SEW MY TIME!

Vogue 8604!

2012-02-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

I've had these pants finished for about a month now, but I am just now getting around to reviewing them. This is a very easy vogue pattern as given the rating per the Vogue pattern. If my memory serves me correctly there were only two or three pieces; however, I am much too comfortable at the moment to go and check the pattern. Just trust me on this one, it's EASY! I made these pants up at the same time that I was jonesing for the clover pattern from Colette patterns. I have since purchased that pattern and have made two muslins, so hopefully I will have them complete in the near future.

Oh yeah! The hair,nope didn't cut it! Just having a little girly fun!

So, I used a poly- blend fabric from fabric mart fabrics. I opted to use an invisible zipper instead of a regular zipper, that's all that I had on hand, and I love the smooth lines anyhow... I added 2 1/2 inches in length to able to wear this with heels and hem the pants the allotted length per the instructions. Umm, I believe that is it in terms of alterations, so to speak. I love the look of high waisted pants and skirts, but I am unsure if this is a look that I am most comfortable in... I guess because I never wear my shirts tucked in unless I have a cardigan or jacket, or in this case a vest on! I dunno, I guess I'm just crazy like that lol!

Paired with my vest from F21 and red top and my leopard print flats that my two year refers to as "mommy's cat shoes"!

I know you are probably saying, we want to see the back! Well, you can't because I didn't have my helper home to zip me all the way up to the top! Men, what would we do without them, right! But you are in luck I did happen to take pictures of the back just in case you were interested!

The back of the pants!

The pocket lining is left over lining from V8679 jacket!*side note* I will make sure
to understitch the pocket lining to the pants to prevent pocket gaping!

Well, that's all for now! I'm trying to decide what I will work on this weekend, since this is a long weekend! What are your plans for the weekend sewing wise, or will you be taking it easy? I am undecided myself, so will see! Divas, be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Valentine's dress V8742 and Happy 30th to me!!!!

2012-02-14T16:29:00.000-08:00

V8742

So, I finished my Valentine's dress in time to wear with my three Valentine's! My hubby and our two boys.. My husband really made sure that I had a great evening, so kudos to the hubby... I really was not even sure if I was going to get the dress finished in time, seeing that I didn't start on the dress until Monday the day before V-day!

Paired here with V8679 jacket!

I sewed the dress all the up eliminating the hook and eye and bias binding!

However, this dress is a breeze to sew! Especially, once I eliminated the bias binding at the neck and "steam a seamed those hems".. Can we say it together*winning*! This dress is easy to wear, and I love the side ruching in this dress it makes for a very figure flattering shape... There's really not much to review on this dress, it's simply that simple! I used a ponte knit from fabric mart fabrics and I sewed a size 18 but cut 2" off the hip so I could have used a 16 in hindsight...

Overall I had a great Valentine's day with the hubby and my boys and glad that I was able to wear my new dress to dinner last night! Well today is my 30th! Thank you Jesus for another year, so I plan to take it easy today and relax! Be blessed Divas and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

On the move!

2012-02-12T23:52:00.000-08:00

My family and I are up for orders, well actually we have them and will be moving to the great state of Texas! I've never lived in Texas, and surprisingly have never visited there either for that matter.. Like with any move in the military, it's all what you make it to be, so this should be a new fun filled adventure for my little family!

On the sewing front I have, or just started to sew my V-day dress shhh! Don't even say it lol! But to my defense my entire household excluding the hubby was sick with the flu all last week, so that meant no sewing going on here...I am hoping to get this little dressed whipped by tomorrow which is V-day and then my B-day the most important for us ladies! Well, just wanted to stop in quickly, but hopefully this week I will have garment to post! Be blessed Divas!

R.I.P Whitney Houston!

2012-02-11T18:52:00.000-08:00

The 1 hour top M6400!

2012-01-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

I was freezing out here trying to get a good picture for my Divas!
Can you see my hair is doing some serious blowing in the wind!
The red pants are V8751 reviewed here!

This top took all of an hour, seriously! When I went to cut out the pattern pieces and realized that there were only ONE pattern piece for view B.. I started laughing in hysterics lol! I just couldn't believe it... This has to be one of the easiest patterns I have ever made to date, if you are looking for something fast, quick, and in hurry that still gives that Diva look make this top!

Hair still blowing! I told you it was cold....

I had this striped fabric in my stash from fabric.com for over a year now, and didn't know what to do with it, or if I had the skill to match up the stripes properly.. I was really more concerned with the stripes matching on the side and I must say I was pretty successful*winning*... Sorry, I didn't take pictures of the side, but it was COLD, so please forgive me lovelies!

I made a medium as I wanted a more fitted top, close to what the model on the cover is wearing. I didn't bother hemming the sleeves, or the bottom just didn't feel it was needed; however, I did hem the neckline! And with the neckline I noticed that if I make another version I will stabilize the neckline...Other than that it is a pretty straight forward top! In other news, I have a pair pants that need to be reviewed so be on the lookout for that! It has been working out great with sewing only what I am feeling, as I have not felt fatigued or burnout! Well Divas that's all for now! Be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

V8679 my first jacket!

2012-01-26T21:25:00.000-08:00

Paired the jacket with my boyfriend cut jeans and my leopard pumps
for a little fun!

Finally, finished my first jacket! I didn't mention that I was making a jacket, because I didn't want to jinx myself lol.. I started this jacket about two weeks ago, and before I go any further. I have to say that "Jackets for Real People" DVD was insurmountable in helping aide me through the process of making my first wearable jacket. I literally followed the DVD step by step and only followed the pattern directions only during the godet section. If you were every wandering if this DVD would be beneficial; I am here to tell you that truly it is one that every sewer should have in there library...

Back stay and the inside during construction

Okay, now that all the kudos are out of the way! I know that I signed on to do the Minoru jacket sew along, but I ended using my lining fabric for the jacket for V8679. This year, I don't really have any resolutions, but sewing wise, I only plan to sewwhat I am feeling at the moment, so V8679 it was . I am really feeling the bustle and peplum look, as I mentioned in my last post; therefore, I had to give V8679 a go! And when I realized that Erica B put her stamp on it like only she can do! I was in...

Sleeve head using the interfacing from my hubby's old tie

please do ask before you cut into said tie he he!

It's all about the back, right!

Fully lined using the bagging method...

Like I said, this is my first wearable jacket, I tried making B5331 last year this time and never made it past the muslin, but I believe if I were to try the jacket again, I could knock it out of the park! A girl makes one jacket and gets all smug with it lol! Okay, now on to the jacket at hand! Vogue describes this jacket as a fitted, lined, above hip jacket has notched collar, front darts, back princess seams, godet and long sleeves.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use the instructions, I followed jackets for real people! And just to note I am extreme devote follower of instructions, and didn't use them with this jacket only followed the DVD and my jacket came out great!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I loved the back drama of the jacket; there wasn't anything that I didn't like..

Fabric Used: Wool blend with acrylic and it sparkles! Love it.. purchased off fabric.com last year

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't make any pattern alterations however, I could have used a slight broad back alteration, but it will not prevent my wearing my jacket. I did interface the entire jacket minus the godet section as it really gave the jacket structure IMO... I also added a back stay, I used sleeve heads from my hubby's old tie and that sleeve eased right on in! I also used on one button instead of two just what I wanted...

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would sew this jacket again, maybe if I found some really great fabric! And I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this pattern to others...

Conclusion: I really had a great time making this jacket, I learned a lot of new techniques, bagging a lining for jacket, making a back stay and using a sleeve head to ease in a sleeve, sewing in shoulder pads, notching a lapel, the list is endless! If you do not own jackets for real people DVD run not walk to order it! That's all for now Divas! Be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

One for the road, okay, okay my last smug action LOL!

"Peplums" Do you think "chic" or "Golden Girls"?

2012-01-09T18:14:00.000-08:00

BurdaStyle 2012 trend report

I was browsing more like salivating on Burda Style.com today, and on the front page was their 2012 Spring trends.. Among the likes were pastels, prints and peplums. Which, btw, I am absolutely intrigued with at the moment.. I have to admit, that it wasn't until recently that I even knew the correct term for such a jacket... All along, I had been thinking now "hey that is one chic jacket"....

Chic!

However, I couldn't help but notice while watching my favorite sitcom of all times! You guessed it! "Golden Girls" It is just something about that show that just makes me happy, too bad the hubby doesn't share the same sentiment lol...The hubby states that watching the Golden Girls puts him in a deep sleep/coma lol, men I tell ya! Okay, but back to everything that is lovely with my Golden Girls... I happen to notice that Rose, played by Betty White was rockin' a lovely peplum jacket and said," hey there goes one of those chic jacket "thingy" again." And my search was off to find out the correct term for such a jacket...

Rose "Betty White" in the blue is wearing a peplum jacket..

Alexander McQueen retail price $4,009 farfetch.com

And lo and behold Burdastyle just so happened to be featuring peplum jackets or shirts, skirts, etc.. as the 2012 Spring trend. Which made my search even easier *winning*! Now, as much as I love my girls, the " Golden Girls that is.. I don't necessarily wish to look like one, style wise..So, I scoured the Internet my favorites shopstyle.com and came up with few updated looks for the styles that I could rock..Without wanting to burst into the Golden Girls theme song lol!

Back off jacket! Mind blowing

I said all this to ask: What do you think? Chic or Golden Girls? Alright, Divas have to get back in this sewing room, working on something special, which you can probably just about guess with the nature of this post :) Be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Date night with the hubby and B5672

2012-01-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

So, the hubby and I had a date on Friday night, which was yesterday here in Japan.. I was so excited to have finished my B5672 , so that I could wear it for dinner and a little dancing with the hubby... The fabric, I purchased from fabric.com and it's a sweater knit fabric, so it's really cozy in this cold weather we've been having here in Japan lately....

Close up of the pleats and the fabric..

I didn't make the lining for the dress, I just folded the neckline and sleeves with "steam a seam." Oh, yes I did! And you know what I am now a convert to the "steam a seam" movement lol! This dress is extremely easy I don't remember having any problems with the dress. I didn't have to make my normal lengthing to dress as the dress length was fine as is.. I am 5'8 for reference...I loved the darts in the back that shape to the back, as well as the drape of the pleats for the front of the dress..

Let me tell you this dress kept me warm the entire
night, but not in a bad way! It was 30 degrees last night..

The hubby and I got a special chance to go to Yokohama last night and go to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner..We truly had a great time enjoying each others company with good food and drinks or one drink maybe, because they were 20.00 a piece sheeesh!

20.00 drink here only one for me please! Can't cut into
my fabric budget lol!

On the train heading to Yokohama...Oh, the face mask you ask from
the lady to my right, the Japanese all wear them if they have a cold!

The hubby and I @ Yokohama bay!.

