November 30, 2016

#BLOGLIKECRAZY 2016 DAY 30: It's A Wrap...

...so here I find myself at the end of #BlogLikeCrazy 2016.   I couldn't have pulled it off without the support of my blogging friends who took part in this.  I'd also like to thank each and every one of you who supported me by reading and commenting on my posts. Believe me when I say, it means a whole bunch to me. It stands true in everything we do - even blogging;  "no man (or woman in this case) is an island".  
Here's a picture of this year's Editorial Calendar...Hot mess, but it did keep me organized
Blogging for 30 days straight will keep you on you toes. But, I like to write! That is the reason I connected with Javacia Harris Bowser of See Jane Write.bham who sponsors this challenge.  Javacia gently coaches and guides writers of all genres to do just that - write.  So whether I wrote about sewing, gourmet meals, or my work life -  I exercised my writing muscle this month .
  
Do you like writing?  If so, how do you exercise your writing muscle???


November 29, 2016

#BLOGLIKECRAZY 2016 DAY 29: Where Are They Now...

...blogging presents a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who enjoy the same genre of diying as I do - APPAREL SEWING.  Last year I was privileged to connect with Venita Davis of SewVeStyle through The Amazing Sew-Alongs FaceBook Group when she agreed to help me out by doing a blog interview (you can read it here).  We've kept up with each other virtually all-year-long.  I just couldn't think about concluding my BlogLikeCrazy "Where Are They Now" segment this year without including her in it.  Venita you made it complete!

Venita has had a wonderful sewing year!  I can attest to that because updates via her blog SewVeStyle come straight to my email.  I also follow her on FaceBook, Bloglovin, Pinterest and Instagram.  It's a wonderful technological world we live in - where, with just the click of a button, I can instantly be transported into her Sunny California sewing world and her into mine...


Have you learned or are you using any new sewing techniques this year?  If so, what?
VENITA: 

    * I have learned to stop following trends and sew what looks best on me.
    * I sewed Chiffon for the first time.  I've been fearful of Chiffon and Silk but now I understand that it's all about preparation and respecting the fabric.
    * I've found my inner sewing voice.  I've discovered my personal style and it's all about classy sophisticated chic.  
    * I have a work and a personal style aesthetic and I embrace them both.  I'm all about business at work and fun when I'm not.  We have casual Friday's and people are amazed at what I wear and even more so that I made it.
    * I'm not afraid of so called advanced or complicated patterns.  It's all about reading and researching before running for the scissors.
    * I've also developed a new found appreciated for pattern designers.  It takes a great deal of skill to design a pattern and write instructions in a way that allows folks like me to follow and produce quality garments.


What are your MUST HAVE items to make for the Fall/Winter season?
 VENITA:  
     *  I live in California so I don't really have to sew for the seasons - I just sew whatever I want to wear.  
     *  I'm planning to make the Clare Coat this season - I'm still on the hunt for the right hot pink fabric. http://amandoblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Clare-Coat-Sewing-Pattern-9.jpg
     *  Also on the list is McCall's M7100 the cute bomber jacket.  I have plans to do a mash up with this one.  I'm a bit old for a bomber jacket but I'm already visualizing a way to class it up.

What sewing pattern(s) are you most excited about right now?
 VENITA:


     * Too many to list but here are a few.
     * I'm working on a holiday dress is red using Vogue 1254.  I'm almost finished and can't wait to wear it.  It will be the first red dress that I've ever had.
     * Vogue 8945 with the bell sleeves which is on trend right now
     * Butterick 5685 view A - updated peacoat
     * Butterick 6298 view D - strictly for lounging
     * Badgley Mischka Vogue 1513 - oh that flutter accent on the top is to die for
 
CLICK Here For More Inspiration:
SewVeStyle
Instagram: @ sew-ve-style
Pinterest:  Sew Ve Style By Venita Elaine
FaceBook:  Sew Ve Style

Paying Homage to Black Pattern Designers...

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