Thanks!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their comments on my recent posts. It's been hard to blog or read blog lately, too much work and too tired. But there is hope. Deadlines have past and work has been completed on time.

Last weekend I worked on several projects: Easter, prom, graduation, etc. Boy I'm all over the place. Anyway, several patterns cut and altered. I fitted one dress for my niece and one for my DD. Details next post.

Borrowing from Summerset, here is parting shot of my niece wearing the muslin dress.



Happy Sewing!
C

Snake, Raddle, and Roll - Trend #4

Trend #4 - Snakeskin shoes.

Best For: Women who want to make a statement without going overboard.

How to Wear Then: Real Simple magazine says: "As a sharp counter point to basics and monochromatic outfits."



- Nuetral-colored snakeskin pumps adds sophistication to a suit
- Strappy heels with a dress or a skirt, refined but sexy evening look
- Flats or sandals in pink, yellow, blue, or a metallic to dress up weekend clothes.


Worth the Investment? No doubt. This trend is a main stay. Faux snakeskin looks just as good is the real pathon.



Where to get them:

Macy's of course - Check it out!

Two More Projects for Spring - B5314 & S2724

Two More Projects are making their way to the cutting table. One for me and the other my DD.

For me: B5314, View A The fabric was purchased at Hancock's; it's a stretch woven that is bright and very colorful. ..., hmmm..., So Spring like.




and..,

For DD S2724, a version of the pink dress, but with 3/4 length sleeves DD fabric is a emerald silk dupioni from Hancock's.

Pencil Me In - B5249 & S2862

Pattern Description: Misses' Skirt and Belt: Skirts A, B, C, D have princess seams, back zipper, and high waist. A, C: carriers and self-belt with purchased buckle. B, D: side front pleats and pockets. C, D: self-ruffle, A, B, C, D: mid knee length.

Pattern Sizing: 6-20; I made size 14, view B.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? What drew me to this pattern was the interesting pockets of view B and D. One of my occasional clients asked me to make a few pencil skirts for her. This pattern was the suggested pattern. I really liked it so I decided to make view B for myself.

Fabric Used: Wool from Fishman's Fabrics on Roosevelt and Deplaines. I purchased this fabric last year at this time. It's a very nice wool that I got for half price (2 yards remnant for $22.00). I was able to squezze a vest (S2862) out of it.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added a few inches to the bottom. Also fully lined it.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and yes. This is a great skirt pattern.

Back
Conclusion: This is a nice skirt pattern that is easy to sew.





Pattern Description: Misses' lined vest, hat, wristlet, purse, and tote. Hat in three sizes SML.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20; I made size 14, view A with several alterations/changes.

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? Yes. Nothing that's really confusing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that style of the vest. Also a plus: the pattern contains several nice accessories that I may one day try. So far nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:Wool remnant purchased at Fishman's last year. This vest was made from the leftover scraps of B5249.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made several alterations and changes.

- FBA alterations following methods in Fits for Real People. First I changed the Stitching line for the side front. Then I slashed between the notches to add the needed room. Next I altered the front.
- Used two D rings instead of a buckle.
- Didn't use lining for the back -- use fashion fabric for the tabs as well.
- Increased the width of the tab by 1/4 inch.
- Increased the sea allowance at the upper side back to eliminate gap.
- I didn't have enough fabric for the front facing -- so I fused 2 layers of interfacing to the front. This work very well.
- I understitched the edge of the vest before joining the lining side seams.
- I used five buttons instead of four.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes and yes. with alterations where necessary.

Conclusion: I like this pattern. My vest turned out well on the first try. No muslin, just follow my normal alterations. Give it a try.

See more pictures on Flickr.

In the Nude - Spring Trend #3 2009

Everyone can Spring into the nudes this Spring. There is a shade to complement every complexion. But is best for olive skin tones.

Here's how you can work it in the nude!

The Key: achieve a soft flattering look go deeper or lighter than your complexion, so there's contrast.

