I'm a Guest Blogger on Rhonda's Creative Life

Good evening everyone,

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm a guest blogger on Rhonda's Creative Life. A few weeks ago Rhonda asked me to write a tutorial on my fold over clutch for Fabulous Free Pattern Friday. Of course, I was delighted and welcomed the opportunity to be a guest blogger.

So please stop by Rhonda's Blog to read the tutorial.

Enjoy!
Cennetta

Drape Drape - Don't Be Intimidated

Have you ever been intimidated by a DIY book?  Well, I hate to admit that at first view of Hisako Sato's Drape Drape I was.  A few years ago, Andrea gifted me a copy.  Of course, I was grateful and thought it was a great gift, but still intimidated.

My questions:  Can I adjust the depth of the drape? The style is different.  Will it look good on me?  Is the sizing on the pattern similar the big four? 

Over the summer, I pulled the book from the shelf to take another look at it.  Hoping that my fears had dissipated.  To see if there was something in this jewel that would appeal to me and that I could conquer.

Okay, okay.. back to the book.


At my year later look, the same garments appealed to me, but without the fear of trying them.  This book is beautifully photographed.  The pages are clean and clutter free.  It comes with a packet of pattern sheets.  The sewing instructions appear to be clear.  Most of the construction techniques are including at the beginning of the book with sewing instructions and fabric requirements indicated on the first page of each project.

Here are a few garments that I may try.

 

Happy Sewing!

C

Fur and Denim

My first thoughts of a fur coat is often associated with a vision of a elegant dress or pant suit underneath.  But Marie Claire shows a different perspective in it's August 2015 issue.  The colors are bold and beautiful.

 Fur and denim is a great weekend outfit.

This second look is so 70's.  The shoulder wide collar, the over the knee boots, and the fringed purse.  I couldn't do the short, shorts though.

 These jackets also remind my of the 70's.  Cute, but a little to youthful for me.

Of course all of these looks are a little pricey.  But I can get "a look" for less with some faux fur. Lol

In my Mood Fabric stash, I have a yardage of faux fur that would be a great for a faux fur project this fall.

I'm thinking of using Burda Magazine, October 2008, coat 101 style.

Happy Sewing!
C

Thank You!

Good afternoon everyone!

Thank you so much for your comments and compliments on my recent sewing project. I love hearing from you and appreciate every time you leave a comment. 

Lately, I've been feeling better about sewing and blogging.  I am motivated to complete several UFO's and new projects on the table.  So in the meantime, I'll blog some trends and Note of a Patterns.

Happy Sewing and Have a Fantastic Weekend!
C

Starting the Holiday Sewing with Mood Pale Gold Sequins

I'm posting a second project for Mood Fabrics (MSN) for October.  Why... because I was not all together pleased with how this top turned out (first choice for October post.).  I wanted to achieve the same dramatic affect as the tops drawn on the envelope.  The problem is not the fabric or the pattern but the combination of the two.  This pattern required a fluid knit.

In these picture, I look happy, silly.  Sure... why not.  It's cold in Chicago. I'm freezing.  So my perky attitude helps me get through the photo shoot.

For Grins:  Trick and Treat of the Drape Sequined Top.

Frantically trying to decide (Monday) on my Mood October project, I selected this Pale Gold Sequined fabric from the six boxes from Mood that are carefully guarded at my home.   The online photo does not do it justice and shoppers may miss out on this audacious textile. So below is a picture of the fabric with the pattern envelope.

Sequins have been on my radar for months now and I thought I could get a jump start on my holiday wardrobe.

Needing a super quick project, I selected Vogue 8905, view B.  How easy is this?  One pattern piece to make a chic, relaxed drapey top and out of sequined fabric.  How cute is that?  On with the review.

Pattern Description:  MISSES' TOP: Pullover top has narrow hem. A and B: fitted, center seams are stitched on the right side of fabric. C: loose-fitting, cut on crosswise grain. A, B, C: stitching lines form sleeve openings, wrong side shows on hemline, and center seams A, B. A and C: shoulder openings, purchased bias tape to finish openings C. D: close-fitting.

Sizing:  XS to XXL.  I used a larger pattern, but eliminated some of the width on both sides of the bodice along the vertical stitching lines  (only two yards on hand).

I thought I had it made and selected a very easy pattern.  The challenge came in sewing the sequined fabric.  I spent quite some time removing the sequins from the seam allowances.  Most of the stitching is hemming the edges.  The exposed seam allowances for the center front and back also require a small rolled hem.

Sorry to report that my top does not have the drape of the drawings on the envelope.  I think it is due to the sequins.  It makes the fabric stiff and only a few folds are formed in the areas where the drape should be.

As I said earlier, the construction of the top is very easy and the instructions are too. I will certainly give this pattern another try, but with a much more drapey fabric.  The seam allowance on the right side does take some getting used to.  I'd prefer the traditional finishing instead.

My first version isn't as great as I'd hoped.  But I think this is an easy pattern that can produce great results.

Happy Sewing!
C