I had such a busy, busy week. I was very disappointed that I didn't get my dress done in time for this weekend. But luckily, I just reached in the closet and pulled out one of my favorites. I accessorized it with a crocodile embossed wide leather belt, platform pumps and a Kate Spade bag and I was off. The Ebony Fashion Fair was beautiful -- lot's of fantasy wear but still inspiring. I also hit up the Stardome Comedy Club to see D.L. Hughley... my stomach still hurts from being doubled over in laughter. All in all, I had a great evening. Oh, I'm still going to finish up that dress and I will have pics as soon as I'm done.

Project Details

Pattern: Vogue 2923 - DKNY Jacket
Fabric: PVC Nubuck

Description: Semi-fitted, unlined jacket has princess seams, collar extends into front band, slightly dropped shoulders, pocket, french seams and two-piece sleeve.

This pattern was rated Vogue Average and IMO, I felt it was actually one the easiest VP's I've done. I cut this pattern in a size 14. Even though, the pattern recommended a lightweight Gabardine and lightweight Denim as the fabric, I chose to use a PVC Nubuck because I-DARE-TO-BE-DIFFERENT and garbardine or denim was not in my vision! As you can see, my results turned out great and it's best sometimes to follow your own instincts. I love the fact since this was an unlined jacket that it has french seams which made the inside just as good-looking as the outside. The only modifications I made is that I left off the decorative trim and I took the waist in a tad bit so the jacket would be fitted instead of "semi-fitted" for a more tailored look. I did have to move the front darts over about half an inch. I used an eye and hook for closure. I love the fact that this jacket has topstitching... even on the armscye. The pattern "claimed" that the shoulders are slightly dropped... well, not on me they aren't. Also, since I was working with PVC, I couldn't exactly do a lot of ironing, so I relied on Fabri-Tac in certain areas.

This is a great looking jacket, that is an awesome wardrobe addition. Even though I have fallen in love with it, this will be the only one I will make. A girl will only need one jacket with a dramatic collar such as this in her wardrobe.

I hope everyone is having a fantastic Christmas. To top off our great day, the family and I went to see Dreamgirls. This is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, not to mention the fact that the cast provides a stellar performance. Contrary to belief, this movie is not the Beyonce' Knowles (Deena Jones) show that many people felt it would be. In my opinion, Jennifer Hudson (Effie White) stills the show. Her performance as Effie was so passionate that it is difficult to even comprehend that she is a novice to the silver screen... she is an absolute natural. Even though Beyonce's acting abilities have been questionable in the past, her acting lessons paid off and she can now consider herself an "actress". Jamie Foxx (Curtis Taylor, Jr.) is like I've never seen him before: a slick-talking, used-car salesman willing to do anything and step on anyone to make his mark in the music industy. Eddie Murphy (James "Thunder" Early) is fantastic and does his thing in delivering comedic relief... he has the funniest scene in the movie. Anika Noni Rose (Lorrell Robinson), who won "Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical" at the 58th Annual Tony Awards for "Caroline, or Change", has been an underrated star. Her character is kind of the cute, bubble-head member of the group that eventually finds strength and character. The movie also starred Danny Glover (Marty Madison), Sharon Leal (Michelle Morris) and Keith Robinson III (C.C. White). There were also small parts and cameos by John Lithgow (Jerry Harris), Loretta Divine (a jazz singer), who played Lorrell in the original and Dawnn Lewis (Melba Early), who suprisingly didn't have a speaking part, unless it ended up on the editing room floor. I highly recommend this movie to anyone wanting to see mindblowing performances!

I don't have anything completed right now to share. I haven't had a lot of actual sewing time... I've gotten caught up with "LIFE" again... y'all know how that goes! However, even though I haven't been sitting in front of the machine, I still bought fabric, that's sewing related right? I'll share these pieces with you because this is next up and soon to be finished.

Pattern: Vogue 8251 - View C
Fabric: Rayon/Lycra Jersey with 2-way stretch

Description: Close-fitting, pullover top has neckline and shoulder strap variations. A, B: front ties and ruched with elastic at sides. C, D: front tucks and front band.

This is a Vogue Easy pattern that was very "easy" to me until the time came to attach the the upper front and back piece. I think it may have been me and the fatigue of trying to get this top sewn in one day. After I used safety pins, played with the construction and tried the top on, it made since to me and I was ready to stitch. The back didn't quite look like the line drawing, but after some finagling, I managed to get all of the pieces turned to the public side. What I like most about this top is the tucks on the front. This design feature is very flattering to the décolletage. I was originally unsure about this even though it is rated easy, because I could not find a review for this particular view and the envelope only showed the line drawing. This is a great enhancement to your wardrobe that can be worn alone or as a layering piece.