Saturday, December 21, 2013

ARM KNITTING

SOO, I HAVEN'T BEEN HERE IN A WHILE- I've been busy in my sewing lab determined to MAKE all my Christmas gifts as I promise myself each and every year- I've did good with it this year.

Here's one of my items that I will be giving away as a gift- I learned this arm knitting technique just yesterday and I just love love love the outcome. It's like I can't wait until Christmas is over so I can start making some these nice things for myself!!

I want to make in a few colors for myself. It's such an easy and fast technique, you can't help but to
make lots of these!!
Here's where I learned how to do this at on youtube.

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Friday, December 13, 2013

Mccalls 3397

I searched high and low for the right rag doll pattern for my baby girl and finally found it new on ebay! I just received it in the mail and cannot wait to get started; I am über excited!!

It's bringing back memories- I had one like this as a small child, but when my family moved, I remember leaving it behind, why? i dont know-i remember my granny had someone make it for me.

Just waiting to get my iron on face for this doll that I had to order online and a sewing I will be!!
I'll post my progress as I go... I can't wait.

Monday, December 2, 2013

ITCHIN TO BE STITCHIN...

Ok, up late and my house is quiet  and itchin to be stitchin something...

So, I thought I would do something simple just to satisfy my itch.

Earlier this week I visited a thrift store- I love love love to refashion.

I saw some curtains and thought they would be a nice sturdy and absorbent material to make an apron out of. Someone just asked me to make an apron for them, so this was the perfect material for it.
But, the picture below is what I made for myself with the left over.

Oh, Let me just let you know, that I love love love to make aprons.
Just something simple enough.

Here are a few more of my refashions (aprons) from old jeans that no one wants anymore- Hmm, I can alway find a good use for them.

I just love the vintage fabric with all the cooking utensils on it- I bought from Joann Fabrics. Now, with the little left over I had, I was able to make a kitchen dress tile that hangs on the handle of your stove-such a great idea, because my daughter stays in the kitchen with me and is always asking me to wipe her hands off, not its at her level and always there for her. Its pretty useful for everyone in the house.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

BOOK REVIEW - Junky Styling - Wardrobe Surgery

Sooo, as you may already know, I love love love to sew.
Aside from sewing pattern pieces, I also love love love to refashion.

So, some time ago when searching the internet I found the book Junky Styling-Wardrobe Surgery. I ordered it and couldn't wait to look inside to start some of the projects.

Most of the projects made are made from mens clothing...
It was very interesting and gave me some new and exciting ideas, but the one thing in particular that I wanted to make that they did not include was hooded bomber jacket made from a mens blazer. This was one of my top reasons for purchasing the book. That was a disappointment; however, I've slept on the idea for some time now and when I get into that mode, I will construct my own.

But, one of the items I also loved, loved, loved was the suit sleeve scarf and they did include a step by step for it. These scarves can be worn by men or women and will add a stylish collar to any jacket or coat...I think this sleeve scarf would look nice if just worn with a tshirt.
Overall, the book is filled with designs made from men's clothing, there are a few step by steps in there, but not the things I truly wanted to make. But, again, I'll sleep on it and figure out how their garments are constructed.


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Coco Chanel Hoola Hoop Purse - Replicated!

Ok, so I made this some time ago. It may have been earlier this year when I saw a sneak peek of CoCo Chanel's 2013 Spring collection. 
I immediately started searching the Internet so I could look at this purse from different angles so I could see how it was constructed.
Soooo, it was burning my sewl up as to figure out how I would put this together- and as always when this happens when I go to sleep at night , I will dream about it.
So, the next morning I visited the Home Depot for some tubing. I found exactly what I was looking for, plus I found a gold tone "something" that is used to close piping- Perfect for what I was trying to accomplish. 
I couldn't believe I was at the Home Depot searching for what I needed to construct a purse.
Next, I went to my favorite store- Joann Fabrics and bought white quilting fabric,  came home and anxiously started drafting a pattern.... It was quite simple- I just had to create the perfect circle that would fit inside and be functional inside the tubing.


Sooo, (drum role) here's my replica of CoCo Chanel's Hoola Hoop purse

MY INSPIRATION


Now, I do realize this purse will not be functional; therefore, when my sewing room is expanded, I will be putting my replica on display!!
And to finish it off, I'll have to visit my nearest Dollar store or accessory store and find a knock off pair of Coco Chanel earrings to attach to the front.
Overall, this was a super fun project- I was excited every step of the way..
IF, I ever decide to make this purse functional, I'll need to figure out a way to permanently attach the purse to the tubing, but in the mean time, I used my sweety pies industrial stapler to hold the purse together, and of course I simply inserted a magnetic clip for the front closure.

I hope you like!!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

My name is Mina and I am addicted to everything sewing...

