If you're like me, then you probably haven't a clue as to the programming on MTV. I discovered a new reality show - House of Jazmin. It chronicles the behind the scenes life of the 20 year old aspiring fashion designer Jazmin Whitley of Li Cari.

The House of Jazmin airs Tuesdays on MTV at 10:30pm ET, 9:30pm CT

I read this article in the September issue of Vogue and it made me smile. Anytime someone, especially those that have access to high-end designer duds take an interest in sewing... well, I just get goosebumps! The author spoke of taking an interest in sewing lessons in order to make curtains and pillows. She discussed this with her editor at Vogue and the editor told her that learning to sew in order to make home decor was "bor-ing"! My sentiments exactly! (No offense to anyone who only wants to sew home decor, LOL.) She suggested that she make a dress! What a mar-velous idea! The author felt that since she writes about clothes for a living, she should know how they're made! I totally agree! I think ALL of the fashion writers and editors should take a garment sewing class.

The author's editor suggested Jason Wu (yes, "Inaugural gown Jason Wu") as a sewing instructor. We should all be so lucky!

ETA: I see a few of you questioned the use of the expensive dupioni for her first project. I say, why not? She knew that the dress would be photographed and put in THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF VOGUE!!! Surely you didn't expect for her to use "quilter's cotton" to copy Jason Wu's runway dress??? No need of playing in the shallow end of pool... might as well jump off into the deep end! Plus, she had a top designer to guide her hands. I always tell people when they ask me for advice, work with a fabric that you love! If money's not an issue, even if you fail, you can simply look at it as being "just fabric".

Description: Fitted, lined dresses A, B have extended shoulders, outside darts, low-cut back with back zipper closing, back slit and mid-knee length; dress A has purchased belt; dress B has belt with bow.

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were easy enough that a beginner could handle this project with ease.

Description: Pullover A-line dress, above mid-knee length, has lined, fitted bodice, tucks at neck, pleated front and stitched hem, cut-in armholes give halter effect.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20, I cut the size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were fairly easy. just be careful when making the tucks on the bodice and the skirt.

Fabric Used: Matte Jersey.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the style of this dress. This is another of those dresses that look like a halter from the front, but provide full coverage in the back.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 3 inches to the hem. No FBA was needed because it's a knit. Had it not been for the length of this dress, I would have been able to sew this straight out of the envelope.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Doubtful that I'll sew this again, but I do recommend it.

Project Details:

Pattern: Butterick 5351, View B

Description: Above mid-knee dresses A, B, C, D have fitted or loose-fitting bodice, A-line skirt and back zipper. A, B, C: shoulder straps. A, B: front and back band. B: pockets. C, D: elastic casing above bust. D: ruffle. Purchased belts.

Pattern Sizing: 8 - 24, I cut the size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy. I only occasionally peered over them.

Fabric Used: 100% Linen

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the simplicity of the dress... how it can be dressed up or down, depending on the accessories.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 3 or 4 inches to the hem (I don't remember exactly). I made my normal FBA on the bodice. I underlined the dress in silk organza and STILL have plenty of wrinkling. Gotta love pure linen!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't know if I'll sew this again, but I wouldn't count it out. This style is pretty classic, so who knows? I do recommend it though.

Today is my little sweetie's 12th birthday! Of course I had to make her a fab dress in honor of the occasion!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern and most of all, so did she! What really drew our attention to this pattern was the flower detail.

Fabric Used: I used matte jersey.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 3 1/2" to the hem. Also, I only lined the bodice and added elastic to the hemline.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Even though it was fun to sew and she absolutely loves this, I doubt I'll make it again. I recommend this to anyone that has a trendy and stylish young lady in their life.

Vogue 1117
I love the draping on this dress! I saw it all over the place last Fall.

Vogue 1118
I'm a big fan of Tracy Reese's designs! This dress is gorgeous. Now, if I could just find that fabric!

Vogue 1126
You can't really tell from the pic, but the lines of this suit are incredible! i would love to make this in a fabric that highlighted them.

Vogue 1129

Vogue 1119
I love this complete ensemble! Donna Karan has been on a roll lately with her draped garments and I am hooked! I would love to make the dress in the same shade of chocolate brown. I'd wear it with the same color tights and a pair of suede brown pumps I have. I'd do the coat in the same color as the original or perhaps a burnt orange.

Vogue 1127
This is another great suit! I love all 3 pieces!

Vogue 8593

The 3/4 length sleeve dress reminds me of the First Lady's dress she wore on her first visit to the White House.



Vogue 8603
Where was this pattern last year when I made THIS??? This is a knockoff of the Nanette Lepore Sorcery Plaid Skirt from her Fall 2008 collection:





Vogue 8594
Seriously, can a girl have too many sheath dresses? I think not!


Vogue 8601
This jacket has an equestrian jacket cut. I'd love to make this with traditional velvet details.


Vogue 8598
I've been intending to make a crisp, white shirt. What better time than the Fall.

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted, lined jackets A, B, below waist, have shawl collar variations, princess seams, drapey patch pockets and shaped hemline; dress A has short sleeves with pleats; dress B has long, two-piece sleeves with slits and self-fabric flower.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Since it was practically the same color, it looks almost identical (with the exception of the pockets).

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy. I was expecting the bow to be more difficult, but it's a lot easier than it looks.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love that this pattern is an exact copy of a Nanette Lepore jacket from her Spring 2008 Collection.

Fabric Used: I used a linen/poly blend found at Hancock. For the lining, I used a poly charmeuse. I loved the color and the print of the lining fabric. I wasn't concerned about lining this jacket with polyester. Even though I live in Alabama, I'm hardly ever outside for long periods of time in nice clothing. I'm sure I will not combust walking to my car. ;-)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 3 inches to the length and made a FBA. Also, I fumbled with pockets for quite some time and still couldn't get them to drape like the Nanette Lepore jacket. I decided to just add a pleated detail. I wanted the pleated cap sleeves to keep their shape, so I added sleeve heads. Also, the sleeve lining is sewn to the sleeve by the hem, then the armscye is handstitched to the lining.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would love to sew this in a wool pinstripe for Fall. I highly recommend this.

If you have been keeping up with the news, you know that this is Svetlana Medvedeva, Russia's First Lady. She spent Monday giving our First Lady a tour of the Kremlin. The Huffington Post decided to provide a sartorial tour of Mrs. Medvedeva's style and this is one of the pictures. Who in the hell allowed this woman to go out with that janky hemline?! They could have fused it if time was of the essence. Maybe once she put it on, she noticed it was at an unflattering length? I don't know about you, but I would have gone with the unflattering length before I stepped out in THAT monstrosity! What a fashion faux pas!