FRANKIE & JOHNNIE KNOCKOFFS, AND FABRIC SHOPPING AT HOME

My weekend project was a pair of PJ's that included two bottoms. I look in on the Frankie & Johnnie PJ site sometimes, and love the different styles that they offer. But look is all I do because I knew that when ever I found the time I would get around to making some up for myself. This is a lively Walmart table cotton print with lavender butterflies and green flowers. I wanted to add just a little something so I inserted purple piping on the color armholes and capri legs. I've never worked with piping, as I can remember, so I wanted to experiment with it a little. The generic piping foot that I bought at Hancock's a while ago fit my machine and worked like a charm. I think I'll investigate more of those feet. I still need to add buttons to my shirt.

My sewing friends Ebony and Lisa paid me a short visit on Saturday evening. Ebony had taken a trip to Texas several weeks ago and made some purchases for her new ESTY Fabric Shop. First we had a show and tell session; where we showed our recently sewn garments. Then we set up my cutting table and played fabric store in the middle of my living room. She had some really gorgeous knits and wovens. I had a really hard time choosing. We just spread everything out, made our choices, and Ebony cut out the yardage we requested. Talk about convenient! There was plenty of talk about her new Esty Shop, and some upcoming Fabric Trunk shows. I can't remember the name of her shop right now, but as soon as I find out I'll post it here on my site.

....Ebony's Fabric shop

Here are my fabric purchases from the night.

Aren't these prints beautimust????

TOWN GOWN

Here's my new "Town Gown" as Old Navy calls them. I rarely ever wear a long dress, but I did want one of the new styles for the summer. I had a dickens of a time trying to decide what pattern to go with and finally made a choice when I saw Gold's version of the same pattern. I wanted something really cheerful and bright for summer so I used this slightly polished cotton for the dress. I bought it spring '08 so it was in my stash for over a year.

I increased the size of the dress in the bodice area a little too much so had to gather to take up the slack in the front. Rather than hemming the neck and arm areas, I self lined the bodice pieces. I also added a braided self tie at the bodice area for just a little something different. I like the dress, but have to get used to wearing all that fabric over my legs. I think I'll be taking this one on vacation with me.

ONE MORE TOP FROM THIS WEEKEND

I finished the other top that I had cut out earlier this seek. It's from the New Look pattern that I used several weeks ago. I had enough fabric left over from the Vouge top to make another top so I decided to make this one even though I already had one of this fabric.

It's finished, but the yoke on this thing gave me a fit this time. Don't know why it gave me such a problem because it went on really easy the last time. I think a dress will be coming up next...................

EASY SUMMER DRESSING.....

Here my new project for this weekend. I've been wanting a comfy traditional tunic for a while, and though this Butterick pattern is a little different than the one I had envisioned, I sort of liked it - so I just went with it. I used a fabric that I bought about 2 years ago on a vacation to New York. I had initially planned on using it for a skirt, but never made a decision on what type. I made the capris from the pattern also. They are from - you know- Hancock's regular gabardine that I've also had for at least 2 years.

I wanted something quick and easy - although nothing really ever is - quick that is. I wanted to add a little something else to the top so I choose a beaded trim that I added to the neckline and front yoke of the tunic; however, I'm still not sure that I really like it. I guess I'll think about it for a while and if it doesn't grow on me I can always take it off.

I plan on wearing an ocean blue tank under the tunic because it is sheer. Old Navy should have one that matches, they usually do. Got to go now, I think I feel at least two more finished pieces for this weekend.....Got to clean up the "Bat Cave" again so I can get on with the next project.

FOR THE LOVE OF TOPS....

I do love myself some tops! I like plain ones, classic ones, but I especially like ones that have just a little something different. Doesn't have to be much, a different sleeve, neckline, back - just a little something different.

I was attracted to this pattern (Vogue 8495) because the sleeveline was just a little different. I made view A which doesn't actually have a real sleeve, but rather the back and front yokes extend just a little giving an illusion of a sleeve. I love this top! I started it this weekend after I finished my Mother's jacket and finished it last night....sooooo you know I wore it to work today.

With the weather being H-O-T I really thought that this fabric would be sticky, but it wasn't at all. It wore nicely as the temperature escalated today. I really think that I'd like to make another one of these this summer - maybe in a jewel tone solid next time.


Well, I finished my spring quarter class tonight (you know I'm only taking one, I say one class at a time). That I means I've got the rest of this week and all of next week that I get to come home and really concentrate on my sewing. I'll be on vacation for 8 WHOLE days after that, so I want to get some vacation pieces made up for my trip.

I really think I want to make a tunic next. Don't know how I'll look in one, but we will see. They just look so nice and airy and cool. I've got just the right pattern so I think I'll work on getting it cut out tonight. I've still got one more top that is already cut out, so I'll need to work on that as well.