Beigey or Peachy nudes work with olive skin
Blush and rose tinted nudes marry with fair and light skin tones
Carmael or chocolate shades complement dark skin



Shoes - are virtually foolproof: Neutral stilettos is perfect for every outfit



Worth the Investment: Of course. They appear every year.

Delta Sigma Theta - February Gospel Brunch

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Brunch Program. The chapter also gave everyone a floating red dress from the AHA, a red Bible (New Testament), and a brochure about wellness.



One of my mentees invited me to the Delta Brunch, held on February 7, 2009. Songs of Praise and words of inspiration and encouragement filled the day. What a joyous occasion.



Miss. Dominique - Graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dominique and I get along famously. We talk a lot and share life experiences. You would think, as her mentor, that I would be the primary teacher, but often, she teaches me. She is a cornucopia of knowledge and information. She is well travelled, well educated, and has a zest for life. Her energy is contagious.

My DD means the world to me and I'm so glad that we get along. She appreciate my friends and never feels uncomfortable around them. That's makes me very happy. The icing on the cake is that other young people also enjoy and appreciate my company. I really love being around young people. One of the most gratifying things about my relationships is that I have earned their trust, respect, and affection. They are the future, and I try empower them with my knowledge and experience to help them work through situations so that they can make the best choices and live the best lives. As God says: we are stewards over them and must assume the position.



Here is my girlfriend, Janice (Dominique's mom), Dominique, and GalPal Ashley. A little story on Miss. Ashley. She is a native of Philly, but now resides in Chicago. Last year Ashley suffered an aneurysm. She is well and vibrant, working in Chicago.

We know and believe that God is a healer and that all illness is not unto death. We thank God that Ashley is here with us, celebrating life.



The Barrett Sisters of Chicago have been singing for over thirty years, now in their eighties and last seventies, still singing. The lead singer's daughter, Dr. Sue, was the MC for this occasion. It was wonderful and exciting. So many beautiful, successful, and talented women on the program and in the audience.

A former member of my church (Tina Brown-Bryant) accompanying the Barrett Sisters, as one of them had lost her voice. Tina was also one of the guest soloists and sang a few songs. These women can sing; always a treat.



This is our table. The empty chair is wear I was sitting. Funny thing... I never think about having someone take my picture. Ugh...

No pictures of me, but I had a wonderful time and left the event feeling encouraged to do better and be better for whatever comes.

Peace!
C

What's New?

I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Weekend. I did: shopping, dinner out, and good company. Sweet..., I like to "Valentine Day" all year long. It's alway great to have time off from work to enjoy the fruit of your labor. Especially these days.

Thanks for commenting of the recent fashion trends. I really enjoyed hearing what others think about the Spring trends. This week I will post a few more. I won't "answer" the "call" of every fashion trend, but I like to sharing fashion ideas from magazines, shows, and online. It seems as if the trends are all over the place, in style, color, texture, and silhouttes.

Sewing News: I spent more time organizing projects for clients, DD, and myself. The clients just keep coming. Three new ones over the weekend (referrals) for alterations. For my good, one decided to go elsewhere. The remaining two are simiple. hemming of a dress and hemming a pair of pants.

I'm almost done with two projects cut for myself. (vest-S2862 and skirt-B-5249). I'm so pleased with the fitting results of the vest. My Palmer/Pletsch: "Fit for Real People" is a must have for any sewing library. Still sewing the winter wardrobe. Peter Sow dress has been cut, The popular, galaxy dress has been cut, pants and skirt for DD have been cut. So alot of projects started for me and DD, but nothing finished yet.

The same is true for graduation and prom clients. One niece is coming tonight with fabric and pattern. My other niece will come for her muslin fitting this weekend.

Thinking about dresses for me and DD: Easter, Pastor's Anniversary party, and a ball (church friend -company party-pending). As always, I have a lot on my plate. So I need to ramp it up a bit. I will probably take a sewing vacation in March/April to help move things along.

Working very hard testing, webinars, and functional support. The budget for our project has been approved. So I get to keep this job a little longer. Thank God. So I think we're on for a trip to Louisiana late Spring to attend the annual convention hosted by our product vendor. All is well and very busy.

Happy Sewing!
C.