Alright lovelies! I hope you are enjoying your weekend and getting some great sewing done.. I am going to get back in my sewing room and make some majic happen, or let's hope! Be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Happy 2012 and other tidbits!

2012-01-01T02:42:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012 to everyone! It's a new year so whatever may or may not have been in 2011 just brush it off of your shoulders.. Let us just embrace this new year with full of new possibilities.... A new year always brings excitement, right? My new years resolution you ask? Here's the thing, I am not saying! I am going to do! So, that's the new years resolution, "No talk, just action"... I will let you know know at the end of 2012 how that plan goes...

On to other news; I will be joining Tasia from sewaholic patterns in her Minoru jacket pattern sew along. All of my materials for this jacket have arrived, so I am pretty excited now!

The red fabric is cotton twill and the print fabric is poly charmeuse!

I also have my first F.O. for the year B5672, hopefully if the weather cooperates I shall have pictures up sometime this week...Also, BMV are having an awesome sale on patterns until Monday, but before I leave you lovelies let me leave you with a sneak peek from B5672....

I have since removed the red pin lol!

Alright, Divas here's to a beautiful, prosperous, sew filled, healthy and happy New Year's!

2011 Year In Review!

2011-12-29T00:47:00.000-08:00

I thought I would chime in and make my little "Year in review" of sewing garments this year... I've had a great sewing year, at least to me that is... I didn't make my coat as I intended, but that's okay there's always next year. However, I did sew my first pair of pants V8751, so I did make progress...

I made a total of 14 garments this year! Which is a step up from the 6, or so I made last year. I do believe that's a score for this year! I don't know if I really have any sewing goals this year other than to only make what I'm feeling.. For instance, many of us do not sew because we don't have clothing, or the means, but rather for the enjoyment. That being said I only want to sew what I am feeling, hoping that this will prevent a loss of sewing mojo, if you will!

Well, Divas it's been a great year and I have truly been blessed and inspired by everyone of you lovely women in some way or form! Happy New Years to you all and be safe and I'll see you in 2012! Be blessed Divas and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

2011-12-24T01:22:00.000-08:00

jammie pants made by mommy of course on Christmas Eve M5522

I want to wish all of my sewing friends the warmest wishes for the holiday season..From my family to yours Merry Christmas!

Sightseeing in Japan and Butterick 4789 pic heavy!

2011-12-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry that you can't see the dress, but it really is hard

to photograph black dresses!

The dress close up before I added the back piece to the dress
and also that's M6164 that never got hemmed, sigh!

I guess it's safe to say that I didn't sew a dress for my hubby's command Christmas party, and neither did I finish my B4789 for Thanksgiving(which is now OOP). I know tisk, tisk, tisk lol! I did however, complete the hem for my B4789 this weekend in time to do some family sightseeing around Japan... This picture was taken in Kamakura about 20 minutes by train from where we live... The main attraction that tourist come to see in Kamakura is "Great Buddha" Although, my family and I are Christians, it was intresting to see other cultures interactions and their religion..

My hubby thoughtfully looking at the train directions to get us to Kamakura!

B4789 is really a simple dress, I mean, truly and honestly! For heavens sakes it's only two pieces, yes two pieces. I've seen this style of dress around for a few seasons now, of which I can recall.. However, when I saw none other than the fabulous Diva extraordinaire herself . Beyonce wearing a purple twist front dress at one of the awards she attended this fall. I knew I wanted one too, and remembered that I had pattern B4789 to get me close....Although it is not a dead ringer for Beyonce's dress, it sure is close enough for me to smile*ting*!

I also, saw in our NEX which is our on base shopping mall, if you will. A twist top shirt by none other than Mr. Michael Kors and it had the retail price around $69.50 ummm no offense, but I'll think I'll make one for around 10.00 dollars! Please and thank you lol! Okay, and back to our scheduled post about sightseeing, see I'm already getting off track here :) So, all in all B4789 dress was easy as pie can seriously be sewn within 2 hours or so, but if your like myself you take two weeks and beyond*sigh* now a deep heavy*sigggggh* lol!

While getting ready to board the train, it was packed to say the least!

People watching!

100 yen shop A.K.A "Dollar Store"

My little family and our Saturday sightseeing Kamakura, Japan!

Divas, I hope you all enjoying this holiday season with friends and love ones! Be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

The sewing mojo is slowly coming back!

2011-11-13T02:50:00.000-08:00

Well, the sewing mojo is finally creeping back slowly but surely.. I have completed M6164, well everything but the hem that is. I also have knocked out B4789 ~~minus the hem~~, which was a joy to work on! I think it may have even helped in bringing back my sewing mojo.. So, now I have my Thanksgiving dress completed woo hoo! I am so thankful, because just this time last year I wanted to wear my new dress that I had sewn V1027 (which I need to redo BTW) However, I had butchered the hem beyond recognition :(

I am trying to play catch up and get back into my sewing and blogging groove, because I really do love the sewing community... I have two garments on my dress form (Bella) at the moment B4789 and M6164 lol..

I need to hem the sleeves of the dress B4789 and hem
the neck line for M6164 what joy lol! Oh, and this is before
I sewed the front of the dress to the back hence the pins holding
the dress to the dress form :)

In other news, my hubby's Naval command Christmas party is coming up, and so that means a new dress is in order. I just have to sew one! Especially, since the hubby had his suit made in Korea when the ship was there this year... I was originally planning to make V8574 ,but realized that I did not have the right length zipper in the color that I needed, nor did I have time to order one*sigh*....So, then I had to think fast to what patterns I had in stash that would accommodate the fabric that had already been purchased a few months ago... That was not an easy task I tell ya!

Okay, so I narrowed down the patterns to:

I really love this dress, but

the hubby didn't see the vision! I

should have probably showed him the fierceness!

I was thinking about view c with the three quarter sleeves!

I love this dress it's flirty without being over the top
and I saw another blogger post about this dress and
her version is absolutely positively gorgeous!

And I think we have a winner!!!!! I think I am going to
try view E ( the white dress) or F (the pink dress) they are the same dress, however F is just
shorter in length..

I have the pattern cut out and the fabric and lining are in the wash on delicate as I type!I would post a pic of the fabric, but I want to keep some kind of the suspense right :) I have a little over two weeks to get this dress completed Divas! I'll keep you Divas updated and hopefully I will have beautiful dress to show you! Alright, Divas talk with you later on in the week. I should have photos of the M6164 and B4789 completed! As always be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!~Candice~

I am still here!

2011-11-05T04:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I should be working on garments from my ever growing fall list, but I just haven't had the energy to do sew:) I have managed enough energy to sew up a quick project M6164, which is OOP now! I really like this top, and it almost reminds me of B5562, which I have reviewed here and here.. I will have to say out of the two, that M6164 is my favorite! Hopefully I will have pictures sometime this coming week!

I did also manage to sew up this weekend the infamous V1250 that everyone raved about and is still raving about..This was my second go at this dress and sadly to say: I didn't feel the magic, so I chunked the dress, and the pattern in the trash... I was hoping to love this dress, as everyone else looked wonderful in their dresses! I mean from the maxi versions, sleeves, top version, every remix of V1250 was fabulous!

So not to get upset with the V1250 not being the dress for me, I decided to cut out B4789 it's an oldie but looks like it will yield a great dress nonetheless. I am hoping this will be my Thanksgiving dress, so the rate that my sewing is going these days. I better get a head start now lol gotta get to sewing Divas!

Here's hoping to a wonderful sewing week for all you Divas!!!! Divas as always be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Non- sewing related! 20 week challenge!

2011-09-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

No, this is not a sewing challenge of some sort, but a fitness challenge more or less! Here's the deal, I have 20 weeks until I turn the big 3-0 that's right 30 years young! Well, you may be saying, what is this challenge..

Well, it's no secret that I have put on some pounds in this past year. I would love to blame the devastating earthquake that rocked Japan this year, or this or that, but the truth of the matter is:There's NO excuse....So, starting tomorrow Monday morning I will be starting my 20 week challenge.. I am not trying to get skinny, only better! God willing, when I see the big 3-0 I want to be in the BEST shape of my life!

20 weeks of "Turbo Fire" Bring it!

I plan to follow a semi-moderate low carb lifestyle, and get down to "Turbo Fire" from beach body with Chalene Johnson, which is a 20 week program! I am excited to prove to myself that I can do this!

I am so worth it, and so are you! I mean, I am very comfortable in my own skin, because heavens knows I loves me some Candice lol! However, I know there is always room for improvement! Every four weeks I plan to post a body shot of a before and after photo up until the 20th week sometime in February...As I don't believe every week you would be able to see a change...

Well, alright Divas I am off to prepare for my new journey, just wanted to share a little tidbit in my world outside of sewing, wish me the best! Be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Vogue 8751!!

2011-09-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

Whew, it seems like ever since my oldest son started school, things have been busy ever since... I am sorry for taking so long with these pants, but I've been a little under the weather, not to mention we had a typhoon here in Japan on Wednesday... I am feeling much better now, and happy to report that there was no damaged due to the typhoon..God is good!

So, the last time we chatted we were talking about wide leg trousers and RED wide leg trousers at that! Well, I have my first pair of pants complete V8751.... Now, are they perfect absolutely and positively not!!! Not even with one eye squinted, with a pair of "Stevie Wonder" shades on would they be perfect LOL!!! However, I am very proud of myself.. Proud, that I made the necessary adjustments to make these pants fit my body....

Making a tummy adjustment, sigh lol!

I made a muslin, and realized that I needed more room across the tummy, more length in the crotch area, as well as more length in the hem... I referenced my book "The Perfect Fit" and "Pants For Real People" in altering for tummy alterations and crotch length... I added an inch across the tummy and added 1 1/2 for the crotch length and added 1 inch in the hem length, although I could have used an inch more...*Note to self* Next time try on muslin with the shoes you intend to wear with said garment!!!

I made an adjustment on the pants front piece and so I had to
make the same adjustment to yoke front piece at the same location...

Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day!

I learned a lot in doing these pants..I learned how much patience I truly have.. In my last post, I wrote that I had a few problems in sewing these pants up.. I had to replace my zipper FOUR times, yes FOUR times...I put the zipper in courtesy of the "Sandra Betzina" method, fabulous BTW! I went to try the pants on during construction and my zipper broke, and so I fussed and whined, and put in another zipper, and it broke ... By this time I was furious! But, I sucked it up and put in my third zipper everything was perfect right, WRONG! I realized I had installed an invisible zipper for a fly front LOL! I seriously thought about leaving it, like seriously..But I dried my tears and installed yet my fourth zipper! When I say I can sew a fly front in my sleep, I am serious lol!

I really enjoyed making these pants, and I know that next
pair will be better than the first!

