Ralph Chado Rucci

It’s done finally! My extremely long Vogue Ralph Chado Rucci project! I was so hesitant about starting this project for fear of botching it up! Then Erica B. published her detailed, instructional review! http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=82705. Because of her thoughtful review, I knew the alterations I needed to make. For instance, I didn’t want the neck slit as revealing as what was shown on the pattern so I reduced the slit but obviously not enough! Darn it! Oh well, I’ll just have to buy a matching camisole. Also, I needed to lengthen the skirt to a respectable length for my 5’7″ frame. I added 1 1/2 inches to the waist, then adjusted all my markings. And I had no intentions of making the pockets but I got a little confused on how to bypass that part of the directions, so as an afterthought, I added them. I read scientific protocols for a living but couldn’t figure out how to bypass the pattern instructions- go figure! Anywho, I probably should have raised the pockets up a tad bit more. The fabric used is a pale pink ponte knit which sewed nicely. And since I was using knit, I used stabilizer on the ties to prevent stretching. I have to admit that I didn’t even know what a gusset was before this project but I really like this detail. Gives it high style factor! Also, I had never made bias binding prior to this project. When I’m walking, that little detail adds sex appeal. Overall, I love the way it turned out! This was the most thoughtful project I’ve ever worked on aside from the Burda Odysee http://wp.me/a2dcK6-9L. Careful consideration had to be taken, after all, there were 75 instructions to complete which was a confidence booster in itself! Even my husband, the ultimate critic was impressed by my skills which was enough to make me do the happy dance!

Color Blocked Frock

Although, I made this dress last fall, I hadn’t gotten around to writing the review. This has become one of my favorite dresses. It’s stock went up again when I saw this photo of Tia Mowry wearing a similar print!

But back to me..I love the A-line shape. It’s fun, flirty and I love the graphic print fabric.

This pattern was not a must have but I absolutely love it in the color block style. Thankfully, it didn’t need much tweaking and the panels made it easy to do the color blocking. I was fortunate enough to find the print at Habermans last year, then when I figured out how I wanted to use it, I found the solid. I think the mash up turned out well! Although, I like to think I’ll make it again because I love this silhouette, I have so many other patterns I’m looking forward to sewing but who knows!

I made the necklace back in January and have since gotten lots of interest for orders but my sewing sweat shop never closes so I’m having a hard time trying to find the time to make jewelry! It’s good to know that even the lure of money doesn’t deter me from my sewing goals!

Sandra Betzina Pant Construction Techniques

I finished the Sandra Betzina Pant Construction class a while ago. I’ll start by saying I really like the pattern (Vogue 2948).

The princess seams give the pants a very stylish look.

I’m glad I took the class. It was well worth the money i spent. Maybe it’s just me, but I assumed that I’d follow along with the class instructions which would correspond with the pattern instructions. Well, thats not entirely true for this class! for anyone who may be considering taking this class, review the entire class before starting any steps. In one of the steps, Sandra instructs you to join the seams so I did as instructed assuming that meant the crouch as well. Only to find out later that she shows a different method for sewing the crouch! I guess the next time I use this pattern and there will be a next time, I’ll try her flat method of sewing in the crouch.

I took my measurements according to her chart and graded out at the waist but I ended up having to unpick the waistband and leg seams to reduce by about two sizes! Next time, I’ll cut it smaller then grade out at the waist. My pants are still a little roomier than I like and the waistband could’ve been about an inch smaller.

Sandra’s instructions on attaching the lining were great and she has an interesting analogy for remembering how to attach the hem lining to the top of the fabric hem.

All in all, it was still a great class and I can’t wait to use the pattern again.

Handbag Heaven

In my pursuit of learning new things, I recently reviewed the Craftsy handbag class with Brett Bara. Although, I thoroughly enjoyed the Class, I have yet to design and construct a handbag from the instructions. I want to put a little more thought into the design. I did; however, experiment with some other handbag styles from some cool websites I found.

The first little clutch was based on a tutorial from http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2006/12/purse_frames_de.html and because I’m a visual person, I also viewed Daniela Tabois’ youtube video http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AtcuPlzixs4&feature=relmfu.

This turned out okay for a first time project but next time, I’ll use a larger frame.

The second handbag was based on another tutorial at Sew4home http://www.sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/lush-plush-trends-fabriccom-trendy-faux-leather-handbag.

I really like the way this turned out, although the upholstery fabric was not as structured as the faux leather used in the tutorial. Next time, I’ll use interface and a heavier fabric.

Finally, the third bag was based on the tutorial from about.com http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/clutchpurse_2.htm

This is a nice, simple design for an evening bag and it only took a few hours to make. Although, the instructions don’t specify using interface, I will use it the next time.

So, after paying $30 bucks for the Craftsy handbag class, I ended up finding free handbag instructions online.

The Power of Ponte

Is there any garment more versatile, stylish and comfortable than leggings? Jeans are great too but jeans don’t offer the same comfort as leggings IMHO. A few months ago, I bought some overpriced (way overpriced!) leggings to compliment an outfit. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love them but I knew I was paying too much for them and even entertained the thought of making them as I was handing over my credit card! They’re faux leather and ponte knit and feel fabulous on.

I rationalized that since I’m saving money by making some of my clothes, I can afford to splurge every now and then.
But thanks to the plentiful pattern sales at Joanns, I picked up a McCalls pattern for .99 cent that offered a nice variety of legging styles so I thought Id give it a try!

The version I chose was a two tone style and fortunately, I had fabric in my stash I planned to use. It’s a graphic ponte knit I bought at Habermans a few years ago. Although, I’m supposed to be sewing from my stash, I did purchase a yard of black ponte knit to achieve the look.

Overall, I’m pleased with the way they turned out. But next time, I’ll make the waistband wider. I definitely plan on making other versions. Hopefully, I can find more interesting graphic knit.

Custom made jeans

Jeans, the universal fashion staple coveted the world over! One pair is never enough, but one is always in heavier rotation than all the rest! Do we ever stop to consider the process of making them? Well, check out the process in this video…it’s like the couture of jean making! Magical indeed.

Sandra Betzina and Craftsy

I finally started the Craftsy pant construction class taught by Sandra Betzina http://www.craftsy.com/class/pant-construction-techniques/126 that I purchased a few months ago. The problem has been resisting the urge to immediately dive into another project that I could complete at a much faster pace! This is one of three Craftsy classes that I’ve purchased. I’ve also signed up for free classes as well! What a genius idea to offer affordable classes that you get to keep and view as often as you like! I was considering taking classes at my local fabric store, but the cost of one class was a little more than the three classes I’ve purchased at Craftsy! Not to mention the fact that I can’t take the class again if I needed to re-review the material. Not without paying anyway!

The class also includes Vogue 2948 designed by Sandra Betzina. According to Sandra, the princess seams offer better fitting opportunities. So far I’ve covered choosing fabric, sizing and pattern prep. One thing I’ve learned so far is how to avoid your waistband from stretching over time by using the interfacing against the grain of the fabric which is opposite what the pattern instructions indicate. Wow! Who knew! Well, I guess experienced sewers probably knew but it was an aha moment for me for sure! Also, she suggests making the muslin waistband first with interfacing and grosgrain ribbon to check the fit. Aha yet again!

Muslin, a necessary evil I know, but it’s sooo hard to spend precious time doing this step! So I compromised by using Walmart mystery fabric that I bought for 1$ a yard.

It’s rather attractive and has a nice weight to it so hopefully, it’ll be a wearable muslin!

The hardest thing about taking a class is to not forge ahead solo which would be counterproductive to taking the class! Looking forward to more aha moments!