tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139861332008-05-13T17:26:12.409-05:00Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-49399557204298299702008-05-03T18:46:00.002-05:002008-05-03T18:51:43.757-05:00

Simplicity 4020 Kimono Top, View D. This pattern calls for stretch knits only. Fabrics recommended: Lightweight double knit, stretch velvet, two way stretch novelty knit fabrics, stretch lace. I used stashed fabric purchased from EOS called Japanese Geisha print triple mesh. I had about 1 1/4'' yards and it was fun squeezing out this top plus a pair of panties. I traced this off in straight

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-23503311753583885712008-03-17T00:03:00.009-05:002008-03-17T23:12:57.867-05:00

BWOF 01/2008 116 -Wrap top. Tie-bands wrap twice around the waist. This pattern calls for two-way stretch jersey knits only. I used a cut of .99 onionskin that I purchased from Fabric Mart a few seasons ago. It was meant to be a muslin throw away fabric but it is charming. It is perfect for this pattern. While tracing, I lengthened the tie band extension pattern piece 7'' and experimented

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-2753084781359462582008-03-02T20:56:00.005-06:002008-03-02T21:03:25.291-06:00

I am sad to find out that BWOF doesn't qualify for the wardrobe portion of the Timmel SWAP. But that's OK... here is yet another revision! It is actually easier on me to change out the pants, shorts and skirt for McCall's wardrobe 5397. There aren't any cute details like topstitching or pockets. I kinda feel like I'm cheating! I did leave the BWOF jacket and wrap, of course. That jacket is

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-34734636934209411772008-03-02T17:46:00.007-06:002008-03-02T21:04:18.054-06:00

I am finally starting on my Spring SWAP. This is my first revision and I am delighted to share it with you. I have changed the wardrobe pieces and made a few other pattern changes. Hopefully using three pieces from the same section in January 2008 BWOF, City Styles, will satisfy the Timmel SWAP wardrobe requirement. I am thinking I'll sew the dress as well. Speaking of, I still haven't made

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-87453345648347567082008-02-18T10:26:00.005-06:002008-02-18T11:05:06.349-06:00

I am so inspired by all of the reviews on PatternReview.com for various garments made from the Burda World of Fashion January 2008 issue. Take a peek at the gallery! I found a copy on eBay and received it last week. I think I will change my SWAP to include the wrap knit top and possibly one pair of pants. Eventually. I'm not so hot on the SWAP sewing right now. I've had too many things going

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-33323335224169440872008-01-30T10:41:00.000-06:002008-01-30T22:21:06.352-06:00

Wow! I think this will help me solve the problem I'm having on the mohair coat collar. Undercollars Part One - Cut by The Secret Pocket The major problem is the under collar pattern piece. The under collar is cut from the same pattern piece as the collar. Unfortunately, I ran out of mohair. Not knowing what to substitute I cut an under collar out of a piece of fleece. This doesn't seem "right

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-43529315442327948932008-01-27T16:10:00.000-06:002008-01-27T16:45:17.375-06:00

I'm stuck on a number of issues on my projects. I'm having trouble with the mohair coat collar, zipper construction on the chinos (even though I've done it before... I'm just not figuring it out this time) and I looked at the dress but just don't know what to do. Plus I haven't found the reader card so I'll replace it soon. I'm somewhat discouraged so I'm taking a break. I did run across an

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-89220175929357062482008-01-24T13:45:00.000-06:002008-01-24T13:54:57.326-06:00

Today I decided to revisit a few UFOs sitting in my sewing area. First, there is the mohair coat which only needs the collar attached and hemming. I'll write this one up first because I've already taken a bunch of photos of the underlining technique I used. It will be a nice coat if I figure out the collar. Next, a pair of HotPatterns Weekender Bootcut Chinos which are already cut out. I need

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-41369066844532365272008-01-23T22:37:00.000-06:002008-01-23T23:28:10.478-06:00

Woo Hoo! Where are you little mojo?? This has been a week of one misfortune after another. Get ready for my oh so very sad boo hoo story. I am concentrating on pulling together some winter appropriate basics because I am soooo in need of clothing. I traced off Vogue 8151 in size E (both views) and proceeded to cut into the fabric I received from Ann. I had correctly guessed when her 1000th

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-67432816496031820982008-01-13T01:52:00.000-06:002008-01-13T01:56:45.816-06:00

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-56165991526142041482008-01-10T23:19:00.000-06:002008-01-10T23:50:09.326-06:00

Vogue 8151 View B -Pullover tops with set in sleeves and call for Lightweight Wool Jersey, Cotton Knits and Interlock. I chose panne velvet. This is the pattern that makes me happy, then mad, then happy, then mad. I am going to figure it out once and for all this year because it is a good fit but just needs more tweaking! I've made 5 versions of it that I can think of but never posted any

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-41899073078428232382008-01-08T22:37:00.000-06:002008-01-10T22:25:13.958-06:00

I think I am off to a great start on my wardrobe makeover. I am still cleaning out my closet, brutally surveying each item for wearability as I go. I have found quite a few things I forgot I owned. Of course, there were a few items that I couldn't bring myself to give up but I was tough overall. Reasons not to toss: 1) Sentimental = 4 garments 2) Want to eventually copy and reproduce = 12

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-60165309434285259762008-01-04T10:24:00.000-06:002008-01-04T10:57:25.207-06:00