Alright, Divas that's all for now trying to narrow down what shall be my next project, until then!

Be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Seeing Red!

2011-09-14T01:41:00.000-07:00

Star style: Emmanuelle Chriqui by maripen featuring leather bags

I am in seriously in love with the color RED right now! It's just something about that color that just makes you feel sexy, right, or maybe that's just me lol! I have been the seeing wide leg trousers popping up everywhere, and I do mean everywhere.. So, if everyone jumps does that mean I have to jump? Well, certainly not! However, that does mean I have to make me a pair of RED wide leg trousers lol!

Malene Birger $239.25
um, no indeed!

So, I did like so many of you "Divas seamstress extraordinaries", and scoured the Internet for a pattern that would feed my need for a pair of RED wide leg trousers...Of course, I didn't have to search long, as Vogue, which tends to be on curve with what's trendy, already released a pattern for wide leg trousers, and it just so happens to have a pair of RED wide leg trousers on the envelope art! Have a look see:

V8751

I made up a quick muslin last week and realized that I needed to lengthen the crotch length. I also needed to add a little in the tummy area, as well adding length to the pants hem.. I want to be limitless in the options of heels that I can wear with these trousers.... After doing the alterations to the pattern, I started sewing the real pants, and I must say for my first pair of pants they are coming along great..I ran into one problem, which took away an entire sewing session, which I will talk about once I review the pants..I don't even want to relive that monstrosity lol!

Hopefully, I can get done with the trousers by this weekend! I just need to sew on the hook and eyes and slip stitch the yoke facing down, but I am wondering if I could just stitch in the ditch hmmm....Anything to get out a little hand sewing lol.. Oh yeah, and I need to hem the pants, but these are only small task...Alright, lovelies enjoy your day! Be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Getting back to basics! Butterick 5249 and Beignet 1005

2011-09-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Add caption

I am glad things are slowing down a bit here, whew! Now I can get back to regular blogging and so forth.. I am so glad because I am in desperate need of fall basics, hence the title "Getting back to basics"! I am reviewing two patterns in one day, well really one because I've already reviewed B5249! I just really needed a great basic black skirt and since the Beignet skirt didn't work well for my plan. I decided to give B5249 a second whirl! It's a great pattern and glad to have added it to my fall wardrobe!

Getting ready fall paired this B5249 with a scarf and black suede shoe booties upper left and on
the upper right leopard round toe pumps and a button down top!

Now, let's chat about the beignet skirt pattern from Colette patterns! It is a lovely pattern, it truly is.. I would recommend a beginner getting the pattern if not for the instructions alone. It really is like a sewing lesson, as the instructions are extremely well written... Having said that, I don't think I am totally in love with my version right now! Nothing to do with the pattern itself, which is AWESOME! I not in love with the length of my skirt.. Well, you say Candice didn't you do a muslin for this garment? Well, yes I did... However, I was so excited on making my first buttonholes, I forged right to the real garment, and had forgotten to make the adjustments to the pattern...So, no fault at all to the pattern, strictly user error lol!!!

Inside full lining( and my first buttonholes) ALL 12 of them lol!!

I don't feel too bad because I learned a ton of new techniques on construction. As I stated before the pattern instructions are awesome! I still wanted to review the pattern, even if I may not wear this skirt.... So here it goes!

Pattern Description:

Beignet 1005! paired with B5562 and red flats(polka dots are everywhere this season)

High waisted straight skirt provides a very flattering shape with paneled styling: not too loose or too tight around the hips, with a very fitted waist. Buttons up the front, has side seam pockets, and includes a self tie belt, which can be swapped out for your own narrow belts. Skirt has a faced waist, button placket and full lining.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the instructions for the pattern which in turned produced a professional finish! Dislikes, I wish I had added to the length!

Fabric Used:Cotton twill from fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I left off the belt loops although if I should make this skirt again I definitely will add them!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would sew it again, just not this season! I will definitely recommend to others!

Conclusion: A great skirt pattern, I did my first button holes, learned to do a catch stitched hem and other cool techniques....I probably will try this skirt again, just not right now, too many other things on my list! But if you give it a go just check the length! Alright, Divas be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

A new member to the team!

2011-09-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

Whew, life has been crazy busy here in my household! I did not plan such an extended absence away from all my sewing Divas! As you all know, my husband is in the Navy, and the ship came back recently after being gone for the entire summer.. We also celebrated a birthday in the family, our son turned the big five*tear* and to add also started kindergarten this past Tuesday! So, it has been to say the least..

My kindergartner *tear* of course mommy was trailing
right behind lol!

I know the last time we chatted I was working on the muslin for the beignet skirt. Well, I have had it finished since the end of August. I also managed to finish another skirt, a muslin for a pair of pants and manage to cut out the ones for the real garment...I am so in need of basics for the fall, so that's my focus right now basics... I know, know where are the pictures you say! I will hopefully post them this weekend. Now that things are getting back to normal here, regular posting can resume!

Well, I know you say the title of this blog post is: " A new member to the team" What is that about?Well, umm, it involved another purchase, lol! I posted about some of the garments I wanted to make this fall, one of them being a coat...Sheila, had mentioned in one the comments that she purchased a heavy duty machine to sew her coat this year, as she didn't want to mess up her machine using too of a thick material ( I am paraphrasing here)..

I love, love, my sewing machine and didn't know if my machine would handle the thick fabric, interfacing's and such, and I also wanted to get into sewing jeans..So, I was like, yeah Sheila is right and hit submit on my new Singer Heavy 4423! It was on sale, as I didn't want to spend more for this sewing machine than for my everyday sewing machine seeing that it wouldn't be used everyday machine. I finally got to take it for a spin today, after having it for about two weeks now! See it's been busy here

Well, so far so good, but I'll let you if that changes, hopefully not! It's feels so good to be back from an unplanned absence from the blog... Alright, Divas that's all for now but I promise to have more later! As always be blessed and nothin' less and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

Fabric love and everything in between!

2011-08-16T23:06:00.000-07:00

I think I am enjoying this a little too much! I went to check my post office box again today, and there a was another little box of lovelies from Fabric.com... I totally forgotten I had purchased, um, this may be the first signs of a problem..But I am not looking for any interventions yet, but can't say the same as for my hubby's wallet lol!

(From left to right) The grey fabric is a cotton

stretch suiting, the floral is a Charmeuse satin, and the purple

is a poly crepe suiting!

I also purchased the fabric for my first coat. It is gorgeous! 100% Shetland Wool, the exact color I was looking for too. I purchased the fabric from Fabric Mart fabrics, it is a lovely "Candy Apple Red", at least according to their web site.. I sure hope so, fingers crossed. I am also planning to do a little tailoring with this coat. I plan to use as reference the "Lady Grey sew along" that was hosted last year by the talented Gertie from the "Blog for better sewing"..I also have the book "The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket.. I am going for it Divas!

I made a little progress on my Beignet skirt last night. The lining is complete, I plan to attack the facing and attach that tonight to the lining, and maybe even work on the shell tonight. I am working backwards this time around. I found when I made the muslin, that I had gotten bored with the lining after the shell was complete. I hope to be done by this weekend, so I can start on my dress for my hubby's homecoming! He has been underway all summer, ugh! Missing the hubby :( Well, that's all for now Divas! Be blessed and nothin' less, and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

*Gratuitous Pics*

My little man sitting up their like a big boy, waiting for Toshi to cut
his hair!

Look mommy I even got a sucker for being
such a big boy!

My big man with his fresh cut, who will be starting

kindergarten this fall, *tear*!

A little bit of this and little bit of that!

2011-08-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

I don't have a finished garment to show, but I have completed my muslin for the Beignet skirt from Colette patterns. This is the first pattern that I have purchased from this company, and it will not be my last. I found the instructions to be very well written, considering this pattern is rated intermediate. I still consider myself to be a beginner, so case in point, these are awesome instructions.The entire pattern is lovely, which comes in a little booklet. I am very impressed!

Now, back to the muslin! I did a quick and dirty muslin, and I do mean quick and dirty. But it served it's purpose so that I could work out whatever kinks, before cutting into my fashion fabric. I was able to make my first button hole evah! I know, I am such a cornball lol , but I had been intimidated for ever.I should be ashamed at how simple and easy it really and truly was. I found a lovely tutorial on YouTube for my machine and the rest is what they call history..

My first button hole evah' lol.. The
writing is some gibberish to help me out
on my real garment..

Moving on a little from my "Beignet" skirt muslin for now! As the the title post says" A little bit of this and a little bit of that". I have been working on my hand stitching, and I had to redo part of my hem on my Simplicity skirt 2451, as I found that I didn't properly secure the stitch, argh! However, all was not lost, I was able to learn a new stitch. Well, new to me that is, which is the catch stitch. I love, love that hand stitch..

My first time catch stitching.

Wearing my freshly catch stitched hem skirt
at the park today! My little one took the picture
so that's why my head is cut off lol!

I also received some lovelies in the mail today! Woo hoo, don't you just love those days!Well, I have been wanting a wrist pin cushion, ever since I saw the one that Gertie wears on her online course for the perfect bombshell dress on Craftsy. I didn't get the same one as Gertie; however, I purchased my wrist pin cushion from Jo-Ann's online for about seven bucks.. And BTW, the class is the probably the best there is out there, online right now! I am learning leaps and bounds..I Highly recommend this class to anyone!

It's so cute and I really think it's so

helpful...

A few patterns that came in and some fabric
that I didn't post..My battery died on my
camera, ugh!

Divas, that's all for now, but more later!
As always be blessed and nothin' less, and continue to stay fearlessly fierce!

What are you working on? Let's chat...

2011-08-07T01:21:00.000-07:00

Just curious to know if anyone is working on fall items now, or are you still working on the last of your summer wardrobe? I don't have a concrete plan set in stone, as of yet, and I don't know if I will.. I think I tend to do better, when I sew how I feel. That way I can still keep it fun, but still get a great wardrobe out of the deal.. I have ordered a couple of patterns during the current BMV sale that is still going on, I believe.

This is not a new pattern;however, I
think this style will work into my casual
everyday wear in the fall!

Like, I adore this style of coat, and as soon as saw
the mustard colored coat. I knew I had to make

my first coat! I wanted to make V8346, but
think I want the Butterick more!

All styles of jeans in one!
I love the Trouser, and slim ankle length!

I loved the draping on this dress!

I love all the views, but of course
I love view B with the belt..

Alright Divas, I'll guess I get back to making a muslin of the Colette skirt.

As always, be blessed and nothin' less, and continue to stay fiercely fierce!

McCall's 6070 again!

