BURDA 7069 HIGH WAIST SKIRT - B7069

Chic, trendy skirts, interesting seam lines, with shaped, slightly raised waistband. The side gores make the difference. 

So, I finally got around to making my high waist skirt....finally in 2014!  BTW, Happy New Year!

I was so excited about making this skirt, it was super easy to make, although I encountered a few technical difficulties, it was well worth it since I finally got what I wanted. 

Pattern Description:
Chic, trendy skirts, interesting seam lines, with shaped, slightly raised waistband. The side gores make the difference. Either swinging skirt or narrow silhouette.
Pattern Sizing: i cut a 16 based on these 44 inch wide hips.
however, i should have cut a 14 or even a 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? OMG, they were super easy. i looked at them for a second, but if you just look at the dress and your pattern pieces, you'll know exactly what to do. side panels, center front and waist band- then zipper....i was smiling all while i was putting this easy skirt together. i was also smiling because i was so excited to finish this skirt so that i could try it on. i have always loved high waist whatever it is.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
i loved everything about it- the only complaint, and i guess you really cant call it a complaint. but, i initially cut a 16 and finished i tried it on and of course it was too big, therefore the sides kinda gathered up. i usually have problems in the waist area because i'm a little smaller there than i guess i am suppose to be when compared to my hip size. so, being determined to fit and wear this skirt. i had to undo the zipper (what a pain) and do a CB adjustment. i simply just took the zipper out, had my husband measure the excess and i cut it off and put the zipper back on. now, that did work, it actually made the skirt fit better, but the waist was still a bit big. at least it is not conforming to my waist like i wish it would, but for some reason or another i think it has something to do with the interfacing i used in the waist.

Fabric Used: i used a stretch denim...i looooove my stretch denim

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:see above

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
oh boy- YES and yes! i will be and I will be cutting this skirt in a size 12 to get the perrrrfect fit- especially for my waist.
Conclusion:
overall, i love my high waist skirt. I plan on making this in a lighter color next time, thats so you can see the details more- the dark denim made it look kinda plain (per my husband- but i agreed)

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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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.

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.

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.

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!!

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?