My Careless Mistake

Yesterday afternoon I was working on Simplicity 1885.  I wasn't sure what (or, if) anything was wrong with the bobbin, but it did look like the thread was funny.  It was something because I noticed, but I didn't check it.  That was SUCH a careless mistake.  The thread was twisted around the bobbin case (how did that happen?) and it made a mess down the seam of the center back.  It took me over 30 minutes to rip out that seam.  Ugh!  And, to think - had I checked it when I noticed it, all of that could have been avoided. 

Have you ever made a careless mistake in your sewing space?

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Cut 2

Since, my cutting table is my dining room table - I always try to cut at least 2 projects at one time.  After, I finish cutting - I love to see my table ready for the next meal!






Needles Up,
Always Audrey

One Project Down (and, Out)....

I purchased this Zebra Print / Black Cotton to make the pants jumper on the right of this New Look 6757 Pattern.  I was so sure I had enough fabric (1 yard of Zebra & 2 yards of Black).  Not to mention the time & energy I have spent, pre-treating, ironing, cutting out the pattern pieces.  Then, I laid the pattern pieces out on the fabric and I realized I don't have enough fabric to make it.  OMG!  I purchased 2 yards of 45 inch Black cotton - 2 yards of 60 inch would have been enough. 

I still can't believe it - I don't have enough fabric to make this project.  I'm looking through my patterns to see if I have something else I can make.  Or, I'll have to purchase more fabric.  Oh, well - onto the next one. 




Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Simplicity 1885

Now, I'm starting up on my next project Simplicity 1885 (pink floral dress on the right side).  The pattern pieces are very wrinkled, so I'll need to iron the pieces and do the cutting before Saturday.  That way, I can focus on the business of getting the dress together.  There's a "1 Pattern, Many Looks" Contest currently running on PR - I'm thinking that if this dress turns out right then, I'll make a second dress in this fabric.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Made My First Dress! **and, it's color blocked**

It's a Color Blocked Dress - (And, it's my first dress!).  Vogue Pattern 8786 / I used Black Crepe Polyester for the majority of the dress, but I used Purple Crepe Polyester for the center front.  I plan on making this dress again, probably 2 more times, a solid color short sleeve and a solid color long sleeve.  When I saw the pattern I knew that I wanted to make this dress.  And, when I read the review on (PatternReview.com) I knew I wanted to make a color block dress, too (thanks, joanneinvan for the great idea)!  See the full review below.

Pattern Description: Very Easy Vogue 8786 – Loose-fitting, pullover dress. I made View A (fitted through bust) have back neck slit with hook and eye closing, narrow hem.  Purchased bias tape finishes necklines and armholes.

Pattern Sizing: 16-24. I made the 18.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.  Although, this was my first time using bias tape on the neckline / armholes and that was a little challenging.  I'm sure it'll look better the next time!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I made it, I love it! Finished it Monday and wore it to work on Tuesday morning. Oh, yeah!

Fabric Used: I used a black polyester crepe, the center color is a purple polyester crepe (about $4.85 per yard from Fabric.com).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made this a color block dress by changing the color of the center front fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will make it again. I plan on making another one in a solid color (either red or pink) and I want to make a long sleeve version for the winter.

Conclusion: I love this dress!  I learned so many new things during this process - 1) I used bias tape (really, this should be #1, #2, and #3 - I did it and undid it a few times); 2) I used a twin needle (I saw a dress like this in Macy's and I wanted my hem to be similar); 3) I sewed a hook and eye in the back; and, 4) I did a great job on the seam lines (there were so many - and, mostly very straight).  Winning!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

PR Weekend - My Official Recap

Pattern Review Weekend in New York City was amazing.  Not only did I have the chance to meet up with my "virtual" friends, but I went fabric shopping in an amazing city (fabric overload).  I cannot say enough great things about the trip - I had a wonderful time, made some new friends, and shopped (that goes without saying).

On the plane - ready for take off.  I didn't take hardly any pictures the entire weekend - I was focused.

In front of the Simplicity logo at the end of the tour.   It was very informative!  I received a free pattern and I'm looking forward to making up that dress.

Upon check-in at the hotel, I received a cupcake.  It was so delicious!

The famous pin and needle at the heart of the garment district.

There was an amazing class schedule on Saturday featuring Kenneth King, Diana Rupp and Jill Ralston.  I enjoyed all of the speakers, but Jill Ralston provided the greatest take away.  She talked about her Fabulous Fit System and how you can use it to make a dress form (as long as it's smaller than your body shape) your body double.  We ended on Saturday night with a great dinner at Tony Di Napoli in Times Square - followed by Ice Cream from Mr Softy. 

Sunday morning - while everyone was busy checking out.... I managed to sneak off to the fabric district and make a few more buys.  I had a leisurely lunch at Texas BBQ on 23rd Street and then, my vacation was over.  PR Weekend 2013 is in the works for San Francisco - I'm already making plans to attend.

Needles Up,

Always Audrey

NYC Fabric

Here's a look at the fabric I purchased in New York City during PR Weekend 2012...

I purchased this cotton fabric specifically for this Simplicity Patter (#1885 - I'm thinking about view A - the floral dress on the right).  I received this FREE pattern during the Simplicity Tour.  I didn't realize the amount of work that goes into creating patterns.  It was an unbelievable experience - I had so much fun during this trip.

I purchased this Knit Fabric (and, the cotton above) at Metro!  The guys were so, so nice and the cuts of fabric are so, so generous!

I purchased 3 yards of this Italian Tweed from Paron's. I looked at it, touched it, held up it to me.... and, I walked away that was on Friday (shopping day), but first thing Sunday morning - I went back to get it.  There was No Way I could leave this fabric in NYC.  I want to make a Jacket / skirt combo.....

Silk backed Polyester (or something like that) for either some simple shirts or night clothes.

One of my favorite buys... It's a Pink Paisley Brocade (it has metallic in it).  I so love this fabric!  I'm either going to make a dress or skirt from this.  I can't wait to wear it.

This is another Tweed that I purchased - before I cut the expensive Tweed - I'll practice making a jacket on this.

I also purchased some Black & White Zebra / Plain Black Cotton that I want to use to make a jumpsuit.  Unfortunately, I can't find a picture of that fabric - although, I know there's one somewhere.  In total, I purchased 22 1/2 yards of fabric.  I've been to NYC on several previous occasions, but I had a totally different view of one of my favorite cities.

Needles Up,

Always Audrey