An Animal Print Dress for Fall

I've seen animal prints throughout the fall 2009 RTW collections (then again, can you think of a time when animal prints were out? I can't). Many of the prints seem to be more graphic, rather than literal, patterns:

Oscar de la Renta - Fall 2009 RTW

I love the exotic print paired with plaid and tweed - what a great fall look:

Nanette Lepore - Fall 2009 RTW

I especially like these Tory Burch skirts - very wearable:

I don't own any animal prints. I tend to buy primarily solid pieces because I get more mileage out of them: I can wear a navy pencil skirt once a week, whereas a bright floral skirt is more easily remembered (ever since high school, I've rotated standout pieces or complete outfits on a two-week basis. I figure people will forget what I wore two weeks ago. In reality, I could probably wear the same dress every other day and no one would notice... But after 15+ years abiding by this "rule", I'm stuck in my ways).

I'm lucky to live close enough to New York that I can take the train there as a special trip every few months. At Paron's earlier this month, during my second trip to the Garment District, I spontaneously threw an abstract animal/jungle print onto my pile of woolens and tweeds. I had previously made Butterick 5316, a cap-sleeved sheath dress with pleats at the waist, but was dissatisfied with the navy pinstriped fabric I had used: the fun pleats cried out for an equally sassy print.

I am thrilled with the way this is shaping up!:

I failed miserably at sleeve easing when I made the first dress in June, but using the pin method (about 20 pins for 8 or so inches of fabric), the sleeves turned out much, much better this time. There are a few little puckers, but nothing like the first one:

I've completed the bodice shell so far. Hoping to finish this in the next few days. Stay tuned!

Kwik Sew 3720 Batwing Shirt for Judy

Hi, I know it's been awhile but my brother has been sick and I'm just not one to sew when I'm worried. He's doing much better so here's my newest creation. This was more or less a test. I tried to add length by slashing the pattern across the frong for length but that made it not line up on the curve across the front. So I just added length to the bottom waistband. Well she liked it but it didn't work because the band that was suppose to be on her hip was almost at her waist. She put on a belt with it to pull it in at the waist but it is just to short in the body. Hopefully it will fit one of my daughter in laws who are 4" and 5" shorter than Judy. Not a big deal these were both remenants so not out anything. I actually started cutting it out wrong (the brown was suppose to be at the bottom and the print at the top) but didn't have enough to recut it and just went ahead and cut it out in reverse. It's a cute top and will make it for again but figure out how to add length to it for her. I would recommend this pattern. It's quick and easy. Thanks Judy for letting me take your picture with no make-up. It matches much better in person than it looks in the picture.

Bronze Senorita Style

How to Retighten Locs (Lathook Method)

A bit about me!

I recently began to sew apparel because I love clothing and am interested in fashion, but can't necessarily afford the clothes I want.   Fashion magazines suggest recycling clothes by bringing them to a tailor, but never suggest actually learning to sew.  I am going to take that step!  I have resolved to sew all of my own clothes for one year, beginning September 1, 2009, in order to learn how to sew, save money, and hopefully inspire other very-beginner sewers to take up what I've found to be, so far, an incredibly fun and satisfying hobby (though it's quickly turning into a lifestyle!). 

I began apparel sewing a few months ago, and have completed 3 dresses at this point, to varying degrees of success!  I am a *very* begginer sewer: I have been sewing home decor projects for a few years, but have no formal sewing training.   

I am an in-house attorney at a large corporation in Connecticut.  My husband and I are renters in a small Connecticut town, and my "atelier" is the guest room.  I can say for the next few months that I am in my 20's...       

I am so excited about this project, and am looking forward to seeing what I can create.  I hope you enjoy reading this and visit often, for I will surely need help!

Loc Bun with a Kick.

Ladies, remember that you can do this with your braids too.

Doing it up with an Updo

New Knit Skirts

Some knit skirts I made on "skirt day"
My daughter and I were supposed to do "skirt day" together... but all she did was watch me... and ask for skirts.

This one is a maternity skirt that I made for Megan who is due in March. I've got two more of these half made. I made these same skirts for my daughter Nicole and both daughter in laws when they were preggers. They loved them and wore them afterwards when they were in between sizes. It's Simplicity 4704. It's a winner.

and these two are for my daughter in law Sharon.

I also made one for my daughter, Nicole, but I can't seem to find the picture. It's out of the same fabric as the maternity one... she calls it her Disco Barbie skirt. What can I say if there is such a thing as a Peter Pan girl- it's Nicole. It's New Look 6901
still need to make Sharon one more and Liz one. It's not that Sharon is my favorite but she goes to church every Sunday and wears skirts.
and... since it's cats and calico
here's a picture of my little baby Huckleberry shoving his grown up kitty body in a little box. I guess the $45.00 heated cat bed was a complete waste of money. ha ha