Question?

I'm sitting here staring at M5586, so that I can place an order for sew-on stones from M&J Trimming (thanks Kris). BUT, how am I suppose to know what size and how many? This is what the envelope says:


NOTIONS: Top A, B, C - Assorted Shapes, Sizes, Colors of Metallic, Plastic or Acrylic Jewel Stones, Flat Sequins, Beads...


Can they be anymore vague?

I'm planning on using a black jersey fabric and I wanted something that would stand out (but not in a gaudy way). I wanted to place an order now because the stones are currently 15% off and I wanted to give them time to arrive so that I can began my top soon.

I did notice that Vogue has a pattern with embellishments and they were kind enough to suggest size and amounts.

It would suck so much if I didn't buy enough and started sewing them on and ran out!

So... anybody got any suggestions?

McCall's Summer Patterns

The new McCall's patterns for Summer are on the site... check it out HERE.




M5658, view A & C is the only thing that piqued my fancy.

Crow is mighty tasty.

I had a hellacious last week... no time to sew for me and that is never good.

Remember way back when I expressed rather... um, era *STRONG* feelings about Simplicity's - Project Runway patterns? Um, yeah... I did find a couple that I like!

I am currently working on Simplicity 2923. I decided to go to another color from my Spring Color palette -- Cantaloupe. As you know, I am completely obsessed in love with Freesia, but I've resisted all urges to purchase. I was planning to make this shirtdress, but when I saw this one, the possibilities were just endless... it had so much more character.

Have you gotten your June/July issue of this? I am loving it already. And I think you know why!

I knew the momemt I saw this dress, I had to make it. I'm currently awaiting my Milliner Needles as suggested by Phyllis. There is a fantastic article on Ralph Rucci that is a must read. So, in between sewing, I've been researching how I am going to make a FBA on the bodice. I'm not sure yet, but I've seen a couple of possibilities in FFRP.

I've also been putting together more items for my Spring/Summer wardrobe:

• Vogue 1048, in an off-white cotton
  
• Vogue 1053, in a black silk... makes the perfect evening suit
• Vogue 1051, in dark denim
• McCall's 5393, in khaki
• Vogue 8184, in floral pique... check out Colette's customer Georgia!
• Simplicity 3538, in white denim... yep, another one of those PR patterns. This will be a J. Crew Fiona jacket knockoff. Check out the review that inspired me!

I am also on the look out for fabric and embellishments for these.

McCall's 5586 & Vogue 8486

Now for a second helping of Crow...

Remember when I had my doubts about Club BMV? Well... I joined! Boy did it pay off. I did not want to risk that CHADO Ralph Rucci pattern being sold out when they go on sale at Hancock!

Life's little lesson: Never say never!

My picks from the new Vogues!

My Top Five Picks:

V1048

If I only sew one dress for Spring/Summer, it will DEFINITELY be this one! I am a huge fan of CHADO Ralph Rucci and this shirtdress is gorgeous!

V1053

This Montana suit is tailored HAUTEness! I would love this in white also.

V8502

I love this suit and it's very "of-the-moment"! I don't care for the cropped pants but the long pants and the jacket with the tab sleeves are similar to designs from Stella McCartney and Michael Kors.

V8486

This is an adorable dress with a pleated neckline. I would accessorize it with a great belt.

V8494

This dress is very ladylike and I like the view with the contrast bands.

What I dislike about Vogue 8477!

I've been looking for more knit top patterns. You know the kind... easy to make... even easier to put on! I thought about his new one that VP has. BUT, the one thing that bugs me about this top is -- the contrast trim. If you look at the view in the upper right corner, your eye is immediately drawn to the left breast! That is just not a good place to put contrasting. If contrasting is to go there, shouldn't it be on both sides? You know... to add symmetry! Something about this creates a lopsided effect. I know that most women have somewhat uneven breast, but do we really want to draw attention to that? I don't! ROFL I think I still may consider this pattern, but it will definitely be in a solid color.

Vogue Patterns -- Spring 2008

V1027
This cute dress would look perfect with this seasons hot gladiator sandals.

