Cheetah Kinda Day

Hello Lovelies!

I am back home sadly.  I really enjoyed a much needed getaway to the lovely state of Georgia.  I ate and ate and ate.  Yea, it was really bad lol!  As mentioned on my last post, I made 2 jumpsuits but was only able to wear one during the trip.

Here is Simplicity 1158

I ordered this cheetah print from fashion fabrics about a month ago.  I love the print and the fabric is lightweight and soft.  Just perfect for the hot Atlanta weather we experienced over the weekend. 
Because I was short on time, I didn't put the elastic in the waist like the directions call for, nor did I follow the 5/8" seam allowance for the slim leg.  I wanted it to be a little more baggy but I didn't want the wide leg look.  I also made it with the belt, which is really hard to see in the pics, and pockets.  I love how the jumpsuit turned out despite the not having elastic in the waist or doing the 5/8" seam allowance on the legs.  The directions were very easy to follow and I plan on making the various versions that the pattern offers.  I highly recommend this pattern.  It's super cute, trendy and easy to sew up! 

Until next time, Have a Gratifying Day!
Alonda

Flash Forward

Hello Lovelies!

First, I want to thank everyone for your get well comments.  It was so nice of you and I really appreciate it.  Thank you so much!

I had a planned trip to Atlanta and had nothing to wear.  I left on Thursday night so, during the day I power sewed.  I made two jumpsuits in one day!  I can't believe I accomplished that and one of the jumpsuits was a pattern mashup.  I will do a post with more info and pics once I wear them.  I also finished and wore Vogue 1027.

 I am in LOVE with this dress!  When I first saw reviews about it, I knew I had to have it!  It is an OOP pattern, but I was able to get it on eBay.  I was one determined sewinista :)  I purchased the fabric from Habermans.  There was just something about this fabric pattern that spoke to me every time I went, so I finally broke down and purchased 3 yards.  It is an ITY Knit.  I love the coloring throughout the dress.  As I was constructing the dress, I had the funniest familiar feeling, like I have seen this coloring before.  And then it hit me!  It reminds me of "The Flash"  Can you see it?  The yellow lightening bolt running through the print along with the red of his suit?  Lol!  Yes I am a huge comic book/Marvel fan.  If you have not seen "The Flash" on CW, I highly recommend it!

Now on to my review on the pattern.  It was extremely easy to follow and sews up nicely.  I love the full skirt.  I did not use elastic in the waist as called for since it has an attached belt.  Also, I read reviews that stated that the pattern ran big so I sewed more than the 5/8 seam allowance.  If you have this pattern, or can get your hands on it, I highly recommend it!  I plan to make it again a few times.  One in red and another one with modifications to make the skirt floor length. 

Until next time, Have a Gratifying Day!
Alonda

Houston.... We Have a Problem

Hello Lovelies!

Well, not much to report.  I have material that is cut and waiting for me to turn it into some beautiful pieces but, my body is not cooperating.  Sigh.... the joys of Aunt lulu.  I probably won't get back to sewing until this flare is over.  What have I been doing since I can't sew?  Watching Project Runway!  I figured, if I can't sew, at least I can watch someone who can! 

Now, I am a little embarrassed to admit this, but..... I have never watched a single episode of Project Runway.  I know.... crazy right?  How on earth did that happen?  I'm not sure...  Funny thing is found Nick Verreos sewing techniques on YouTube very helpful.  I just had no idea he was on project runway!!

In my defense, lol, I'm not the biggest reality television show cheerleader.  I'm more of a problem solving, murder mystery type gal.  I always have been.  I guess it comes from having a father who's a retired police detective. 

In elementary school, of course I read all of the Judy Blume, Beverly Clearly and the like, but I LOVED Nancy Drew and the Hardy boys.  As a kid, I looked forward to watching Kojack, Moonlighting and Murder She Wrote (just to name a few).  Wow, did I really just admit that?  Now don't get me wrong, I also did regular things kids do growing up.  Door knob ditch, football, setting complex garbage cans on fire, etc...  but any type of crime show or detective novel are what I am and have always been drawn to.  My dad would buy these 500+ page mystery novels, have me read them and I would be consumed with it until I finished, which didn't take but a few days to read. 

I love to figure out the who done it and why before the show or movie ends.  My DH says he hates to watch shows with me because I can usually figure it out within the first 10-20 minutes. 

You know the really bad thing is I can't even go fabric shopping...   Oh well, until next time, Have a Gratifying Week!

Smooches
Alonda

Wind Kissed

Hello my Lovelies!

I tried to take this pic on Tuesday but it was too gloomy so I took it on Thursday.  The sun was in and out, such a tease lol!  Here is Butterick 5929 View D

    BEFORE

 
                                     After

As you can see, the wind loved my skirt and so did I!  However, I do think that I should have used McCalls 5811 instead.  Sorry, this pattern is OOP.  With M5811, the skirt is cut one piece for the front and once piece for the back instead of cutting three pieces front and back like B5929.  So this is definitely a sewing blooper on my part, but I am still gonna rock it!  When I was cutting it out I tried to match the pattern as best as I could, but as you can see that was an utter failure.  B5929 is exactly what it claims to be, fast and easy.  If you have this pattern, how did you like it?  What are your favorite skirt patterns?

Until next time, Have a Gratifying Day!
Alonda

Claritin Take Me Away!!

Hello my Lovelies!