So it's on with THE BEFORE VACATION SEWING MARATHON....who knows what I'll come up with!!!!!!!!!!!

A SUMMER LUCY JACKET

By now everybody knows the story of this fabric, how I misplaced it and bought more because I wanted to make a jacket out of it so badly. After finding the misplaced piece I then had much more than I needed for the Patrones Jacket. Not needing two jackets from the same fabric, I decided to make a little summer jacket for my Mother. Since both jackets are short and had short sleeves I still ended up with about 5/8 yard left that I'll use as contrast on some other project later on.

This little jacket is from Butterick 5223, the same pattern I used to make the floral jacket to go with my black sundress. It didn't take to long to put this jacket together because I was already familiar with the pattern. I made view A from this pattern and I think it turned out pretty neat. I'm sure my Mom has a pair of black pants and/or a black skirt to wear this with and hope that she enjoys wearing it. I should be able to get it in the mail to her early next week. The jacket soft pleating at the front and back necklines. I had intended not to line it, but after completing it, decided that it would wear better and have a more finished look with one, so the jacket is fully lined. It has a little swing to it, so I'm calling it a Summer Lucy Jacket (lol). Lucy's are still in style.

Here's a front and back view of the jacket.
Now I'm about to start another project - this time I'm working on tops. Earlier this week to get the cutting phase out of the way, I cut out three projects (that included this Lucy jacket) so I could get right to sewing when the time premitted.
So I've already got two tops ready to work on. It's been a nice sewing weekend so far....

MARC O'POLO CHAQUETA...

is finished, and I'm in love with it too. Almost everything that I make is a labor of love, and this jacket was no different. I worked up the muslin (pro-type) for this jacket by mid week, and was able to start on the actual project on Friday. Since I needed to make one major and a few minor adjustments to the pattern to get the right fit, I decided to trace off a new pattern to include them. (Don't laugh about my pattern paper.) I told you about my fabric escapade last post, I love this fabric but didn't even think that I'd need to match anything. Well since the pattern included attaching back and front bands at the bottom, since I used a print - they actually needed to match - which also presented the tiny problem of matching up the side seams. Well, I finally worked it out by just cutting one continuous band which made attaching so it would match the print and the seams easier.....we just have to find a way to "MAKE IT WORK" (Tim Gunn).


My adjustments made my gapping problem disappear - I'm so glad it worked!!!!
I'm in love with the fabric and the print, so you know it's getting worn to work tomorrow - A GOOD WAY TO START THE WEEK!




I also wanted to mention the latest pant addition to the wardrobe (I made these during a sew-a-long last weekend). As planned, I finally got around to altering the Simplicity 2700 pants pattern to accommodate a straight waistband rather than the contoured band in the pattern. Using the advice of my "SISTER IN FLORIDA", this plan worked out just right. I also made the legs of the pattern narrower because the pattern was just to wide in the legs for me. I'm pleased, and can now say that I have my "TNT PANTS PATTERN".


Well, it may be the end of the weekend, but it's not the end of the sewing adventure....STAY TUNED FOR MORE PROJECTS TO COME!

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

out there! I'm sending a HAPPY FRIDAY shout out to all my fellow sewing bloggers from deep within the BAT CAVE! That's what I've dubbed my sewing room. There is nothing at all negative about it...it's just that on Fridays I want to run right into it, and get as deeply involved in my up-and-coming sewing projects as I possibly can. I actually feel like I'm in a cave (but it's peaceful and tranquil) and I feel like the rest of the world is so blocked out (to a point) that it really takes a lot to get me to come out. (Wonder if that's how Bat Man feels - lol.) Don't be calling me on the Bat phone trying to get me to come out into Gothem!, cause I'm deeply involved in MY CREATIVITY

Now for a word from the creativity side....
Well as mentioned in a previous post, several months ago I received my very first Patrones Magazine as a generous gift from Paco of Barcelano. Can I say that I was grateful...but slightly intimidated, almost to a frozen state. You see this was not only a pattern magazine which is somewhat different from the traditional patterns I'm so use to, but a Spanish pattern magazine. Meaning that I "no habla Espanol"!, which makes it a bit tougher indeed. However, after a couple of months since Paco had included the instruction translation for the simpliest selection in the book, I felt compelled to give it a try. After all my friend had sent this book from the other side of the world - the least I could do was attempt it, as it would not be very gracious of me not to. So, attempt I did, and the project really turned out very nicely.

So here I am again really stretching my self by stepping out of my box to try yet another Patrones pattern. This time a jacket from the same magazine. The simple, yet elegant Marc O'Polo Chaquenta! Isn't it so cute!


Before I started I sat down and wrote out the instructions for the jacket as I thought the order of construction should be - then I proceeded to make a muslin of the project. I did have to email Paco for a little help, and he and Tany came to my rescue with answers. (This was before I figured out that I can type the
instructions into a Spanish to English translator on line.)

