Thursday, March 28, 2013

Inspiration from St John

I so love this jacket.  This is the reason I want to sew.... So that I can make things like this!



Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Inspiration from NING.com

I first saw this dress on Melanie's blog --> It's Melanie, Darling
And, I absolutely love this look!
I love the color, the drape, the hem line and the sleeves.... OMG!



Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Monday, March 25, 2013

Update: Essential Top Sew-A-Long

Today, is Monday, March 25th -- Me Made Monday: I'm wearing V8541 Black Pants and a Red RTW top

Faye of Faye's Sewing Adventure is hosting a new sew a long.... And, I put my name on the list to make an Essential TOP!



Of course, as soon as I signed up to participate in the sew-a-long.  There's a problem at work and I need to work OT - to help get the issue resolved.  So, I didn't do as much as I hoped this weekend, but I have at least made a start.

1) I have assembled all of the materials that I will need: fabric, zipper, thread, bobbin, and sewing kit
2) I read through all of the instructions (really, I'm a visual person - I have to see it in my mind before I can do it)
3) I cut my pattern pieces.... This took some time.  I debated between cutting a size 18 and a size 20.  Although, either size will likely be too big.  Since, I'm still learning about making an FBA and, I don't want to make a shirt that's too small.  I decided to cut the size 20.  I can make a big shirt smaller, but too small is just too small.

I really should make a muslin before cutting my fashion fabric.  I know I should, but I like to jump all in (I know, famous last words).  So, I'll be cutting into my zebra print fabric for this project.  If it's any consolation - it's 100% cotton and I can get more cotton fabric.

I didn't need to pre-treat the fabric because I've already done that.  I will iron the fabric before I cut out the pieces.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Inspiration from Chanel

I like this jacket - although, I don't like the way it's been styled.  I wish she wasn't standing in such an awkward pose - I would love to see the definition of the jacket in the shoulders and across the bust.... (Fall/Winter 2013 collection)



Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Inspiration from Cato

Faye of Faye's Sewing Adventure is hosting a new sew a long.... And, even though I just finished the 2nd skirt I said I would make during her last sew a long (Carnival of Skirts in October) - I put my name on the list to make an Essential TOP!

Here's my inspiration piece from Cato....
I will be making a zebra (black & white) print peplum top.  I have all of the materials that I need.  And, I already have a few bottoms that will match perfectly.



So here goes!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Monday, March 18, 2013

Class Review: The Biology of Color

** I served as an ambassador (volunteer) during the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo.  I was the class assistant for "The Biology of Color."

** I'm hesitant to post this review because I didn't pay for the class and I didn't go through all of the projects with the instructor and the other students.  I decided to post because I initially thought this class wouldn't be a good fit for me based on the title and the description (don't judge a book by it's color - pun intended), but I was wrong.

"The Biology of Color" is a class that's designed to teach you how your eye sees color (biology) and how that affects the overall look of your finished product (all of the examples are quilts).  The instructor, June Colburn (www.junecolburn.com) provided the students with a booklet "Color and Design" and swatches of about 30-40 different fabrics (it could have been more).  Each student was responsible for bringing the required materials (pen, scissors, tape, etc) and an optional glue stick.  **You need all of the materials to effectively work through the in-class assignments.

Through various projects - you see the colors (primary, secondary, tertiary) and then, you work through looking at those same groups different ways (i.e. "toddler" primary, very red, yellow, blue vs. "country" primary, dark red, gold, navy).  There are other assignments that deal with tint, tone, and shade (going from light to dark) and contrast.  As you work through the assignments, you use the fabric swatches to create a color handbook that you can later reference.

Although, the class was geared to quilters as a fashion sewer, I felt this was exactly what I needed to be made more aware of.  Especially, as I gear up for a one year no-RTW challenge.  June was very thorough, she patiently answered all questions and she made this a very interesting (and, challenging) class.  The class lasted 3 hours, but I barely noticed the time.  It was especially interesting, seeing everyone choose a different swatch for a color (i.e. different shades of red).

I would highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in learning more about color or anyone planning on working on a large project (i.e. a quilt or wardrobe).  This class will have you looking at color, texture, and fabric in a new light!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Me Made Mondays?

**Me Made Mondays - as suggested by L of "You Sew Girl" simply means that you wear something that you made on Monday.

I have been participating, but I haven't been remembering to take pictures.  So, here's a list of March Mondays.... LOL!

Monday, March 4th - V8541 Black Skirt with black & green RTW Top
Monday, March 11th - V8541 Black Pants with black RTW top with rhinestones
Monday, March 18th - V8786 Color Block Dress with V8541 Purple Jacket

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Sewing Updates

I have had a very, very busy start to the New Year.  Between, meeting my close deadline at work; going to Grandma B's 80th Birthday Party; visiting my mom in Miami; buying a new (used) car and getting everything all settled; volunteering with the Girl Scouts; and, of course working (I can't leave that out of the equation).  I haven't had an opportunity to get much sewing done....