So, today is Friday.....  Yep... I do not know how I am going to pull this off.  A goal of three projects a week!?  Whose bright idea was that?  Oh yea, mine lol!  My allergies have been absolutely horrible this week.  If you ask Benedryl and Claritin, they'll tell you, I haven't sewn a single stitch all week (sigh...)  To make things worse, it's been cold and gloomy this which, thanks to aunt lulu, brings on the aches and pains.  But of course, as I type this, It's sunny!  Thanks a lot Michigan! ;P  You know how the saying for Michigan goes, "If you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes, it'll change!"

Anywhoo...  Here are my picks for the week:

Let me tell you a little story.....   I purchased that simplicity pattern EIGHT years ago.  It was my very first time purchasing patterns.  I got it when Joanns was  having their simplicity sale for .99, so I bought 10.  Every year I would pull out this pattern, look at it and then lie to myself and say that I was going to make it for the summer.  EVERY year people!  It's like I'm captain Ahab and she's Moby Dick, or I'm Memphis Raines and she's Eleanore.  Yes, it's that bad lol!  If I can accomplish sewing her up before Sunday, this girl is gonna be one happy camper!!

I'm going to experiment and try something I read off of Pinterest and if it works I will share it with you in my "How Did I Do" post.  Until next time, Have a Gratifying Day!

Smooches
Alonda

Weekend Warrior

Hello Loves!

This week has been extremely rewarding!  I am so proud of myself.  I accomplished my goal and completed all three dresses and a skirt!  Yep.... I did that, literally! :D  Each garment I finish, helps to increase my confidence more and more.  I just need to work on my picture taking abilities.  I HATE taking pictures.  In front of a camera, I'm uncomfortable and awkward.  I nit pick and critique each and every pic which makes it incredibly hard to decide which pics to post.  My hubby even told me that because of this, my best pics are the ones they take of me when I'm not paying attention.  Hopefully that will get better as I continue to blog. 

I don't tell most people that I've made what I'm wearing.   Lately, I've received so many compliments on my outfits, that it has just confirmed for me that I've made the right decision.  Maybe it's the feeling of accomplishment I get from completing my garments but, I feel really good in my clothes.   For someone like me with low self esteem, that's a BIG deal!  I guess, sewing is therapeutically good for me in more ways than one!

Here is the dress I wore to the wedding I attended on Friday.   Vogue 8921 View C

Can I just say, "I LOVE THIS DRESS!!!!"  It's funny though.... because when I completed the dress, I wasn't in love with it on the hanger.  Once, I put it on however, I squealed with delight!  I will definitely be making a sleeveless version for the summer.

On Saturday, my dh requested that I make a red dress since my closet consists of lots and lots of black.  Don't get me wrong, I love all colors but I just don't wear them.  Now, that I am sewing, all of that will surely change.  Anywhoo....   I chose Butterick 5454 View B



There was only one song that played in my head over and over, "Lady in RED....."  This dress was totally out of my comfort zone.  It's candy apple red, smh.... could it be any brighter?!!   I love the dress, but I'm not happy with the fabric I selected.  It's a VERY lightweight ITY Knit.  I feel like my pleats didn't get the props they deserved.  I will make this dress again but with a better quality ITY and I'm going to make a maxi version.  It was a very easy sewing project.  I would highly recommend it for beginners.

Today, I wore Simplicity 1276 View B



This dress is really fitted throughout the bodice.  I love the look and design of this dress.  I plan on making it in the future with the straight skirt and with color variations.  I did however, have a complete blooper with the lining. 

The slant is going in the opposite direction of the dress lol!  I didn't notice until I was completely finished smh....  Oh well, all's fair in pinning and sewing lol!  Bonus, you can't tell from the right side of the dress when its on, so I'm happy to leave it as is.  I will post pics of the skirt on Tuesday when I wear it.  As usual, I will post projects for the week on Monday.  Until then, I hope you have a gratifying week!

Xoxo
Alonda

Projects For the Week

Hey Sewinistas/Fashionistas!

I want to start documenting my goals for the week, so six months from now I can see how far I've come.  Before we get into that, I want to explain what prompted the "My Sew Gratifying Life" blog.  Although, I have never sewn any shirts, skirts or dresses, I have sewn scarfs and hair accessories.  One thing that I noticed, which has remained constant, is the stress relief that comes when I sew.  I feel so happy while I'm sewing.... after I've sewn... visiting fabric stores...  I also wanted something that could chronologically keep record of what I make and how my skills grow, so "MSGL" was started.  I originally wanted the blog title to be "Sew Gratifying," but it was taken, and I really wanted to keep Sew Gratifying in the title, so I add "My Life."

What prompted the spark to start making my own clothes?  Well, I got tired of shopping all day and coming home without nothing.  I would have this whole outfit put together in mind's eye and be completely frustrated because I couldn't make that come to fruition.  Another frustration I had was trying to find Thing 1(my oldest daughter), skirts/dresses that come to her knee.  March 2015, I decided that I had had enough and I made my first dress. 

That's all she wrote folks!  I finally have the confidence to attempt the looks that I have been wanting to see myself in!  YAS HONEY!!!!! :D

Ok, on to the projects for the week.  1st up is completing Simplicity 1276  all I have left to do is add the lining.

I have 2 weddings to go to this week.  Here are my selections:

If there is any time left, which I doubt, then I'll attempt one of these selections:

I'll report back how I did later on this week.  Who knows, maybe I'll complete all of them.... yea right lol!  Hope you have a Gratifying week.

xoxo
Alonda

Btw, if your own IG follow me @sewgratifying.