I've got yellow fever!

Image - Life & Style Magazine

Angie Harmon is wearing the Tory Burch "Elson" top

Project Details

Pattern: Simplicity 2938, View B
Fabric: Stretch Charmeuse
Notions: 12" invisible zipper; grosgrain ribbon

If you are in need a cute, trendy top that's really easy to make, this is the one. When I initially selected the pattern, I didn't have a fabric in mind. I just knew that I wanted it to be this fantastic color! I was prepared to take my pattern to the register in Hancock and then leave and saw this beautiful charmeuse... and it had stretch to boot! I added 2" to the length. This was my first time working with a stretch charmeuse... it was um, er um... interesting to work with. Notice that the bodice is constructed with princess seams. Right at the bust, the directions stated that ease needed to be removed. This caused the fabric to pucker. I had to repeat the process a couple of times to produce a smooth seam. Also, this is NOT the easiest fabric to press, but I made it work with steam and a pressing cloth.

Instead of using the fabric tie, I used grosgrain ribbon. I wanted a look similar to the Tory Burch which appears to have the ties coming from darts or princess seams (I can't tell which). Placed mine in the side seams... just thought it would look better on me. The instructions suggested a lapped zipper but I used an invisible one instead. Overall, this is a great little top that can be whipped up in a couple of hours!

I also made another version of Simplicity 4076.
Not much to tell on this. I think everyone in blogland that sews has made this shirt or some variation of it.

I used a poly/lycra knit. I added about 3/8" to the neckband to make it slightly wider and 3" to the length. all of the hems are coverstitched.

The skirt is a simple a-line -- Simplicity 4036. This skirt is so basic and so simple... it's not much of a review to do. I used a lightweight garbadine. I sewed the side and back seams, zipper and facings. I did add a cotton batiste lining because I felt that the fabric was too lightweight to stand alone.

I have found this color to be completely addictive and I really don't know if I can stop! LOL Next time I shop for fabric, I've made myself a promise to keep walking!

"Comfortable does not have to mean ugly!"

Is that not the best quote? LOL Veronica Webb said that on Tim Gunn's show. And that's very applicable to the way I live. You can still be cute, stylish and comfortable without looking "ugly".

I guess y'all have figured out that I have an affinity for white shirts! What's simpler than a white shirt and a denim skirt? Nothing... too easy! And this is probably not the last one! LOL

Project Details

Pattern: Simplicity 3684, view A & C
Fabric: Heirloom Cotton (100% cotton)
Notions: eleven 1/2" buttons

Description: Misses Threads Collection shirt with B, C, D cup sizes; with tuxedo bib front and bishop sleeves.

This pattern came right out of the envelope, ready to go. I cut the size 16 with the D cup. I used view C's front and back, so there was no need to lengthen. I used the collar and bib pieces from view A and Michael suggested I use the bishop style sleeves from view C. Unlike the last shirt I made, this one has real front bands. I referred to David Coffin's Shirtmaking book for construction tips. Since my fabric is very lightweight, I used french seams. I used Palmer/Pletsch Perfect Fuse white sheer interfacing.

I cut the bib pieces so that the stripes would fall horizontally. I also had to change the direction in which the collar stand and collar were to be laid out. Since this fabric is striped and the stripes are in the direction of the grainline, if I had cut the collar pieces on the fold as instructed by the directions, the stripes would have fallen vertically instead of around the collar. I added a bias tape binding to the collar stand because I like the clean edge look and I wanted to. LOL Even though I forgot to get a closeup, the cuffs have a 3 button closure. I finished this off with a narrow hem. Since sleeves are really making the shirts this season, this is another great wardrobe addition!

Project Details

Pattern: Vogue 8426, View C
Fabric: Dana Buchman Silk Denim (100% silk denim)
Notions: Invisible zipper (cut to fit); hook & eye

Description: Below the knee skirt with shaped seams, back zipper, self-faced yoke and triple pleats with underlay.

This skirt is a unique variation of the pencil skirt with it's very flattering 1940's cut. Even though this is a "Vogue Easy" pattern, the pleats and underlays were very time consuming. The pattern is extremely well drafted and all of the uniquely shaped pieces went together perfectly. I chose view C because of the length. I'm a little "long in the tooth" to be running around in mini's for an everyday look. LOL I added seam binding to the facing and used Ann's method for a RTW - Style Zipper Facing. I serged all the edges and pressed them open. I added the belt loops from view B and I finished with a 2" handsewn hem.

