Self Expression, a style all our own.......................

We all have our own style a signature look, so much so, your best friend could quickly pick out what you would probably wear.

 "This is so such and such..."  or " I could easily see such and such in this..."  they would exclaim.

Then why is it when you have the ability to sew, often times others have an expectation that you should make something out of your ordinary?

"Didn't you sew something like that already?"  or  "You always use that color palette."

These are observations that may cause the sewer to question their choice in style, pressuring them to create something that is truly not who they are as a person.

However, before you state your opinion on the item made, look into your own closet.  Do you not see a common theme and/or silhouette? Styles you have learned, over time, that most falter your figure?

Simpy because someone can sew does not mean that all pattern designs will work well with the sewers body type.

You will probably never see me in pleats, I carry my weight in my midsection and greatly dislike how I look in them. I generally stay away from anything with a lot of details,  preferring clean simple lines, allowing the fabric I have chosen to be the star of the show.

Does that mean I am incapable of making such intricate garments?  By no means, I can be very detailed in my sewing, but should I have to prove my technical skills as a seamstress with every garment that I make?

My Style

The Wrap Dress:

Butterick's classic B5030 and a lovely wrap knit B6054

Without hesitation I would say the wrap dress is my signature piece. It is the most flattering silhouette on my body shape, garnering me the most compliments.

Favorite Designers:

Tom and Linda Platt V1435  &  Kay Unger V1183

Designers Kay Unger & Tom and Linda Platt fit well into my style profile. Both designers tend to have clean and simple lines, with just enough unique details to make a stand out garment of choice.

Retro & Vintage:

Butterick's Retro B6018 & Vogue's Vintage V8788

I've always enjoyed dresses of the 40's & 50's, they seem lend a sense of femininity and grace to the one wearing them.  These dress styles tend to be universally flattering on most, if not all body types, causing no one to feel left out of the trend.

Variety the spice of life:

Misses top B6685 & skirt B4686

With separates you have endless combinations, an easy way to quickly bring variety to your wardrobe. They are often quick and easy makes, a way to clean your pallet after a completing a more advanced pattern.

Ready to wear:

Although I enjoy sewing there are some things I will continue to buy ready to wear.  These would included pants, sweaters and under garments.  

Don't get me wrong, there may be a time that I will get the itch to make one of these items, if so I will be sure to blog about the experience.

Now it is your turn, let me know in the comments what is your style of choice and why?

Until next time.................

Cool Summer Breeze Butterick 5603

 My goal this summer/fall is to sew up what patterns I do have, and I've decided to start with:

 B5603

                                                  

Here is a close up of the inner bodice:

Over the years I have tried many was to cut out my pattern pieces. Currently I am using a combination of pins (on the curves) and food cans to hold my pattern pieces in place.  

I also use the fabric piece to cut out the lining, making sure that they will be a equal match:

Bush's beans helping me hold it down :-)

I decided not to add the shoulder bow ties for now (maybe I will later). However what I did add was a back tie, which helps when my weight fluctuates from time to time:

back view 

In order to hem the dress, I decided to sew the skirt lining to the bottom of the skirt. Once attached, I turned the skirt lining inward and under stitched to finish the look:

A closer look at the finished hem after pressing

                               

This technique gave the skirt a slightly fuller look, which is perfect for a dress of this style:

full front view 

and this:

TADA :-)

                                     

The dress was a simple sew, nothing out of the ordinary.  I did do a FBA and lowered the bodice so that it would be in better proportion for my body type. 

Depending on the fabric, say broadcloth or poplin, I can see it being a simple pull over your head and go sun dress: 

  

close up and side views

And as always here are my takeouts:

Ahhh/sick of taking pics

Well that's it for now, hopefully my other retro/vintage dress well be a 'breeze' to sew as well.  Until then one stitch at a time, one stitch at a time........

Vogue, Butterick, and McCall Fall Picks of 2015

Greetings, nice to chat with you again, as you can tell this post is all about upcoming patterns for this fall. So with no further adieu lets get started.


Vogue


I have choosen three patterns for each collection that truly made me want to sit at the machine:

V 9123

The aspect of the dress that caught my eye were the sleeves, the classic silhouette is an also plus. My fabric choice, like the drawing, would be a nice floral print.

V9132

I've been wanting to join the 'color block' club for some time, however until now, nothing really caught my eye until this skirt. Would you be surprise to know I have never made a skirt?! Seriously, even though I have made several average to advance patterns, go figure.....

The Star

Anne Klein V1467

This pea coat is my 'Star Pick' out of the Vogue collection. The only hurdle in my way, is finding the perfect fabric, preferably a rustic orange........

Butterick

B6248

This tunic would be nice paired with jeans (as shown) but also a nice skirt like the V9123 pictured above. I see this in a vibrant green or blue, then again why not one in each color?

Lisette Coat B6244

This to me is a perfect coat for fall, toss it on and out the door, simple style on the go. Now to find the right fabric, a classic crayola brown, the camel color pictured, or maybe a cool print?

The star:

B6256

Although my Godmother tends to be the queen of suits, I fluctuate on them. However, this two piece started my engine running the moment I saw the picture. I Am not sure if it is the on/off the shoulder combination or the exposed zipper. Either way, I am anxious to add it to my collection.

McCall's

M7249

This top is a nice choice if simple blouse or sweater doesn't suit your needs. I can see this easily being used in a laid back or business casual setting.

M7243

This sweater dress is a fall/winter winner for me. It screams comfort without sacrificing style, especially on those occasion when only a dress will do.

The Star:

Designer Joi M7245

I need to make a correction!! When I first saw this pattern what caught my attention was the bodice. It my excitment I did not notice that it was actually a dress!!. This is even more exciting, seeing that dresses are my most favortie items to sew.

Well those are my fall picks, what are your favorites?

And as always, one stitch at a time.