2011-08-06T03:28:00.000-07:00

Hey lovely Divas! I am going to keep this post simple and sweet. I first reviewed this pattern sometime last year. I no longer have the first dress, because it was terrible and terribly made, but we all have to start somewhere. I have to thank you all for encouraging me then, to keep sewing.. Because looking at the midriff from last year, and Baaaaaby, it was all kinds of wrong.. But you Divas encouraged me nonetheless, so to that, I say thank you!

My review from last year still holds true, this pattern is really, really easy.. I made a straight 14, and I absolutely loved the elastic in the sleeves, to give that gathered look. I also loved the back, and that it wasn't too low, that I could still wear a regular bra with this dress. I only made one alteration if that's what you want to call it, and that was not to add the elastic in the waist area. As I didn't find it necessary... This is my last summer dress for the season, and I know I said that for V1179 but I really wanted a new dress for friendship festival today on base...And that's just where we say thank you to our host country....

I tried to get the boys to put up their
peace signs as the Japanese do when posing for pics,
but um, no such luck with my two lol!

So, here are a few pictures from today at friendship festival on base! The dress wore very well, and I was comfortable all day, so I probably will make this next summer. As this only took about a day or two to make.

The American food vendors, giving our host country a taste
of our American cuisine..

Divas, as always be blessed and nothin' less and continue to be fearlessly fierce!

Hot off the press..Or the sewing machine that is! V1179

2011-07-30T03:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Divas, it has been a month since I have sewn anything..I have always heard of one losing their mojo, or sewing mojo. I just never thought it would happen to me, but it did, and I didn't want to even think about sewing.. I had found myself utterly disgusted with sewing, yes Divas, disgusted I tell you..

I am still fairly new to the sewing world, so I assumed that a wadder constituted of a garment that was unwearable..I guess the saying holds true that, one should never assume anything, for you run the risk of making an___ !!Well you Divas know the rest right LOL! I say that to say this! It's glamorous to take the pictures in your make-up, heels, and hair(Purely talking about myself here :) But, how does the garment wear in the elements, the heat, rain, sleet whatever it may be...

We are all friends here, right, Divas! I wore my V1120 out with my husband to dinner last month, and let's just I was sweating, more than a whore on church on Sunday morning lol. I mean, I was in full hair, make-up heels, looking fierce! But, I couldn't help but feel like I was getting ready to combust..I was HOT! I have never sweat so much in my life... It literally felt like a furnace was turned on inside that dress..*Note to self* 100% polyester is not my friend* Especially in the summer!

The hot box dress!

Okay, I hope you Divas got a few laughs from that story, I know my mom did lol... I had to get over that trauma and sew something simple, easy, and summer mommy chic,and I came up with V1179..Seriously, I don't have much to say about this pattern. It's all of 3 pattern pieces, 10pts for that, right! I left off the elastic on the armholes and I made a 2 inch hem instead of the 4 inch hem...Needed the length to be kid friendly... I also, followed the other reviewers and just serged the collar onto the dress and it was totally fine.. I wore the dress all day today, and it wore beautifully, it's comfortable, chic, and an awesome pattern!

Effortless Chic! This dress is truly effortless!

Well, that's all for now Divas! I think I am going start thinking about fall clothes now, so I can somewhat get a head start! Just in case my mojo just happens to disappear again...Oh, yeah and before I forget. I received my first compliment from a stranger today on one of my handmade garments. I was thrilled I tell ya!

My little cardigan!

Divas as always, be blessed and nothin' less and continue to be fearlessly fabulous!

Help!!!!

2011-07-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

I have seem to have lost my mojo, my sewing mojo that is!!! If someone finds it ,will you please return to owner lol... Be blessed Divas and nothin' less!

Summer dress challenge 2011 it's a wrap! New Look 6557

2011-06-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

Whew, that was a close one.... As we all know I signed up for Faye's stitch a dress challenge..Hosted by the lovely and talented Faye.. I think I may have been one of the first few people to sign up for the challenge, and yet I still managed to fall behind, sigh.... I was so thankful when Faye extended the deadline, truly a great day when that happened lol...

I truly believe that God allows everything to happen for a reason and in His perfect season.. I took on this challenge in hopes like everyone else to have a new dress and hopefully one that I loved.. I always strive to do my very best. I would have never imagined, that in my wildest dreams, that this simple challenge would have rendered so many opportunities for growth.. Yes, growth Divas!

Not too shabby right! Keep reading

I promised I would give you the ugly

too lol! (2009)

I am going to try to make this quick and simple, but I believe in giving honor where honor is due, so please bear with me... I first reviewed this dress on PR in 2009 and it was actually my second garment that I had ever reviewed...And let me tell you Divas that dress was all kinds of wrong, I mean all wrong LOL!! You don't believe, huh, because looks can be deceiving..

The proof is in the pudding
or at least in the zipper in this case lol!

This was supposed to be a lapped zipper *ahem* , but you wanna know what? In all it's unwearable glory I still was so proud, proud that I at least attempted this garment and the lapped zipper.. I mean this garment was by no means wearable, but I do believe a starting ground for growth. I really wanted to show this picture to encourage any new seamstress that it's not all glamorous and pretty pictures in the beginning all the time , but in due time your season will come...

Now let's talk about 2011 shall we! Did I say this dress is all kinds of fierce! Without it saying too much, if that's such a thing. I want to thank Toya for posting about this fabric, when she reviewed her awesome Butterick dress. This is a beautiful fabric, a cotton sateen purchased from Denver Fabrics, which I do believe they still have this fabric.. This is your typical A-line sundress with various bodices, which are lined..

Inside of lining!

I initially started out sewing the dress as planned, but didn't really feel too motivated with the dress, and so I put it off, sigh, that's how I fell behind schedule with the challenge... I was reading through my blog list. I saw that Sheila had finished her second dress and it was lined, and then it hit me! I needed to set a real challenge for myself, so I set out to line the entire dress, which was surprisingly simple.. So thanks Sheila for the needed push!( You never know where your inspiration may come)

Lining stitch to zipper tape by machine!

I swapped an invisible zipper for the lapped zipper, and added a full lining which is nothing more

than sewing two dresses really..Really, just that simple! I had blew this lining business way out of proportion, or at least on this garment it was "easy peasy lemon squeezy"! Other than that I used a 12 for the bodice, which I could have used a 14 and used an 18 for the waist on down! So here is my "Ideal Summer Dress" It's Chic, it's sexy without being too much, it's just speaks Candice!

I added the red hoop earrings for a splash of color

Posing by the ocean by our towers!

Well that's a wrap Divas! I learned a lot during this challenge and to match I also have a beautiful dress to show for! Thanks Faye for hosting this challenge! As always Divas, be blessed and nothin' less and continue to be fearlessly fierce

Oh Brother!!!

2011-06-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

Divas, I have been meaning to review my new Brother CS6000i sewing machine since last month sometime... I just wanted to really use it and take for a couple of spins before I gave my honest opinion about this sewing machine... So far, I have used my new sewing machine for the last three projects that I have made, and I am in sewing machine heaven..

I was initially looking at another machine and of course the price was higher and had all the bells and whistles, but I am a beginner so I didn't feel that it was necessary just yet... Although, for the price 156.00 (I paid during Mother's day weekend a gift from the hubby) I feel that this a great machine for beginner to advance....

This a Free-arm computerized sewing machine; with 60 stitch functions, 7 styles of 1-step buttonholes, and variety of snap-on presser feet :
-Buttonhole foot

-Overcasting foot

-Zipper foot

-Blind-Stitch foot

-Button fitting foot

- Monogramming foot
- Seam Ripper

- Eyelet Punch

- Needle Set

- Twin Needle

- Cleaning Brush

- Wide table( which I don't use)

- Bobbin

- Screwdriver

- Extra Spool Pin

Yeah, about that Hard Case..It's just a plastic
cover but not a deal breaker at all! Just
wanted to shed some light lol!

Also Features:

The built-in, automatic needle threading system saves time and effort by taking care of threading the needle for you (Although I haven't used this feature I find it cool)

Machine Operation Buttons and Controls:

The start/stop button allows for freedom from needing the included foot pedal to start and stop the sewing function of your machine.

The reverse button allows you to bring the fabric backwards when you are first starting or stopping a line of stitches to lock them in place. (I really love this feature)

The reinforce function eliminates the sloppy appearance of locking the ends of a decorative stitch with that of a straight stitch. After you lock your straight stitch in place and select the reinforce function the CS6000i will sew backwards in the same pattern as your decorative stitch so there is no unwanted mismatch at the end of the stitch lines.

The built-in variable speed control allows you to sew at three different speeds depending on your project and your level of experience. You can quickly change your speed by simply moving the control knob between settings ( My favorite feature on this sewing machine, as my first Brother machine didn't offer this feature as it was just the basics of the basics).

LS-2125 My first machine ever!

The CS6000i effectively illuminates stitch operation with dual LED lights positioned directly above your work ( Ummm it's not that bright but it's doable)

Overall, I think this is a wonderful machine and I truly am happy I have it! In other sewing news, I finished my dress for the Summer dress Challenge and I will post pictures tomorrow! I also purchased my first independent sewing pattern..

I purchased the Beignet skirt pattern because it's just so darn adorable, and I also wanted to show my support because her invisible zipper tutorial helped me tremendously and I wanted to show my appreciation... Well that's all I have for now Divas, be blessed and nothin' less!

Mommy Summer Chic! Simplicity 2451

2011-06-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

Divas, this summer is really proving to be a busy summer so far... I haven't posted much this month, but I have in fact been sewing. I have just been spending all of my free time with my family before the hubby leaves again for work, sigh.... But on a lighter note. I have finished S2451 and have been finished for about a week or two now... This is actually my second garment for the Summer Essential Sew-Along....

Mommy chic!

Well, let's start with the review of this skirt shall we... I made view C in a size 18 waist and 16 hip and it was spot on for me.. Although, I wished I would have made it just an inch longer just as a little insurance.. I loved the darts in the back, a great shaping detail, I also loved the pockets( and they are functional).. I swapped an invisible zipper for the lapped zipper...And I even finished the zipper, facing by machine, no hand sewing here...Okay, maybe for the hem...

Invisible zipper!

No handsewing the facing to zipper tape! Done
by machine!

As you know my first run for this skirt I was so hyped, and I do mean hyped! About my first invisible zip that went in gorgeously for a first try...However, when I looked at the top of my skirt when I added the yoke, I knew that it was done incorrectly, sigh....But all is not lost, well, except for that skirt. It's history lol! However, I found the most glorious tutorial using basically the same kinda of skirt pattern, techniques etc.....

**** Update***** I gave the skirt a test run, you guessed it at McDonald's! I realized that I really could have used a heavier interfacing for the facing..I found myself having to adjust the yoke everytime I stood up. The yoke piece kept bunching down... It's still wearable that's just a minor issue!

The boys and I waiting paitently for our
lunch!

Mommy's big man enjoying lunch!

