Client Holiday Skirt - Burda 6390

Hi Everyone,

Christmas is just a few days away. With parties, celebrations, and quite a bit of sewing going on in my world, no time for blogging and very little time for Instagraming.  But I just had to post this picture of Alesa, my dear friend's daughter holiday skirt that I made two weeks ago.

Burda 6390 dress pattern is what I used to make it.  I'm not sure if this is a true pattern hack.  I simply used the skirt portion of the dress, added a lining with tulle and a waistband.  That's it!

I simply put it together like any other seven gored skirt with a zipper back and waistband.  To show off the fullness of the skirt, I added a lining that I sewed on two tiers of gathered tulle.  The tulle is between the lining and the skirt.  The front of the waistband is about 3 inches wide tapering to 1.5 inches wide in the back.

She chose this audacious, eye popping, African or Ankara print fabric that she purchased at a local store on west 95th street in the Chicago Beverly area.  This no fuss cotton fabric sewed up quickly and the finished press was nice and crisp.

Alesa received loads of compliments, and she was over-joyed with her "holiday outfit".  After her event, she reminded me that this would not be the last skirt I'd make for her. ;-)

Pattern Ready!

Happiest of Holiday!
Cennetta

Vogue 8921 In Black-Metallic Gold Foil African-Inspired Stretch Velour

This is one of four projects that I'd hoped to finish before the end of 2017.  I barely made it finishing the hem on December 30th around mid-night.   This fabric is definitely the speaker.  No need for a lot of details to show it off.  So I decided to make another version of  Vogue 8921, view C, the first time I used this pattern was in 2014.

Forgive if the photo quality is not the best.  It is brutally cold in Illinois.  So no outdoor picture.  No way, no how.

My goal was to have this dress finished before Thanksgiving, in time for the holiday season.  But luck would have it, I missed the mark on making sure the pattern was consist on both side of the front bodice.  So last month I had to order another yard to re-cut the front bodice.  What was suppose to be quick and easy, turned into some tedious ripping out and replacing.  Once it was all done, it was a piece of cake. ;-)

First front bodice

Mood still has the fabric available on the website:  Black and Metallic Gold Foil African-Inspired Stretch Velour.  If you decide to try it, you won't be disappointed.  It has a soft and fuzzy hand.  The glossy finish speaks elegance.  You can make a super easy dress or some fancy pants.  Both will be a very easy sewing project.  My dress wears like my best pj's.  Easy on the skin and it lays gently against the body.

I did post a few pictures before my review.  First, because I wanted to include this dress in Moods LBD2017 Instagram challenge.  So this is one of two reviews that I will do this month for the network.  This black velour is a beautiful textile that should not go unnoticed.  So I did not to miss this chance to share my project and write a review.  

I had my usual adjustments with the addition of rising the front neckline about three inches and installing the invisible zipper closure at the edge of the center back of the neckline.  No hook and eye needed.  Because the zipper has inter-locking teeth, it does not roll down.

It was a bit of a challenge to get the print placement the same on both sides of the front.  I really think it is uneven as far as the spacing.  But the new front bodice halves are close to a mirror image and that was good enough for me this time. ;-)

I'm happy I finally finished the dress.  It is hanging in my closet, ready for the next appropriate social event to wear it.

That's all for now.

Happy Sewing!
C

Little Black Dress in Rag & Bone Black Polyester Crepe - Vogue 9239 View F

OMG!  It's been such a long time since I last blogged.  I've been struggling with projects and time to write it all down to share it with you.  Finally, today I was able to get a few pictures, some not the best quality, but good enough to show you my latest dress.

Months ago, I came up with the notion of making some solid color dresses.  As I look through my wardrobe, I decided that I didn't have any "new" solid black dresses.  So I search the Mood online fabric store and found this beautiful Rag and Bone black polyester blended crepe.  The crepey texture has a dry hand, but not overly crepe like some you found in local stores.  This one is smoother, drapes beautifully, and sews like a dream.   It's a perfect fabrication for flounces, full skirts and floaty palazzo pants.

