Remake

It's been a while since I blogged.  I am still enjoying retirement.  I  have been sewing non-stop since I retired last May....proms, weddings, alterations, etc. etc etc. 

I'm still sewing for me as well.  This is my second time making this dress...the first one I made in white, but the fabric started getting those little balls on it so I discarded it.  This fabric is a far superior one, so I don't think I'll have that issue again.  I purchased this fabric during my stay in Barcelona a few years ago.  I love how it feels.  It's like a thick knit.  I used my Babylock Evolve to sew most of the seams.  I used my Babylock Coverstitch for the neck edge, hem, and tie band edges.  It was a very easy dress to complete in about 4 hours.  Happy Sewing!!!!

Another Prom Season in the books

2019 prom season is a wrap!  I worked with this three young ladies and young man this year.  All dresses/gowns were drafted in Pattern Master V6 Wildginger Pattern Software.

I drafted a basic bodice,  flat pattern drafted the strapless under corset (boned), circle skirt and belt in Pattern Master V6.  I used pink Casa satin from JoAnn fabrics.  The over bodice and sleeves were made using a sparkle mesh from JoAnn. Her neckline and sleeve edges were finished with the Casa satin.

This next young lady is going to senior prom.  She's a return customer.  Here she is getting fitting in the muslin.

Here's the finished gown.  Fabric from JoAnn Fabrics Cosplay collection (lycra knit)  4" horse hair braid in the hem.  Top was self lined with gown fabric---no lining in the circle skirt with cut on train.

 This pattern is definitely for an experienced seamstress.  So many details left out of the instructions.  I referred to my husband's suit jacket for reference throughout the process of sewing this together.

 love how my welt pocket turned out.

 His lapels are made of her gown fabric.

 Love that fit!!!!

more welts

inside front pocket

 The happy couple on prom night!!!  

The next young lady is like a cousin.  I've been friends with her family since 1973!!!  In fact, I made her mom's sr prom gown in 1980!!!!!  Blair wanted me to combine the two photos below into one gown.

Blair went to Fashion Design High School in Baltimore City. 

Here she is cutting out her muslin pattern.

Here I am draping her sleeve to get the look on the picture.

I didn't know how in the world I was gonna make the bottom of her dress because the sequin fabric was a just the same panel design over and over in yardage.  It came to me one night....add godets.  Her she is standing in the gown.  I cut some slits and added godets caught from the panels.  I used about 10 yds of fabric.  It worked perfectly!!!!!1

The fabric is very, very sheer.  I created a underdress made out of fleshtone swimsuit fabric (JoAnn Fabrics) and added 4" horse hair braid  to the hemline of the underdress. 

I'm so proud of the finished gown.

I love making their prom dreams come true!!!!!  

Special occasion

I had the pleasure of making a baptism suit for a little fellow at church. I've known his mom since she was a child.💖

I couldn't find white snaps so I spray painted these baby blue ones white!

I used this Simplicity pattern to create the look. 

 I added a self-drafted bow tie.  The romper (I shortened the pants) is made with white crepe and the faux vest and bow tie were made out of a brocade - all from JoAnn Fabrics.  

He was as handsome as can be!

Sweater knit fun!

I found this beautiful sweater knit at JoAnns about 2-3 yrs ago. I finally got around to making something with it.  I love how this sweater coat turned out!  The sweater knit has a metallic thread running throughout, but the camera doesn’t really pick it up.  I used fleece for the inset pockets.  It’s really fun to wear!

Go Kyle

Here's my first project of the year.  My friend at church commissioned me to make her son's 16th birthday present.  She gave me a bag of football jerseys and said make him a blanket.

After researching on Youtube "University" and talking to some sewing friends, this is what I came up with!  This was "sew" much fun!!!!!

I used the June Tailor t-shirt interfacing and ruler to cut and stabilize the jerseys.

I decided to use fleece for the sashing and backing.  I found it to be a cozier than using cotton since the jerseys were made with that knit mesh fabric.  I fused the interfacing onto the fleece and the jersey panels.  Most importantly, I used my walking foot!  That thing is a miracle worker.

I cut out and appliqued the two wolf emblems from one of the jerseys.

 Kyle loved the blanket!  I would love to make more of these!!!!  Thanks for stopping by!!!!

Happy sewing!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!