Mommy's little man enjoying his
lunch! So do excuse the face lol..

I love, love this pattern, and I am thinking maybe two more will suffice for the summer.. This is a skirt that can be worn to lunch with the hubby, or the park with the boys, either or I am a happy Diva! Divas, that's all for now..Next up I hope to have pictures out with the hubby celebrating our 5th anniversary which is actually next week, but we have to celebrate earlier this year..Be blessed and nothin' less and as always continue to be fearlessly fabulous!

Simplicity 3503

2011-06-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

Whew!!!! This has been one crazy week for me...My hubby ship pulled back in so you know the boys and I were all too excited to see daddy! On top of that I was sewing two garments, which I will not be doing again anytime soon... I was working on S2451 (which is finished) and S3503(also finished)...I must say that I love both garments and they will serve me well in my summer wardrobe and this is also my first garment in Ali's Summer Essential Sew-Along .... So that's a win in my book! S3503:

I love this dress!

I will review S2451 later this week when I have pictures..I need to get a cute top to wear with the skirt and then pictures will come...But for now I'll just chat with you Divas about S3503... Okay, I've had this pattern in my stash since 09' but knew it was beyond my skill level at the time, and since my husband and our anniversary is coming up I thought this would be the ideal time to try this pattern...

Feeling a little jazzy!

One more picture for the road!

I would have been done with this dress sooner, but I ran into a couple of problems, mainly with the midriff..I made a muslin of the dress and realized that I didn't like where the bodice was hitting on me, so I made the next dress in a pretty teal fabric *read* non muslin fabric(which is now sold out ugh) for the second round assuming I had this thing in the bag..Wrong,and just plain wrong! Let me back up a bit because adding length to the front and back bodice an inch worked wonders for the dress for me.. But when it came time to add the lining midriff, I realized my seams were wonky in the midriff and bodice and looked terrible...

Doesn't look too bad right!
wait for it...

BAM!!!!!(note to self)
Do not sew when tired!

I am just not comfortable anymore making okay garments, IF I feel I can do better..I am not aiming for perfection, but I am aiming for better..... I wanted to wait for my anniversary to show my hubby my dress, but I was like a kid at a candy store, so excited...I put my make-up on and accessories to take pictures and my hubby, stopped in his tracks and said" Wow, you look so pretty"... So, at least I know he loves the dress and I feel amazing in this dress! I do plan to make at least two more, probably in a more casual fabric for the summer... Now, I need to get shakin' on my "Summer Dress Challenge"!
Well, that's all for now Divas! Continue to be fearlessly fabulous!

Summer Essentials 2011!

2011-05-26T02:11:00.000-07:00

I am really digging in there this year! Wow, I would have never thought I would be committing myself to various challenges and so forth.. I mean just this time last year, I was living vicariously through all my lovely Divas who's blogs and garments I admire most... And this year I am taking the plunge feet first and finding myself immersed in this community of sewing Divas....

I already had planned a little "Summer Essentials" wardrobe plan of my own and now that I have stumbled across Ali's lovely blog from The wardrobe reimagined. This is the second annual "Summer Essential" sew along.. I plan to totally commit myself.. Did I say how excited I am? I am super excited for this... And I am also signed up, as you know for the " Stitch up a dress" (2011 Summer dress challenge) hosted by the lovely and talented Faye over at Faye's Sewing Adventures....

*As far as my summer essentials in what I think I can accomplish:
      3 knit tops
      2 skirts
     1 pair of shorts/1 jumpsuit
      DRESSES the skies the limit right!(Everyone loves dresses right)

Love, Love this pattern!

Just about done with this skirt had to wait
for my invisible zip!

Such a summer dress!

Looks easy and breezy!

Would love to try my hand at a pair of shorts!

Kid friendly I could wear to the park and lunch with my
boys!

Summer is just not complete without a great
maxi dress!

These are a few patterns that I think are great "Summer Essentials" I need to get a concrete plan in the next week or so, but for the most part I believe I am ready.... I also have a dress in mind for Faye's Summer dress challenge..I just have to narrow down the fabric choice...Hopefully, I will finish up my skirt S2451 and my maxi dressS3503(pictured up top), which I was working on before I signed up for these awesome challenges. I hope next post to have something to show you ladies...As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

What I've been up to!

2011-05-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

Divas,
It's been a week since my last post and I have been working I tell you... Working, on muslins, muslins and more muslins.. I know in the last post we were chatting about my triumph over the invisible zipper... I had been slowly but surely working diligently on S2451; however, little did I know that you should attach the yoke before you sew the invisible zipper....Umm...Divas, what happened? You didn't even tell me LOL.. But that's lesson I needed to learn, and learn I did....

This is invisible zipper that I was so hyped about! HA!
and as you can the yoke piece was not attached :(
lesson learned I tell you!

So, after got over the initial shock and utter disappointment.. I searched high and low on how to not only install the invisible zipper, but how to clean finish the edge as well without requiring any handstitching. And lo and behold, I stumbled upon the most glorious tutorial ever.... I mean the same skirt technique and all, with the yoke and the yoke facing.... I Couldn't have asked for more..So, I guess I have to thank you wonderful Divas for holding out on me! I forgive you :) but on a serious note I am so glad to have found this tutorial! If you get a chance check this out and let me know what you think....

This is how the skirt should look prior to inserting the invisible zipper!
*DUH* I should have realized that!

I had to restart my skirt which was fine! As I wasn't in love with the previous fabric and thought I could do a better job on the skirt(we always say that to soften the blow huh :) So, I have pretty much constructed the most of the skirt and it is looking quite lovely if I say so myself...I am really taking my time now with my garments..I really want to be proud to wear and say that I made my garments... But enough of that! I am working really hard, I am just waiting on my white invisible zipper to finish up the skirt...

I also, just finished a muslin of S3503 a very popular maxi dress on PatternReview...And I can rightly see why the design is wonderful and produces a trendy dress.... My fabric is in the washer now so that I can start on the real dress tomorrow sometime... I also signed up for Faye's summer dress challenge so if you haven't signed up there's still time....I am so excited for this is my first ever challenge....

If you haven't counted that is three projects that's in the works..I hope I didnt bite off more than I can chew, but oh well I am going for it! Wish me the best Divas! Be blessed and nothin' less!

Butterick 5562 Again!

2011-05-14T00:06:00.001-07:00

This post will actually be quite short...Seeing, that this is my second go with this pattern and there are only three pattern pieces for this pattern...Yes, only three! My kinda of pattern, I tell you..... I made this top last weekend to wear to the movies with my hubby for our date night.... There's not a whole lot to tell about this pattern.. I did go down in sizing this time around to avoid the "Theo shirt" that occurred in my last shirt...I really wanted to get a good fit so that I could wear the shirt..The previous shirt that I made, sorry to say has not made it out of this house :( so I really wanted to do this shirt over so that I could wear the top...

I am in desperate need of some cute, wearable tops that can take me from the park with the boys or lunch with the hubby..And B5562 really fits the bill..... I decided to go with the medium this go around and I was able to achieve a better fitting top... So I am happy with that..I also stay stitched and used my twin needle to stitch the neckline and loved the overall look....

On Bella!

Sorry for the stiff pose! Trying to get used to my new tripod and
camera!

A cute and flirty top!

I love, love these types of tops...I am seeing them everywhere and you all we be seeing a few more of these...That's all for now Divas! Be blessed and nothin' less!

Zippers!

2011-05-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

I tinkered around with a few tutorials on the dreaded invisible zip....Dreaded, at least in my books; but you know what it was actually a snap....That is after I cut a second back for my skirt and got a shiny new invisible zip...Seeing that I mangled the first invisible zip... You see what had happened is; I was following two tutorials for my invisible zip..I found that both had elements that I could understand, that I found to be doable and made plenty of sense... At least to me that is!

Well, the first tutorial I looked and searched was found on Youtube, yes Youtube...They have some amazing tutorials and so forth on that site...Invisible Zip tutorial and I also followed Collette Patterns invisible zip tutorial both of these tutorials were very clear and concise and I would recommend them to anyone in need of a tutorial or a refresher...

Well, I was able to get my zip in..It's not perfect but it's because I didn't flatten out the zipper properly before inserting, so IMO I would advise doing so to avoid any problems..It's not bad; however, I know it could be a little bit better..But in time I say, I will only get better from here... I should finish up this skirt this weekend...

I should have flattened out the zipper a little more before
inserting!

Alright Divas, that's all I have for now! I will be posting a top I made a wore last weekend and I also will be posting about my new baby(sewing machine) Enjoy your weekend Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

My First UFO!

2011-05-10T02:52:00.000-07:00

UFO! Wow, I didn't even know what that acronym stood for when I first started sewing..For you fearless beginner Divas, such as I was and am very much still am....The acronym UFO stands for an "Unfinished Object"... I often wondered how one could have a UFO lying around the house without prompting some serious guilt or at least some guilt from the sewing fairies lol....Humph, that was until I found myself in the same category as many countless other seamstress, but humph there was and is no guilt to be found! So you say, just where is that UFO of yours? Good question you ask! Glad you asked.. Well, here is my first UFO!

(In my sewing bin) But in some kinda twisted way I feel like I am now apart of some kind of unspoken sorority, crazy I know lol!

I started working on S2451 before I left Japan to go visit my family in Florida for a month( btw this was in March)... And when I returned home in April, I found myself not really motivated to finish the skirt, not that it seems too complicated, but I am not as enthusiastic as I was prior about the project before I left.. I have completed two other projects upon returning home that I need to review, so my mojo is still in full effect( knock on wood) lol! I just think that I was put off due to my less than stellar invisible zip application..Everything went in perfectly, as in this was my first go at an invisible zipper...

looks pretty invisible to me, but wait for it!

I had gotten a little to comfortable in my nonexistent invisible zip skills,
but rest assured I will get this zip in perfectly!That is when I can move this out
of my sewing bin!

I am however, going to get this skirt completed because this pattern does offer a few nuggets that I need to learn and one day master.. For instance, I need to learn and perfect my invisible zipper application as well as my hand sewing skills, which are very weak right now....Oh, and while we are on hand sewing does anyone know a great tutorial on putting on hook and eyes, I know how remedial, but I need the guidance..So, if any of you Divas know or would be willing to do a tutorial on this I would be forever grateful :)

Well, Divas that's all I have for now, getting ready to get to work on this UFO so it can become an FO! Also, thank you Divas for all your beautiful comments on my latest dress it really means a lot to me.. I was also featured on Vogue's Facebook page oh yeah!..To me it's the little things that make me smile! You ladies are wonderful! Continue to be fearless and know you were fearfully and wonderfully made! Now go ahead work that runway Divas! Be blessed and nothin' less!