Vogue 8425 - The High-Waisted Skirt

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8425, View C
Fabric: polyester crepe
Notions: 12" zipper; four 5/8" buttons; hook & eye

Descriptions: High waisted, below mid-knee semi-fitted skirts have back zipper and front band has button closing.

This skirt is so easy and that's how Vogue Patterns has it rated. I literally sewed this skirt in a few hours. I love the princess seam construction and the back vent which helps a lot for walking... especially when you have a long stride as I do. This is #8 on my trends list. At first, I'm sure you remember, I was a little apprehensive about this trend... whether or not it was for me. Even though I have hips, I've never had a problem with straight-styled, pencil skirts as long as they were the "right size". I think this one turned out pretty well. I followed the instructions and the only thing I did differently was to add boning to the waistband. I did this by creating casings in the seam allowances and sliding the pieces in there. I feel that the boning allowed the waistband to keep it's shape and structure. So, if you want try this trend out, I would recommend this to those that have longer torsos. If it wasn't the fact that I am as tall as I am, and have plenty of torso, this skirt could have easily stopped level with my bra band.

Orange you glad it's Spring!

Project Details

Pattern: Simplicity 4589, View A
Fabric: Embroidered cotton voile (100% cotton)

Description: Square-neck pullover top.

Another easy pattern that sews up in an afternoon. I cut the size 14, according to me high bust measurement. Based on the shape of this top, I didn't need to make an FBA. I did add 2" to the length and at the waistline I cut to a size 16, since the to now reached the top of my hips. I decided to accessorize with a belt for waist definition because this type of top can look somewhat "maternity-ish". I love projects like this that are easy little wardrobe builders that take little to no time with fantastic results.

Pattern: McCall's 5330, View A
Fabric: Stretch Denim (97% cotton / 3% lycra)
Notions: Eight jean buttons

Description: View A has front button closure, topstitching and carriers.

I absolutely love this pattern! I cut the size 18 according to my hip measurements and I didn't have to make any modifications to it. The length and everything was perfect. The only thing I did was add denim-style topstitching. I'm going to use this one again in a white linen.

Anything But Basic - Skirt and Blouse Makeover

In the May issue of Lucky Magazine, they paired swingy square-neck blouses with button-front pencil skirts. Is this not the ultimate in easy dressing?

Lucky Magazine - May 2007

Here is the patterns I'll be using for this cool look:

Simplicity 4589

McCall's 5330

These are already on the cutting table!

Vogue 2951 - DKNY Skirt

DKNY - Spring 2006

Project Details

Pattern: Vogue 2951
Fabric: Black & White Linen (55% linen/45% rayon)
Notions: 7" invisible zipper; hook and eye

Description: Skirt has pleated front with invisible zipper back closure, 1" below waist and above knee length.

I'm really getting into this voluminous, bulbous look of this season. I thought this skirt was really cute. It has "the look" without being too much. This little tulip shaped skirt is rated "Vogue Average", but IMHO, it should have been rated "easy". There were only SIX (6) pattern pieces and I sewed this in an afternoon with two DVDs!

This skirt is SO basic that it's not a lot to say. The pattern was easy to read, all of the pieces matched up perfectly. The pockets have french seams (which was different to me). The pattern suggested to finish the seams by turning them in ¼" on raw edge and stitch. I thought that this would be too bulky for my fabric. Instead, I serged the edges and pressed the seams open.

Crafting for Sanity #1

Sanity was maintained and happiness was achieved today by sending the kids to the pool for a few hours while I worked on this very mindless project. I knew that I had seen instructions on how to transform a pair of jeans into a skirt somewhere, so I Googled and found this site. It was ridiculously easy!

What makes a teenaged girl happy? What else -- clothes! What makes a mother of a teenaged girl happy and sane? Not having to spend money on clothes for the teenaged girl!

The Deconstructed Denim Skirt

Amber's happy dance! (click image for detailed shot)

These skirts are everywhere. Saw one at the Gap.

Gap Denim Skirt -- $63.00. Two hours of quiet while I make the same skirt -- PRICELESS.