Eeeek!

You guys! It must be Christmas because I just saw the coolest thing.... well two things! 

 Nessa and Gillian...you ladies are awesomely supportive women... contacted me to let me know that my Red Vogue Dress is on McCall's Pattern company's office fan board in NYC. You can go see it here... 

I'm also super excited to share that I won an award! Skirt fixation sweetly awarded me the Best Woven Skirt for my Cobalt Blue half circle skirt. So fun! Thank you Skirt Fixation!

Merry Christmas everyone, I wish you all a happy and safe one!

McCalls 6992: Tacky Christmas Sweater

My family has been sporting "tacky" Christmas sweaters for years now and I'm not even sure if they are actually tacky or are in fashion now. I think it may be a little of the latter....or at least I'm hoping! Cause I wore this one out in public and will again. I knew that it was okay when my son's girlfriend complimented my sweater...mind you she called it a tacky Christmas sweater but I took it as a name of sorts and not a description of distaste...

I was inspired to make this after seeing a jacket made by a lovely lady I know. She made Vogue 8430 using a boiled wool and then felted the design as was on the pattern sample. It turned out quite nice! I got to thinking about how I could make a sweater out of a camel colored boiled wool I had bought. Then I remembered that Lauren of Lladybird had made a sweater and I reread her post and took into consideration her tips and sought to find the perfect pattern to use.

Since boiled wool doesn't have much give to it, I knew that I needed to choose a loose fitting pattern. I also knew that I wanted a turtleneck to make it cozy. I have been really liking raglan sleeves lately so it should be no surprise that I choose one with raglan sleeves! McCalls 6992 fit the bill, except that it is crew neck...so I got busy drafting a funnel neck and it worked out great.

One of my favorites aspects of this pattern is the shoulder dart. These darts are not often seen but when used with a raglan sleeve, reduces the bulk in the front of the shoulder. I love how well this sweater fits! I also felt that the dart would stabilize the boiled wool as it easily stretches and would do so at the shoulders. 

Here is a close up of the felted reindeer I added...I debated back and forth as to whether or not to add the nose but now I'm glad I did. I had tried my hand at needle felting while taking a tailoring course at our local design school...not exactly part of the tailoring curriculum but it was fun to do and I was given a felting needle to keep! I didn't know at the time that I would ever really use what I learned...

My new sweater was perfect for our family outing to the u-cut for our Christmas tree, a favorite Christmas tradition for me! Roaming around the woods with the family then home for hot chocolate and tree decorating....what could be better?

Vogue 8825

Lady in red....is dancing with me..... it's stuck in your head now, isn't it? Your welcome.  Brings me right back to junior high school sock hops in the gym... Well you know what? This dress belongs back there  in 1986 with Chris de Burgh too.  All it needs are some ginormous shoulder pads!

Oh my gosh.... I want to L-O-V-E love this dress but there is something stopping me....those dang big sleeves. Not the upper part of the sleeve, everything's just fine there...it's at the cuff. I find that they detract from the best parts of this dress. I really love the neckline, for a faux wrap, it stays close to the body with no wardrobe malfunctions. I like that I can tie the sash in the front or the back of this dress. With the large belled sleeves though, I prefer to tie it in the back so it doesn't look so busy from the front. Of course then there's the fabric choice...crepe knit in a perfect red. I love this fabric. It's heavy and warm for the winter yet doesn't wrinkle badly and can be machine washed. 

This is Vogue 8825, very easy Vogue. True to its claim, this was a super easy make. Here is my review.

My Review: 

Pattern: Vogue 8825

Fabric used: Heavy Knit Crepe in a gorgeous red

Instructions:  So simple! Another raglan sleeve... I am on a roll with this sleeve lately.

Changes I made: None. Changes I should have made... removed the cuff and make the sleeve slim to the wrist!!! 

          

Repeat worthy? Yes...with changes.

Sorry about these over exposed pictures....it was the best I had of the back of the dress. 

On a side note... I think that my son did a great job taking these pictures for me. It was really cold out and he suggested that I not breathe when I smiled for a picture because he could see my breath. So smart! Now there's a photo tip for those of you living in colder climates like me!

So what do you think? I'd like to know. Keep the sleeves as they are in all their glorious puffiness or remove the cuff and make them slim to the wrist? I think you already know what I want to do :)
But maybe you could change my mind...

Workhorse: Simplicity 1699

There are some garments in my wardrobe that are in heavy rotation and this peplum top is one of them. It just looks good with everything. I particularly like it with a cropped jacket or cardigan with the peplum peeking out the bottom.

My Review: 

Pattern:  Simplicity 1699

Fabric used: Ponte Di Roma in ivory ( I'm a little disappointed that it has pilled so quickly) 

Instructions:  So simple!! Especially with no sleeve to set in... raglan sleeve for the win!