Vogue 1120!!!! Finally Pictures

2011-05-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day to all you awesome mommy's!!!! I finally have pictures of my Vogue 1120 after talking about it for ages......Well, my photographer a.k.a (my hubby) has been out to sea, but who is home now! Just as I purchased a tripod, with a new camera, may I add! Happy Mother's day to me :)

I ended up making two muslin's of this dress*mess-ups* if you will...The dress construction is fairly simple, if you take your time and not rush as I did with the first two muslin's....I also learned after doing the second muslin that I should do all the little things first and get that out of the way....So, I didn't go in order of the Vogue instructions...I sewed the sash first, I did the sleeve lining and the sleeves next( this was my first time lining a sleeve and it was simple and I loved the effect) I next fused the neck and back facing and the edge stitching needed for the facing....

I too like the other reviewers who reviewed this pattern left off the closures. I found I could slip this dress off without any problems,and just for future reference. I had to get a special sized graduation cap, when I graduated high school, many, many years ago...True story lol! So it's really no need for the extra step IMHO..... I love this fabric it's a poly blend I got from Fabric Mart Fabrics a year ago when I couldn't even sew anything remotely recognizable

And, next it was time to construct the rest of the dress which is simple from there...I also learned and sewed french seams for the first time....So, I had a lot of first with the dress... A lot of people complained about the pleats being time consuming and for me they weren't bothersome, no, I take that back..The first two times they were, but when I constructed the little things first and then later went back to sew the pleats and the remainder of the dress it went fairly quickly! I love this dress it so pretty and it wears well.... Well, with out further rambling here she is!

Inside of sleeve, the sleeve lining!

The little things I constructed first:Sleeve, Sleeve lining, sash and front and back
facing!

Close-up of front pleats!

Dress on Bella!

*Now drumroll please*

Have to get use to my new camera and the settings!

Excuse my sewing room/workout room/ media center LOL!!

Happy Mother's Day Divas!
Be blessed and nothin' less!

Must I say it......I Candice am a "Pattern Junkie"!

2011-04-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

The title post sums it all! I am pattern junkie! I think I like collecting new patterns more than I like to sew them...I think it started when I was a little girl, way back when lol... When, my older sister used to make me paper doll clothes...No, store bought paper doll clothes here, no ma'am.... In fact, my sister, who is an awesome artist, who can draw like nobodies business,used to make me the most exquisite paper doll clothes. I would sit for hours on end dreaming of wearing those clothing hopefully being able to make them oneday ..So, I guess you could say I always wanted to sew in some kinda of way...

I tried on several different occasions to learn. In high school, twice, utter fail! I blaim the school system! Seriously the teacher, didn't teach...Ummm, so that was a waste of time....Then, I re-took the class hoping for a better outcome, um no! The second go round was worst then the first... Then, I came up with the clever idea in 2008 to teach myself and let's just say I have come a long way from there... Well, I said all that to get to the point that "I am pattern junkie" and probably will always be lol...

Well, naturally I purchased several patterns during the BMV (Butterick, McCall, Vogue) 1.99 sale and all patterns shall I say were purchased due to some of my favorite Bloggers(Divas) making the pattern and totally rockin' it! So here goes my list:

Well, I just liked the concept!

This is a new pattern from Vogue and it FAB!

I love the gathering at the waist!

Toya MADE this dress I loved the fabric and all! Had to scoop me some up

when she mentioned Denver Fabrics still had some left! Of course I won't use to

make the same dress! All the Toya's is to die for!

I fell in love with GodsgirlT version! Loved IT!!!

Well That's all for now Divas I guess I better get sewing! As always be blessed and nothin' less!

I AM HOME!!!!!

2011-04-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Divas,
I am home!!!!! Wow, this has been a month up a lot of ups and downs, but thankfully there has been more ups...... As, everyone knows who reads this blog that I am stationed overseas in Japan with my husband and our two boys..... Well, after having gone through the earthquake... I decided to go home for a month in Florida and be with family and friends, since my husband was out to sea.... I am very blessed to be back home, there is nothing like home! I will be definitely post my dress I completed before leaving last month...Vogue 1120 I will have the dress posted this week! Be blessed Divas and nothin' less!

Meet Bella!

2011-03-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

I actually started this post the day of the tragic earthquake March 11, 2011 a day that will never be forgotten...I was so excited when I went to the post office to find my dress form waiting patiently for me to take home.....Little did I know that with that excitement a devastating tragedy would come and change the lives of some many forever... I will be forever grateful!

But on a lighter note my dress form arrived after only a week after purchasing...Did I say how excited I am to finally have one.. I purchased the Singer dress form on Amazon for around 100.00 bucks, not bad at all! I also got a chance to finish my Vogue dress 1120 ,and I am soooooo very proud of myself for slowing down... This dress will definitely be in heavy rotation...It's so me...I am in love with this dress!

So, I have to thank Toya from "Life happens be positive" I heart her blog! for also reiterating the importance of slowing down and taking your time...Thanks again Toya! Also, while we are on thank yous I have to have to thank Vanessa from "Sew filled to the brim" for posting about the $ .99 sale at Hobby Lobby this past week on Simplicity patterns..As you all know I am stationed in Japan....So no Hobby Lobby here :( So, I called my mom who lives in Florida to pick up a couple of patterns during the sale..And she was able to get all but one! So not bad! Thanks again ladies!

I will be posting pictures of my new dress sometime this week, as it is ready and waiting for me to get Divafied(is that a word) Well, Divas continue to be fearlessly fierce!

When life throws a curve ball!

2011-03-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

We experienced an 8.9 earthquake today in Japan, followed by a tsunami!!!! All, I can say is Lord I thank you that I am even able to type these words...Life, is short and precious make the best of it while you can and always cherish the ones whom you share your life with~Be Blessed Divas !

Me-Made-March 11'

2011-03-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

Don't be confused about the title:"Me-Made-March 11" I am NOT participating, but I am so inspired by those that are participating.. I think this challenge is one of the coolest things for seamstress... It kinda of forces you to sew more, and wear the garments that you have made... I would love, in the near future to be able to participate in the next challenge. Seeing that I have made more garments ,or that I get a little faster with my sewing..

Zoe from 'So Zo ' is hosting this challenge and I am seriously in awe of all the talented seamstress, from beginners to advance..... That brings me to my latest realization that I am not sewing items that can go with other garments in my closet to have a complete outfit.... I need to really consider the pattern type and how it will fit in my closet and daily activity before randomly purchasing patterns.. I know right, easier said then done sometimes....But I will give it a shot!

Well, seeing that I am not participating this time in the Me-Made-Challenge I still will like to challenge myself in some way and hopefully get a few pieces sewn for Spring..However, lately sewing for me has been just one disaster after another...For instance, since I am waiting on fabric for Vogue 1027 I thought that I would give Vogue 1120 a try for a cute spring dress!

I loved this pattern since I first saw it last year, but was too chicken to try it!

Well, I made a muslin in a not so muslin fabric in my over zealousness, I guess! It turned out to be a huge mistake. I really rushed it trying to get it done before my birthday, another mistake....So, I tried for the second time and everything was looking good, until I realized that I had cut out one of the pieces wrong, during one of my late night sewing excursions(TOTAL WASTE) but still believed that I had the chops to fix what needed to be fix WRONG!!!! By the time I chopped the fabric to get things to hopefully fit, I was only left with a bib. Not a dress, or even a tunic, but a bib! How frustrating....But, I am not one to give up so I will be back at it soon and hopefully with a new dress! Be blessed Divas and nothin' less!

"Spring Fever"

2011-03-01T03:44:00.000-08:00

   I am definitely yearning for Spring, after enduring a harsh cold winter in Japan this year... Probably nothing more than a little brisk air compared to others,who brave the coldest of the coldest temperatures...But hey, I am a Florida Diva! So, I am ready for some sunny skies and warmer weather....

  I am so excited this year, with this being my first year that I am sewing more completed garments(read wearable) and less wadders.... And I have to thank the vast majority of my success to the wonderful sewing blogs, and Internet sewing sites who share their talents and knowledge unselfishly with the world... And now that I have given my thank you speech lol...  Now, that I am gaining more confidence; however, somehow I am feeling like wow it's so many patterns, fabric, etc etc... what do I do!

   So, I thought I would devise a Spring sewing plan if you will, now let's hope and pray this sees the light of day lol! So, here is my first plan not sure if I will stick to this but it's a start... First up I have Simplicity 2560

View A in maybe cream or brown!

View C fabric something floral ( I think)

I have been meaning to get back to this one after butchering my hem while trying to cook and hem this before
Thanksgiving dinner *ahem* note to self don't try that again!

This is just a rough draft of my ever changing thoughts so I am sure I will add to or change as the mood changes.. Well Divas that's all I have for now.. I can't wait to see your Spring looks and inspirations! As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

"The Theo Shirt" (Butterick 5562)

2011-02-24T22:45:00.000-08:00

Hey Divas, I know it's been awhile since my last post.... Life has just gotten in the way. First my computer crashes, and then my husbands ship went out to sea so that means mommy is having to be supermom! But that's life, right! Nothing we Divas can't conquer.. I have still been sewing as time permits, as a matter of fact my past two garments were wadders. Wrong fabric choice, that's what I am telling myself (wink)

I know you all are probably wandering about the title post..."The Theo Shirt" Well, see this episode of the Cosby show was one of my all time favorites. I love all the old shows, Golden Girls, The Nanny, Cosby, etc etc....But, back to this episode of the Cosby show...It's where Theo wanted a designer shirt that would cost well over 90$ well his parents weren't having it! So, Theo decided to have his sister Denise make one for a fraction of the cost...Sounds a lot like us, the home seamstress right! Well, Denise made the shirt alright, she totally butchered Theo's shirt it was all kinds of wrong.....

And making this Butterick top really made me think of this episode. The top is really a trendy pattern and I really love the top NOW after some reconstructive surgery.....First, the pattern is HUGE so with a pattern with a lot of ease and knit fabric equals" The Theo Shirt" lol but seriously I had to cut the side seams off by 2" or more and then that still left the neckline that was undoubtedly large....The side seams were easy to fix; however, the neckline not so much I had to do some creative sewing lol..... After having two wadders back to back I sure wasn't about to bow out graciously to another wadder. Especially to such an easy pattern...... I am glad I was able to save this shirt, as I really do like it, just be careful with sizing.... So without further ado here is Butterick 5562! As always Divas be blessed and nothin less!

