Multi-Tasking - Sewing Related Activities

I'm all over the place with my sewing activities and projects.  I continue to add projects to the ole to make list. Occassionally, shuffling them around based on my current level of interest or excitement.  I'm ordering and buying fabric from multiple places.  I received a box from Mood with this lovely faux fur in it.  I haven't decided on what jacket/coat to make.

I have a mound of muslin garments cut, ready to sew up and fit.

My pattern collection has grown tremendously over the past few months.  I poured the newly purchased patterns over the dining table.  It looked like an explosion of patterns.Below is only a hand full that I started to trim.  And on top of that, I have a big shopping bag full of projects cut and stored in separate "Vogue" plastic bags.

So.., I will continue to "multi-task" the ole sewing projects and post as soon as I have something note worthy.  Expect to see more "Notes on a Pattern" even though I've only made one of the patterns of interest.

On Saturday, I'm attending a workshop taught by Rhonda Buss and Susan Khalje.  I'm so excited and can't wait to learn from the pros.

What about you?  Are you multi-tasking sewing projects?  Or do you work on them one at a time?


Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Notes on a Pattern - Simplicity 1318 Kimono Jacket

Kimono style jackets are hot this fall.  They are popping up everywhere.

Rhonda even showcased her version two years ago.  Yes, two years ago before the trend really hit main stream.

 

Simplicity released 1318 this summer.  Initially, I didn't think I liked this pattern.  But the more I looked at it, the more it grew on me.  When I saw Erica B's version, I decided to buy it and give it a try.

This pattern is billed at "easy to sew".  I like view C as worn by the model on the envelope.  It has six pieces and does require (suggest) some hand sewing.  Overall, it does look pretty easy to make and probably won't take a long time to make.

So, this is another pattern of my list of many, many patterns to try.  What do you think?

Happy Sewing and Have a Fantastic Weekend!
C

Denim Like Twill - Fall Wardrobe Builder

Fall is here and I don't have enough casual wear in my wardrobe!  So this season I'll working on beefing up my casual wear.

A nice pair of jeans are a perfect start.  I found the absolute perfect Mood fabric.  Check out this cotton denim like twill.  It is gorgeous. The description  states that it has a softer hand than denim, which is true.  But I'd like to add that it feels buttery like a suede clothe.  It's great against the skin and moves gracefully with every step.  This is a must have fabric for fall casual wear.

The color is listed as black.  It's more like a charcoal gray.  I wore a black shirt to show the difference in color.  I wish it came in more colors. hint, hint.  Dear Mood can you find more colors please?

 

I paired it with McCall's 6610, which offers two styles. This pattern is described as misses jeans:  fitted, straight or boot-legged jeans have waistband, carriers, pockets, front stay, joke back, fly front zipper closing and narrow hem.

It comes in sizes 6 to 22.  I used size 14 with a few alterations: lengthen by 4 inches; added 1/4" to the upper front and back pants; and added about 1/2" to the hook on the back pant for more move in the crotch area. 

I also made a few changes to the design of the jeans:  I used the small pocket for view A (sewed view B) and topstitched side seams about a foot from the waist through the hip area.  For security, I also cut two of the carriers. I press and sew both.  This gives me more carrier length to play around with.  With this pair, I sewed on eight carriers instead of five.  I did not sew them flat to the pants.  I wanted to be able to easily thread different sized belts with no problem. 

This is the second time I've used it. The first time was a learning experience for me.  The legs didn't quite turnout as well as I thought the would.  With this pair I addressed the leg issue.  Also, confirmed that I really do not like the straight waistband.  Next time I will use a curved one for a better fit across my sway back.

For the most part the instructions were easy to follow and included fit tips.  The topstitching instructions is incorrect.  Both state that you should do the stitching to the right.  If you follow #37, do the topstitching for the (#44) center back on the left.  Then the joining of the front and back center seam will match as intended.

With a few more little tweaks, this will be my TNT jean pattern.  It has all the elements of a solid pair of jeans and is a good starting point for a custom fit/style.  So give both, the fabric and the pattern a try.  You won't be disappointed.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Notes on a Pattern - Updates

I bet you're wondering what happened to the "Note on a Pattern" series.  It's still on the table, but I have not made anything progress with the first two installments:  bomber/baseball jacket (still looking for the right lace) and something with fringe (debating on whether or not I can make my own fringe).  I wanted to complete one of the two before moving on to more Note on a Pattern. I may very well have multiple Notes as I have multiple projects going on at the same time.

At the beginning of the summer, I hoped to complete a dozen or so reviews from last year and early 2014.  Work and some personal issues are still in the way of me doing as much blogging and sewing as I would like.  Summer is quickly slipping away and the reviews remain on note cards and pattern guide sheets.  Some of my hesitation can be attributed to the whether or note the project is note worthy.  Often I ponder should post a review on garments made with older patterns. Or if the process of making the garment merits a post.  Some of my projects, believe it or not, simply got trashed.  But I still wanted to make some note of those "never to be worn" articles.   So today, I decided do what I can and forgot about the rest.  Keep it moving..,

"Notes on a Pattern will continue".  Some will be linked to trends and others will be related to some goal or interest that are on my list to achieve.  So you will definitely see more trend inspirational posts.  The posts may have style element or color that I'd like to try or it may be purely trend based notations for the season.

I hope you will continue to come see what's new on my blog.  As always, I appreciate your visits as well as your comments.

Thank you,
C

Chanel is a Cinch Fall 2014 - Inspiration

Happy Monday!

Today's inspirational post is from the Chanel RTW Fall 2014 collection.  The ladies are still at the grocery store wearing seemingly relaxed, comfortable clothing.  Most of the designs are sporty looking featuring legging, cropped tops, A-line skirts, and dusters.  The collection comes with a rainbow of colors ranging from black and white to colorful confetti over a soft blue.  The footwear is sneakers and lace up boots.  (I want a pair of those boots. Wink, wink) One designs element that really caught my eye was the cinched waist or the illusion of one.  Here are a few designs from the Chanel RTW Fall 2014 Collection.  Enjoy!

C

Inspiration - Oscar De la Renta Fall/Winter RTW 2014

Today's inspiration is a preview of Oscar De la Renta Fall/Winter RTW collection.  I absolutely love the collection.  I started checking style site to see if the peplum was still on trend for Fall 2014.  It is and I'm glad.

Oscar De la Renta features the peplum is the fall collection.  Also featured are: cobalt blue, grey, black, white, gold, maroon red (if there is such a color) transparency, netting, boucle, tiers, fringes, lace.  The list goes on and on.  So, I will stop there and show you my favorites designs from the Fall/Winter RTW collection.