V1035

I love these pants. I can't believe Alice + Olivia made pants that aren't low rise.

V1037

I think this is a beautiful suit by Badgley Mischka. This suit would be perfect in black. I've had a lot of success with this style jacket in the past, so this would be a winner.

V1036

I want this jacket (view A) in denim! It's not your basic "blue jean" jacket. I love the lines and the unique stitching.

V1038

I only like the skirt in this pattern. I would do it in the same color and a tad bit shorter. I think the entire look would be TOO MUCH for me

V1039

I like this whole outfit! I love the details of the tunic. The sides make it different. Not just another boring tunic.

V1040

I love this suit. I love how it's styled. I love the fact that it looks like separates.

V8480

This jacket is so cute to throw on with jeans. Hmmmm.... I'm thinking a bright color.

V8483

Something about the short sleeve jacket and the tailored pants looks so sophisticated. Just add a pair of driving loafers.

And last, but not least:

Dear Mr. Kors:

May I call you Michael? Michael, I would like to first say that you are one of my favorite American designers. I have loved your designs for many years. I've purchased a few pieces, I've sewn some and even knitted them. But, I must inquire as to where your mind was in selecting this particular garment to submit to Vogue Patterns as an offering for the "average" woman? I don't care how spectacular a woman *thinks* her ass (pardon my French) is, there is nothing remotely attractive about this design. I'm sure every woman is just awaiting a moment that they may display their derrieres in fitted jersey with ruching. For future reference, please take into consideration that the average home sewer may not have a "runway" figure. One last thing: I wonder what Nina would have to say about this?

Best Wishes,
Erica B.

Club BMV - Opinions Please!

I'm sure all of you have heard about Club BMV by now. I've been pondering membership for days now. Would this really be beneficial to me? Here are the membership benefits:

You receive an "extra 10% off" on Butterick, McCall's and Vogue patterns -- even on sale days. Okay... there is a sale at Hancock on tomorrow: Butterick - $1.99 each; McCall's - 5 for $5 and Vogue - 75% off. See, I keep a running list of all patterns that I want and buy them when they are on sale, especially Vogue. For a person like me who does this, is the Club really for me? I do however like the 10% off on Out-Of-Print patterns, but I only look at those once in a blue moon. I don't buy catalogs and I don't subscribe to the magazines. So, should I just get it for the great price of only $12 just to have it? What do you think?

Inspiration...

I received my Saks email this morning showing the Premier Designer Resort Collections. I always look at Resort to get an idea of what I may want to sew for Spring. There were a couple of pieces that really stood out to me.

Akris - Basketweave Zip Front Jacket

Vogue 8134

This is a great Jacket from Akris and Vogue has a similar design. I would modify this pattern by adding gentle waist shaping because it is a little boxy. I would reduce the front edges and add a separating lapped zipper. I wouldn't cuff my sleeves, so I wouldn't have to modify those.

Akris Punto - Leather Notched Collar Jacket

Vogue 2987

I also spotted this jazzy lambskin jacket. I've had this pattern pinned to my corkboard for while now. I had been debating whether to do it in suede or leather. I think leather may be my choice. Notice that Akris does not use buttons, this jacket has snap closures. And it's lined with luxurious Cupro Bemberg!

Question:
I love high-end RTW and I knock it off every chance I get. Where do you find your inspiration for what you sew?

Simplicity's New Project Runway Patterns

S3529

S3530

S3538

S3535

S3541

*SIGH* What Project Runway episode inspired this?? They give a whole new meaning to "Make it work." I'm not totally trashing them... they look "OKAY"... but, THIS is not what I expected. I thought they would be waaaaaaaaay more fashion forward. These just look like plain ole Simplicity Patterns... nothing special here. I was expecting something along the lines of a gorgeous Laura Bennett dress... something creative from Santino Rice... something jazzy from Michael Knight... one of those colorful maxi dresses from Uli... something sleek from Kara Saun... not even a wrapdress from Kara Janx??