The contrasting fabric came from a local store.  I didn't have enough to make the flounce.  So I thought it would be great to use a contrasting fabric and add a few accent about the neckline and waistline.  I think it worked out just fine.

I paired it with Vogue 9239, View F.  This is the second time I've used this pattern.  My first review is here.  For this dress, I made a few more tweaks to make the neckline smaller (I could have bought it in a little more, though.  I lengthen the sleeve by 1 inch and the skirt by 2 inches. The pattern only suggests that the bodice is to be lined.  I lined the entire dress.  

I like the fullness of the skirt and the way it moves as I walk.  The fabric feels great against my body.  There are a few areas that I noticed were as "close" to perfect as I would like.  But overall, it turned out pretty good.

If you planning to wear something black and floaty during the holiday season, this is a great fabric to make it with.  I thinking of getting another yardage to make a nice pair of palazzo pants.

Stay tune, more projects to come!  (I have some catching up to do. ;-) )


Parting Shot:  I always take one or two silly pictures just for fun.  Here I pretending to push the tanker.  ;-)

Happy Sewing!

Cennetta

Red Is One of My Favorite Colors - Vogue 8871 and Butterick 5727

Every once in awhile I inventory my closets to see what needs to be retired and what needs to be added.  I noticed that I only have only red dress in rotation.  That was kind of odd, since red is one of my favorite colors.  So I decided it was time to add a little warmth to my wardrobe.

This is the perfect time.  The holiday season is around the corner, and I may as well get a head start.  So I began with a simple princess seam red dress.  Vogue 8871 is perfect:  it's simple; it's fit and flare; and it's cute.  Mood's red stretch rayon-nylon ponte knit is a perfect match for this dress.

Initially, I made view B adding the sleeve from Vogue 1314. I tried it on several times before and after hemming it.  Something wasn't right.  So I call in my little consultant, my darling daughter.  Immediately, she said, "It's too long.  Take a few inches off."  Still I was trying to make the length work, trying on various belts.  I didn't want to cut it off after all that hemming.  Tee hee.  So finally I gave in, cutting about 3.5 inches off the dress.  Now, I'm happy.

I made a few more changes:

• Full bust adjustment
  
• Sway back adjustment by adding a center back seam, folding out the access at the waist and curving the center back seam to fit.
• I don't like to do a narrow hem at the neckline. So I made a neck band about two inches wide and two inches less than the length of the neckline.
• I didn't top stitch around the armhole, nor did I double stitch the seams.  I stitched once and finished the edges with the serger. 

In the end, the dress did look like view A with long sleeves. I barely looked at the instructions, as this is a very easy dress to make.  The instructions were less than a page after the layout information.

My only dislike was the narrow hem for the neckline.  I like a narrow neck band that is attached then turned in for a clean sturdy finish.

Call me crazy, but I think I will try View B in a print, like the one the model is wearing on the website.  ;-)

This is a very easy pattern that beginners can sew, and it is flattering on most body shapes.  It's worth a try.

Part II:  Adding Interest to a Simple Classic Silhouette - Butterick 5727 Fur Collar

Medium Brown Lamb Shearling, Chocolate/Black Iridescent Twill Lining, and Butterick 5727.

So sorry the medium brown lamb shearling is sold out.  I was able to grab two pieces around this time last year.  Way back then, I did not know what I'd do with it.  When I saw it, I wanted it; so I got it.  The good news is, Mood has other shearlings that may interest you.  You can see them here.   As for the Chocolate/Black Iridescent Twill Lining, they have it in stock and it is perfect with the lamb shearling fur collar.

You can easily make it without a pattern, but I had it on hand.  So why not use it. ;-)  I made size medium.  The only change made: I double the ties.  It looks much nicer then the narrow hem method.
So you never see the wrong side of the fabric.

Easy..,

That's all for now.

Happy Sewing!
C

Hello There!

News Flash!!

It's been so long since my last post.  A lot has happened in my little world.  