Soooo, I can't sleep and guess what I'm thinking about? Ehh Emm, the pattern sale at Joann Fabrics that starts Nov 23, 2013.
What's unbelievable is, I have over 300 maybe 400 ( maybe more- not counting whats probably in the basement stash) patterns and still get highly excited every time Joann has a pattern sale! Yes, I'm addicted. I'm also a fabric phen. I must go sew something!!!

Are there other fabric/pattern addicts out there?


Monday, November 18, 2013

Ok, so this wasn't my best work, because I ran into a problem.  Hmm, how could I, this was one of the easiest patterns in the world!! However, I will be making this work! I love the fabric way too much.
 
M6844

Thursday, November 14, 2013

FUTURE PROJECT

Ok, so this is like one of my favorite, most comfortable t-shirts ever. This t-shirt has been through thick and thin. I can remember buying two of these, one in black and one in white years ago from Express and have just loved, loved, loved them. These tshirts have even been worn comfortably while I was pregnant, they were the right length and fit and even post pregnancy. I haven't found a t-shirt like this that can compare yet. One thing for sure is, it is time to retire these t-shirts- my white one has lost it white color, the seams are popping and etc....
Soooooo, I am going to try my hand at recreating this t-shirt!!! I know that I can easily find this tshirt pattern on Mccalls website, but I just want to replicate my old time tshirt, because again, it was the perfect fit, length and everything.
So, here's a picture of my white one, along with my daughter Aminah in the picture. 
She calls my dress form "the monster"
In re-doing this t-shirt I looked at Professor Pincushions video on youtube on how to replicate an easy shirt, so I chose this one... wish me luck!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

So many thoughts....

I have so many things on mind and so many things I want to do; that is, SEWING. That I just don't know what to do- I'm like at a stand still now and just have to gather my thoughts and begin sewing.

I've already cut my fabric out for my next project (M6844), BUT in the interim of that I saw some scraps and saw a vision for something else and said I was going to whip up some snow pants/coveralls for my daughter to match her jacket that I just made (M5743) that I really wasn't feeling, but now that its growing on me, I think the coveralls will be a nice addition to the jacket- she could wear the coveralls over her clothes when the weather is cold and and still look posh.

So, as I am finishing up the coveralls to match my daughters jacket (M5743)- I am thinking to myself, this might be too much leopard print- I'm thinking I should have made the coveralls in red with maybe a leopard trim on the lower leg- maybe when you roll up the leg, it would roll up leopard- IDK. Hopefully when the complete suit is on her it won't look like a halloween costume.
Hopefully, I will finish this evening with the coveralls.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Mccalls 6844

So here is my next project
I hear its really fast and easy- can't wait to get started.
So here's the fabric I'll be using for M6844. I'm so bad with the names of fabric.
I do know that it's stretchy, draps well, and think it will be perfect for this project.
It reminds me of a thinner version of the ponte knit fabric- not as thick and it has little specs of glitter.
I'm thinking I should have bought enough fabric to make a coordinating skirt, but IDK, we shall see.


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Mccalls Pattern M6530

INTRODUCING THE ONE AND ONLY 
AMINAH

My daughter had a good time modeling this outfit for me today- she even asked me to stop taking pictures for a moment so she could fix her hair. What am I going to do with my lil diva?





Pattern Description: Pullover top and tunic have elastized neck, sleeve and raised waist (elastic thread used for shirring sleeve/waist). B: self belt (cut on crosswise grain of fabric). Pants have elastic waist. Single -layer kerchief (wrongside shows) has binding extending into tie ends. All have narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing: 3/4

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, instructions were easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love to see little girls in ruffles, so thats why I chose this pattern; no dislikes.

Fabric Used:I used a jean material

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No, I didn't have to alter anything.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would definitely sew this again. And, yes I would recommend- its a little girls must have in her wardrobe.
Conclusion:
I actually made this approx 2 years ago, just to make and ended up giving it to my auntie for her grand daughter, but the mother didn't really like it so, it was given back to me. Yes, its been in my daughters closet all this time- my daughter is now 3.5yrs old and yes she will be wearing it real soon. Its a little big, but she will soon fill it out.

Mccalls Pattern M6751 view A

Soooo, there is quite some history behind this top. A friend of mine initially asked if I could make this top, however, the picture was an Alexander Wang criss cross t-shirt. When I first saw the criss cross t-shirt I also fell in love with it and was determined to make this top. I searched the internet and all patten companies and could not find anything like it. Therefore, I was on a mission to draft my own pattern! To my success I was successful in drafting my own and was satisfied with the finished product, BUT had some alterations, but in the interim of the alterations Mccalls came out with this pattern and I immediately bought it, made it and I love it. Although it doesn't have the capped sleeves, I am satisfied. I can still alter my version (someday).



MY INSPIRATION- Alexander Wang- Criss Cross T-shirt
 And, I must say that this top works well under a blazer..
Also, I left off the pocket on the front.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Mccall's M6556 Fashion Star Dress


M6556

So, I'm a little late with this, but thats ok because I'm just starting this blog. But, I did make this garment a few months ago. I loved it when I saw it on the show Fashion Star and couldn't wait for the pattern to be released. It was a super easy make!



