Uber Upcycle

BEFORE:



VOGUE 1250

AFTER:

MakeBra Balconette Bra DL101

Do you have things hanging in your closet that, while you like them, they just never get worn? I made at least 3 versions of Vogue 1250 and I never wear them. Rather than try to figure out the reason why I just decided to keep loving the fabric and make something else.

 

Enter into my life another fabulous bra pattern! MakeBra's downloadable balconette bra. It has a 3-part foam cup, side boning and underwires. The straps are attached to the cup and the foam lining provides good support, a beautiful shape for the cup and comfort on the shoulders.

 

This bra is basically my muslin for fit but I will definitely wear it!  For my base I used a nude bra kit from Fabric Depot. I also bought the tricot bonded poly filler from them as well as the foldover elastic. Their bra kits are so reasonably priced (This one was $12) that I use one for the spandex, elastics and findings and save the lace for a pair of panties. There is always a good amount of simplex left over, too, actually shown in the pic below.  

 

The foam cups (and straps) start out as these pattern pieces:

 

 

The construction of the foam cups was fascinating! The pieces are butted together and zig-zagged creating the shape of the cup. Here is the inside:

 

 

Working towards my goal this year to try new techniques and products, I was excited to use boning for the first time. Easy as pie! I bought mine at Joann and it is simply a flexible plastic strip cut to length and inserted into a channel. I found that using my pedi wand was perfect for rounding off the sharp corners. Here's a before and after on that:

 

 

The boning came with its own channel but it was a scratchy cotton and I did not want that against my skin so I used leftover channeling from my underwires. Here is a pic of the inside:

 

 

And the outside of the band:

 

 

The addition of the boning is really nice to keep the band from wrinkling up. I think I will add this feature on all bras from this point forward.

 

There is a lot of foldover elastic used on this bra and I need to perfect my application of that! It is seen here on the strap, which is oh, so comfy since it's padded:

 

 

Here's a view of the back. Yes, I usually use thread that matches but didn't feel like making a trek to get some and since this is basically a muslin for fit I didn't obsess over it like I usually do.

 

 

 

The most fun of this bra is that any fabric can be used for the cup cover; knit, woven, lace, it just doesn't matter. I had fun with fussy cutting this one from the Vogue 1250 fabric.

 

This was a fun project! Matching thong coming up next!

 

More info on the pattern and company on my Pattern Review.

Ladies Who Lunch

I had a lovely invitation to join friends today at the annual March of Dimes luncheon and Neiman Marcus award ceremony honoring Houston's 10 Best Dressed. The FABULOUS runway style show presented the Fall/Winter collection of Emilio Pucci.

 

I wore my recently completed Vogue 1314 with fabric by Gorgeous Fabrics, which in itself, is rather Pucci-esque.

 

I felt great in my little spring-worthy outfit mingling with our town's "see and be seen" crowd. The March of Dimes is a great charity so I was happy to buy a $50 raffle ticket for a chance to win a $5000 spending spree at Neiman's. As the emcee was reaching into the bowl to pick the winner, I thought "I'd love to win it...but I sure wish they carried fabric."

 

I'm hopeless.

 

 

 

The Real Gift from Blogging

See these two good looking broads? You probably know them as PDiddly (P's Thrifty Sewing Blog) and Art Attack via their blogs and Pattern Review, but guess what? PDiddly lives in the UK and Art Attack is a Texas girl and yet here they are together. That is the gift of blogging!

 

Pauline's work occasionally brings her to Houston and we met last year and just clicked. (Go figure...) Tonight we had a wonderful Italian dinner and talked sewing non-stop. At one point, she was pulling down her sweater to show me the gorgeous detail on the bra she recently made. We probably raised some eyebrows but neither of us noticed as there was too much fun stuff to cram into too little time together.

 

What I wouldn't give to live closer so that I could help Pauline with her upcoming wedding trousseau!

 

We all enjoy ideas, inspiration and motivation from each other's blogs but...if you ever have the opportunity to actually meet one of your blogging buddies...do whatever you can to make it happen. It is the true gift that blogging has to offer.

 

 

 

 

Valentine Blog

 

I think that celebrating Valentine's Day is an American thing...i.e...a "Hallmark moment".

 

But...I want to steal the limelight from the 'special occassion specialist' and take a moment to wish my blogging friends all around the world a happy day of love.

 

After all...that is the true spirit of Valentine's Day. Not candy...not flowers...not cards...not sexy nighties...not anything or everything red...just LOVE.

 

And... with my blogging friends, it happens to be sharing a love of SEWING. Dull? Boring? Old fashioned? A thing of the past or of days gone by? Oh, let's feel sorry for those that have that mindset!

 

In any event, this Valentine is not for them, it is for YOU. This is the day for saying... I Love You...and I do.