• Khalje/Buss Sewing Workshop was fabulous.  I need to write my review.
• Working on plaid jacket with leather bound buttonholes and trim.
• Working on several muslins for dresses and tops.
• Made a few things:
• plaid skirt
• knit dress
• cardigans
• knit tops

• Member of the Haute Couture Club of Chicago Fashion Show Committee 2015.
• Spending too much time on Instagram.
• Submitted my letter of retirement on December 3rd.
• Happily celebrating my new lease on life.  Oh, what will I do with all that time? :-)
• Cleaning my office.  It is amazing the amount of "stuff" you collect over for years.  I hate to give up my university computers :-(
• Preparing for a prosperous new year. 

So, I hoping to post the workshop review by Christmas Eve.

In the meantime, Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's the Holiday Season - Time for Parties and Fancy Dresses

I'm a little bit behind schedule for posting one of my latest dresses. This one was finished in September.  It posted on the Mood Sewing Network on Wednesday.  Here, I want to share more of details on the construction process and my thoughts on this pattern and dress.

Long, long ago back in... July, this beautiful brocade caught my eye. The rich jewel tones sparkled against my brown complexion. I saw a holiday dress.  Perfection.  I bet you're thinking, holiday dress in July? Yep. I wanted it to be ready before the first big holiday event rolled around.


Typically, I make myself a birthday dress, which is usually white or off-white because my birthday falls on the week of our annual Women's conference. This year I wanted to change it up a bit. No white dress for me. I finished it a few days after my big day.

I like this brocade's bold print. It turned out so well that I think I'll continue with the boldness for future birthday dresses. Mood has a huge section of brocade fabrics. There is something available for every complexion and style.

I used Palmer/Pletsch McCall 6464. It was the first time I used this particular pattern. The empire waist and the center front panel are what drew me to this one.  I made several changes for fit and style/construction.

Fit changes:

I first mentioned this project in a September post for Notes on a Pattern. My biggest hurdle was the FBA. The first step in the FBA process is altering the tissue pattern to include a bust dart. When I sew the bust and waist darts, it created a "cone boob" effect. That's not a good look for me.  So I divided the "big" waist dart into two darts. This made the bust area smooth. Sorry I don't have a illustrations. I made this change as I sewed. For the back I made a broad back and sway back adjustments. I think I achieved a good fit; it would have better even better if I added about an inch to the length of the bodice.


Construction changes:

• Trim along the bodice and front seams of the dress. Shown in above pictures.
• Hong Kong finished seams on the skirt of the dress.

•  Silk organza to shape the sleeve cap.

•  Hand picked zipper with beads (You can hardly see the beads because of the fabric print.).

I can't say that I will sew it again. I have so many patterns.  But it is incredible.

So, this is my first holiday dress of the season. I may make two more. We will see.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Enjoying The Holiday Season!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I've sort of taken a break from blogging and sewing to spend a little more time with family and friends. And, of course, I've watched a fair amount of Christmas stories on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). It's been a great relaxing time for me. Sometimes you don't know how tired you are until you take a little time to just be still.

This little break has also provided some time to reflect on the passed year and to think about how to do even better in the coming one. Right now, I have about five sewing projects to blog about and I'm hoping to get it all done by the end of the first week of the new year.

A few weeks ago Lori and L gave me a Lovely Blogger award, which I will blog about next. The hard part is to pass the award onto someone else. Many have already receive it. So who will I give the award to?  Anyway, I hope you will continue to enjoy this festive season.

God bless!
Cennetta

Just A Little Catching Up

Today was the last day of class for me.  I'm very pleased with how well I've transitioned back into school.  But I'm glad I can relax and enjoy sewing a little more.

This morning, I realized I didn't wish my devoted readers a Happy Thanksgiving.  I hope you had a great feast with your family and friends.  

It's Christmas time again.  This is my favorite times of the year.  Most people seem to be happier and full of cheer during this holiday season.  I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends. 

