. I was really loving the jersey knits that they had which came in very bright colors.

I did manage to pick up a couple of "Notion Treasures"

The first one is hang chain, I was very surprise to find them so I did grab the last 3 which was only a $1.00 each. I was trying to remember who's blog that I just saw it on Mimi or Erica B. and thinking that I had to have that.

And I also got what is call a Point Turner and seam creaser.{no pic}

2009-05-10T10:03:00.004-04:00

Have a Great and Wonderful Day Ladies!!!!!

Update

2009-05-03T09:07:00.004-04:00

Well I am still working on my two projects, its taken a little longer ran into some fitting issues and its kicking my a@# but with the light being at the end of the tunnel, I am once again feeling hopeful and I am very excited to see the finish product. Well back to work.

Current Project 5662

2009-04-30T10:31:00.003-04:00

Good Morning, I am a little behind on my postings, I wanted to post this on Tuesday but you know how life can be sometimes " Things just happen". Well I am working on one of the patterns that I did pick up on last weekend. I have chosen to make M5662 view D and E.
I am planing to use some great jersey knit fabric that I found at my local fabric store G Street. The colors will be red for view D and white for view E. I've done the muslin sample which I have learn to do especially when using a new pattern. On my next posting I will include more pictures of my progress my time is limited right now my goal is to be done sometime on Friday no later then Saturday morning which me luck. I look forward to sharing my finish work with you. { Great Deals: Reminder that Joann is having their Vogue pattern sale until May 2}

"The Field Trip"

2009-04-26T09:47:00.011-04:00

On Yesterday, I was able to talk my family into going with me on a "Field Trip", to one of my favorite stores Jo Ann in Columbia, Maryland. For those that did not know that yesterday was the last day for McCall's pattern sale .99 cents. How could I not pick up a few with the weather breaking and hitting 80 degrees on Saturday, I was only feeling inspired to create some cute little summer pieces. {Sale, Sale!! Vogue pattern $3.99 April 30th to May 2 }

And I can not forget to share with you the patterns that I got, M5663, M5662,
and m5853 , m5801 and the last one m5856.

Well I hope that you have enjoyed my first posting to "rediscovering". I am sure after creating a few more postings and with time I will get quicker in doing it, I will not share how long this took me to do. (laugh)

Under Construction

2009-04-20T11:25:00.001-04:00

Please come back and check me out.

I have really enjoy being a regular reader of some great Blogs,

that share the same love for the art and craft of sewing and Fashion.

This is the reasons that I have decide to start my own blog as well.

I can only hope that I can bring the same. Thanks Ladies.