Simplicity 2364

2011-02-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

I love this top and how easy it comes together, even for me! I used left over fabric from another top to make this Simplicity top...Seriously, I made this an afternoon, to wear for my husbands birthday...When, he saw the top he said, "That's nice"...But when he saw it on me, he said" Now, that's sexy"....Love it lol! It's not too much to say about this pattern besides it's simple, it calls for a little under two yards of fabric so that is a winner anytime..Great way to use up those scraps that you been holding on to....... Here's my version of Simplicity 2364 View C..... And I haven't stopped the process of making my first jacket, blazer but I ran into some issues with fit and technique...I know that I am a beginner, but I don't want to let that be my crutch in justifying ill fitting or poor quality clothing... So, to help with that I ordered two DVDs that I will be reviewing shortly.....That's all I have for now Divas! As always be blessed and nothin' less!

Muslin, Muslin, Muslin Butterick 5331

2011-01-17T01:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Divas, I have been working over here on Butterick 5331..While to some it may not be much of a challenge but for me it is posing a big challenge... The first challenge being, having never made any sort of jacket or shirt with buttons ,so this will be a first of many... Secondly, after doing a muslin this weekend...I realized that this jacket was not going to button comfortably as shown in the line drawings. May I also add that I've never considered myself to have a full bust, but therefore after realizing that I would need to do (gasp) the dreaded FBA for some... I almost stuck my tail between my legs and ran home lol......

After I got my second wind. I said to myself will I be a hinderance to myself? Because people we know we can often times hinder ourselves.... But that's another topic another day lol... But I said,"nope"...So, I proceeded to get out my fitting books and search the internet in hopes of more clarity, to trudge through with this needed FBA... I must say that the task wasn't as daunting as I had thought it to be.... Now, for my disclaimer: Time will tell to see if I did the FBA correctly, let us pray!!! I also added about to 2 1/2 inches in length to pattern as well....

The jacket was not meeting my center front

Okay, yeah so I should have traced the pattern on tissue!

The FBA almost complete!

Now, that I have the FBA done.. I prewashed and pressed my fabric for the real garment, but I don't want to rush.. I really want to take my time and learn and study my pattern and pattern instructions and see what will be....That's all I have for now Divas, as always be blessed and nothin' less!!!

How to get that look Divas!

2011-01-12T02:43:00.000-08:00

Let's chat Divas! Okay, so I have been secretly obsessing over jackets....Not just any jackets but blazers.... I love the whole style of blazers, for the simple fact that, that style of jacket can take you from late winter, to early spring...Of course that is depending upon the climate in where you live...

Also, along with the blazers being totally chic, something you can dress up, dress down, and any where in between that is major for me! Especially for me being a stay-at-home mom that would still in enable me to do the everyday activities with my boys as well as be "mom chic"( yeah this is the new word) lol.... So, of course I could buy a few trendy blazers, but now that wouldn't be much fun now would it; nope, my sentiments exactly :)

Here are couple of styles of blazers that really caught my attention:

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How to get that look Divas!Simplcity 2728

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How to get that look! Simplicity 2340

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I would love this with a pair of jeans and cute pair of heels too cute! I may have to do

a muslin for this pattern, and see how it goes!

Well Divas that's all for now! Just wanted to share some thoughts let me know what you think

As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!!!!

McCall's 5222

2011-01-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hey Divas, well I finished McCall's 5222 and although it's a standard sleepwear pattern, I wanted to show my first pair of pajama pants for my boys! Which they loved by the way :) I actually didn't have enough fabric to do the top and bottoms..And as we all know you can't do one without the other...So solution solved.. I just decided to make pajama pants and no one had to wait until I ordered more fabric... Crisis adverted lol!! There's not to much to tell, this is your standard pajama pants, with an elastic casing..I did however, use the same size for my 4 year old as for my 2 year old....I just put a deeper hem in my 2 years old pants! Well Divas this is all for now I gotta get to work on my muslin for jacket pattern, wish me the best! Be blessed and nothin' less!

I am back Divas!!!! and Happy New Year!!!!!

2011-01-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

I am back Divas, it's been a good month or so since my last post... Umm, yeah, about that lol... I know that the last time we chatted, I was to show my Thanksgiving dress...I really had every intention on showing the dress, it was Vogue 1027 and it was nice... I worked out the little kinks within the pattern, the kinks were totally due to user error ha ha!!! Okay, so I had worked on the dress up until dinner, Thanksgiving evening, in between cooking and managing two wonderful little boys :)....So, yeah, all this is sounding like a 911, or sewing emergency...Well, we didn't have any 911 emergency ; however, I did have a sewing emergency that drained all of my sewing mojo.... I just never thought that would happen to me... Well, it did! And in fact, after I completed the wonderful dress and needed to hem the dress. I then butchered the hem twice, not once but twice, so I was all but through you hear! So through that I couldn't even look at anything sewing related until I gathered my thoughts lol.....

And now that I feel like I have whined and moped enough about my disaster, I actually feel refreshed..And with going forward I have set more realistic goals or plans for sewing..First, this is a hobby and there is no need for me to push my self beyond that...I was acting like I worked in a sweatshop, like serious, it was too much pressure I placed on myself.... So, I do plan to set sewing goals or aspirations if you will for 2011 but I taking it all with a grain a salt Divas!!!! I actually did work on so pj's for my two boys so I will post pictures once I complete the other pair for my baby boy! As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

Questions??????? DIVAS HELP

2010-11-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

Okay Divas, so I thought I would whip up a dress for Thanksgiving, since last year I tried and failed miserably.... I was going back and forth between which pattern would be easy, comfortable and a little sassy! I saw Vogue 1027 and fell in love with this dress... I love everything about this dress and everyone that reviewed on PR just looked wonderful...I didn't realize that one of the notions called for seam binding.. Here is my question, "What can I use for seam binding"? I do not have packaged seam binding, nor do I have silk organza, is there anything else I can use for this that I may already have on hand? If you Divas could give your insight this would be wonderful! As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

Diva gone Zebra! Butterick 5497

2010-11-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

Diva gone Zebra

Pattern Description: Tops A,B,C loose-fitting at bust, have short or long dolman sleeves, gathered upper section, shoulder casings with elastic and stitched hems..A, B: lapped upper back sections have neck binding. C: upper front and back cut on crossgrain..

Pattern Sizing:14-20 I made view B size 16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes and no...This is my second time with this pattern and I wanted to try something different and was very pleased that I went for it and try something different!

Were the instructions easy to follow? With having this been my second attempt with this pattern the instructions went fairly quickly....

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the peek-a-boo back! I didn't dislike anything this is a great pattern...

Fabric Used: Well, I used ITY jersey on top (zebra print) from fabric. com purchased last year and a knit fabric leftover from a dress I made a month or two ago...

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Well, I used two contrasting fabrics zebra print for the top and basic black for the bottom half of the shirt!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I probably will this is a great pattern that yields great results!

Conclusion: Very pleased with this version and I hope you will get a chance to check this pattern out! Happy sewing....

Well, that's all for now Diva's as always be blessed and nothin' less!

McCall, McCall, McCall New patterns

2010-10-22T22:28:00.000-07:00

Well, as you Divas probably are aware McCall posted new patterns... There are few that caught the Divaness (is this a word, oh well let's make it a word lol) inside me...And I am really smitten with McCall's 6243 and McCall's 6246 This jacket view C is fiya, yes I said fiya and too all my collegiate Divas I mean it's wonderful lol..... These are the patterns that I love and can't wait to see what you Divas do with them! In other news on the last Butterick, McCall,Vogue sale I ordered quite a few new patterns.Did I mention that I have quite an addictive personality? I am going to hopefully work on this pattern hoarding, I mean collecting just in case the hubby reads this lol... Well, Divas that's all for now enjoy your weekend and as always Be blessed and nothin' less!

Friday Night Sew-in Results!!!!! A long time coming......

2010-10-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

" A Long Time Coming"

I titled this post a long time coming, simply for the fact that it is...Okay, let me explain...Two years ago when I had the lovely idea that I wanted to sew and better yet that I would teach myself...My first project that I decided that I wanted to sew was Simplicity 2957 "It's so Easy" yeah, about that, don't believe the hype..Especially for a true true beginner like I was and still am.... Okay, naturally the first dress was a disaster and the second dress was a disaster and the third dress, you say, has to be the winner....WRONG another disaster lol....the fourth dress a total disaster worst than others...This is when I got discouraged and put off sewing for a few months...Well, at the beginning of this year is when I decided to get really serious with sewing and to give it my all..So, seeing that I have been sewing regularly since the beginning of the year, I felt it was time, time to see what I was made of...So, on Thursday I prepped and cut my fabric and Friday I participated in the Sew-in and Saturday evening I have a wonderful dress that I am absolutely in love with..So, the moral of this story is," if at first you don't succeed try five more times lol"... Well with out further ado here is my pride and joy! As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

Friday Night Sew-IN

2010-10-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Friday night sew-in time Divas...This time I promised myself I will have more to show than one measly, spaghetti strap LOL... I have something in the works, we will have to see how that turns out! Divas that's all I have for now enjoy your weekend, be safe and as Always be blessed and nothin' less!!!

Meat and Potatoes!!!!

2010-10-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

Butterick 5249

Divas, I finally finished with Butterick 5249, I finished one skirt two weeks ago and put in my first lining ever.. Not to mention that this skirt pattern does not include a lining pattern... I referenced "Easy Guide to Sewing Linings". By Connie Long...However, with all the excitement that this project was actually coming together, zipper, lining, finished seams, finished with my new serger...I had my first of many heartbreaks, in sewing that is...The fabulous, lined skirt, with finished seams didn't fit...

Yes, Divas it didn't fit!!! The skirt was a hamburger and large fry too tight, oh what the heck and a large Coke too tight LOL....It's time to start back working out again, like seriously!!! I refused to beaten so, I dusted off my little ego and got to work on a second skirt this one is without a lining but it still is wonderfully finished on the inside and I can BREATHE, yes I can BREATHE and eat okay maybe not eat so much lol!!!Well Divas I hope you like the new skirt I love it and it will get much wear this winter!As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less

Pattern Description: Skirts A,B,C,D have princess seams, back zipper and high waist.A,C: carriers and self-belt with purchased buckle.B,D: side front pleats and pockets.C,D: self-ruffle.A,B,C,D: mid-knee length... I made view B

Pattern Sizing:14-20

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were really easy! I had more problems uploading my pictures and links to my blog LOL!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked everything about this pattern, simple, classic and a clean cut skirt!

Fabric Used: I used a cotton poplin from fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I took smaller seam allowances on the side after checking the fit and realized it was a bit snug...In doing this ;however,I noticed that the skirt isn't as tapered at the bottom ,but I still love it nonetheless....

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would sew this skirt again and I would also recommend this anyone!

Conclusion: Great skirt pattern... I am glad to have tried something new...

Just a few pics of life in Japan!

2010-09-19T02:14:00.000-07:00

Mikoshi Parade 2010!

