Really embrassed to admit.....

The Good News

Vogue 7975 that I just knew was missing when I looked for it on Friday night has been located.  It is safe and sound with the rest of my patterns in my newly christened Sewing Studio.  That's the good news.

The Embarrassing News

After, I searched high and low for the pattern.  After, I spent the majority of Saturday, Sunday and Monday - organizing, labeling, vacuuming and cleaning.  After, I (had to) re-organize my bedroom closet, to be able to finish organizing the sewing area.  After, I totally renovated my dining room and changed it into my Sewing Studio.  Then, and only then, did I remember that I put that pattern in my work bag either Wednesday or Thursday because I wanted to read through all of the instructions that day during my commute.  *side eye*  I can't believe I did all of that - just to find it, right where I left it - the whole entire time.

Embarrassing, yes.
But, honestly - this is why I so needed to get organized in the first place.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Getting Organized & Carnival of Skirts

Getting Organized

My problems all started when I looked for one of the Vogue Patterns that I purchased last month - THAT I CANNOT FIND!  OMG!

When I started sewing last December, I had a few basic sewing supplies, a sewing machine, and enough fabric for one project.  I was able to easily store everything in one nightstand drawer. Well, almost a year later - my sewing patterns, fabric and notions - are literally, all over the place. 

I've been getting organized and once I figure it all out - I'll be sure to post pictures. 

Faye's Carnival of Skirts

**I didn't join the Carnival of Skirts**  View the Blog here

Although, I want to complete two skirts...  But, in 15 days.  This would be my absolute fastest sewing ever!  Besides, that - with my work schedule I normally only sew on Saturday, Sunday, and / or Monday.  I felt way too much pressure. 

So, I didn't join Faye's Carnival of Skirts sew-a-long.  But, I'm sewing-a-long.  I have two fabrics picked out.  I have already pre-treated one fabric, and I will pre-treat the second fabric and the lining fabric today.  Unfortunately, I need a few things to finish these skirts - so, I'll place an order from Fabric.com today as well (I should have that by the weekend). 

I plan on using my TNT skirt pattern V8541 for both skirts.  Technically, it's my only skirt pattern - however, I've nearly perfected the making of it - since, I've made it three times (Black, Purple, Pink).  I plan on adding a lining to both skirts (the pattern is unlined). 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

One Year Challenge

I'm thinking of joining Good-bye Valentino's One Year Challenge. 

Since, I've been sewing - I have naturally stopped buying RTW.  I'm much more conscious of the quality and the price.  It's hard spending my money on something that I could make (and, I'm a beginner).  OMG!

I think the biggest part of the challenge would be that I would really need to consistently sew.  Right now, I sew when the mood strikes.  But since I won't be able to run to Old Navy to buy a new t-shirt, I'll really need to make a sewing plan that I can stick to and work towards making garments that make sense for my lifestyle.  Right now, I've been making things that are fun.  Things that I want, but haven't been able to find the right fit (like, pants & skirts).  And, I will have to get over my fear of making a FBA --> this is my reality.

I think the best thing about this decision is that it would line up with my financial goals and plans.  Although, I spend money on fabric, patterns and notions.  The number of projects that I'm able to complete doesn't compare with buying the same amount of stuff RTW.

** If you aren't familiar with sewing terms, here's a mini - glossary:
RTW - Ready to Wear
OMG - Oh My Gosh
FBA - Full Bust Adjustment

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

More Patterns --> Means More Fabric!

Since, I've ordered 7 new patterns from Vogue the other day.  That meant that I had to order fabric, so that I would be able to make the patterns.  **Don't judge me!**

Even though Fabric.com has announced that they are behind on fulfilling orders - I placed an order with them.  Mainly, because I know that even with the delays - I'll have that fabric within 2 weeks.  And, with the sale prices (plus, the additional 30% off of clearance) I can't help, but feel like a winner!

So, this is what I ordered and here are my plans.....I purchased a jean weight machine needle and thread - along with this fabulous fabric!

Rayon Blend Iridescent Shirting Butter - 2 yards

I'll make a shirt out of this, but I ordered it because I loved it every time I looked at it.  LOL!  Fabric 0-0 Love!

Jacquard Suiting Roses Maroon - 3 yards

I'm thinking V8815 (short sleeves) with a pair of V8541 elastic waist pants. Or, I could make the short sleeve V8840 with the shorter length pants.

Crepe Knit Chestnut - 2 yards

I had V1250 in mind when I picked this out!

Yarn Dyed Rayon Suiting Plaid White/Pink - 4 yards

I love this so, so much!  I want to make a jacket / skirt combo from this.  I would love to be able to wear it in January for Grandma B's 80th Birthday celebration (either, the dinner or Sunday Church Service)!  I'm kinda slow, so I need to get started immediately. V7975, the trim that I'm able to find will determine which jacket I make, and I'll likely make my V8541 elastic waist skirt (since, I would prefer a skirt with a back vent).

Designer Polyester Jersey Knit Zebra Light Green/White- 2 yards

I want to make a shirt from this.... I need to see it up close to determine exactly which one, but I'm leaning towardsV8534 (with the bow) or V8840

Now, I just need to plan out the order that I need to complete these projects.

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

Remembering 9/11

Taking a moment to reflect on the lives that were lost on 9/11 and praying God's protection over the lives of our Military, Police, Fire and Homeland Security members that work tirelessly to keep us all safe.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey