Giving You the Best I've Got - Anita Baker

We had to start the evening off right. Six of us went to the GrillRoom on Monroe and Dearborn a few blocks from the Chicago Theatre. The food was delish and the company was just fine. We eat, drank, joked and laughed until some of us cried. After two hours of our pre-show social hour, we headed to the theatre to listen to the "love" songstress Ms Anita Baker.

It's been a while since Ms. Baker came to Chicago, and I was looking forward to the concert. The show started at 8:10pm, opening act by a local comedian. I forgot his name. He was uum.., all right, I guess. When he left the stage, I was relieved, not because he was so bad; but because I wanted to hear Anita Baker sing.

Well I have to give it to you straight. There is some good, bad, and ugly that came out of this show. First the good: Ms Baker is still giving you the best she's got. She can sing. Her voice is soft and smooth, but strong. If you aren't in love the words and her singing will make you wish for it. Sing, Sing: "I want to know what good love feels like good love, good love. Morning, noon, and night...,". She sang most of her old hits. This was not a promotional tour; So I was very pleased to hear classic Anita Baker. She announced to the audience that she was 49 years old, happy and proud. She wore a pretty black flowing ankle length dress with rhinestone and/or sequins accents. The overlay was sheer, long sleeves. Very Anita Baker. The band and back up singers were very good. I enjoyed the singing.

Now the bad: After the comedian left the stage, we waited and waited and waited an hour and fifteen minutes for the featured artist to show. In the meantime, we listened to all of her recorded songs over the sound system. Not good. They could have played anyone else: Toni Braxton, Luther, Barry White, Jill Scott, but not the featured artist. We wanted to hear her live. When she finally appeared on stage, we noticed that there were no sponsor for the show. Usually there are banners of the various sponsors. So we assumed this show/tour was self sponsored by the artist. Throughout the concert she gave the band and the sound people instructions on what key, beat, melody, and to reverb or not. Half way through, she started taking requests. I wanted her to sing anything, everything at that point. The people in front of us checked the metra train schedule and proceeded to leave just passed the halfway mark of the concert. So they didn't get their monies worth. Now that's bad.

Finally, the ugly. The sound technican could not get the reverb right. She said, "Turn it up. You're not getting paid for tonight. I told you to turn up the reverb. Chuckle, Chuckle. I'm temperamental." If that wasn't bad enough, as Ms. Baker danced across the stage, her "red" bra peaked from behind her beautiful black dress.

As I said, the singing and music were great. I still love her music. But, no one can do it all. I hope next tour Ms. Baker gets adequate help from sponsors and/or a good production crew.

Peace.

Knit Tops - Urban College Girl Fall 2007

It has taken me a over a week to finish this post. These knit tops were completed on November 24th. Lauren has already worn two of them. The collection pieces were selected with "no fuss" to wear or care. The patterns are all pre-2005, but are classic designs. These can be considered staple for any wardrobe.







This is my favorite.

Pattern Description: MISSES’/MISSES’ PETITE TOP: Close-fitting, pullover top has collar variations and unstitched hems (Raw edges will show).

Pattern Sizing: (XS S M) (6, 8-10, 12-14) (L XL)
(16-18 20-22)


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

Were the instructions easy to follow? I only read the instructions for the collar application. The rest looked like standard instructions for putting together a simple knit top.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My DD wanted simple, but stylish easy to wear and care for tops. So this was ideal for her. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used: This fabric was purchased from the Textile Discount Warehouse. DD found it in one of the remnant bins on the second floor. It's a polyester knit.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did a broad shoulder alteration and I stayed the shoulder seam with a stripe of fusible interfacing.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will probably sew it again. This a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down.

Conclusion I like this top. It went together easy and is a good project for beginners.







Pattern Description: Misses' Knit tops.

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 20. I sewed a size 8, view D.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except for the lace down the front and around the sleeve.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were easy to follow. Nothing confusing about them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?This pattern has six different tops. I thought that was a lot of bang for my buck. ;-) Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used: white on white polyester knit from Vogue Fabrics.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I did a broad shoulder alterations and applied a stripe of fusible interfacing to help stay the shoulder seams. I didn't like the suggested finish for the neckline. So I used the narrow band application described in the Kwik Sew's Beautiful Lingerie Master Pattern book, page 61 & 62. Basically, I cut a stripe of fabric (1 1/2"w) the length of the neckline opening. Then I sewed the ends together, right sides together, and press the seam open. Folded the band double lengthwise, wrong sides and raw edges together. Divided the neckline and the band into fourth with pins. Pinned the band to the neckline, matching the pins. Sewed the band to the top. overlocked the edges. Top stitched the band to the top. Folded the front and the band, right sides together, stitched the center front to create the "V". I exclused the lace trim.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will probably sew the other views of this pattern.

