Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Sewing Room Gadgets


Let's talk gadgets shall we... I'm not one to venture into that area of my local fabric store probably because I head to the pretty fabric like a moth to a flame! I just can't help myself...I can't.
Now, husband on the other hand... when I drag him into the fabric store, he browses the gadget wall and then come Christmas I find lovely and useful new toys in my stocking!
These may not be new to any of you but they were once new to me and are now valued tools in my sewing escapades.


  1. Pressing Block- Well that's what I call it anyway.( I think its actual name is a tailor's block) My family teased me mercilessly for buying a block of wood. The boys said they could have made me one easier. Poo poo....I use this all the time! I use it immediately after pressing while the fabric is still hot and the fabric cools while it still has some weight on it and leaves a very crisp press.
  2. Here we have a point turner/button gauge that was a gift from my mom and I blogged about this gadget before here. So helpful for hemming jeans or sewing over any lumpy seam! 
  3. This tailor chalk is great for me because my solid one was never sharp and often didn't leave a sharp line for me. But this beauty lays down a perfect line every time and husband keeps the refills coming every year.
  4. The snips I use are pretty cheap so I received and entire box of 12 of these at a time! They are always at my side while I sew.
  5. The gadget in the middle of the picture is a bodkin. I had never heard of this one before but it does wonders at turning sashes, belts or ties right side out. Also awesome for threading elastic through a casing. You can get a little peek of it in use here
  6. Then there is this little beauty... bias tape maker. I just made this jacket and wanted to give it Hong Kong finishes inside so the bias tape maker came in handy! I slid a one inch strip of fabric cut on the bias of course and as it comes out of the other end you just press it. After I press it, I like to use my tailors block to put more pressure on the fabric while it cools so the tape keeps its shape. And voila! You have bias tape so quick and easy in any fabric you choose!

Magic right there! So what are your favorite toys or gadgets in the sewing room?



Friday, November 22, 2013

Oh Deer





Oh deer...you knew I had to go with that title! I planned that the very day I first saw this sweater knit fabric. I wanted to bring this fabric home that day but didn't because I wasn't willing to pay full price for it. Fifteen dollars a metre just wasn't worth it in my mind, so I was patiently waiting for a sale. When it didn't go on sale in my local store, I just put it out of mind mind thinking that it wasn't meant to be. 
Then one afternoon I was in another town about an hour away and thought I would drop into the fabric store there. I wandered around for a bit and then noticed four young women of about college age buying up lots of fabric. When I say lots...I mean LOTS and LOTS! I was intrigued so I was eavesdropping as inconspicuously as I could (I'm sure I was doing a bad job of it) to find out what projects they were working on. One of them gleefully said " I can't believe that all this fabric is 99 cents a metre! We are so lucky!" At that point I could care less about their project and was on the hunt for this 99 cent deal! Move out of my way people!!
Long story short this sweater cost me a whole $2. Worth the wait? Yup. Always is.


My Review: 

Pattern:  McCall's 6844

Fabric used: Polyester viscose Novelty Knit

Instructions: This sweater was rated as easy and easy it was. It was a very quick make.

Changes I made: I made view A and didn't make a single change. Oh that's a lie...I used stay tape at the shoulders to prevent them from stretching.  I cut out a medium and would likely make a small next time but the fit is still fine.

Repeat worthy? Most certainly! I enjoyed this make especially because I used my new coverstitch machine. I highly recommend this pattern.


Sweater:self made M6844
Turtleneck: Joe Fresh
Jeans: Calvin Klein
Shoes:Calvin Klein(thrifted)



Today is an exciting day for me. Why you may ask?? I'm guest posting over on another blog! A first ever for me. 99 cents fabric and guest posting. This is a good day people, a good day!

 Take Six is a lovely blog that features inspiration for many aspects of a woman's life. Go visit and stay awhile.