Changes I made: I didn't make any changes to the pattern but I did omit the collar. It wasn't my thing....

                          Oh!... and of course I used an invisible zip instead of a lapped...

Repeat worthy? Yes. I really want to make the longer sleeve version for winter!

Top: self made Pants:Target Jacket:thrifted Shoes: Franco Sarto

This was such a quick and easy make and I really love that the peplum isn't too overwhelmingly poofy... it has just the right amount of flounce...

On The Run: McCalls 7026

You guys! I made some running gear and I am so happy with it! I have been a little afraid of sewing knits but when the right fabric and pattern are married it works out great. This outfit is perfect for this time of year when the temperature fluctuates so much. 

My Review: 

Pattern: McCalls 7026 View C

Fabric used: I found this fabric in the price cuts section and other than knowing that it is a polyester knit and has the weight of a ponte... 

Instructions: The instructions were clear and I didn't have any trouble putting this together.   

Changes I made: I omitted the lace trim and added reflective piping. I also put an invisible zipper in the left side pocket instead of two open pockets.

Repeat worthy? Yes! IF i found the right fabric again.

The piping was a bit of work but so worth it, I love how well it turned out. 

I opted for one pocket instead of two. I will actually use this jacket for running and don't need two pockets but I do need that pocket to stay shut so I put an invisible zipper in.

I really like the the piping detail! I wanted to put in in the front princess seams but when I did the first one, I realized that the piping was too stiff for the front seams and made it to wavy and lumpy. No one wants lumpy bewbs and belly! So I took it out and put it in the seams that I knew would be flatter... the back and front shoulder seams.

More reflective piping in the cuffs...and the thumb holes in this pattern were the icing on the cake for me!!

Now on to the capris...because I didn't put a hood on the jacket as per my original plan...when do I ever stick to my plans...I had JUST enough left to make these capris.  I made these once already and they were too big so this time I went down another size which was good because I had so little fabric left. I think they are almost perfect! I used Kwik Sew 3988. The waist band sits nicely and is not too tight. This pattern also has a crotch and leg gusset. The crotch gusset gives them a really comfortable fit but I would sew them in a different way next time and may share this in another post. The leg gusset would be a perfect place to add a different color fabric for a design element but I think it could be omitted altogether as well...they are a little baggy in this area for me.

I am so happy with this outfit, I thought that it deserved one of my labels....  :)

Action shot! I run a lot and am thrilled to be able to make some running gear...so satisfying!

Somebody's Gettin' New Shoes

Are you guys getting tired of me using my driveway as my catwalk and back drop for my pics yet? I am. But I can't be picky when I am at the mercy of whoever is around to take a few shots. It's been kinda hard to get pictures lately....as every blogger knows. Waa waa waa..

I have kinda surprised myself with this dress. It's black, loose and short. All things I don't usually do but you know what...I REALLY like it! 

My Review: 

Pattern:  Newlook 6145

Fabric used: 'Arabella' polyester suiting. I am loving this fabric lately! 

Instructions:  Easy. 

Changes I made: I shortened the front hem by about 3.5 inches and added a faux leather trim. I also added the trim to the sleeves as well.

Repeat worthy? Yes. I am tempted to make this in a bright yellow but omit the zipper and put a large keyhole design in the back. 

Photo bombed by Kitty!

Soooo...about the title. Husband was with me when I was reviewing the pics for this post (he didn't take these ones) and remarked that he really like my hat with the dress. Great! BUT then he said...

are you ready...?

"You need some new shoes...you always wear the same ones." 

OH MY GOSH. I fell in love all over again. Weak in the knees was this girl. Yeah.. he's gonna get lucky. That man is pretty great...he bought these shoes for me in the first place and now thinks I need more..well....okaaaay. 

For those of you not diggin' the hat...here's a shot of the outfit... sans hat.

"Yes, Kate, you can borrow my outfit.... "

It has been a long time since I have shared some thrifting scores with you! I call this my Kate Middleton Suit. I found this gem at my usual thrift store and consider it my best thrift haul to date! I love this matching dress and coat ensemble. The color and cut are perfect...like it was made just for me....or Kate.

The bound button holes on this set are lovely only to be outdone by those gorgeous buttons. I am always careful not to lose the buttons because they could never be replaced!

Another lovely detail that secures my eternal love for this dress is that it has inseam pockets. Really could this ensemble be any more perfect? 

I'm pretty fearless when it comes to wearing vintage fashion...the only time I hesitate is when a piece is delicate. This piece is easy to wear...I feel that the style is classic enough to be current, especially when we see Kate Middleton wearing similar outfits and it's construction is sturdy.

I know that some of you out there love vintage fashion as do I but do you feel like you can actually wear it in real life? If you don't, is it due to the delicate nature of the garment or its style?