Just because you can whore out your brand, doesn't mean you should!

I'm so disappointed... y'all feel free to discuss this amongst yourselves.

It's Winter at Butterick!

Forget the small talk, here are the ones I like:

I love this coat! I'll be making this as soon as possible! I like view B, which is a perfect car coat length, but I prefer the in seam pockets and the high collar.

Michael Kors Houndstooth Coat, $2,395

I've been stalking this coat for a couple of months now (the pic resides on my inspiration board).

Black & Ivory Houndstooth - 70% wool/30% polyester

I had already placed an order for 3 yds of this fabric with a coat in mind.

I really like these two dresses... not sure if I'll make them or even buy the patterns , but I like them. I may feel more inspired if an occasion arises or when the weather warms up.

I really like this robe. Not the illustration, but the technical drawing. I envision this in a deep purple or rich merlot velvet. It screams Christmas morning!

I'm totally hooked on knits. This season is all about comfort for me. I don't plan to turn on the iron unless I'm sewing. I'll be making the tunic, tank and pants.

These little pajamas are perfect for Mikaela. I'm going to pick up this pattern and save it for Christmas break so she and I can work on it together.

Bit By Burda!

Okay... I tried to fight it as long as possible. I didn't get the point of doing all of the extra work of tracing, adding seam allowances when there are perfectly good patterns out there, on sale for 99 cents just waiting to be cut and sewn. So, I said "What the hay", I'll give it a looksey! O-M-G!!! I am in love! I got the August issue (thanks Cidell) and the elusive September issue (I bid way to much for it on eBay). So, as soon as I finish up what I'm working on now (I'll post on Monday morning), I'll start tracing. I bet your question is -- what am I going to do first?? Hmmm... good question! LOL It's soooooo much I want to do, I don't know quite where to start. I feel like a kid at Christmas... I don't know which box to rip open first!

These are the first ones to catch my eye:

#117-8/2007

#117-9/2007

#110-9/2007

McCall's Winter/Holiday 2007

M5513 - I think this jacket is cute. Even thought it's a Hilary Duff pattern, I like the shaping of it and I still think it would look really cute over a pair of jeans with boots even if I am a G.A.W. (grown azz woman)!

M5512 - I love this dress too. I would add a little bit of length to it so it falls right above the knee, do it in a brocade and this would make quite the class little cocktail dress.

M5555 - This dress so cute, I've actually been considering making a dress on this style. Adrienne, remember we saw this dress at Gus? Can't remember who the RTW one is by, but it sure did inspire me.

M5515 - Another Hilary Duff... I like this one and I think it would look great sewn up in a hide or even a faux leather.

M5525 - This is the cutest trenchcoat pattern! Look at view B, I added the technical drawing so you could get a good look. I am soooooo making this. The Fall/Winter here is usually quite mild and this would be so perfect! I am loving those balloon/lantern sleeves!

Happy Labor Day!

What did y'all do today? I did my favorite thing to do on a holiday... SHOP! Hancock's had Vogue Patterns on sale for $3.99 and McCall's for $.99. The thing I hate most about this is they always limit 5 per customer so you have to figure out creative ways to circumvent that rule! LOL



They also had all the notions on sale for 50%... I stocked up on things I was out.
I also took this time to go ahead and buy everything I needed for "Project: Homecoming".

I don't know about you guys, but shopping always puts me in a good mood and makes it a good day!

Sew Stylish - The Best Issue Ever!

This has to be the best issue Sew Stylish has ever published... EVER! The Fall issue focuses on taking Simplicity 3631 and creating 11 outfits! And they created some pretty jazzy ones... I am impressed!

I bought this issue on Tuesday at Barnes & Noble when Adrienne and I were in there. I was so excited I was flipping through it while sitting at traffic lights and I haven't put it down since!

The details that they give on how to reconstruct these patterns to create these fabulous garments are impeccable.

Can you believe they made this dress out of the same pattern as the coat?!

