Highlights - My How Times Flies

Hello June!

The months of April and May went by so fast.  It's a blur to me because both months were jam packed with events and activities.  There were a few moments, actually a lot of moments were I did sew.  But that is as far as it goes.  Many projects to share.  I just need to take photos.

So, let me give the highlights of my many events and activities:

House

Starting from early March, I had some pre-estimates done for water seepage in my basement.  I couldn't believe it.  I've only lived here about 2.5 years.  So you can imagine my frustration with the entire situation.  Of course, I will spare you all the details.  Anyway, Everdry will start working on resolving the problem early Monday morning.  I hate having work done.  It's such an inconvenience.  But it's necessary.  The affected area are the crawl space, sewing studio, and laundry room. This entire situation has occupied too much of my thinking time and has kept me up at night trying to figure out how to best tackle the situation.  Today, I am at the point of, "let's get it done."  On the positive, after it's done I will finally start to organize my sewing studio.  Okay enough on that.

Haute Couture Club

The HCC fashion show was on May 5th.   I had twelve outfits modeled.  That's a record for me.  My daughter, sister and I each modeled four outfits.  This should never happen again. ;-) 

The hard work and effort made by the club members help make the show a success.  It always makes me happy to see all the ladies lined up back stage awaiting their turn to strut the runway in the custom made clothes.  It is certainly a proud moment for everyone that participates.  Now that it is over, I can calm down and start to think about what I might want to put in the show next year.

The HCC June banquet is tomorrow at the Yacht Club of Chicago.  This will be the final event for the 2017-2018 year.  Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors as the Nominating Committee.  This post is supposed to be for two years.  I served for three.  The installation of the 2018-2019 board is part of the activities planned for the day. We will have a guest speaker,  Professor Sandra Henderson-Williams, who has worked in the fashion industry for over three decades. I'm looking forward to attending.

We welcome new members.  Please go to our website On the homepage you can click the link under "join or renew your membership today!"

Mood Sewing Network

I'm playing catch up.  Several garments made with Mood Fabric, but no posting in awhile.  So, hopefully this weekend I'll get the pictures I need to complete the posts.

Sewing Projects

In summary, I made:  1 coat for my daughter (fashion show); 1 blouse for my daughter; 1 dress for me, 4 pairs of pants for me; 2 tops for me; and 1 jumpsuit for me.  These are the garments I hoped to blog about this month.

Fabric

OMG!  I have amassed a huge amount of fabric over the past two months.  I need to sew like the wind!  There are many, many ideas in my head for summer and fall.  Starting with some summertime sewing.  I purchased several yardages of green textiles.  Most of it I want to have sewn before September.   Take a look.  Pretty, right?  Anyway, I love them all.

Other Fun Events

Spring Spa Weekend at the Fontana Avani Spa at beautiful Lake Geneva.  I love this place.  My sister, cousin, and bestie also made the track up to Wisconsin for a fabulous spa weekend.  Here is the link if you are interested:  Fontana Avani Spa Resort

Doc's patient and staff appreciation cook out in Pottawattomie, Indiana.  Great food, location, music, and great time.

Part of the band

Oops, I've Been Too Quiet Again!

Sorry, I know it seems like I've taken a hiatus from sewing. Really, I haven't. Actually, I've sewn several garments over the past two months; but it's been difficult finding the time to take pictures or the photos shoot ends up not so good. What is becoming more and more difficult to do is to blog on a regular basis. I took a part-time job in a dental office. It's nothing like my former career in IT at the University, where I could key out a post with no problems. There is almost zero time during my off days to actually sit down at my laptop or desktop to type out a blog.

More and more I'm viewing Instagram and Facebook instead. Both are quick ways to stay connected. I still feel, though, that blogging is a better way to journal my sewing journal, share my experiences, and learn from others. So, it's an effort that I hope to continue.

Currently, I have multiple projects going at the same time. One is the "Shirt Project". Early this summer, I decided to practice making button-down or button-up shirts. My goal is to learn to fit and sew them well. Currently, I've made five shirts. My quest got the attention of the HCC President and the Program Director; they asked if I would do a presentation on my shirts. Of course, I said yes. But it meant that I would need to make more shirts to show different design and style elements. The process also gives me a chance to identify some tips and techniques that may be helpful to others. In the coming weeks, I hope to post a few more shirts.