So here's a picture of my first muslin - and after a few minor adjustments, I think I will be cutting into the fashion fabric this evening.


I've got a bit of gaposis going on at the bottom of my jacket, but I think I know how to fix it. The jacket is finished with front bands and a back band; and has gathered bellish sleeves.

Now a word about the fabric of choice for this project. I thought I had just the right fabric for this jacket - a not so long ago purchase from my stash. I thought the fabric had just the right drape for this type jacket, but low and behold when I went to the summer stash closet shelf I could not find it. Last Saturday I took every piece of fabric off the shelf searching for it to no avail. Still convinced that it must be on that shelf I checked again on Sunday - this time in both bedroom closets and still no fabric. I thought, God forbid, that I was losing it. I just knew I had bought that fabric. I could just see it, I could feel it, it was so vivid, but it wasn't there. Maybe I had dreamed that I bought it! So on Monday I went to the fabric store to buy that particular fabric and of course it was all gone. So I drove to the Macon store - they had it, but only ONE yard. I struggled with the decision of whether to buy or not thinking that since it was a short jacket, maybe the pattern pieces would fit - and my enormous desire for this one particular fabric won out. Afterward I rushed home to see if the pattern fit on one yard of fabric. It was a tight fit but it did work.

After making the muslin and discovering the gapping problem I determined that maybe one yard wouldn't be enough afterall. Not being one to give up on a dream so readily, I decided to look for the missing fabric once again. Imagine my surprise when I found that black and white beauty hidding in the WINTER STASH!!!! Now how in the world did it get there????????????? Thank God! I knew I wasn't losing my mind! So here's a picture of the black and white chain link beauty that was hidding from me. Now I have more than enough, maybe enough for two jackets!

Be sure to tune in again to this ongoing saga.......

BLUSA...

Well, here's the surprise I mentioned in my last post. It's my very first attempt with a Patrones project. It was easy to put together, especially with the translation that Paco included with the magazine.


Thank each one for your recent comments. I've been busy trying to get through this English class - only three more weeks to go and so far so good. Have a safe and restful Memorial Holiday........

A NIFTY WEEKEND!

I had a really lazy weekend - but enjoyable! I did get together with my sewing buddies Lisa and Ebony on Sunday Afternoon, and we sewed up a storm in my little house. I literally do mean a storm, it rained cats and dogs all afternoon. Priceless, I love the rain, especially when I'm at home for the entire day. Before the sewing started we feasted on my Greek Shish Kabobs, mmmmmmmmm! I think everybody enjoyed them, we ate them all. I hadn't made them in ages, but wanted to do something special for my friends. I'll have to do these again, but next time I'll ask someone to help me with the assembly line for putting them together. It'll go much faster that way. If you'd like the recipe just let me know.



On Saturday I didn't do much, but I did cut out three patterns - so that took a while with many internet and television breaks in between. Laying out and cutting is much easier with the big cutting table that Brenda gave me. I cut out two tops and a pair of pants. I started working on this top (you know I'm a top person...they are so quick and easy - usually) on Sunday at our sew-a-long, and finished it last night.



I love this fabric. I picked up at WalMart ($2.50) in Milledgeville. I so wish I could find this print in a knit. The pattern went together nicely, even though I actually put the bias arm facing on backwards, it still looks nifty! I will make this top again, maybe I'll get brave and try this same pattern in a knit fabric.

I'll start working on the second top tonight but, IT'S SURPRISE that I'll show you as soon as it's finished. I'll sew just a little bit and then it's off to bed cause tomorrow is HUMP DAY AGAIN!!!

Ooops, almost forgot, OMEGA at SEW HOOKED gave me this nifty award, the award for a attitude of gratitude! So I'm passing it along to ALL OF THE PEOPLE I COMMUNICATE WITH THROUGH BLOGS. Please know that I am EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE YOU YOU, SO PLEASE TAKE THIS AWARD THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT MY BLOG!

IS IT HUMP DAY YET??????????

Julia so kindly honored me with this award about a week ago. I've been super busy and hadn't had the time to pinpoint other bloggers to pass it on to, so I wanted to take the time to do it now.

I visit so many blogs, some of which I've struck up really nice cyber relationships with. When I tell none bloggers about these people I find myself referring to them as my friends - I guess I actually feel that close to a lot of you. A lot of the blogs that I frequent have already been given this award, so I have decided to cite just a few of the ones that I have visited recently:

www.lovessewing.blogspot.com
www.mochastyle.blogspot.com
www.thereshesews.blogspot.com
www.designingcreations.blogspot.com
www.colourbynumber.blogspot.com

I think each of these blogs add a splash of inspiration and style worthy of visiting and reading....

Here is a picture of my new sewing table, all set up in my sewing room compliments of Brenda's Sewing Nook!






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