M6115 . . . So Inspired

I made this dress (M5425) some time ago

I loved the print but at the time, didn't love the dress so I never wore it for "fashion" and would just wear it to run to the post office or grocery store. Over time, I came to really love the dress because it always made me feel so happy to be dressed so brightly so I decided to make it again in another fun print. Then a couple of weeks ago I spotted this dress on
Mimi's Blog and was inspired instead to make this

This dress wears like dream.

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESSES IN THREE LENGTHS: Dresses A, B, C, D are loose fitting, A-line with neckline casing and shoulder strap; dress A has contrast shoulder strap and bow; dress C has contrast shoulder strap; dresses A, B, C lengths are above-knee; dress D is ankle length.

Pattern Sizing: A5(6-8-10-12-14), EE(14-16-18-20)

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy, didn't need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the ease with which this came together. A great dress in a couple of hours.

Fabric Used: Crepe Knit bought from Fabric.com awhile ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made the pattern as directed, however, I did add inseam side pockets. I also used a knit when it was recommended for wovens.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I plan to sew this at least once more. I would definitely recommend this pattern to others.

Conclusion: This pattern is simple but stylish pattern, easy to sew, easy to wear. Great for beginners.

M6559 Version 4

Here is Version 4 of M6559. When I originally made this dress. I used black fold over elastic around the neck and arm openings but I.HATED.IT. I wore it once but then it promptly went on the shelf and out of the rotation. I didn't want to pick out all of that stitching so I just cut of the elastic and now I'm back in the game. This is again made from the trendy knit from FabricMart (needless to say I cleaned up during that sale)

Just because, I've included a pic of me and the hubby (isn't he the cutest!). I didn''t make this dress, it's one of my steal of a deal dresses from Old Navy.

M6559 - Version 3

Technically this is Version 4 but since I haven't blogged about the previous version yet, this one has moved up in the line up. I really could make this dress over and over. It's so super easy, needs no alterations and is super cute and comfortable, it is a winner on all fronts.

There really isn't much to say that hasn't already been said so here's my pic.

I'm working on another easy breezy maxi pattern so hopefully I'll be able to get pics of the completed dress soon.

LA Meet, Shop and Learn

So I went to LA to attend Mimi G's Meet, Shop and Learn event. I had a 6:40 a.m. flight so I wouldn't have to rush around when I got to LA. Great plan, right? Soooooo after I missed my flight and sat in the airport for another 2 hours, I was finally on my way to meet my fabric, I mean Mimi and the rest of the ladies. Things were in full swing when I arrived and introductions were already underway. There was a brief question and answer session followed by a trip to Mimi's friend Catina's (a pattern maker) work/live space in the garment district for an extensive pattern fitting lesson.

After that there was a brief refueling session and then off to shopping! There were so many fabric shops, people and food trucks with bacon wrapped hot dogs, it really was enough to make your head spin. Mimi took us to the spots where she gets her fabrics and it was really cool that she referenced actual items that she has posted on her blog, i.e., "this is where I got the fabric for the ___________". We hit the independents shops first and then finally Michael Levine's. Can you say kid in a candy store and to top it off, Mimi arranged for the group to get a 10% discount SCORE!!!

Here's my haul:

Of course, fabric is always something to be excited about, but the best part of the trip was meeting so many fantastic women who share my love of sewing. I even got to meet the fabulous Karen (thanks again for the ride to the airport) who follows my ramblings here.

I'm happy to hear that this is going to be an annual event so I'm saving my pennies now for next year. Hopefully I'll meet more of you there.

Happy Independence Day - M6058

I have been crazy busy lately and haven't had time to do much sewing so when I get a moment do I sew something for myself? No, I decided to make the princess an outfit to commemorate Independence Day. 

She loved it, she kept looking in the mirror and running her hands over the dress when I put it on her.


Pattern Description: INFANTS' REVERSIBLE DRESSES, PANTIES AND HAT: Dresses A, B have elasticized front and back neckline, right shoulder strap and tie ends at left shoulder; dress B has hemline ruffle; panties A, B have elasticized waist and legs; panties A have elastic form self-ruffles; view A has purchased trim for dress and hat; view B has contrast ruffle at lower edge of dress and hat.

Pattern Sizing: S-M-L

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Definitely!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super easy instructions. The shoulder tie was more complicated that it needed to be but it was still not difficult.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I did get a blister threading all the elastic which was definitely a dislike.  It also seemed like it ran a little short or maybe my baby just has long legs.

Fabric Used: Cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None.

Would you sew it again? I might because it works up so quick but there are so many other super cute baby girl patterns out there.

Conclusion: Super cute, super easy pattern.  Give it a try.

Happiness

My feet are tired, my budget is busted, bought so much I had to buy a suitcase to take it home AND I made new friends. I am one happy girl. I'll be sure to show you my loot soon.

This one is definitely a keeper!

So we were all set to take the hubby out to dinner to one of his favorite restaurants on Saturday because he wanted to stay home and watch the game on Sunday. After getting up extra early to run errands and do the weekend cleaning, I noticed that he wasn't getting up to get ready.  When I asked him about it he said he decided he wanted to celebrate later because he wanted me to use the money we were going to spend on dinner to . . . wait for it . . . spend on FABRIC on my upcoming LA fashion district shopping trip! I was so touched. Of course I made a huge father's day breakfast, cooked his favorite dinner, got him cheesecake from his favorite place and I will be taking him out when I get back.

I've known him for over 30 years so his generosity is not news but he just never ceases to amaze me. Oh YES, this one is definitely a keeper.