Well, today I realized that I need to do something and quick. Looking down at myself (hence my faded yoga pant selection this morning) I can accurately state that these sad, too short, drawstringless Burdas need to be replaced pronto. What a terrible revelation! The general state of my personal style is sloppy at best. I'm a wreck. Laura Bennett's slippery slope statement accurately describes

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-51564821958563870112008-01-01T18:27:00.000-06:002008-01-10T22:47:08.755-06:00

Someone recently mentioned the importance of recording progress and setting new goals periodically. In the spirit of new beginnings, here are my thoughts on this first day of 2008. My 2007 accomplishments included celebrating 10 years in business, quite a bit more sewing than the year prior and scooting the last little one off to Kindergarten. It was quite an adjustment to have the house to

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-88953693840864815142007-11-11T00:31:00.000-06:002007-11-16T10:43:52.434-06:00

These panels were easy to sew and advanced my windows one step closer to the beautiful couture inspired bedroom I picture in my head. My creative process sure didn't save me time or money but I adore the final outcome. I found a thin cotton blend batiste on sale in the home dec section at Joann and purchased 3 yards of white, brought it home and proceeded to cut it straight down the middle to

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-13755259839821186312007-11-04T23:22:00.000-06:002007-11-05T00:00:39.271-06:00

Hello All, We would like to declare THE CHILI TEAMSTERS the winner of the first annual D&D Super Chili Cookoff. The Chili Teamsters had a lot of support from their local chili super union and worked hard to achieve this well deserved honor. Chili Teamster leader, ChristaD, spent many hours cruising the information superhighway, refusing to give up until she had gleaned a super award

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-23489859243011502562007-10-31T22:58:00.000-05:002007-10-31T23:45:54.597-05:00

Halloween is one of my favorite events of the year. I usually have so much fun planning, organizing and sewing our costumes. This year was different since we did a lot of brainstorming but couldn't come to a consensus for a family theme. Brainstorming costume designs I really wanted to be Princess Fiona but had trouble talking the boys into Shrek characters. Each thought the other one should

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-77232792070775271742007-09-21T09:38:00.000-05:002007-09-21T09:53:51.217-05:00

Pin the tail on the pant shape. Here are three recommended outfits for my figure type, the hourglass. I have major issues with outfit #1 since that is exactly the silhouette I want to avoid. The pants are so wrong with the little pleats in front and slightly tapered legs. If I wore this ensemble it would be a walking diet plan since I would hurk everytime I passed a mirror. #2 is better

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-51583013447393854192007-09-12T00:14:00.000-05:002007-09-12T01:03:29.171-05:00

The season of the trenchcoat is upon us. For some reason, this year seems to stand out in my mind as the year to finally breakdown and make one. Two sewalongs could be part of the reason. One sewalong has been going on in a Yahoo group for a while but I just found it tonight thanks to Vonne. Another sewalong was started on Pattern Review earlier this evening. Yay for sewalongs. Another

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-23410134566595554452007-08-12T21:35:00.000-05:002007-08-14T11:29:36.823-05:00

Simplicity 4589 -Scooped or squared neckline tops in 6 views which pullover (no zipper in any view) and call for lightweight fabric such as laundered cotton, challis, crepe back satin, jacquared, laundered silk, rayon, gauze, double georgette, soft lightweight linen and linen blends. I chose view A, size 14 to make a muslin. This view is really the same as view B (slighly different sleeve)

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-25548687395563603192007-07-21T14:10:00.000-05:002007-07-21T14:36:28.122-05:00

Kwik Sew 3115: I made this top last year and thought the v-neck was too high. Pulling it back out this year was a good thing as I've learned enough to deepen the v with some confidence. I deepened the v-neck by holding up the pattern to my new dressform and determining the desired depth, then I calculated how much to add to the neckband by measuring the seamline and reducing that measurement

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-44384855620908326472007-07-13T13:56:00.000-05:002007-07-13T14:04:35.326-05:00

Out of Print pattern includes hooded jacket, pullover top, halter top, pull-on pants and skull cap. I chose View B pullover top but have my eye on the jacket :) I like the high armsyce in this top especially. No gaping in the front armhole! The dart is supposed to be sewn downward but I flipped it up. So, this is my first knit top that actually had a dart in the pattern already. Interesting!

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-70496235858203221432007-07-11T20:39:00.000-05:002007-07-11T22:49:45.783-05:00

Skirt A has front button closure, topstitched waistband and carriers. Pattern suggests Cotton Blends, Poplin, Gabardine, Lightweight Linen, Damask, Denim. I like the styling of the button-front straight skirts (pencil skirts?) I've seen around lately. The bonus is this skirt hem. It hits at the perfect spot so no need to take it up. I only wish they would specify whether or not to use

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-36889055096841311522007-07-11T00:40:00.000-05:002007-07-11T01:51:44.248-05:00

Wrap front top is gathered at left side. Three views: A is a halter, B is short sleeve top, C is below elbow length sleeve top. Pattern recommends cotton knits, matte jersey and interlock. I have a thing for halters right now. I love the shaping of this top and feel comfortable although the low-cut is unusual for me. It is perfect for a beach party! Fabric used: Interlock with 70 denier

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-18498501272361182222007-07-09T18:18:00.000-05:002007-07-10T01:31:28.095-05:00

Working through Vogue 8390 and making changes as I go. The pattern calls for two right front pieces and two left front pieces, sew each right sides together, turn, topstitch 1/4 inch from edge. This is exactly what I should have done on my bat wing top! The back is one piece only. I basted the entire top together and tried it on and felt thick through the middle. This fabric is interlock so

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com