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

Still haven't sewed, but I do have updates.....

On MLK Day, my Grandma B turned 80!
There was a huge family celebration at her house in South Carolina and I was so happy to join everyone.   I can't believe the entire weekend - the only pictures that I have are of me wearing things that I made (on second thought - I CAN BELIEVE THAT).  You know I need pictures for my blog.

Really, that's my lead in - because it's the 23rd day of January and I still haven't turned on my sewing machine..... OMG!  I had so many great plans that I just haven't had the opportunity to get started on.  I did get a chance yesterday to pre-treat some fabric and on Monday night my mom and I worked through the fitting issues on two of my current projects.....

Although, I have some pending commitments for the next few weekends - I'm also looking to get back to my regular work schedule, so I'm sure I'll have more time going forward to get some sewing done.  So, here are my *New Sewing Plans*...

To Be 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.

Fabric Samples - I need to organize my fabric samples and post on it...
Projects in Progress
V8541 - When I get back sewing - this project is on the top of the list.  I want to get this pink skirt (and, hopefully a jacket) finished before the weather changes for good.

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 only basted) when I try it on.

NL6757 - 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. 

Infinity Scarf - I don't have a pattern for this, but I saw a great tutorial.  Once, I'm able to get to this - I'll be sure to post a review of the tutorial and I'll show some pictures.

Hopefully, now that I've finished year end close at work and I'm back home from visiting with family - I can get to my sewing plans

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

2013 Goals & 2012 Reviewed

2013 Goals (listed in no particular order):

1. Learn how to Make a FBA (Full Bust Adjustment)
2. Purchase a Dress Form
3. Make 18 - 24 Wearable Garments (about 2 per month)
4. Since, my size has changed - find a new TNT (Tried N True) pattern for skirts & pants
5. Make a LBD (Little Black Dress)
6. Learn how to insert a zipper
7. Make a shirt

Highlights of 2012 Completed Garments - Sew ReInvented Audrey

My goal was to make at least 12 wearable garments during 2012.... And, here are my totals:

Total Completed Projects - 12 (well, really 11 - see the biggest success & failure of 2012)
Total Projects-in-Progress - 2 (Vogue 1250 & New Look 6757) *I'll have to post about my V1250 disaster.

Projects by type (only completed projects):
Jacket - 1
Dress - 3
Skirt - 5
Pants - 3

Projects by Pattern Company (all projects attempted):
Vogue - 10
Butterick - 2
Simplicity - 1
New Look - 1
Mimi G's Pencil Skirt Tutorial - 1

Fabric on Hand 12/31/2011 - 7 yards
Fabric Purchased in 2012 - 39.5 yards (**Black Friday purchases not included - that fabric was for 2013)
Fabric Used in 2012 - 28.5 yards
Fabric on Hand 12/31/2012 - 18 yards (okay, can you tell that I work in Accounting - OMG!)

Total Spending (Fabric, Books/Magazines, Notions, Patterns & new Sewing Machine): $493.35 ($41.11 per month)

2012's Biggest Success & Failure - Butterick 5672 (Gray dress in collage at top)
This is my biggest success because it was the first project that I worked on this year.  Of course, in my typical style - hence, it is also my biggest failure - I totally jumped in before I even knew what I was doing.  Needless to say, I started this dress with the wrong fabric, the wrong sewing machine needle, the wrong thread (you mean, there's a difference between cotton & polyester)....With all of that - I did somehow manage to finish the dress.  Oh, yeah - I forgot to mention - it's way, way too short.  That didn't stop me from wearing it 3 times (ha-ha!  I made it, I love it), but it's troubled.

2012's Most Used Pattern Vogue 8541 (Jacket, Skirt & Pants)
Of the 10 times I used a Vogue Pattern in 2012 - 8 of those times it was Vogue 8541 (1 Jacket, 4 Skirts, 3 Pants).  There's no greater feeling than knowing when you pick up a pattern that 1) it will fit and 2) it will go together easily because you've done it so many times before.  I didn't really branch out to try my pattern different ways, mostly I just used different colors or fabrics and I was very satisfied with the outcome each time.