To transition back into sewing and rev up my mojo - I'm starting with my TNT V8541 skirt. 

Projects in Progress
Fabric Samples - I need to organize my fabric samples.  With the 1 year challenge - I want to be able to plan the different projects that I want to make over the course of the year.  So, I don't have a repeat of last year - specifically, all bottoms & no tops.  Also, I want to make sure I'm working on projects where the colors work well together (to create a functional wardrobe).  OMG!

V8541 Skirt- I want to get this pink skirt (and, hopefully a jacket) finished before the weather changes for good.  Once, I make this skirt - I'm retiring this pattern (it starts at size 16, and, now I'm between a 12-14 in bottoms).  3/15: I spent some time with this skirt.  Since, it's been a while since it was originally cut (and, re-cut) I ironed the pieces and finished the construction.  Now, I just need to finish the hem.  I'm planning on wearing it on Easter Sunday (although, I'll wear it before then - haha!), but I may need to buy some shoes (LOL!). 

V1250 Dress - I've been able to get this dress fitted to my shape and now I can finally finish it! I've taken out a total of 3 inches from each side and now the dress fits perfectly (well, it's only basted) when I try it on.  3/15/2013 Before I finished this dress, I marked on the pattern pieces the size that should be cut for the waist and below, since I didn't make a FBA.  Winning!  I'll post a review once I'm able to get some pictures.... OH, yeah!

NL6757 Jumpsuit - I was able to pin up the halter pants on my mom to get an idea of the fit. I may decide to get a different zipper - I was going to use black for me, but I'll try to find a pink zipper that matches the fabric for mommie. I need to read / watch you tube on inserting zippers.

Brand Spanking New Projects
NL6130 - I want to make the sleeveless peplum top (View C) and the zippered skirt. I have a few different cuts of cotton fabric and now, I just need to decide which colors I want to work with to achieve my desired look. I will be making the shirt in February - depending on my time and progress before the 1st. I will start by making the skirt.

V7975 - Jacket using the pink and white fabric. Originally, this is something that I wanted to have completed by now, but my life has gotten in the way.

Projects for Fall / Winter Sewing
Infinity Scarf - I don't have a pattern for this, but I saw a great tutorial.

V1320 (Winter Coat) - I have the pattern, I may have the fabric (I have fabric, but I'm not sure if I want to use it for this jacket) - the biggest thing will be mustering up the courage to do it.

Completed
Write a review - S1885 - When I finished this dress, I never wrote a review for the pattern. I like writing reviews and having 1 central location where I can see all of the patterns that I have tried. 02/18/2013 Completed Wrote the review, posted it on my blog & PR.
 
Color Coding Chart
Black - Project Completed 1st Quarter 2013
Red - New Project (pattern and/or fabric hasn't been cut)
Purple - Project in Progress that needs more work..... (in example, needs to be hemmed)
Blue - Project in Progress that is very close to completion (wearable) or is completed, but needs to be reviewed.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

29 Springs Eternal: Birthday Celebration!

I just celebrated yet another birthday (yea, me!) and now, I'm enjoying some time off.   I wanted to re-capture the great Spring Break that I had last year.... But, I'm a planner.  And, if we trust the age from my driver's license - I'm old enough to realize that I enjoy making plans. 

So, for this Spring Break - I decided to make a list of things that I would enjoy doing with the stipulation that those plans have to flow with how I feel in the morning when I rise.  And, of course NO ALARMS - I'll just wake up naturally and ease into my day.....

