Listen - Beyonce

The Beyonce Experience!

On Saturday night my sisters (other family members), and I attended the Beyonce Concert at the United Center (the Chicago Bulls stadium). Robin Thicke was the opening act. He crooned songs from his album, the Evolution of Robin Thicke. Near the end of his session, he sang his latest hit "If You Believe" then ended with "Lost without You". His performance was pretty good. But nothing compares to the "Beyonce Experience". It was truly an experience! This woman is an entertainer, who can SING! The tickets were very pricey; I first decided not to go, but my sister encouraged me to come along. (She brought my ticket without my approval). Ms. "B" sang my hundred dollars worth and then some. She, the band, and dancers were on stage for two hours. And for two hours the entire act was on 10. The all female band included three drummers, a base guitarist, two pianists, and several other musicians. I don't want to get into the theatrics of the show, as not to give it away. Some of you may be thinking about attending the "Beyonce Experience" when it comes to your town.

Buttrick 4916 Skirt & Burda 6458 Blouse

I made this for a friend. She/her husband occasionally comissions me to do garment sewing. This 2pcs gown was worn to an white tie event in the Spring.

Pattern Sizing: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 (blouse)
Pattern Sizing: Combinations: BB(8-10-12-14), FF(16-18-20-22) MULTI-SIZED FOR CUSTOM FIT (skirt)
Fabric Used: polyester satin and lining purchased from JoAnn's Fabrics.

There was nothing confusing about the pattern instructions, typical for blouse and skirt construction.

Personally I like the styling of the collar and the wrap affect of the blouse. My client's husband selected the skirt pattern.

I made a few alteration and design changes.
Blouse
- Omitted the slit in the sleeve.
- I noticed the sleeves wear snug on the model. So I measured the circumstance of my client's arm and the sleeve pattern piece. I had to alter the sleeve for a comfortable fit. Here's how: I slashed the sleeve along the lengthwise grain, inserted pattern drafting paper under it. Then spreaded the amount needed. Next I folded the pattern so that it would lay flat. Then I pinned the sleeve pattern to the paper to secure it. Finally, I redraw the sleeve with added adjustments of cap.
- Underlined the front and back bodice pieces to eliminate "the see through" affect of the satin fabric.
- To add some pop to the neckline, I purchased a black lacey/satiny floral trim from Vogue Fabrics. I cut the individual flowers apart and applied fray check around the parameter of each. Then I arranged them on the collar of the blouse.
Skirt
- I used a invisible zipper, love not being able to see wear the garment fastens. It creates a more polished look.
- Added 3" to the length of the skirt. The client is tall.
- Lined the skirt.
- I added a godet to the center back of the skirt in a black satin same as the white fabric and added a lacy/satiny flower just above the point of the godet.

This skirt combined with a variety of evening tops/jackets will create a classic style. I enjoyed sewing this garment. It was fun to make and I had good results.

Fashion Show July, 2007

Last year Pauline(friend) and I decided to host a fashion show. At the time we were very excited and couldn't wait to start planning the event. By Christmas 2006, I had begun to realize that I had too much on my plate ready and would not be able to hold up my end of responsibility. Well, long story short. Pauline decided to go ahead, still wanting me to at least be a featured stylist/sewist in the show. Here are the outfits created by me that were modeled in her show.

Fall Line Up, Part II

I was able to pick up a few more McCall and Vogue patterns for my fall wardrobe. Here are my picks:

Fittings and Measurements, Part II

A few more members of the second wedding party came by for measurements. The third bridemaid for wedding party number one came to fitting her muslin. All is well. I've made some progress on completing the dresses for the first party. Now I ready to start layout and cutting for the second wedding party.

Dinner at the Opera!

Yesterday evening my daughter and I had the pleasure of dining with friends at the Opera! This restrauant specializes in Chinese cusine. A treat too delicious to miss. So if you are either in Chicago, plan to dine at the Opera.

Annual Family Vacation in Wisconsin Dells

Every year the family heads up to Wisconsin Dells for vacation. We lodge at the Wilderness Resort. One of the biggest attractions at the Wilderness are the waterparks. The kids and adults alike have a great time. Family photo later.

Fall Line Up!

Where there is a pattern sale, I'm there. I was only able to purchase two patterns on my wish list from the Hancock. Vogue and McCall pattern sale last weekend. Every other pattern on my list was sold out! I'll try JoAnn's next week; they have the same deal for the Vogue patterns and $1.99 for the McCall pattern. Here are my picks: M5467 and V2949.

Bridal Party #1 - Muslins Fitting

On Saturday afternoon, the three bride's maids (bridal party #1) came for the muslin fitting. Two ladies were very satisfied; one lady changed her dress design. I had several patterns on the table as I was on the hunt for a dress to make for the upcoming Beyounce/Robin Thicke concert. She favored a pattern I used to create a dress last summer. I showed her my version of the dress; she liked it. Her second muslin fitting is Saturday, August 11th.

Two ladies (bridal party #2) came by so I could take their measurements. The rest of the party (four ladies) had prior commitments and will come on Wednesday evening or Saturday morning. In the meantime, I started putting together the dresses for bridal party #1.