OOTD - My son's request

I had to run a few errands in the middle of doing my hair so I worked out this little style.  My son, who is very aware of changes in my look, said that he not only liked my hair but asked if he could take pictures of me so I figured I'd share them with you.

I found this dress at, again Forever 21.  I find that they have a better plus size selection online although pickings are still slimmer than ideal.

 

 

 



I'm sewing now so hopefully I'll have something finished to show you soon.

M6700 - My Happy Dress

At the last minute I decided to make this dress to wear to the Mimi G conference.  Of course it was the busiest week ever and I was stitching up the belt right before we pulled out but the body of the dress came together so quickly.  I contemplated leaving the thread belt loops out because I was pressed for time but instead I just through my needle and thread in the suitcase and finished them up in the hotel which is really classic Kelly.

Pattern Description:   MISSES' DRESS AND BELT: Pullover dress has fitted, mock wrap bodice, shoulder ties, elasticized shoulders and raised (seamed) waist, fitted, narrow hem, thread carriers and self belt.

Pattern Sizing:  B5(8-10-12-14-16), F5(16-18-20-22-24)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I definitely think so.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were definitely easy to follow, even the ones for turning the narrow neck ties.  They have you attach thread one end and then feed a needle through the tube, eventually pulling the end through turning the tube right side out.  I think I've seen this instruction before but this is the first time it worked so well. 
I used a darning needle instead of a regular sharps needle and I think that made it easier. 

That's the darning needle on top. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the surplice back, the little neck ties and that the skirt is A-line rather than the usual column.  I also liked that the fabric belt was included in the pattern which I think added extra interest and made the dress look more finished. 

Fabric Used:  I used an ITY knit that I have had for a long time.  I think I got it from Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  This is the best part in my opinion.  I was able to sew this right out of the envelop with no adjustments which is definitely rare for me.  I wouldn't consider this a major alteration or design change but I did place a thread tack in the front and back to prevent them from opening unexpectedly. 

Thread tacks on the inside.

 Don't show on the outside.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will definitely make this at least once more.  I already have my fabric picked out.

Conclusion:   This is a great dress, it's easy to make, it only took me a day and it's super comfortable.  It stood up to a day of shopping, workshops and a casual dinner.  Definitely a lot of bang for your buck.

This dress makes me so happy, it's bright and pretty and easy to wear.  I can't wait to make it again.  

Mimi G's Sewing, Fashion & Style 2013 (Picture Heavy)

Where to start?  This was a weekend full of fabulous women, fabulous fabric, tons of information and lots of free stuff.

The weekend started off with swag bags given out at registration in custom Mimi G totes full of goodies from the event's corporate sponsors.

As if this wasn't enough, she also included a coupon for one free current or future Mimi G tutorial.  In my humble opinion it's this kind of generosity that makes Mimi such a special person. 

After attendee introductions and brief remarks by Mimi, we all headed down to catch a ride on the nice comfortable coach for the short ride to Michael Levine's and the fashion district.  When we arrived, we were met by a lovely spread of coffee and pastries from Panera Bread Company and more swag bags!

 

After hitting Michael Levine's for some initial shopping, my partner in crime Karen and I took to the streets to hit up some of our favorite independent shops.  Imagine my surprise when one of the shop owners greeted me with a "welcome back it's good to see you".  I guess when you buy a lot of fabric somewhere, you make a lasting impression. 

 

That's the lovely Karen there on the left.  She's probably checking her pattern numbers on her phone. We were waiting in front of the hotel for the bus. 

Here are pictures of my fabric haul:

 

This was the first piece I saw when I walked into Michael Levine's.  There wasn't much left on the bolt and nothing came to me right away so I put it back and walked around to the next aisle.  I kept looking at it and then I saw someone else touching it so I waited until she walked away and grabbed it.  I'm still mulling over ideas in my head for it but the most important thing is that she's mine!!!!!!

The top row are silkies, the white at the bottom is  cotton eyelet and the rest are knits.

White eyelet only $6.00 a yard!

 

Check out this sweet sequined knit that the shop owner tried to sell me in silver as well.  I didn't get it because I knew I had something similar at home.  As it turns out it is the exact fabric that I bought last year that I just pre-treated to make a top -- at least I'm consistent.   This is really gorgeous.  The photo does not do it justice.  This was regularly $10 a yard but he gave it to me for $8 a yard.

 

Day 2 began with Kenneth D. King as the featured speaker.  He was SUPER funny, so knowledgeable and very willing to share information and answer questions.   





 

 

 

Since I drove down from Northern California with my family, we decided to get on the road and try to make it home before dark so I didn't get to attend the afternoon session but I'm sure it was just as informative and fun filled as the rest of the weekend.  I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend and I can't wait until next year.  Hope to see you there!

 

 

 



B5546 Hot Like Fire!

Pattern Description:   MISSES' DRESS: Close-fitting dresses A, B have wrap fronts, front tucks, front and back pleats, self-ties, A-line skirt and sleeve variations. A: short flounce sleeves. B: three-quarter length sleeves, length is 2" above mid-knee.

Pattern Sizing:  Combinations: A(8-10-12-14), B(16-18-20-22-24)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, well mostly.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes.  This is a great pattern for a classic wrap dress and it gives you some sleeve variations.

Fabric Used: ITY knit from fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  The only change I made was changing the length to a maxi which was so beautiful and flowy to wear.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will definitely be sewing this again, it's my new TNT wrap dress pattern. 

Conclusion:   I'm not sure if this is OOP or not but I would recommend you try it if you can.

 

A little something to boost my mojo

It is without fail that the moment I have a deadline of some sort, the mojo takes a hike.  I couldn't sleep and never have anything to wear (yeah right) so I decided to whip up this quick Mimi G pencil skirt to wear to work today.  As you guys know I have made plenty of Mimi G's tutorial garments and I love them all but this one is a super bonus as it is cute, easy and  . . . wait for it . . . FREE!  You can find it on her youtube channel.

 

This skirt is so comfortable and I love my $3.97 screen print tee.  I'll definitely be making more of these.