Secondly, I'm working with one client, Pastor Jenetta Ross, who I've made several clergy robes for. This time the commission is for two robes: white and gold (already finished and delivered) and a red and black robe. Both made using Simplicity 5386. The white and gold was basically made the same as the blue one pictured here. 

Thirdly, there are several things on the sewing table for my DD. Starting with a few dresses, a swimsuit (I know summer is almost over, but there is always vacation.), a coat and a few shirts. 

Finally, other things for myself I will make several knit tops that include sleeve designs created by Rhonda Buss. Sleeves are so very big these days. I've selected a few designs that are trendy as well as classic, if that makes sense. Part of my goal is to continue to try different things to enhance my sewing skills and to jazz up my classic style. Also, I hope to share my thoughts on some fall/winter mini wardrobes. In all of this will emerge my entries for the HCC Fashion Show 2018. That's may sewing "catch up" post. Next up I'll share some "Notes on a Pattern".

Thanks and Happy Sewing!

Cennetta

The VaVaVoom Affect of Rhonda's Perfect Travel Dress

This is the second time around for Rhonda's Perfect Travel Dress. The sewing process was the same. I used the same measurements as the first version. The difference was the slink of the knit fabric and the size of my DD. I didn't take it into consideration that I may need to add a few inches. So this version has that VaVaVoom Affect!

Perfect Travel Dress is now the perfect club dress! This is another outfit that will be showcased at the Haute Couture Club Fashion Show this spring! It's a little on the sexy side; but I don't think it will offend anyone. So here's to the VaVaVoom in Rhonda's Perfect Travel Dress. Oh yeah, it does travel well with little to no wrinkles.

Happy Sewing!
C

Festive Haute Couture Fashion Show Weekend

For the past two years, Patti Ferguson has been a gracious host to some of my favorite sewing, designing Divas. Their visit is one of the highlights of the Haute Couture Fashion show weekend.

On Friday, Ann surprise us with a wonderful reception. She looked fabulous in McCall 6556. I'm getting that pattern at the next sale. Saturday was whatever floats your boat kind of day. Some shopped at Fabric stores, while others shopped on the magnificent mile (downtown Michigan Avenue).

 After lunch Carolyn, Patti, and I drove up to the Vogue in Evanston. I promised myself not to purchase one yard of fabric. But you can guess what happened. When Ms. Carolyn started to shop and comment about the feel and texture of certain fabrics, I couldn't resist. So I walked away with five pieces of fabric. Wink, wink. Patti was good. She walked to a nearby bead shop, returning just as we were having our fabric cut.

Carolyn recognized Pearl from the Worcester Expo, where she works the Vogue Fabric booth. So they formally meet at the flagship store.

It was great talking about fabric and sewing with her. Carolyn showed Pearl some of her beautiful garments (iPad, Flickr). After we made the purchases, we headed back to the Orrington Hilton, where I dropped off Carolyn and Patti. They continued the weekend festivities with dinner and a show. Meanwhile, I headed home to press and pack for the show.

The skinny on the Fashion show; it was great. There was a lot of energy and joyful movement from the crowd and from the fashion show models. The phenomenal Rhonda Buss was an outstanding Fashion Show Chair. I learned a lot from her. It was fun and our guests were pleased with the event. Of course, I don't have any pictures to show right now. That's another post. Most of my garments were previously reviewed.

Happy Sewing!
C

Tracy Reese Inspired Dress Part II- Butterick 4443

Last night I was able to take a few photos of the finished dress on Rochelle. No pictures of me wearing until later.

Now for my final review -

Pattern Description: Misses'/Misses' Petite Dress - Dress is close fitting bodice and slightly flared skirt has bodice variations, back zipper and is below mid knee length. B: contrast band, tie belt and purchased flower. C: tie belt. D: purchased ribbon and bow trim. E:purchased ribbon bow.


Pattern Sizing: Sizes 8 - 22; I used 14 with my usual modifications.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except for the small changes that I made.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I piece of cake. Nothing confusing or difficult to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This pattern fits the silhouette I wanted for my Tracy Reese inspired Dress. The princess seams makes it easy to do a FBA and the slightly flared skirt looks good on my figure. No dislikes.

Fabric Used: Lace (stable knit) and polyester charmeuse from Fishman's Fabrics. Love the color and texture of this lace. It a tomato red, orange-yellow base. The charmeuse perfectly matched the tone of the lace.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: There were many. most are posted here. The rest are as follows:

- Lined (1 1/4" shorter the the skirt) the skirt. It (lining) was sewn so the right side would be the crepe side. The finished skirt has the wrong side facing the right side of the lining. The inside of the dress is the shining side of the charmeuse fabric. To finish it, I made a rolled hem.
- Added satin ribbon sash.
- invisible zipper.
- Cap sleeves are slightly gathered. There was too much ease in the sleeve. If you want a smooth sleeve cap, take out some of the ease.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This is a good sloper. And the pattern is simple enough to create other inspirational dress. The skirt and the bodice can be interchanged with other patterns. So yes, I probably will use this pattern again as a basis for other dress with a similar silhouette. And yes, I recommend it to others.

Conclusion: I'm pleased with the outcome of this dress and will certainly enjoy wearing it. To complete my outfit, I wear some 4" black ornamented pumps. In my hair, a fascinator made by DD and/or me.

This pattern is easy and sews up quick once you have to fit issue (if any) resolved. Perfect little dress that can be dressed up or down.

Tracy Reese Inspired Red Lace Dress - B4443

Tracy Reese's red lace dress is the inspiration for my latest frock. I love the silhouette of it and wanted to make my own version.  It made it to the list last fall when I saw it in Essence magazine. PR later came up with a red dress contest.   I thought I would have it made by the deadline. NOT.., Then I thought I would have it done before Easter. Not again..,

Last weekend, I was finally able to finish it and include it in the upcoming Haute Couture Fashion Show.

So today's post is background information on how I started the process of making this dress.

I searched several stores for the right fabric. First at Hancock's. I even purchased some knit lace and tricot only to return it a week later.

Then while shopping for prom dress fabric, my sister (she wants my dress. wink, wink) spotted the red lace at Fishman's. At last, I found the perfect lace for my dress. So I bought all that they had on the roll (4 yards) plus a equal amount of polyester charmeuse for the lining.

Now for the pattern. No gathering at the waist for me, probably some variation of a circle skirt. So I decided on Butterick 4443, which has a slightly flared skirt and a princess seam bodice.   It's been in the collection for years and was an excellent choice for the dress.

Next, fitting the pattern. I made my usual adjustments:

- FBA - the princess seam bodice is the easiest to adjust. Special notes - First, I sew the center front seams with the 5/8 inch seam allowance from the armhole to the waist.  Then to fit the bodice, I basted the back and shoulder seams together.  Check to make sure it was leveled, seams are perpendicular to the floor.  The center front was too big from under the bust to the waist.  So I removed the center front stitches.  Then cut away the excess along the center front seam, from under the bust to the waist. Then restitched the front and side front.  Checked the fit.  When it was perfect, I clipped along the curve where necessary.

- Sway back - small tuck across the lower back.
- Prominent Shoulder Blade - very small 1/4 inch.
- Added a few inches to the length of the skirt

Other changes:

- Cut twice the number of pieces for each section of the bodice.

- I underlined the bodice so that the crepe side of the charmeuse shows through the lace.
- Then used the remaining bodice charmeuse for the lining.

Last progress photo taken on April 12, 2012. More this week.

Happy Sewing!
C

The Many Lines of My Jacket - HCC Stripe Challenge - Part III

Happy Tuesday!

The Haute Couture Club - Stripe Challenge was held on Saturday. There were over a dozen participants. The ladies came up with some interesting outfits.  (All will be showcased at the May fashion show. wink, wink) 

But as for me, I used McCall 6294. This my garment serves a dual purpose:  HCC Stripe Challenge and the Palmer/Pletsche contest.

My review:

Pattern Description:

MISSES' LINED JACKETS IN THREE LENGTHS: Jackets A, B, C have princess seams, back yoke, two-piece self-faced lapels with collar band, sleeves in two lengths with elbow dart, hook and eye closure; jacket A has long sleeves; jacket B has three-quarter length sleeves, unlined patch pockets; jacket C has long sleeves, unlined patch pockets with top stitching.

Pattern Sizing: 4 through 18.  I started out with a size 16; but ended up scaling it down to a 14 with my usual adjustments.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Easy.., No problems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The design of the collar and the back yoke. No dislikes.