2012's UFO - Butterick 5664 (Pink Dress, no pictures)
There's only 1 project that I consider an UFO for 2012 - Butterick 5664.  It's a See & Sew Pattern for a dress.  I was attempting to make it in a Pink Polyester Crepe.  9 Pattern Pieces (for fashion fabric and lining) - this was my 2nd project of 2012, my 3rd sewing project.  Total Fail.  I did use some of the fabric to make my pink skirt (V8541), and to cover the boxes that hold my notions & patterns in my sewing studio.

2012's Most Complicated Vogue 8541 Jacket & Vogue 8541 Tweed Skirt
Jacket - This was just the most complex project that I worked on this year, but it was a jacket.
Skirt - This was complicated because I didn't  know that I needed to plan first (you need to interface tweed edges so that they don't fray).  I knew I wanted a Tweed skirt.  I could see me wearing a Tweed skirt in my mind.  My real life skirt and the image in my mind match up perfectlu, but, the fabric started fraying even when I only looked at it.

2012's Most Worn Vogue 8541 Pants (Black Polyester Crepe)
I wore these pants into the ground!  To work, to Church, hanging out with friends, running errands, everywhere.  If they were lined pants, I would even wear them now.  As it is, I'll have to wait until it starts to warm up.

2012's Biggest Surprise Purple Scarf
I learned how to crochet and I made a scarf!

2012's Completed Projects

Black Skirt - Polyester Crepe - V8541

  Pink Skirt - Polyester Crepe - V8541

Purple Skirt  - Polyester Crepe -V8541

Black Pants - Polyester Crepe - V8541

Red Pants - Cotton Blend - V8541

Black & Purple Dress - Black & Purple Polyester Crepe - V8786

Mimi G's Pencil Skirt (from her online tutorial) - Print Rayon Challis

Pink Pants - Polyester Suiting - V8541

 Purple Jacket - Polyester Crepe - V8541

Skirt - Black Multi-Colored Tweed - V8541

Purple Scarf - Crocheted - Lion Brand: Learn to Crochet Kit (no picture)

 Multi-Print Dress - Cotton Print - S1885 (finished 12/30 - review hasn't been completed yet - no picture)

 

  Looking forward to making more happy noises in the sewing studio in 2013 and beyond!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

September Projects

I'm nearly finished with 2 projects that I have started in September.  OMG!  This is super-de-duper fast for me. 

Of course, I made another pair of pants.  I love a the pants from V8541, they are so comfortable for work.  Especially, working a 10-hour schedule - comfort is a must!  This time I used a Pink Polyester blend fabric that I purchased on clearance from fabric.com.  I just need to finish the hem and sew in my label.  That should be completed today.

And, drum roll please.  I made the fabulous V1250 cowl neck dress.  Well, it's not finished.  But, I am believing that it will be totally fabulous.  I ended up using the Green designer polyester jersey knit from fabric.com.  There's not that much work to this dress - now, I see why so many people have made it! 



Hopefully, I'll be able to take pictures in the dress this week and post a review on PR.  I won't post a review on PR for the pants - although, I will do a post with pictures here on the blog.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Vogue Patterns $2.88 Sale!

OMG! Just ordered 7 patterns from Vogue while they are having this crazy $2.88 pattern sale. 

I was going to write about how I haven't been feeling that well - caught the bug that's been making the rounds around the office at work.... Blah, Blah, Blah.... Back to the real story!

Starting from the top
About a week ago - I wrote about my FBA problem.  Well, these patterns will help me get it together:

Vogue 8534


Vogue 8536



Vogue 8840


Vogue 8815


Dress Success
Everybody made this dress this summer, but I didn't have the pattern:

Vogue 1250


Full Wool Jacket? 
Well, I'm not sewing metal!

Vogue 7975



Vogue 1320


Hurry, order your patterns before the sale ends Thursday night!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey