Rissa

Rissa, my daughter recently asked me to make her a tulle skirt. She even had a particular color and style in mind, all thanks to her pinterest board. The only unfortunate thing, tulle is one of those materials I don't stash! I told her we could pay a visit to the local fabric store, or even better, take a trip to the garments district and visit Mood.. I love Mood.. Anyway, it didn't matter cause she eventually settled for some fabric I received in the mail. My very first online purchase of fabric. Although I've sewn for some time, I don't normally buy fabric online because I like to touch it. Ideas come to me that way.. Weird I know. Nonetheless, I went out on a limb (really?) and bought some. It was a lightweight cotton and I reasoned, you can't go wrong with cotton. Besides, What's the worst that can happen.. I can always make a bed sheet?... Anyway, the fabric was pink and white chevron. Nice fabric, but it gave me the impression that someone younger should be wearing it. We then decided to take a trip to our local Michael's and picked up some fabric dye.. dark dye... Charcoal to be exact. The end result was a pretty, more age appropriate pink and gray. Sewing the skirt was simple and rather easy.  I used McCalls 6706, view D. I decided to substitute the hook and eye for a button closure by adding an inch to the length of the waistband. This pattern also calls for a side zipper and narrow hem.. Kept the zipper, but the narrow hem went out the window. I opted for a turn over hem instead. Im overall happy with how it turned out, but more importantly, so is Rissa.

Liz

For as long as I can remember, Liz has always been a dear friend to me. Our friendship began many moons ago when our daughters attended the same dance school. But as time would have it, life and responsibilities take their toll and sometimes you lose touch.. Fast forward some years, it would take something called a mutual accaintance and an email address to reconnect us. When it did, It was as if time hadn't passed (besides the kids getting bigger and an addition to my family) we picked up right where things left off. So when I posted this halfway done dress on IG it was no surprise to see that she "liked" it. But that would be an understatement. Apparently,  I was not the only person missing a hunter green dress in their wardrobe. She eventually texted me and asked if the dress was completed.  "Yeah, why", I asked. "Because I want it". And that began my departure with this amazing dress. Not only is this pattern a beauty, but I hit a winner with the fabric choice. Thank god for fabric stashes! I used Vogue 8825, which comes together rather quickly,  or in my case during a snow storm. Nonetheless, a few hours. I added 1 inch to the bodice top and another 2 inches to the skirt. But that was when the dress was for me. I had to alter it some for lovely Liz. My only dilemma now, I'm still missing a green "something" in my closet!

Then this happened...

With Love,

 NYC!

The Color Purple

Taking a closer look at my wardrobe, I noticed that it mainly consist of neutral colors. Not a bad thing but the lack of vibrant colors got me thinking. Its not like I don't love color, I just don't own much of it. With that in mind, I decided to turn away from my norm and venture out.. First things first, buy some fabric. Not sure what pattern I'd use or if I'd draft something new,  but if the fabric was present, I was sure to use it. So before I could start on another thought, it was time to visit my local fabric store. Althought it's local, I don't often shop there for lack of variety. It also bothers me when nothing is labeled and it seems as if everything is everywhere. But I went anyway and wandered until I came across something that spoke to me. Atlas I came across a gorgeous purple light weight double knit. Easy to cut and even easier to sew, I loved it! The pictures don't reflect how beautiful it is. I actually hesitated posting it until I could get a better camera, but thats another story. Nonetheless, here are some of the shots I was able to take. Needing some instant gratification, I decided on Vogue 8667 view E, and added an inch seam allowance since it calls for a fitted bodice and straight skirt. The cowl neck was something new as well but it was the back of the collar that won me on this pattern. A definite do again!

(L)ong (B)lack (D)ress

Every closet needs a LBD and mine is no exception! So whats a girl like me to do.. make my own LBD.. Long Black Dress. One style my closet was missing was a wrap dress, so I decide to combine the two. Good thing I did, since I am loving this little or should I say long number. I used a black cotton stretch fabric found at a local fabric shop and vogue pattern 8379 with a few alterations. All I need now is a great picture in it! To be continued...

And of course a pic of one of my favorite places... Shake Shack

Wanda

A friend recently asked me to make her a dress. She didn't want anything fancy, just something comfortable to wear to a gathering, and it would help if it was in the color rust; simple enough, except that I hadn't wrapped my head around sewing for someone other than my daughters or myself and of course the occasional bow tie here and there. But in hindsight, I had made costumes for several people, people other than my girls.. (some of them men) so what was the problem? I soon realized that every piece I had made was either donated or stood in the family.. so I wasn't sure how or what to charge someone who wanted to buy a dress. That being said, I search the internet, and read several articles, blogs and visited handmade shops to find a guide. I knew several things had to be taken into consideration, like my time and the cost of fabric and supplies. I eventually summed everything up and came up with a number, one which I'm comfortable with.  One that is not based on feelings but in honesty.

                       

                   

No. 3

I had done two bow ties for my Son, but it seemed that every so often I'd find him looking through my stash of fabric for his next one. He'd always ask me, "When can you make me another one?" Which in turn, I'd reply "Soon."  Fortunately for him, soon came during our latest trip to Mood Fabric where I found this amazing cotton print. 

A city girls' view of Macy's Herald Square

Brooklyn

Cleaning out the closet, or should I rephrase and say, switching out the summer clothes and putting up the winter warmers, I found this little number. I totally forgot about it! See, thats why I enjoy my blog, I get to document my pieces, keep a record for lack of better terms. I whipped it up in a few hours using M6700. A pretty simple pattern I plan to do again. Maybe this time, I can remember to photograph myself in the dress. One thing about me, I don't like the winter! Not anymore, anyway. Born and raised in NYC, (Go Nets!) I've spent many winters bundling up, so much so that the thought of being cold keeps me indoors. So Ill try my best to remember that for the sake of the blog, I need to take better pics maybe even indoors, at an event...humm, now theres a thought!

                

 And, a piece of Brooklyn

For me

By now I have done several costumes, a few bow ties, dresses for my girls and alteration for everyone it seemed. So upon finding this Cheveron print jersey, I knew one thing - this would be used for me. I also knew that it was going to be long.. like, hem on the ankles long... and so I started. Using pattern NL6123 view A as a guide, I added 18" to the length and drafted the skirt to flare. I love the way it turned out, it has become a instant favorite.
         

                     

New York, pt.2

While at Mood, my other darling daughter (I have two ;-) chose a nice teal colored fabric. To know this girl, is to know that she would pick the color teal since teal plays a major role in the life. Hence her room, clothes, and makeup pallet consist of the green family, or is it the blue family.. huh...

Anywho.. Teal is what she got. She chose a pattern she felt resembled a "vintage" dress, Butterick 5919. What do you think?

New York

Being a native new yorker has its benefits.. One being the City itself. Its so easy to hop on the train and head to the city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle... the garment district... AHHH.... and within the city, one of my favorites.. Mood Fabrics. With patterns in hand, that's exactly where my daughters and I headed to find some fabric for their desired dresses. My oldest wanted a simple maxi, but she chose a print a little on the strange side making matching the side seams somewhat difficult.
I used McCalls 6744, viewA, and added 12"to the length of the skirt.

And of course, New York, New York.