Fabric Used: The challenge organizers picked this beautiful striped fabric and made it available for members at a previous club meeting. Not sure of the fabric content, but I think it does have some rayon in it. It very easy to work with; sews and presses well. I only bought two yards; and after playing tetris with the pattern pieces on the fabric, I finally admitted I didn't have enough fabric for the entire jacket. So the under collar and the front facing is a stretch woven woolen (Rainbow). My DD gave me about 2/3 yd for my sleeves. The lining is china silk.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Before cutting into the fabric, I made several adjustments to the pattern:

- FBA – I omitted the small dart in the front
- Sway back adjustment - Then I added that same amount to the bottom of the back and side back pattern. Sometimes when I make the sway back adjustment the jacket/dress is slightly higher in those sections
- Prominent shoulder blade adjustment

Design changes:

- The back yoke was cut along the center. I added 5/8” seam allowance to one of the halves along the cut edge. This created the chevron effect in the back of the jacket.
- Added piping to the shoulder, front, and back seams. The pattern of the stripe was uneven so I wanted to break up the stripe a little bit.
- Contrasting fabric for the front facing and under collar. I had a limited amount of fabric.
- Lined the pockets. I like a clean finish.

For the upcoming fashion show, I will make M5818 (TNT) pants and a simple t-shirt (ivory) to complete the outfit. Of course the ensemble with include the Simplicity purse I had a few months ago.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't think I will sew it again, but you never know. I have a few more jackets I'd like to try. But I do recommend it to others.

Conclusion:

This was a great pattern to use for the stripe challenge. It allowed me to create an interesting garment for the Palmer/Pletsche contest as well.

Happy Sewing!
C

Haute Couture Club - Stripe Challenge It's In the Bag Part II

Happy Holidays!

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holiday is over, I have time to sew and blog. About fifteen minutes ago, I finished my matching clutch for the Haute Couture Club Stripe Challenge outfit.  (My baby sis was over when I made the purse so I asked her to model it for me.)

I used Cynthia Rowley's Simplicity 2350 pattern, view C.

Pattern Description: It includes patterns for three different bags: bucket, tote, and clutch. All have can be made with decorative trim, which you can purchase on the simplicity website.

Front of Bag

My finished clutch matches the design illustrated on the envelope. I applied the decorative trim slightly different, but the basic design is the same. The instructions were a piece of cake. Step 1 states to pin the novelty trims, I used stitch witchery to hold the trim in place. Once all trim was applied to the bag, I sewed each strip to the bag. I couldn't find the "right" cord ends. So I used two hair ornaments that I bought from a local beauty supply store. This bag is really easy. It took less than two hours to make.

Back of Bag

I like all three bags. Adding decorative trim makes it easy to make a one of a kind bag. And I recommend that you give them a try.

Of course, I used the stripe challenge fabric for this. It's a rayon, wool, poly blend. There is enough left to make an interesting outfit for the fashion show. More on that later.

Inside Bag

The quick and easy clutch is an attractive bag to add to your wardrobe. Try it.

Parting Shot: My little black dress made the March issue of Threads magazine. What an honor.

Happy Sewing!
C

Creative Stripes - Haute Couture Challenge

One of the big trends of 2012 is stripes. Everything is striped: dresses, suits, tops, pants, handbags and shoes. Truth be told, every season stripes show up on the runway. But this season they are front and center in many of the designer collections.

No wonder the Haute Couture Club of Chicago included a Stripe Challenge for this 2012 Fashion show. This beautiful fabric was selected for the upcoming challenge. Each participating member purchased yardage to create a garment for the challenge. Now I am faced with the opportunity to create something beautiful to showcase in the fashion show.

Katherine Hepburn with Spencer Tracey

Of course, I turned to the fashion blogs and fashion sites to help stir up the creative juices. Then to top that off, Turner Classic Movies featured four films starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Guess what? Ms. Hepburn sported several striped outfits. So I have several idea to help me come up with an eye-catching striped outfit.

Just in case, you want to follow along here are some inspirational garments made by some of my favorite designers.

10 Crosby Derek Lam

Thakoon

Tracy Reese

10 Crosby Derek Lam

10 Crosby Derek Lam

Tracy Reese

Michael Kors

10 Crosby Derek Lam

Tracy Reese

Happy Sewing!

C