Real Life: Live & Unscripted

McCalls 6654 & Vogue 8815...A Review

I LOVE fashion blogs and reading them all the time surely influences some of the things I make.

Back in February I saw this post : http://www.wendyslookbook.com/2013/02/pop-of-color-neon-peplum-givenchy-shark-tooth/ and INSTANTLY pinned this look. I fell in LOVE with that neon!

(source)

I mean come on. I LOVE this lady. This is actually the second time I've been inspired by her. You can check out the first time here: http://adrienneslittleworld.typepad.com/a_glimpse_of_me_a_peek_in/2012/03/mccalls-5591a-pattern-review.html

Ok let's get on with it! LOL

My yellow purse matches EVERYTHING lol.

The top is Vogue 8815

Pattern Description: Fitted top has raised waist/hemline variations and narrow hem. A and B: back zipper. C: pullover, wrong side shows (back hemline), back neck slit with hook/eye closing. B and C: stitched hems on sleeves. Purchase bias tape to finish necklines and armholes A.

I made view B

 
Pattern Sizing: 8-16


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

Kinda lol
Were the instructions easy to follow? I've made this top so many times now I don't have to read the directions, but they are clear and easy to understand/follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I am in love with all things peplum and if I don't stop soon, I will have a closet full of peplum tops.


Fabric Used: Stretch cotton sateen.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I wanted a double peplum so I cut the first peplum at regular length then lengthened the next peplum by 3 inches.

My fabric has so much stretch in it that I didn't need to add a zipper. On the neckline instead of using bias tape as the pattern suggests, I used FOE (fold over elastic) so it would stretch over my head with no problem.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I alrady have this cut out in navy blue ready to sew up lol. I HIGHLY recommend this pattern lol.

Conclusion:SUPERB pattern. If you haven't picked this one up yet, grab it.

McCall's 6654

Pattern Description: Semi-fitted or loose-fitting skirts have elasticized waistband (waist down), and narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14


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? You can sew this with your eyes closed lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love how simple this is lol.


Fabric Used: Ponte Knit from Metro Textiles


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I already have this cut out in a black and white stripe. YES I will make this time and time again. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Conclusion: This is such a great pattern. When I was in NY I saw this and HAD to have it. I hate to match stripes but if I'm going to match them, this will be the best way to do it. On something super simple. Let the fabric do the talking lol.

Here are a couple more pictures so you can see the stripes lol. YES I'm proud even though it was only two seams lol

Photogrid is like my favorite thing ever lol.

Alright that's it guys!!! See ya SUPER soon lol

Butterick 5811...A Review

Butterick 5811

Pattern Description: Lined dress has seam detail, fitted bodice, semi-fitted skirt, back zipper and slit, and stitched hem. Pleated, single-layer (wrong side shows) peplum has waistband, very narrow hem, and hook & eye closure.

Pattern Sizing: 6-14


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? This pattern is VERY well drafted and went together very, very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? My daughter loved this pattern when it was first released.


Fabric Used: Shantung


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't know if my daughter will want this again but I do highly recommend it.

Conclusion:  Great little party dress. I highly recommend it if you like this style!

New Look 6000...A Review

I told y'all this was gonna be a review week lol. I was SO not kidding lol

New Look 6000

Pattern Description: Misses' retro style dress with front, sleeve and neck variations. I made view C

Pattern Sizing:
4-16

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? VERY easy. The pleats on the side confused me for a few minutes but once I walked away and came back they made plenty of sense lol.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I fell in love with this style pattern a few months back and I'm just not getting around to making it. I've made a LOT of garments this year and this HAS to be my favorite.


Fabric Used: RPL Tropical Wool from Gorgeous Fabrics. I THINK it's very similar to THIS. The actual name of mine was " All you need is RPL-Black" I purchased this is 2010 lol.


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? As much as I love this dress I don't think I'm going to make it again. This LBD will last me a VERY long time. I highly recommend it though.

Conclusion: I can't say enough about this pattern. I LOVE it. If you like this style HURRY and grab it.

Here are some additional pictures:

Side Detail

Collar

Cuff

A closeup of the buttons. I think I spent more on the buttons than I did on the fabric lol

Nine West Itgirl

I can't tell y'all how much I love these shoes!!!! lol

I even broke out my fur jacket lol. It was cold enough lol

Whew ok that's it. Special thanks to my photographer Kayla D! WOOOHOO lol She did a great job!

