How ya doing......

I'm still here!!!  Just been too swamped to blog. The funny thing is, I have 17 posts in drafts that I never could figure out how to post on a schedule, and those were in June!! O_o    Anyways, I've sewn up quite a few projects since then, but no use in keeping the others in draft waiting so I'll began with this one from McCall's.

                
                                                          McCall's 6503

            I made this one up some time ago, and it's been in heavy rotation every since! I
                 made view A, in a faux denim, size14, with unneeded alterations, lol.
                                       Lemme explain.
              

 See, what had happened was:
When I made this dress, for some reason, (and I don't know why) I did a fba! One of the biggest mistakes!! To be honest, it was completely unnecessary. Firstly, the fabric was a stretchy type faux denim, second I made a dart instead of moving it down to the gathers and third this dress ended up being a little too big in that area!

Yep, I made some rookie mistakes but I wearz it anyways, lol. I mean, ..I do love, the stand up ruffle collar, it's pretty, and this dress really was easy to sew, plus I love the fabric. This baby is getting worn regardless, too easy to slip on, yeah buddy.

I mean, who gon point out the bodice is a little too baggy, and extra largish, uhm-K?!

                                            McCall's 6503 (for reference)

Summer McCalls picks....and what I'm loving

 I dont think I've ever posted about my favorites before, so you know I'm loving 

McCall's latest release!! I'm really digging the whole collection, but here are my picks:

 M6600: This shirtdress is one of my favorites, it's such a classic. The fabric choices can make a real difference, and the fabric on the model is gorgeous too! I also like how they are showing different design options, sort of like designers view. (ex: simplicity/project runway)  I can definitely see myself making this with some type of funky fabric, I'm influenced.

M6609: Another classic here, with so many design options! Color-block it, sheer side panels
change the sleeves the skirt length Endless possibilities here.

M6585: This can easily be a sleeper here, but this skirt is calling me! I love the fullness and the pockets.
It's so feminine and flirty and it has twirlability! (yep, I made that word) <3

M6602: This could pass for a Vogue pattern. The back on this dress is soo dramatic, it's definitely a head turner! (I would have to figure out how to raise it, tho) Could be a great dress for the holidays, especially in black or red. I also like the idea of the scalloped hem, hymm.....

M6604: I'm a sucker for the draped or cowl neck top anyway, but seeing it with the collar gives it a new spin to me. I haven't seen that anywhere myself yet, but I really like this! The other views aren't bad either btw.

M6608:  I have a weakness for Maxi's and the maxi skirt is no exception! There is twirlability in this skirt, view C is my fav!

M6610: I 'm always in search of a great jean pattern, I have a vogue pattern that's become my favorite so far, but maybe this could be my new t-n-t .Love seeing the color possibilities.

M6611: I love this jacket, and I really like the idea of extending the peplum. I wonder if this could be made in sweater knit. So classy.

M6605: I already have the fabric for this top, lol. I love the hemline!

M6612: Okay, I can't help it, I love maxi's! The cowl on view D, will be perfect to pair up with a jacket in cooler months, along with boots. I also kinda, like view A too. The gathered hemline is different, me likey!

Okay, I realize that was most of the collection, but what's your favorites?

Which one cant you wait to get your hands on?

Second time, just as charming...

You kno, it is not easy trying to be your own photographer. Me and this darn remote........

 I didn't get many shots of the full dress, like I wanted, but I guess these are okay..
I had to lay my son off,  from his photographer job, because he likes to play with the settings and then I have to re-figure them out, smh.

McCall's 6558

Soo,  I purchased a remote on Amazon, (what took me soo long!!!) best decision ever! I don't quite have the timer down like I want, but it's not that bad. Taking pics outside, uhm no it's too hot for that, even in the evenings!

 I actually made this dress the same day I made this one. I originally planned to make two maxi's, but I miscalculated  the yardage on the fabric, and ended up with a midi instead. It still turned out fine, and I truly cant express enough about how comfortable and cool these dresses are in the summer months. I can honestly say I'm well stocked now! I just completed my last one (McCall's 6559) for the summer collection, I think.;-)

As I mentioned in a post before, this version looks different from the drawing, because
 I added my own little ruffle. I didn't hem this dress nor the ruffle either, I rolled
the hem with the same thread in the serger from the other dress. I mean, since it was
already threaded in red, and I hate re-threading and hemming anyways...

This was very easy and quick to sew, so its a instant gratification pattern.

Say "I", if you just want to sew something easy to get your mojo going!

Me, me, me..

C-ya next time!

Maxi Love

                     This summer I've developed a true love for Maxi's. It's already blazing hot here, so I've added quite a few to my collection.

 While digging thru my stash, I came across Simplicity 3503.  I originally purchased this one because 

It was the best of 2009 of course.

          

I actually never considered the longer lengths on this pattern, I originally purchased this for the sleeved version, but I'm glad I gave this one another look.

Construction wasn't difficult at all, I did my usual fba, and added 3 inches to the length. The fabric 

used was some type of trippy spandex/knit I picked up from High fashion fabrics. It's funny, people want to touch my fabric for some reason (I think it has hypnotic abilities and stuff, lol).

 It does look all watercolorey, lol.

 I do still plan to make the other view in the future since this was a easy sew.. Summer

 has really kicked off, and so has my love for Maxi's.

 

Simplicity 3503

I think this week will be devoted to my love of Maxi's, and also my progress

on the Sewalong. Thanx for stopping by my blog,

C-ya!!

Leanne Marshall and the bombshell...S1876

 A couple of months ago, I got super addicted to the, Craftsy website and I really love their sewing classes!! I'm lovin how interactive they are, how clear the videos are shot, from supplies needed, preparing the pattern, alterations needed, really true step by step for visual learners like myself.  

 Now, I've taken other online classes before, but there's always some type of time factor involved, online chat sessions (which can get boring to read and scroll thru) with a picture here and there etc. and I just can't learn anything without seeing how you do it, seriously lol.

  

 One of the first classes I took was Gretchen's Bombshell Dress class.  I was very impressed, and learned so much from her, and the best thing is, I can re-watch it again and again whenever I want to!  Can you say, Genius!

 The techniques I learned in the course were applied to my latest dress by Leanne Marshall (S1876).  I actually like both views in this pattern, but I felt this view would allow me to try some of the things I learned. The bombshell dress is... somewhat similar, being strapless requiring boning and  well fitted an all.

 In the course, I learned how to use steel spiral  boning which came in handy for this dress and gives better shaping results, and unlike others, move with your body instead of bending in awkward shapes or just plain ole poking me, lol.  I  learned how to make bra cups to shape the bust area, how to make the top of the bodice cup you, to prevent gapage and also how to add a waist stay! 

 Soo, with my new-found skills, I incorporated what I learned into this dress and I tell ya the fit is very secure. My original bombshell dress is still a muslin, but I no longer fear the strapless dress and I also have 4 craftsy classes under my belt so far! 

I used a Robert Kaufman cotton fabric, and I love this print, and I lined the bodice with a similar black cotton. I had to try my,  most favorite belt  on with this dress to break up the print and I think it works well with or without it.

For Reference

This dress was very straight forward to make as it was originally drafted,  but  using my new skills helped customize the fit to me. The other alteration I made was a  1/2" fba.

 

I'm very happy with my dress, and I can't wait for a new class to start, Thanx for stopping by!

C-ya!!