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've been enamored with this coat since I saw it on Joy Bryant in the August 2005 issue of Instyle magazine and lo and behold, Vogue Patterns came up with a version.
Instyle, August 2005
Giorgio Armani, Fall 2005 RTW
Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8307, View A
Fabric:
Body - Melton 100% Wool
Lining - 100% Polyester
Notions: 1/2" shoulder pads, one 3/4" button, 3/8 yd. of cording, three 2" buttons
Description: Lined, fitted, hip length jacket has asymmetrical collar and front closing, princess seams and shoulder pads.
This pattern is rated easy and it went together a lot easier than it probably looks. I cut view A, in size 14, according to my high-bust measurement (36"), and about 2" below the waist I graduated to size 18 to compensate for the "child-bearing" hips. I also did a FBA (full bust adjustment) according to Debbie Cook's "FBA on Princess Seamed Bodice" . I added 2" to all of the body pieces because according to my measurements from neck to hip, I knew this was going to run short on us girls over 5'6". I was also concerned whether I would have to lengthen the sleeves but they were perfect. I probably could have cut this in the size 12 (for a "perfect" fit), but I wanted to leave the necessary ease to wear over a bulky sweater. I couldn't find any 2" buttons that "did it" for me so I decided to use the Dritz Half Ball Cover Buttons with some nubuck PVC that I have in my stash and this was the result. I will probably add a hook and eye to keep the collar in place.Pattern: Vogue 8307, View A
Fabric:
Body - Melton 100% Wool
Lining - 100% Polyester
Notions: 1/2" shoulder pads, one 3/4" button, 3/8 yd. of cording, three 2" buttons
Description: Lined, fitted, hip length jacket has asymmetrical collar and front closing, princess seams and shoulder pads.
There was nothing at all that I didn't like about this pattern. The instructions were very easy to interpret. What I liked most about this jacket is that even though I've seen a lot of peacoats this season, this was based on the same style but with much more flair. I like that it has waist shaping and the collar is serving up drama.
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.
This is for Vogue 8307, the Armani coat from the Fall '05 collection that I've spoken of before. I'm doing view A, the jacket because (1) I have enough full-length coats; (2) I'll get more wear out of a jacket; and (3) It will probably hardly ever get cold enough here for more than 2 or 3 consecutive days to really enjoy wearing it.
So, what are you guys up to? Tell me something good!
So, what are you guys up to? Tell me something good!
Project DetailsPattern: 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.
for the Domestic Goddess in us all!
Project DetailsPattern: Butterick 4945
Fabric: 100%cotton
Description: Patterns and instructions for five aprons in sizes small, medium and large. Apron B has contrast flaps. Apron C has contrast pockets and bands.
Since there is no way around the daily household drudgery, why not look cute while doing it? Who would have thought that aprons could be such a chic little accessory? I think I want to make more! I've never quilted and believe it or not, I stared at all of the beautiful cottons in Hancock's for what felt like an eternity trying to find a fabric I like and one for contrast.
I used Apron D in the large size. I chose this view because of the adorable 50's-styling. I omitted the bow and added the facing from Apron C. When I pinned the facing to the top front of the apron, I didn't like the size. I cut 2" off of the bottom. I also added a pocket from Apron C. For the flounce, I used the contrast fabric. BTW, here's the back.
More Looks...
For the "sewing disabled", here are glamour-girl aprons from Kitsch'n Glam. Their prices range from $39.60 - $61.60.
- I'm grateful for the health and well-being of my family and I.
- I'm grateful that I was able to wake up this morning with inclination and ability to walk into the kitchen to "put my foot" in our Thanksgiving meal!
- I'm grateful for being able to afford ALL of the food and everything else I bought this week!
- I'm grateful for Michael Richards reassuring me that racist assholes are not only still alive and kicking, but thriving.
- I'm grateful that Clay Aiken chose Kelly Ripa's mouth to be on the receiving end of his hand because Erica B. would have slapped him off the stage for that one!
- I'm grateful for Rosie O'Donnell to remind us all that when we say something that a gay person does not like, it's due to HOMOPHOBIA!
- I'm grateful that I'm here to experience all of the good stuff and the garbage.
- I'm grateful that even though my husband has to work on Thanksgiving, he has a job to go to.
- I'm grateful that I have you guys to read what ever I put on this blog!
The Look of Dolman Sleeves
Project DetailsPattern: New Look 6648
Fabric: Rayon Jersey Knit
Big sleeves are big for fall -- dolman sleeves (the kind with armholes that reach to the waist, like a batwing) and kimono-style are part of the "I love the 80's" fashion remix and can add an element of sexy to this season's voluminous styles. This is a very *easy* to sew pattern that can be completed in a couple of hours -- it only has four pieces: front, back, neckband and lower band. All of the pieces went together very easily. The fabric I chose is very drapey which I think is best for this type of style. Anything heavier wouldn't hang right. I sewed this as directed with no modifications or alterations. On the neckband after attaching, it's topstitched on the public side of the top. The sleeves have a rolled hem (thanks to The Sewing Divas for the tutorial!) and there is ruching on the lower band. Overall, I have no complaints about this top, I love the style and I'll probably make the one with the v-neck next time.
I have only touched my machine twice this week. "Life" has had me going! I do have a couple of projects in progress, nothing complete. The little things just seemed really tedious this week. It took me three days just to cut for a project... granted there were a lot of pieces involved (body, lining, interfacings). Now that it's all laying out, I don't even think I like the fabric choices. 
Oh well, back to the drawing board sewing room.
Oh well, back to the McCall's Holiday 2006
No thank you, I'll pass.What I do like:
While out and about this week, peeped my head in Anthropologie (I can always find inspiration there), and I discovered the cutest aprons... doesn't every domestic goddess need a few fab ones?! Well, it goes without saying that I wasn't about to part with 40 bucks for something I could stitch up in a couple of hours. Found Butterick 4945... could I possibly get any closer than that! I'm going to be so cute on Thanksgiving!