See y'all tomorrow with another review lol

Simplicity 1776...A Review

Umm wait..why can't I comment on ANY WORDPRESS BLOGS!??!!?! UGH

Ok, on with the review...

Y'all know I love ALL things sparkly and when I saw this fabric a few months back I HAD to have it!! No. Really I did lol. My next sequin item will be some leggings lol. YES leggings lol.

Simplicity 1776

Pattern Description: Misses'/Miss petite lined A-line dress has square or jewel neckline, short or 3/4 sleeve options and pocket variations.

Pattern Sizing: 12-20 I made the 12


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? Very

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved this A Line style for the fabric I had in mind.


Fabric Used: Velvet backed sequin


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I cut the back on the fold so I wouldn't have to worry about putting in a zipper. This fabric had enough stretch for me to slip it over my head. I didn't do any finishing on it. I just made sure it was cut super straight. I didn't add any facings.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I like this style but I don't know if I'll make it again. I do recommend it if you like this style. My machine hated this fabric. I ended up using a denim needle and it sewed up like a dream.

Conclusion:  Great simple pattern to showcase some traffic stopping fabric. I got a TON of compliments on this at the function I was attending!

Vogue 1314...A Review

This will be a week of reviews lol

Vogue 1314

Pattern Description: Pullover, close-fitting, lined dress has draped sides and narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing:6-14
This pattern runs large. I went down a size. I think I could have made the 10 and gotten away with it.

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? Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the ruching on it.


Fabric Used: Sweater knit


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't line it. My fabric was thick enough that I didn't need to.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt if I sew this one again. I absolutely hate gathers but I highly recommend it. It's VERY easy and took no time at all.

Conclusion: Great pattern!

Vogue 8379 A Review

This is the second time I've made this dress. I LOVE it!
 

Fabric:

Cotton Jersey  [See other projects in this fabric]

Pattern Description: Wrap front dress has soft pleats, side tie, and sleeve variations. Dress B has collar. Pattern Sizing: 8-14 I made the 14 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? YES!! Very! What did you particularly like  or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern! I think this will become my TNT wrap dress. Fabric Used: Cotton Jersey from Textile Fabrics in Nashville Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: NONE Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I've already made this dress once for a cruise I went on earlier this year and this will NOT be my last time making it. Conclusion: FANTASTIC pattern. If you haven't tried this one yet...watcha waitin' for??? Get it at the next sale

That is all for me! Have a fabulous Sunday!
Toodles!!!

Healthy Textures A Review

Ok, No podcast today. They will be back at the first of the year. I have a lot already recorded, and I have some great things planned so yay!

I will however leave you with the last Blog Spotlight for 2007!!!!

Drum Roll Please........

PHOTODEE

Now, this young lady has a FAB blog. Not only is she a knitter, but she is an AWESOME photographer. Go by and check her out today. Her blog posts really make you think!!!

Today I am going to do a review, and it's not a very good one, but I believe in letting you guys know MY opinion about stuff....good and not so good.

I've been following this blog Healthy Textures for a while now. I decided, sometime not long ago (maybe right before my diagnosis)  to start taking care of my own hair. To release myself from the bondage of the salon. NOW, nothing wrong with going to the salon, but, well you know.  I've always maintained my hair inbetween salon visits, but I wanted to do all of my hair care. So I started reading this blog, just going through ALL the information. Making notes, reading, reading, reading. Don't get me wrong it's a GREAT site, BUT, the trouble started when she introduced the DVD pictured below.

Now, while it is a great video, and the total cost with shipping was only a little over $20.00, I feel it was a waste of money. The lady that did the videos has a small series of videos on youtube. You can view them
HERE. Now the thing that got me, was you can see EVERYTHING on youtube, that is on the dvd with the exception of the rollersetting part. Maybe I thought the dvd would be more, but it says that it is a rollersetting DVD, but the rollersetting section is very short. Like I said. Everything else can be seen on youtube. FOR FREE. lol

So don't waste your money, just go check out youtube.

GOT A HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE SOON! NO I AM NOT PREGNANT LOL. But well, it's huge to me! LOL

Ok, so umm, not much more going on, still organizing, getting rid of....but it's all good stuff. I'll show pics as soon as everything is complete.

Been feeling kinda blah. Had a big pity party yesterday but I cried for a while and got over it.

Been sleeping a lot, if you've emailed me, I'm getting to them.

Kids are PAST ready for Christmas. Aj asks me EVERYDAY if he can open his gifts yet...NO YOU CAN'T.

That's it you guys have a great day!!!