Thursday, November 21, 2013

My Thrift Style... Tweed Leather and Plaid






With fall weather on us and the winter weather just around the corner, I am pulling out all my typically fall and winter wardrobe. Plaids, leather, cozy sweaters, boots and tweed. I picked up this dress and leather jacket at my favorite thrift shop and like the two paired together. Then again, what doesn't go with leather?

I have had a few style fears over the years...I used to be afraid of leather in any form, real or faux because I didn't want to look too "tough" or unladylike. At heart, I love a classic or preppy style but the leather look has grown on me and I wear this jacket all the time. Another fear....red shoes. I know.. weird right! I'm not sure why. But now I have both of these elements in one outfit. Fear conquered!

Is there a trend or style that you were or are still afraid to try?



Jacket:Wilson's Leather(thrifted)
Dress:Banana Republic(thrifted)
Scarf:a mystery
Purse:Ricki's
Shoes: FrancoSarto

Monday, November 18, 2013

Simple Simon Delivery!


Hey you guys!! Remember the Project Sewn graphic print sewalong I entered that you guys were so nice to vote for me and so I won.... well..today I opened up my mailbox to find a great prize! 



Simple Simon & Co. sent me two yards of a very pretty polka dot cotton, an Omnigrid rotary cutter and five spools of Coats thread!! Wahoo! I love sewing loot! This fabric is a pretty addition to my stash and will be lovely to use in the spring. 

So I have two thank you notes to write...one to Simple Simon & Co. for the contest and the generous prize package and the other to all of you who voted for me in the sewalong.

THANK YOU!!

Now I am off like a squirrel with a nut to hide my precious fabric in my stash till spring!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Signature Style...What's Yours?


I couldn't put a name to mine but some outfits make me feel more like myself than others...this one just feels like me. From the skirt shape, to the graphic tee, to the leopard print clutch..... I like every piece, individually and together as a whole. So much so, that if I had actually finished this skirt on time I would have entered it in the Project Sewn's Signature Style sewalong. There were some great looks in that challenge!



 In case you are wondering what pattern this is...it's McCall's 6707. I won't go into a full review (because I have done that already here, here and here..oh and here) but I will share with you a few details of this make. 

First, the fabric...I found this beauty in the drapery department. I can't really explain why I am drawn to a fabric but I just get sucked in. Eeeeeverytime. Even when it doesn't necessarily don't fit into my wardrobe. I lined this one with a piece of shiny polyester something that I had in my stash. I obviously need to work on my fabric identification or at least take note when I buy it...  Oh no, not me...I'm practically dancing my way out the door with my precious new fabric dreaming only of what I will make. Never thinking about its content. NEVER. EVER. ever.

I decided to significantly increase the width of the waistband to accommodate the pattern of the fabric. I love the high waisted look! I made this one according to instructions by putting in a side zip and I added an inseam pocket on the right side.....you know how I love my pockets. If I can't have two, one will have to do.

Now let me share a little secret about this skirt pattern. It is great for any fabric that has a straight repeating pattern like this one and it also works great with horizontal stripes and border prints. I think I will try a border print this spring. 


Skirt:self-made T-shirt:Sunfrog shirts Shoes:Joe Fresh Clutch:Rickis

So there you have it....what I would call my signature style. Well, at least for the moment, cause you know it's always changing. That's the fun in dressing right? It's also the reason many of us sew. We can make whatever our imaginations dream up!

What kind of outfits make you feel most like yourself?




Saturday, November 2, 2013

My Thrift Style.... Chevron Sweater






This sweater was one of those wonderful thrift store finds that keeps me coming back to thrifting. The unusual cut of this sweater is gives me a little thrill both as a thrifter and a sewer. First lets look at the print...chevron is so on trend right now. It's EVERYWHERE! and the color is perfect. The peter pan collar and front tie are just the perfect touches too. Then there is the cut...the seaming of this sweater is so interesting. I think that this would be a great sweater to copy in the sewing room.... always another project...



So I am finished gushing over this sweater and won't likely take it off until spring I'm sure.