Here's my REVIEW

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESSES: Pullover dresses have narrow hems. A: loose-fitting, tucked front and back extend into armhole drape. B: very close-fitting, bias self bindings (armhole extends into shoulder straps).

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did. BUT, since I am a curvy girl, this didn't work out as a dress for me. Its more like a pull over that I will wear with leggings or a pair of skinny jeans

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Dislike: personally, I don't like cutting out patterns that are large in size like this one was, but at least it didn't have too many pieces.

Fabric Used: I used a very light weight cotton almost sweater like material (sorry) I just can't remember the name or type of fabric. All I know is, it worked just perfect for this pattern. I made this some time ago. I've never sewn with striped or plaids before, so I wasn't consious of the directions, so it was too late when I sewed everything together the back was going in another directions, but I think overall thats what makes this dress/pull over a little special (;

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None really. But, I did have to take in the waist area just a little bit and thats because I wanted it to be a little more form fitting, especially since I'll be wearing this as a pull over, instead of a dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would sew it again, but not anytime soon, this is more suited for the summer and its getting cold now where I am. If I do sew it again, I was thinking that I may add a sleeve to the other arm- I thought that would be cute
Conclusion:
Overall, this was an easy make, its very comfortable and cute.


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

MAKE A GARMENT A MONTH CHALLENGE

So here is my finished garment - Mccalls M6791-The moment I saw this pattern I loved it. To most, its just simple, but I saw sex appeal. Nothing over the top, but simple and sewphisticated and it was an easy make.




Pattern Description: Close-fitting, pullover dresses have right side pleats, shaped left side, underdress, draped back with opening, and raw edge finish. Narrow hem finish on necklines, armholes A and sleeve hems B and C. C: longer than regular length sleeves pushed-up.

Pattern Sizing:  AX5(4-6-8-10-12), D5(12-14-16-18-20)

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, in the beginning, but became somewhat of a challenge midway because I was using a sweater knit material that does not have a right or wrong side- that was the most challenging when sewing this dress.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I really liked the fact that I had to do little hemming! The finish of the dress called for a raw edge finish; however though, because I used a sweater knit, I will more than likely will have to do a straight stitch just around the edge, so it doesn’t fray, but I don’t mind that.
DISLIKE: wow, the sleeves were extremely long!! I know the sleeves were meant to be rolled up a bit, but the sleeves for this pattern were extremely long. Next time I make this, I am definitely going to shorten them, or I even thought about putting elastic on each side of the sleeves to give a more gathered look- that way, I won’t have to worry about having to keep rolling them up.

Fabric Used: I used a sweater knit that I fell in love with. I loved the way it draped, I think it was a perfect fabric to use for this pattern.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made no alterations. However, there are a couple of thing I would change- the pleats on the side- next time I will make smaller pleats- I think that would attract more attention to the waistline and make it appear to be a bit more sewphisticated.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Most definitely. As I was coming upon my finished product, I tried it on and loved it, I thought that this would be nice in RED. I was invited to a Christmas party in Dec and I thought this dress would be perfect in Red. I also thought that it would be super cute in white and without the sleeves for the summer. I don’t want to overdo it and make too many, but I must make this in Red and when the summer roles around, I must make it in white.

Conclusion:   I would definitely recommend others to sew it. This project took me two days to complete, but could have actually been completed in an evening, the obstacles faced was the fabric I chose because it didn’t have a right or wrong side. I would also recommend making this in a jersey knit fabric, since it is a bit thinner than the sweater knit, I didn’t realize that the dress is basically lined which meant the sweater knit makes it double a sweater. As I was trying it on and taking my pictures, I did get a little hot, but I still love the dress and cannot wait to wear it.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Make A Garment A Month Challenge

HERE IS THE GARMENT THAT I WILL BE MAKING FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER McCalls M6791.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Singer Professional 5 Overlock Machine 14T968DC

My new baby..
I upgraded from the Brother 1034D; I needed a machine that could do a cover stitch, and this machine does everything that I need it to do.
For a moment I was scared when I bought this machine, fresh out of the box it didn't work, I had to end up sending it to an authorized facility who could fix it. Singer was definitely going to hear about this if they had not extended my warranty. But, overall it's back and I'm excited to use it and see its capabilities.
I even bought a new table to house it on.
My sewing room is now back to being fully functional.



Here's one of the first items I made with my new serger.
My daughter wasn't feeling too fabulous when I asked her to try on her new outfit.

I used M6785




October 31, 2013


So here is my little bunny rabbit. I made this costume using Mccalls pattern 6106. This is my daughters 2nd year wearing this; it was perfect for this year since Halloween ths year was cold and raining; she was well layered underneath.