Over the past few weeks, I've been thinking about making things, all sorts of things; things to wear, things to sell, and things to teach other people who want to learn more about sewing.  Although, school has consumed a great deal of my time, I've managed to continue to teach a little and to sew a few garments.  My productivity is very low compared to last year. But that's okay.  I was blessed to attend two sewing retreats this year, which is awesome.  It gave me many opportunities to develop new skills and techniques.  I hope to set some new goals next month to take full advantage of the knowledge I've gained over the past several months.

The Haute Couture Club of Chicago Fashion Show is fast approaching (May, 2012).  I'm excited about the event and hope to make something special.  The next challenge is the Embellished Coat.  I haven't a clue as to what I will make for it.  We will see..

Well enough chatter for now.  I'll start reviewing the garments that I made during October and November.

Happy Sewing! 

4th Blogiversary!

Today is my 4th blogiversary and Independence Day. Wow! Exciting! It doesn't seem like it's been four years! It's amazing to look back and see how far I've come since 2007. The first post that anyone commented on was July 23rd. That post featured the faux leather outfit that I made to wear to a John Legend concert. I was kinda of skinny then, to say the least. My photographer's (DD) picture taking skills have improved. My sewing is better too. Some of that credit goes to the fabulous sewing fashionistas that inspire and teach me in the blogasphere.

This next year, I plan to incorporate more couture techniques into my projects. My dress for the Summer Dress Challenge is still not done. I will wear it to a wedding later this month and then again while on vacation. The zipper is in, but the sleeves are not. The final processes are to complete the lining and attach it to the dress. Then I will be done. In retrospect, I think the Summer Dress Challenge was supposed to be something less labor intensive and more something to stay cool in. My dress doesn't exactly fit that description. Since the start of my dress, I've made a few others (quick and easy), several tops, coverups and a cardigan. All will be featured here soon.

So, I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend. It's beautiful in Chicago, and I've enjoyed being away from the office for five solid days. So, beautiful ones, that's all for now. Have a great day!
C

Merry Christmas!

Oh, Hallowed, Hallowed Christmas

Oh, blessed, blessed Christmas,
The stars were shining bright,
But there was one outstanding
Upon that holy night.
Its radiant beams were shining
Upon a lowly manger bed
Wherein there lay the Christ Child,
A pillow of hay for His head.

Oh, glorious, glorious Christmas,
The night of Jesus' birth;
Oh, hallowed, hallowed Christmas
When God came down to earth.
Forever we'll adore Thee...
Christ, the one tru light,
Resting in the promise
Of that most holy night.

by Loise Pinkerton Fritz

Merry Christmas to all. Especially those who read my blog. Thank you and God bless.
Cennetta

It's Beginning to Look alot Like Christmas...,

Warning heavy picture content

On one of the coldest, snowiest days of the year, my family got together for our annual kick off festivities for the Christmas season. The theme of this gathering was "Making Christmas Wreath".

Years ago Martha Stewart did an episode on decorating for Christmas. At that time, I thought it was such a cool idea to make your own decorations. It makes the holiday season extra special. My sister, Rochelle, was the host (not pictured) of this super fun event. We had lots of food, old school music, laughs and loads of fun. Party time: 3:00pm, December 12th.

When we arrived, the air was filled with delicious smells, Mmmm, Mmmm, good home cooked food (I bought a bucket of chicken and sparkling grape juice). In the kitchen, the table was set with all types of goodies to make wreaths. The house was filled with laughter, good cheer, and Lionel Richie and the Commodores in the back ground. What fun.



Everyone, except the young men of the family made wreaths. The overly, energetic young men preferred rough housing in the family room in between eating double portions of all the food.



Christopher Ryan the birthday young man (14)



Wreath Making -

Domino putting it together

Finished



Rochelle's wreath finished

Tricey - The Candy Wreath



Lolo - Kind of Traditional



Me - Fluffing the wreath while thinking about placement of decorations

Finished - Traditional -- Less is More

Testing, testing, 1,2,3 ...,

Finally, some practice videos (Wreath Making) for future sewing tutorials. Enjoy!
C