First Crochet Project of the Season

I finished the scarf that I started while waiting for the mechanic to service my car, needed break pads. Next project, a cap, both to wear with the charcoal fannel wool coat I plan to make.

Soul Food on a Chilly Fall Day

For the past week it's been chilly in Chi-town. Average temps in the 50's during the day and 40's at night. Definitely feels like fall in the air. The cooler weather got me to thinking and wanting some good ole comforting soul food. So I stopped by the grocery store on the way home to pick up some greens and a pot roast. Saturday night it was on! Thank you God for taste buds!

Mac & Cheese - Pot Roast & Potatoes smoothered in gravy

Turnip Greens & Smoked Turkey

Cornbread

Mercy! I almost hurt myself. Tee Hee!

The Urban College Girl - Fall 2007

My DD and I have made some progress on the design of her fall 2007 collection. This collection is simple and easy to wear. DD commutes to U of I Monday through Friday for classes and work. She desires clothing that is stylish and low maintenance. DD started helping with the design of the collection without knowing the process. She wants pieces that would compliment what she already has in her closet. And of course, she wants the UFO's that I started last winter. Chuckle, chuckle. This collection has more pieces than I originally planned for. Some are the same style, but different fabric. So far I've only completed one piece. We'll see how much of the collection I can get done before Christmas.



First jacket - brown faux leather completed and reviewed
Second jacket - medium-weight denim
Coat - black or loden wool from Gorgeous Fabrics (to be purchased)
The coat is going to be somewhat of a challenge. DD fell in love with this coat from Nordstroms.



I'll use McCalls 5247 to create my knock off version.



Pleated skirt - moleskin - color?
Pencil skirt - black wool crepe (UFO cut for me over 15 yrs - size 10)
Jeans - green khaki and dark blue denim (UFO's cut last winter)
Dress slacks - 2 pr black wool gabardine and navy pinstripe wool/poly blend



DD and I have purchased a variety of knit fabrics for the tops.
Vest - black wool gabardine same as the dress slacks.

We are still working out matching fabric to top design. Here are the fabric choices.

Think Like a Designer

The Fall 2007 issue of BeSewStylish, is jam packed with information on how to optimize your creativity. The article, "Think Like a Designer" was of particular interest to me. It offers tips and techniques to create your own collection. And I really need to reduce the stash. Here are my take aways:


Techniques
- Find your Inspiration - Find a concept and take time to gather images that appeal to you
- Look to your Closet - Take stock of the clothes you already own (I added look to your UFO's and try to incorporate them into the collection)
- Unify the Collection with Color - select one or two anchor colors and one or two accent colors. Purchase fabrics in threes. This practice helps ensure that the garments will go together well
- Draw Your Collection - compare the sketched garments to what you already have in your closet to help map out your collection
- Match Fabric to Pattern - find optimal combination for fabric and garment
- Design the Finished Look - Conduct a photo shoot of the collection, adding accessories to show possible outfit combinations

Tips

- Fit all muslins before you cut out the garments
- Cut out multiple garments in a single session
- Sew garments that use the same color thread
- Batch similar procedures

First Garment - My Fall Wardrobe - 2007

This pattern (Vogue 2949) is an asymmetical styled jacket that speaks to face framing collars featured in this fall's outerwear. It is designed by Sandra Betzina for Vogue patterns. This jacket was easy to sew, which was a good project to start my fall wardrobe. My complete review is posted on PatternReview.com

First Installment of the Urban College Girl Collection

This weekend I finished the first piece of the "Urban College Girl" collection. My DD, Lauren, has also requested view C in demin. DD and I have been working on designing a collection to give life to her unique eclectic style. This collection is easy to wear, stylish, and perfect for the busy lifestyle of the employed urban college student. (More about the collection later.) I purchased this pattern about four years ago and it is now out of print.

I made view B minus the leather lacing along the hem of the sleeves and the front of the jacket.



















Read my review on PatternReview

Columbus Day Sale - Joann's and Hancock's

I did it again..., shopping for more patterns than I could possibly sew. It's fun. My treasures.