Conclusion A quick and easy project to compliment DD's wardrobe.












Pattern Description: Girls' and Girls Plus Top, T Shirt, Skirt in Two Lengths and Pants. Top has shoulder straps, back loops andd ties; T-shirt has short or bell sleeves; skirt in two lenths and pants have fron and darts and back zipper closure.

Pattern Sizing:Girls 7 - 16; Girls' Plus 10 1/2 - 16 1/2.
I sewed a size 16; creating a variation of the t-shirt -- loose sleeves.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No. I used this pattern as a guide to make two t-shirts for my DD.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I really didn't use them as this pattern only had three pieces: front, back, and sleeve. I added a neck band. They look nicer and adds durability to the neckline. So I follow basic knit top instruction method the put the tops together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? DD wants easy wear and easy care clothing. This is that plus easy to sew. These tops went together easy.

Fabric Used: Very stretchy knit black and red knit fabric found in the remenant section at Vogue's. I think DD paid about $3.50 it. The second top in a white knit with navy stripes. Also found in the remenant section. Very cheap. Don't ya love it when you find a deal?

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Added interfacing to the shoulder seams; broad shoulder alteration. So I used the narrow band application described in the Kwik Sew's Beautiful Lingerie Master Pattern book, page 61 & 62. Basically, I cut a stripe of fabric (1 1/2"w) the length of the neckline opening. Then I sewed the ends together, right sides together, and press the seam open. Folded the band double lengthwise, wrong sides and raw edges together. Divided the neckline and the band into fourth with pins. Pinned the band to the neckline, matching the pins. Sewed the band to the top. overlocked the edges. Top stitched the band to the top. I changed the style of the sleeve by folding back the belled section to create a straight sleeve.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Maybe. All depends on what DD wants.

Conclusion Easy pattern to work with. Very simple pieces.

Urban College Girl - Coating from Gorgeous Fabrics

Friday evening I picked up my fabric for Lauren's coat. Oooh I was excited to finally receive the package. UPS tried to deliver twice. So I call to pick up from pick up station in my neighborhood. More on the coat later.

Anita Baker at the Chicago Theatre

Tonight me and my crew are going to see Ms. Anita Baker at the Chicago Theatre. It has been a while since I've seen her in concert. Today, I had planned to finish one of my dresses to wear to the concert. Not going to happen. It is COLD and the weather forecast is far from pleasing: snow, then rain and sleet. Wearing wool lined pants. Update on concert later.

Peace

Remembering Luther Vandross

On my way home from work yesterday, I decided to get my car washed. A group of us are going to see Anita Baker tonight. I'm a designated driver. The carwash facility has a climate controlled waiting room where customers can sit and watch television while their cars are being washed. My DD and I immediately proceeded to the waitingroom. As we entered the room, we heard and saw Luther Vandross singing his chart buster: Superstar - sing, sing "Say it's alright, it's alright, Say, ooh, baby, It's alright, it's alright, alright now..,." I smiled, then chuckled to myself as I had fond memories of Luther coming to Chi-Town years ago at this time of year. Watching the video reminded me of just how much I miss going to Luther concerts, anticipating new music, and viewing television appearances (Oprah, the grammies, Christmas specials).

Holiday Sewing Plans

I'm almost to the limit of allowable accrued vacation time. So I decided to take the week before Christmas to catch on my sewing. Can't wait. BIG plans..., Yeah uh huh sewing. My hope is to complete the Urban College Girl Collection before Christmas. BTW - I finished four of the knit tops, working on reviews. I would especially like to have the coat done. I have five more pieces to finish. The coat being the most diffcult. I ordered the fabric from Georgeous Fabrics. I can't wait to receive it. Ann really has a lot of nice fabric. Take a look. You'll definitely want to buy something. See link to the right.

Vintage Pattern Give Away

I asked my DD to scan the first set of patterns for me. After she was done, she kindly replied, "The June Cleaver Collection. By the way, I want something made from three of them. So please keep these. Thanks."









So ladies here is the first set of vintage give away patterns:

Background: These patterns were purchased from a thrift store a few years ago. Most of them are size 14, which translates to a size 10 by today's standards. The average copyright date is 1959.

If you want any of the patterns below, post a comment selecting the pattern(s) that you would like. Then send an e-mail to me at nettacansew@yahoo.com with an address to send patterns to. Thanks, Happy Sewing!



Size 12; cut



Size 14, uncut



Size 14, partially cut



Size 12, partially cut



Size 16, uncut



Size 12, partially cut, no instruction



Size 14, uncut



size 14, cut



Size 14, cut



Size 14, uncut



2 patterns: Sizes 14 and 12, partially cut