New Look 6429 - Great Pattern

This pattern has been reviewed multiple times on PR. There is no doubt that it is a favorite of many. This is the second time around from me. My first dress was in a yellow matte jersey.

Pattern Description: Mock wrap dress with sleeve , collar, and self belt variations. Somewhat A-line and mid-knee length. At small of the back the bodice is finished at a point.

Pattern Sizing: The sizes are from 8 to 18. I made a size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I did make a few changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes. There was nothing difficult about the construction of this dress. I would recommend it to beginners.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like everything about this pattern. The dress is stylish and very comfortable. Not to mention I am fan of wrap dresses. It gives the illusion of a wrap dress without added effort. It's versatile; you can add the tie and/or the collar with three sleeve variations. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used: Last winter I purchased the fabric from Ann's Gorgeous Fabrics. It a jersey (Turquoises/Blues/Black). Can't remember the fiber content. It has more stretch than your typical matte jersey. It has a soft hand and wears with the greatest of ease.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made only a few minor alterations.
- Added four inches to the length.
- Lengthen the shoulder seams by 1/2 inch to the front and back pieces and added about 1/2 to the side bodice front seam in the bust area.
- Added the self tie to view C.
- Hemmed 1 inch instead of 1/4 inch.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
For sure. This is a very nice dress and a great pattern to add to any wardrobe and/or collection. I strongly recommend it.

Conclusion: This is a great addition to any wardrobe. It easy to wear and stylish. It can be dressed up or down. I would recommend it to beginners.

Vogue 1015 - Waiting for Event Photos

I'm still waiting for the event photos. Ms. CB sent one, but it was really grainy. I'll give it a few more days. Then I'll use what I already have to post the complete and final review here and on PR.

Mama's Garden

On Wednesday afternoon I had the pleasure of beholding the beauty of my mama's garden. She has a little bit of everything. My mom was born in Huntsville, AL. Then my grandmother migrated to Chicago bringing my mother along with. She loves gardening and fishing. Every year she plants an array of vegetables, sometimes fruit. My sisters and I are some of the benefactors of her bountiful harvest. Here's a peak.

What the Mailman Brought

The Mailman brought a few little goodies. The Summer Issue of BWOF has a lot of great fashion as always. (I need to plant myself at the table to trace off several patterns from recent issues.)



I received my August issue of Maire Claire, which features Maggie Gyllenhaal who stars in the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight. This is all about fall fashion. The short of it is:

Making a fashion statement

• Florals mixed with unusual textures
• Extra modern shapes makes lace sexy
• Pants are super-baggy or super-tight
• Color me purple
• Feminine plaid and tweed
• Don't forget to ruffle your feathers

and

• Add some sculptural points of view

BTW - The Dark Knight was spectacular! Heath Ledger by far the brightest star.



My friend Toni sent me a copy of Grandmaster Flash's book. I plan to read it while on vacation next week. Thank you Toni. Much appreciated.

Ageless Beauty

Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and said to yourself "I'm old"? Or right before your birthday felt sad because you were about to hit another plateau? Some would say this is an example of looking at life as if the glass was half empty. I am a firm believer of the opposite. I am glad to be here for more than four and half decades, which translates into about 16,725 days.


Why am I talking about age and time? The mailman delivered my copy of Vogue magazine the August 2008 issue. One the Cover is "The Age(less) Issue". Ms. Kate Moss is the cover girl. I quickly turned the pages. Vogue featured a phenomenal woman for every age group: 20, 30, 40,..., 90.


Ms. Diahann Carroll (I am a fan) represents the 70's; she is 73 and beautiful. The author describes her as "grand gestures" and her movement is that of a swan, graceful. As I previewed the many pages devoted to "The Ageless", I discovered some phenomenal women I'd never heard of like Betty Fussell and Sloan Barnett. The articles talk about their accomplishments and their approach to life. All of these women are strong, resilient, confident, and beautiful. Their beauty isn't just skin deep; it's to the heart and soul.



Some of my take aways from their stories are: it is so important to retain a positive outlook on life. It helps build self-worth and self-esteem. Learn to feel good about yourself at this moment in time. Wearing clothes that compliment your body shape and your personality boost your confidence. When you look good, you feel "better". And finally, "Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number."

Peace!

Diane von Furstenberg - Fall 2008

Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I know I did. ;-)

Diane von Furstenberg is one of my all time favorite designers. You can preview her fall collection. It has a touch of vintage style.

Vogue 1015 - Thank you!

Thanks everyone for your generous compliments. Ms. CB is very happy with her dress. She picked it up Thursday evening. I took a few photos, but I still might wait for photos from the event before publishing the full review. Ms. CB was having a bad hair day and requested that I only show the dress.

I've made quite a few purchases and plans for my own wardrobe during the time I was making this dress, but spent very little or no time blogging about them.

Fabric Purchases -

Coating from Gorgeous Fabrics for Great Coat Sew-Along



Stopped by Vogue Fabrics to pick up a few notions - Came away with:





Shopping on eBay - Grabbed these



Several months ago Marji had a give away. She was so kind to send me these nice buttons. (Thanks again, Marji!)



To do Sewing:

Make Muslin for Great Coat Sew Along
Make two jackets that I started in May
Complete two dresses for DD started in May
Complete three dresses for me started in June

And that's the short list. ;-)

Happy Sewing!
C