I was inspired by this style. And McCall's 8045 just made since. The princess seams were designed to be colorblocked.

For my pants, I sewed them using my Janome Memory Craft 15000 and the Janome AirThread 2000D.

My fabric is two different shades of khaki cotton twills with some stretch. I've had them for a while, but I'm pretty sure they came from Mood Fabrics. I cut the size 16 and graded to the 18 at the hip and back to the 16 through the legs.

These days, there is just no getting around not doing a full seat adjustment for pants. 

I made a 1.5" adjustment on the back and the side back pieces and half an inch to the crotch length. I also added three inches to the length.

Before adding the waistband, I took 3 inches off the waist and made the adjustment on the waistband also.

I also added darts to the yoke for additional shaping.

These aren't things that anyone would expect you to know to do if you're new to sewing pants. I've been sewing pants to fit my ever changing body for so long, that I know how I want them look and fit.

This dress had been cut out and waiting to be sewn for most of summer. So, now it's become a fall dress! It's the True Bias Calvin Wrap Dress that is drafted in such a flattering and enhancing way. 

My fabric is a poly crepe print that cut, sews and pressed beautifully. The pressing part is vitally important because there is a lot of bias binding that has to be created. And if your fabric doesn't press well, it will definitely impact the look of this dress.

According to the instructions, the pattern is drafted for someone 5'5" with a C cup.  I'm 5'9" with a DD cup, and this is the fit with no FBA and 1" added at the waist and 1" added at the hem. So, this dress has a generous amount of fabric at the bust and is drafted long.

This is the second dress recently that I've made where I've had to create a lot of bias binding. And on this one, it's one of my favorite details.

So, Tuesday, September 22nd was my 50th birthday. It took me a week to process it and all that has happened. Since my 49th birthday, so much in my life has changed... for the better. After several YEARS of deep contemplation, I decided to end my marriage during Summer of 2019. December 6, 2019, I packed up and moved to Auburn, AL to be near Mikaela. I needed rest, relaxation and a reset. After 3 months, the pandemic hit and it was the best thing to happen to me. The entire world slowed down to a pace that met my own. I enjoyed the stillness. Since March, I've done a lot of soul searching and reflecting regarding who I am and who I want to be in this new stage of life. Knowing that I made the best possible decision for myself, I'm not bitter, jaded, sad or angry. I'm excited! I'm excited about new beginnings and fresh starts. I'm even dating, during the pandemic! Navigating this has been super tricky and interesting. It takes getting to know someone, their habits and whether or not they are strongly "Covid Conscious". With everything that is going on in the world, this has been the year that I needed and hopefully, it will end on a high note. I'm looking forward to 2021.

I haven't been inspired to make a birthday dress in a longtime. I'd had this pattern, Vogue 1692 since it came out. It had always been my intention to take the pattern and just make it into a casual racerback style maxi dress. But why? Why not create what it was intended to be? Something glamorous.

This is a really simple pattern that sews quickly, but it required a lot of alterations for me. Here is my FBA and the one inch length at the waist. 

Fall is my absolute favorite season! And the weather this week matches. So, I'm having a great time planning cooler weather looks.

My skirt is Threadymade Painted Stripe Sunburst Monroe Skirt kit. I shot a review video on IGTV.

What I love most about this pre-pleated skirt kit is that it came with the option of a fixed waistband and an invisible zipper.

I love these pieces. This top will look great with a pair of jeans or high-waisted pants. And I can't wait to wear this skirt with tall boots!

I love a slip dress. So, when I saw this one by Sewing Masin Sicily Slip Dress, I had to jump on it.

What drew me to this pattern is that it's universally flattering on everyone I've seen wearing it. 

I love the cowl neckline and the spaghetti straps. The drape was perfect without any sort of adjustment.