Erica B.'s - Top Ten Fall Trends

1. Check Mate - Houndstooth (Fabric Trend)

Donna Karan, Fall 2006 (V2983)

2. The Color Purple (Color Trend)

Nanette Lepore and Donna Karan

3. Shades of Gray (Color Trend)

Chaiken - Fall 2007

4. Bubble Sleeves (A new take on the white shirt)

BCBG, $118 - Nordstrom

McCall's 5471

5. Capes

Emilio Pucci

Vogue 2924

6. A Funnel-Neck Shift

Mariemarie, $525

Vogue 8413

7. Wide-legged Trousers

DKNY

Vogue 2981

8. High-Waisted Skirt

Rock and Republic skirt

Vogue 8425

Now you need something for your feet!

9. Mary Janes

For a streamlined look, pair these with opaque tights of the same color and wear them with dresses and skirts.

Steven by Steve Madden, $100

Christian Louboutin, $720

10. The Ankleboot

Corso Como, $185

Via Spiga, $249

Disclaimer: These selections are what I like... always use common sense and know what works for you.

Butterick Fall Patterns

Here are my picks:

You just can't go wrong with a jersey dress. This cute little number will take you into Spring.

I love the front of this dress! Another one that will take you from Fall to Spring and then you can use the sleeveless version for the Summer.

I love this one too! It's long length screams that it wants to be grey and worn with long boots!

You'll be definitely seeing this little jacket sewn up here! I plan to do the double-breast version and use the sleeves from the white one.

This is an easy piece that's great for layering.

These are made to be sewn using knits and the pants and tops are great alternatives to fugly, funky sweats (can you tell I'm not a fan).

Project: Homecoming

The start of school means that Homecoming is readily approaching. I have until September 25th, to find and construct Amber a dress. She's a 15 year old sophomore. I want her to look beautiful, but not too "grown" (know what I mean). No plunging necklines! No low cut backs! No minis! No slits up to "there"! After seeing how some of those young girls go to homecoming and prom, I have to wonder what kind of crack their parents smoke?! They look more like they're going to a party at Hef's mansion than to a school-related event. I've been searching and I have ALMOST narrowed down my choices.

M5320

M5001

V8149

But this one is my favorite:

V2732

My daughter is only 5'3"... I would have to alter the pattern and cut this dress to a tea-length so the dress will not be "wearing her". I love the bodice on this one, plus it's a halter for that extra support. You'll be hearing more about this project in the weeks to follow.

Vogue Fall Patterns

First, a little eye candy of some of my favorite RTW designs:

Now... for the Vogues that I'm loving:

Sunday Sewing Randomness

While flipping through my favorite magazine - Lucky, found this great article: "How to shop for tailored dresses". Lo and behold there's the dress that's high on my "MUST SEW" Fall list! The Nine West dress is a deadringer for McCall's 5466. It's just a matter of cutting the pieces on the bias. Love it!

This Fall, I'll be starting "Project: Chanel Jacket". This is the wool/cotton/silk blend bouclé that I selected for my jacket. I'll be using Vogue 7975 as my pattern.

Wardrobe Contest/S.W.A.P.

While shopping with Adrienne in Hancock's a couple of weeks ago,

she pointed out this great fabric. It stayed on my mind all day and I ended up going back the next day and buying it.

to make this dress.Simplicity 3874, View B

I also picked up some denim
for a pair of bootcut jeans.

McCall's 5142

Nanette Lepore Knockoff -- Part I

So far, I've done:

• Cut out a size 14, according to my 36" high bust measurement.
• Made 1" FBA for the jacket shell.
• Interfaced the entire shell because of the lightweight linen fabric.
• I cut the lightweight interfacing on the bias to provide a better drape.
• Since the pattern did not provide separate pattern pieces, made a 1/4" allowance for "turn of cloth" for collar and lapels.
• The waistband is attached by sewing to the outside of the jacket shell and inserting the ends into the front dart and encasing.
• I cut my darts opened and pressed flat using a tailor's ham to reduce bulk. The instructions suggested pressing to one side.
  

right and wrong sides of band and darts

More to come...