Every year, I do some type of gratefulness project for my birthday - and, this year is no different..... The Great Gratefulness Project of 2013 starts by making a list of 29 things that I am grateful for (in no particular order).  Technically, I'm a little older than 29, but since 29 - much like hope - springs eternal there will be 29 things on my list.
  1. I'm so grateful that I have been abundantly blessed with so much more than I have ever deserved
  2. Sunshine on a bright beautiful day
  3. I know that I am loved
  4. I love others, or maybe I'm grateful that I'm able to love others
  5. XOXO - I have about 20 different handbags (different colors count right?)
  6. Although, I'm not at 100% - I'm so much healthier than I was this time last year
  7. I have a wonderful mom that supports me
  8. I have an amazing family!
  9. I have great friends that surround me with smiles and laughter
  10. I have food to eat (and since, I'm having such a difficult time losing my "top" stomach - I probably should say " I have delicious, and not necessarily totally nutritious food that I really enjoy eating"  LOL!)
  11. I have a place - that I love - to live in
  12. I have a car to drive
  13. I have gas in my car ($3.59 per gallon today, it was about $1.29 per gallon the year I graduated from high school....)
  14. I have stories of gas prices "back in the old days..." just like my mom (OMG!)
  15. I have the absolute best doctor in metro Atlanta (Dr. Robert "Bob" Goldman)
  16. I'm growing and evolving as a person
  17. Some time off - means some time to sew and create!
  18. Me Made Mondays (MMM) - Thanks L for that great suggestion!
  19. Always forgetting to take pictures on MMM (I am who I am!)
  20. Embracing who I am as a person - and, loving that GIRL!
  21. And, I'm okay with being verbally aggressive **pounding on desk** (I get it from my momma, and she gets it from hers) 
  22. Sunshine... Just realized that I already wrote that, but I'm so happy to see the sun after the last few dreary and gray months in Atlanta
  23. Lazy Days - although, I haven't had one in a while.... About time I catch up. 
  24. I've had a great start to my vacation 
  25. It's warming up, so my light bill should be sliding down! 
  26. I have an entire week (Audrey's Spring Break) to celebrate my birthday
  27. I wore pants (V8541 Black) that I made on my b-day - Me Made Monday (and, of course I forgot to take pics) 
  28. Once a Girl Scout.... Always a Girl Scout - well, now I'm a volunteer
  29. Special Google Doodle just for my birthday:
When I'm logged in as me - It says "Happy Birthday Audrey!"


Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Monday, March 11, 2013

The Sewing and Quilt Expo (ATL) Review

On Saturday, March 9th - I attended "The Sewing & Quilt Expo" in Atlanta, GA.

This was my first time attending a sewing expo, so I didn't know what to expect.  Since, I'm still doing my TMMO (Total Money Makeover) - I decided before I went that I would only look and observe, so I would know how to plan my spending for next year.  (**I had my personal money - in case I saw something that I just couldn't live without.)

That's me (wearing V8541 Jacket & Skirt) in front of the Welcome sign
This was a huge event!
The expo took place over 3 days (Thursday - Saturday), but I only attended Saturday.
There were quilts (all types and varieties) on display - and, of course, I forgot to take my camera.  And, you've gotta know my phone battery was nearly dead - the end result, just one picture from an entire day spent at the Expo.

All of the sewing machine vendors were present - and, giving demonstrations of their sewing machines.... So tempting!
There were also vendors that sold fabric, patterns, thread, quilts, garments, and every notion you can imagine.  For a complete list of vendors for a particular city, visit www.sewingexpo.com and click on the Shopping link for the city you are interested in.

Classes - the classes can be broken into free classes (and, demonstrations) and classes that require payment.  (A list of classes that require payment can be found at www.sewingexpo.com, and click on Class Descriptions.)  There are several of both types offered during the expo, with lots of concentration on either garment, craft or quilt construction.  I served as an Ambassador (class assistant for the biology of color), so I received free admission to the expo and I was able to sit in on a class.  I'll talk about this class in a separate post.

Fashion Show - on Saturday there was the youth fashion show, where prizes and recognition were awarded to young sewers in two age groups 9-13 and 14-18.  I was really amazed at the talent some of these young sewers displayed.... I mean, Hong Kong seam finish on an unlined jacket.  WOW!  There was an opportunity for adults to show off what they made on Friday night.
  
Giveaways - at the end of each night, there's a giveaway on the main stage.  Although, I didn't win anything, I really enjoyed watching the people that won go racing towards the stage.  The Grand Prize was a Juki sewing machine.

Location - the Gwinnett Center.  This is a huge meeting location / facility in Northwest Atlanta.  Easy access from Interstate 85 - and, there are very clear directions on the Gwinnett Center's website (www.gwinnettcenter.com).

Food - The food available was typical concession food offered by the center and you were not allowed to bring food inside the building.  I only had a cup of coffee while I was at the Expo, so I can't really comment on the quality of the food.  I know that the best deals were the souvenir cup (for soda) and the largest size of popcorn, both were about $6 each with unlimited refills.

Parking - FREE parking at the Gwinnett Center and that's great!  It's an open parking area (not a covered garage), so be sure to take the weather into consideration.  It was bright and sunny when I arrived, but much colder during the walk back to my car at the end of the day.  This place is huge, so make sure you arrive early to park in the general vicinity of the entrance.  Otherwise, expect a decent walk to get to the entrance.

Will I attend again - absolutely YES.  I'm looking forward to attending next year.  And, since it will be after my birthday next year, I hope to be able to attend each day and have an opportunity to take a few garment construction classes.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Inspiration from St John

I could dress like this everyday!
And, of course I love, love, love PINK!



Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Inspiration from Metrostyle

I need to add a basic long wool coat to my wardrobe....
Now, I just need to make it!  LOL!



Needles Up,
Always Audrey