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

A Double-layer, Raw Edged Neckband Tutorial

In my continuing 2013 quest to add new techniques to my sewing repertoire, I happened upon a really cool raw edged neckline finish while making Vogue 1315. Since this dress might not be the right cup of tea for everyone, I thought I would pass on the neckband technique which can be used on any knit garment. I just finished using it on View D of New Look 6150 resulting in the cute tee above. And yes, it's Rodeo season in Houston hence the belt and boots. (and pearls...only in Texas!)

 

This technique is easy and fun. Start out by cutting two strips of fabric the length of the neckband that comes with your pattern. Cut the strips on the straight grain if your fabric has a crosswise stretch. You want the stretch. If there is no neckband piece with your pattern you can cut the strips approximately 4" shorter than the circumference of the neckline, measured after the shoulders are sewn. One strip should be 1-3/8" wide and the other 1-5/8" as shown below:

 

Next, sew the ends of the narrow strip, right sides together. Then sew the ends of the wider strip together wrong sides together. You will end up with:

 

Next, with right sides up, pin the narrower band over the wider band, matching seams and having raw edges even on one side. Baste near the even edge. Here is a pic of that (lifted and pinned section) on Maggie:

 

Now, with right sides together, pin the band to the neck edge, stretching slightly as you go, then stitch:

Trim this seam allowance to about 3/8":

Turn seam allowances toward garment and give it a good press from the outside:

Edgestitch and topstitch, or use a double stretch needle, which I think is easier and gives a better result.

To curl the raw edge of each band pull edges slightly and....Voila! The double-layer, raw edged neckband:

I will use this technique once in a while for a different neckline finish on casual tees and dresses. It's easy...try it!

If you've not tried NL 6150 and would like to read about it, here is my complete Pattern Review.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheetah Frocks Rock!

I love this dress!

 

Vogue 1315 by Rebecca Taylor. Fun to make...easy to wear...lots of design detail setting it apart from the everyday, such as double layered, raw edged neckline:

 

Front pleats on skirt forming the other side of pockets, more easily shown here on the line drawing:

 

And such a cute detail on the garment itself:

 

 

Also cute unbelted:

 

And from the back:

 

 

In closing, I pay homage to CocosLoft who was my inspiration for this dress...so much so that I even used the same fabric! Thank you, Coco. Copy cat? No, I'm thinking copy cheetah.

 

Click here for my complete PatternReview.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

2013: Get a New Story!

My sewing goal for the new year is to be adventurous!

 

I want to try new things: fabrics I've not sewn with before, more challenging techniques and details, as well as products and notions that might make my sewing easier and more enjoyable. Maybe even a new style silhouette here and there, even though I feel like I have a good grasp on what works best for me. 

 

My first project this year incorporated a newly discovered fabric: Sherpa

 

 

Sherpa is a faux shearling that is 100% polyester. One side is like an ultra-suede  and the reverse is a pile resembling a lamb or sheep pelt. I found it easy to sew with once I did a little experimenting with feet and needles. I achieved the results I wanted with a jeans needles and jeans foot.  

 

McCall's 6656 was my inspiration for this jacket. I originally envisioned making my version of PattyE's, which I absolutely adore and still plan to make, but while wandering around the fabric store with the pattern I was about to purchase, I noticed view C made from shearling. And as if on cue, I happened upon a big, fat bolt of Sherpa, the "green" version of shearling. Well, okay, maybe not "green" but certainly animal friendly!

 

I have more details on my first 2013 adventure on Pattern Review. I'm excited about my goal of not only kicking my skills up a notch, but also stepping out of the comfort zone I've been cocooned in the last year.

 

 

If the challenge sounds like something you'd like to embark on, I'd love for you to join me in the quest to "get a new story"!

Happy New Year from Maggie & Me!

 

I wanted to squeeze in one last post to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Maggie is wearing one of the few RTW cocktail dresses left in my closet...which is okay...she doesn't get to go to the party, anyway. I'm wearing V1314 which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE:

This gunmetal gray is totally not my color but it beat boring black and it has a cool snakeskin pattern on it when you look closely. What I love about this pattern? The ruching on the side:

I used my ruffler attachment set at every 6th stitch with a wide pleat and it was perfect. Looks great from the front:

And not bad from the back! Full Pattern Review here.

Thanks to all who've followed and supported my sewing adventures this year. It has been wonderful getting to know you virtually and, I believe, a time will come when we really will get to meet!

Workout, anyone?

 

 

For any of you out there that work out on a regular basis, you know how hard it is to find cute workout clothes that don't seem like just smaller sized men's garments. Even lululemon's offerings aren't very feminine. Not to mention how expensive good workout clothes are...

 

So....

 

I thought how cute it would be to add something "girlie" to my workout repertoire...and since I just finished making Macphee Sewing Workshop's "Looking Good" jacket, I thought it would be the perfect little topper (yes, Pauline, topper equates to cardi...) to add some spice to my workout wardrobe. I left off the second layer of ruffles on this prototype version:

 

 

To make it more "workout friendly", I added pockets and drafted a pattern piece so that it curved along the lines of the lower front where the ruffle attaches:

 

 

 

Then, I took some of the detail elements I like from my favorite jackets, like a sleeve pocket for my phone/tunes:

And a little inside "porthole" for my cord if I want my phone in my front pocket:

Here is a close-up of that detail which is just a piece of stabilized grosgrain ribbon (orange, of course!) with a buttonhole:

And voila, a cute workout jacket that is a little bit different from the Nike and lululemon stuff I usually see around my club! Thanks for visiting...if interested, here is my Pattern Review.