Just wanted to share a few pictures from the Mikoshi Parade 2010 on base today! It was really a great experience for my entire family...Besides, the cultural parade there were food vendors selling American food with a Japanese twist.....There were picnic areas for you to enjoy the wonderful food, parade and meet some of our host country natives....So in all it was a very relaxing day! But in sewing news I am almost done with Butterick 5249 and hope to be reviewing that soon for you Divas....As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

My first"Beautiful Blogger Award"

2010-09-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

My First "Beautiful Blogger Award"!

I would like to thank Faye from Fayes Sewing Adventures blog for this award..

1.The rules are tell 10 things about yourself,

2.Then send the award to 5 other blogs that you read..

10 things about me!

1. I am teaching myself how to sew

2.This is my first time living so far away from family

3.I love to laugh and make others laugh, could so see my self doing comedy!

4.I love make-up, hair, I love wigs, weaves, ponytails for pete's sake I am a Diva lol!

5. I have a tattoo that says you guessed it DIVA!

6.I have a ton of patterns and fabric, at first glance one would think I am a great seamstress lol...

7.I have a low tolerance for mean, and inconsiderate people

8. I have a heart of gold....

9.I LOVE online shopping, just ask my hubby!

10...I love life and everyone in it!

So I would like to extend this award to 5 Divas!

1.Shari from sharisewshttp://sharisews.blogspot.com/

2.Vanessa from http://sewfilled.blogspot.com/

3.Jackie fromhttp://sewingbyjackie.blogspot.com/

4.Sheilaz fromhttp://sheilazcrochetz.blogspot.com/

5.Lauren fromhttp://laurensvirtualworld.blogspot.com/

Well that's all for now Divas as always be blessed and nothin' less!

McCall's 6070 Finished!!!!

2010-09-07T02:05:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished McCall's 6070...The dress construction is not hard, even for a beginner such as myself...The directions were fairly good overall. I think it took so long for me to complete the dress, because simply I am not in love with the fabric as I stated in a previous post....Oh well ,I could always wear this dress as a house dress,especially when you do not want to be in sweats or pj's all day...The only alteration I did to the dress was to not add the elastic waist casing, seeing that this dress was for in the house casual wear.I didn't feel I needed it. I will note that the dress is extremely comfortable, so although I am not fond of the fabric.I am however in love with the comfort of this dress! So in all I am glad that I finished and completed another garment, but now I am ready to get to the meat and potatoes (zippers, buttonholes, linings) lol wish me the best Divas! As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

Fabric shopping in Japan!!!!

2010-09-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Labor Day weekend yesterday, which, was Monday for us in Japan...My hubby was off so I decided to go shopping at a store called Livin's...Similar to a Walmart back in the states...Oh how I miss my Wally World lol...Okay, as I was browsing, lo and behold I found a fabric shop..I hit the jacket pot, at least I did; however, not too sure about the hubby's wallet though lol...I tried to take plenty of pictures of some of the fabric.It was a little small, and the prices seemed to be pretty high or maybe I am just used to Fabric.com Everyting seem to be priced at or around 12-14yen...So here are couple of pics hope you enjoy!

A small fabric store in Japan

More fabric!

Beautiful cotton fabric!

Snoop shopping!

The fashion in Japan(mind you it was 90+outside yesterday smh)

A parting pic of my hubby and my son!Love it!

As always Divas be blessed and nothin' less enjoy your Labor day!

I caved in and ordered a serger!!!!

2010-09-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well, up into now I never needed a serger or actually understood all that comes with serging. And to be quite honest I still don't lol... I just know that I am finally making garments( instead of making ghastly, unwearable, unrecognizable items lol) so I would like the insides to look great just as well... I know that I will be asking you Divas for help and I will have plenty of concerns....

I guess I am growing up or maturing in my sewing. Seriously up into now, I would just leave my insides looking a hot mess lol...But to my defense I was concentrating more on learning how to read the directions and decipher the diagrams...I feel that I am getting a better concept and actually making garments now, so I want my garments to look as RTW or better! Well, the serger I purchased is the Brother 1034D 3/4 on sale for 193.54 and FREE shipping!!!! Well, as always Divas be blessed and nothin' less!

What I've been working on!!!1

2010-08-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

Divas, I have been M.I.A for about a week or so, but I promise I have been sewing away....I've pretty much finished McCall's 6070 which is pretty much going to be a house dress...The fabric I used was pretty cheap and not only that, but it looks faded, so it will be a house dress! Pics will be up soon, my honey ship is back so I have my camera man back!That's all for now Divas, be blessed and nothin' less!

Friday Night Sew-In August 20th!

2010-08-20T01:04:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already signed up for the Friday night sew-in, what are you waiting for! Come on Divas, let's work on some UFO's and have some FO's to show for Divas..... I have something cut out and ready for Friday... And a special thanks to knitmachinequeen's blog for posting about the sew-in, so thanks again! Okay, Divas I hope you all join in on the fun! As always, Be blessed and nothin' less

2.99 Simplicity Sale!!!!!!!!

2010-08-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

As you all probably are aware by now, that Patternreview is having a 2.99 Simplicity sale on all Simplicity patterns...Well, you might be thinking that I can just stock up at my local Hancocks, or JoAnn's...It's exciting
for me because I am stationed overseas in Japan and, do not have the option to get the lovely deals like some of you divas......But today I was really EXCITED when the Simplicity patterns went on sale for 2.99! I purchased six simplcity patterns 2413, 2443 ,2603, 2580,2497,2401 Did I say I am EXCITED!!!So that's all for now Divas, happy sewing Divas!!!As always , be blessed and nothin' less!

Okay so maybe I like it just a little lol(Butterick 5497)

2010-08-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

Pattern Description: Loose fitting at bust, have short or long dolman sleeves, gathered upper section, shoulder casings with elastic and stitched hems...I made view B

Pattern Sizing:14-20 I made a 14 but will tell that story later lol

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

(back)

Were the instructions easy to follow?Somewhat until you got to the neck binding....I will try to explain this step how I interpeted the instuctions to help any beginner, like myself....Step 11.. On outside, pin one edge of back neck binding to upper back, matching lg circles,keeping remaining edge free, as shown.Stitch in 3/8 seams, ending a lg circles. Press seams toward binding. (My interpetation, pin neck binding right side to right side of of back, matching raw edges and lg circles...Roll neck binding out so the wrong sides show...So now you should have one edge pinned and you take the remaining edge, and roll it over turn in 3/8 seam and slipstitch over seam...I hope this helps!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the fit of the lower half it can really be a sexy little number depending upon how you dress it up..

Fabric Used:Left over fabric from my McCalls dress 6069

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:I intended on making a 14 at the bodice and a 16 at the lower half, but somewhere between step
#11and my second cocktail I ended up sewing and double stitching the lower half with wrong sides to right sides lol...So, knowing that this fabric doesn't take well to seam ripping(ask me how I know lol) I just decided to line up my pattern pieces against my fabric and make this lower half into a 14 and to my surprise it worked.....

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I would sew it again, just not right now....

Conclusion: It's a good pattern just pay attention to the neck binding section and any beginner can rock this one out! I promise you won't see this fabric again lol...Happy Sewing Divas and as always Be blessed and nothin' less!

Ugh.....Sew not feeling it(Butterick 5497)

2010-08-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I have finally finished Butterick 5497 a simple top with gathered sleeves and an elastic waistband casing...I am so upset to the 19th power. I guess more so at myself that is..Going in to this project, I just wasn't motivated for this top, but since I had it on my list for this month I thought I should do it...WRONG follow your first instinct at all times....The shirt to me is a wadder, I didn't enjoy the process in making this garment. I don't know because I used the left over fabric from my McCalls dress 6069 so I was just bored and tired of looking at the fabric..I don't know but I didn't enjoy sewing this one at all....I might go back in a different fabric to sew this one again just to see if it was my fabric or just the shirt I wasn't feeling....Will post pics soon!

What is Candice working on now!!!!

2010-08-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

After having completed my first wearable garment, it just pumped me up more than ever to start on my next garment... I really really wanted to make another dress, but decided on Butterick5497 a nice fitted top. Hopefully, within the next couple of days or so I will be able to have a new top....This sewing journey is becoming addictive, downright obessive but I love it.....It's all I can seem to think or want to do lol...Did any of you Divas experience this and if so does if fade away enventually??? Well Divas that's all for now..Happy sewing and as always be blessed and nothin' less!

McCall's 6069 Dress completed with Pictures!

2010-08-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

I am finally finished with my 1hour McCall's 6069 dress that took 2 times to be successful...We all have to start somewhere right! I am learning and really felt that I gained knowledge while working on this dress a TOTAL of 2 times!!!!!! I love love love my new dress, I feel so accomplished like I can tackle anything now..The things a beginner will learn while making this dress will be; making an elastic casing, narrow hem, sewing with knits.....So, in all although I made this dress a total of 2 times, with the second one in my book being a success. I can now look forward to my next project... As always, be blessed and nothin' less!

I love the back it's pure hawtness!!!!!!

Can I get a whoop whoop!!!!!!!

2010-08-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

Divas so I finally finished McCalls 6069 Be nice Divas, I am still a beginner, I will post pictures as soon as I am in all my Diva glory lol...The hubby's ship is out to sea, so I will try my best to get pictures in my new dress....Happy sewing Divas, getting ready to check out the new fall Butterick patterns...Let me know what you Divas have in my mind or if any with the new Butterick patterns....Be blessed yall and nothin' less!

Butterick 5274

2010-08-04T22:49:00.000-07:00

ps. sorry for the cut off head shot but I was not diva ready lol! Happy sewing divas!

Pattern Sizing S-M-L

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once your were done...Yes, kudos to me!

Were the instructions easy to follow? I will have to say to NO anything to a beginner is never easy..

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved that I had a chance to learn a few new technique's ex...Slip stitch, and grading and clipping seams properly...

Fabric Used:Cotton fabric left over from previous projects....

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I would sew this apron again, and would recommend to other beginners to learn new skills...

Conclusion: The end result was great, and I am happy that I completed this apron! Happy sewing divas!

2nd times a charm!!! McCalls 6069

2010-08-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

Okay so as we know I have only been sewing consective for about a few months now, without any instruction as far as a teacher, only the help of the web, lovely divas in blogland and books..So I am working on Mc Calls 6069 and this my second time with this pattern...I finished the dress the first time but felt I could do a better a job and really learn from my mistakes on this second dress...All I have to do is hem and add the elastic and hopefully, I will have a new dress to model for you :) Happy sewing Divas!

Introdcution!!!

2010-08-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

I want to start off by saying, this blog is long overdue..I mean I have been an avid reader(okay stalker lol) of so many wonderful, talented divas in blogland...I have been inspired by so many. Although I am just starting out both sewing and blogging, I would like to hopefully encourage and inspire others as I am starting on this wonderful journey! Be blessed