Sassy Little Topper

I fell in love with this little jacket the first time I saw it. It is designed by Linda MacPhee in Canada and called the Looking Good Jacket/Vest. Wow...does it have design potential. I can see myself making a few more of these. It is sized for a knit and of course I didn't notice that until my reversible woven was cut out. Luckily, the small medium fits me just fine and my heavy cotton fabric has a bit of spandex in it. It will be cute in a sweater knit and I want to try it that way.

 

It's cute belted, too:

Check out my complete review here for more info on this great little pattern. Give yourself a girly lift and treat yourself to some ruffles!

Official Acceptance Speech

I just returned from a trip and found this surprise in my inbox. My adorable friend from down under, Anne, who pens Cherry Pix: Sewing Pix, nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger/One Lovely Blog award. I feel like I've won an Oscar!

 

I love being an inspiration to others and there are SO many of you out there that are an inspiration to me. Isn't that what it's all about? Inspiring, encouraging, motivating and supporting each other? How incredibly blessed we are to have an instant gratification venue like the internet to connect with our sewing buddies around the world.

In keeping with tradition I will pass this honor on to several of my favorite bloggers that are an inspiration to me. Here are the rules:

 

1. Thank the person who nominated you
2. Add The One Lovely Blog Award / The Very Inspiring Blogger Award to your post.
3. Share 7 things about yourself.
4. Pass the award on to 10 nominees (or a few less if you are short on time)
5. Include this set of rules.
6. Inform your nominees by posting a comment on their blogs.

 

So, here are 7 things about me that you would have no way of knowing:

 

1. I used to sing professionally. (Don't be too impressed...lol Mostly weddings and funerals.)

2. Dr. Drew's show occasionally calls me to ask questions on air. (Proves how dysfunctional I really am.)

3. I have a secret crush on Charles Krauthammer. (He is SO smart.)

4. I am the youngest of 4 girls.

5. My dad used to take us on survival training camp-outs as kids. (Poor guy really wanted boys.)

6. I've testified in front of a Grand Jury (I guess I didn't do too well, the poor sap went to Club Fed.)

7. I hate watermelon. (I know, I know...it's so un-American.)

 

And now...the envelopes please! I would like to pass the love on to the following blogs:

 

As I Sew It Okay, any woman that owns a tractor, loves it, and names it Fergie is a winner in my book. Teri has a laid back style and I love to see her casual creations.

 

Aventuras de Costuras In my next life I want to come back as Merche. She has such radiant natural beauty and her personality sounds just adorable. Take a look at her blog and see the casual elegance she pulls together with her creations.

 

Claire Sews Claire. What can I possibly say about the woman that invented the SA Curve? Okay, to imagine it is one thing. But to actually follow through with the design and manufacturing of it and then market it? I'm just saying...she is my heroine. (Is the kind you shoot spelled differently?) She is right down the road from me out west and one of these days we're going to meet!

 

Ilove2sew! How cute is Sue Parrot? She is always such a great supporter on PR and her projects are always so artistic and creative. Check her out if you haven't already done so...

 

Now Sewing Martha and I bonded recently over a story she chronicled on her blog. My only regret is that I did not know her when I lived in Atlanta. But we know each other now! Check out her beautiful shirts...her detail is unbelievable.

 

P's Thrifty Sewing Blog Pauline is truly my sewing sister. We were fortunate to meet when she was in Houston and spent a fabulous evening together. Hopefully, more to come soon. This girl has a lot on her plate. She is getting married next year and not only is she making her dress and all the bridesmaids dresses, I believe she has signed on to make the men's suits and possibly all of the uniforms of the wait staff. I've never seen anyone like her!

 

Simple Inspirations Do you know Myra? I know many of you do from PR. She is always an inspiration...just check out the gorgeous lace peplum she recently created!

 

Congratulations to all of my other blogging buds that have already joined the esteemed alumus of this coveted award...enjoy!

 

 

A Cowl to Covet

Sometimes the jury can be out for me on whether a cowl sits comfortably and doesn't feel like it needs to be fiddled with or constantly adjusted. Not so with Vogue 1197. This is the deepest cowl I've found and the weight of it creates the perfect drape. Combine this pattern with a nice, heavy knit and it is a joy to wear. I found this beautiful houndstooth Ponte at Gorgeous Fabrics.

 

I love this pattern and I think it could easily be passed by because the pattern envelope does not do it justice. To fully appreciate it have a look at the line drawing:

I love EVERYTHING about this tunic. Especially the cowl:

And the sleeves:

My Pattern Review and some other close up pics and comments are here. Thanks for stopping by!