To the Top! The Highwaisted Trouser Short - McCall's 6328

As many of you know, I have been quite absent from my blog recently.  It all started with our trip to Orlando and a new venture based on my love of fitness and nutrition, http://www.heandsheeatclean.com/.  Head over there and give it once over if you have the time.

Ok... back to the shorts.  I rarely ever wear shorts, but since being inspired by a fellow member of Burda Style, I decided I would make some for our Orlando trip.  Not only are the trouser shorts totally cute with a shirt tucked in, but the high waist can be hidden for more of a traditional, hip hugging short look as well!

For the review, McCall's Pattern #6328, Version F:

Fabric: Black Linen that I picked up at a Hancock Fabrics sale!

Notions: Thread, 7" zipper and fasteners (I did not have the type suggested in the pattern so I used hook and eye fasteners and they perform wonderfully!)

Time to Complete: 2 hrs.

Machines Used: Sewing machine and Serger.  Used the Blind Hem foot on my sewing machine for the hem and cuff and the Zipper foot to insert the zipper.  All other construction done on my serger.

Alterations Made to the Pattern:  I really did not make any alterations to these shorts. I was afraid of the overall length of the shorts (in a short-er sort of way), but the length ended up just fine. 

Yeah/Nay: I would definitely make the shorts again - that is if I have another need for an additional pair of shorts.  Although the pattern is not a pants pattern, I may extend the length to make some super cute trousers. (Don't worry - I will share if I do!)

Photo Property of McCall's Pattern Company

Happy Stitching!
Tiffany

So I've Been a bit Absent...

Never fear! I am coming back with a mission!  I made three pieces last week, but haven't had the change to photograph!  We took a quick trip with friends to Orlando and my blogging fell by the wayside.  I'll be up tomorrow with new pieces!  Can't wait!

P.S.  There are big changes today at Studio P - check it out after Noon EST today! (Here's a hint - **Get your favorite patterns for less and still Free Shipping over $50!)

New Fabric Collection at Joann Fabrics and Craft - April Johnston for Project Runway

So... I was bored today and a little on the lonely side so I decided to venture out of my house to my local Joann Fabric and Craft store to see what fabrics had arrived for Fall and do a little window shopping.  Well... did I stumble upon something amazing! Have you seen the new April Johnston for Project Runway apparel and special occasion fabrics?  They are simply divine!

Prices for the collection range from $12.99/yd to $19.99/yd. Currently at Joann's they are 30% off the regular price.  I purchased 1.25 yds to make a flowy top because I just couldn't help myself, but I can't wait until they are no longer on sale so I can use a 40% off coupon or until they go on 40% or 50% off themselves.  The collection is comprised of yummy knits and twills with interesting but not obnoxious patterns.  The piece I bought is a muted paisley knit print (see photo below).

I am sad that I didn't have my camera with me to take pictures because there are virtually no fabric swatches to be found on the internet.  (It is not up on Joann's website yet.) You have to see it for yourself.  The fabrics are made by Springs Creative, a textile company that makes licensed prints and fabric collections for a variety of large retailers such as Joann, Hancocks, Amazon and even WalMart (remember the Crafty Cuts?).  The knits are a decent quality, suitable in weight for many tops and light summery dresses.  I'm not sure I would make a dress for the middle of winter out of the knits, but the twills will definitely keep you warm.  The fabrics feature dots, paisley, lines, metalic threads and even textures.

Greenwich Paisley Print, 12.99/yd

If time allows, I will see if my local Joann's will allow me to photograph the fabrics.  Go and have a look for yourself though... they are wonderful! Let me know what you think!

April Johnston w/ Three of the "April Johnston for Project Runway" Special Occasion Fabrics

(C) Springs Creative 2011

Related Articles:
Springs Creative Announces Partnership with April Johnston
Springs Creative Blogs about Initial Video Shoot with April Johnston
April Johnston on Summer Fashion

Go forth and discover!
Tiffany

Sewing Steals: Week of 9/11/11 - 9/17/11

Sewing Steals for the week of 9/11-9/17
Patterns:
9/15-9/18: Hancock Fabrics
$1.99 McCall's Patterns
$2.49 Burda Patterns (AMAZING!!!)
20% off KwikSew Patterns (RARELY EVER HAPPENS - TAKE ADVANTAGE!)
9/15-9/17: JoAnn Fabric and Craft
$1.99 McCall's Patterns
$3.99 Vogue Patterns

Fabric:
9/11-9/17: Hancock Fabrics - HUGE DEALS!!
54% off almost all fleece, including panels, licensed , kashmir and novelty fleece
54% off BFF by Lauren Hancock, woven micro suede, moleskin strettch suede, polyester prints and solids, fall suitings, M'Liss Quilting Prints, Quilter's cotton solids, Costume Collection, Confetti Corner, Sassy Satin, Fashion Drapery Collection
54% off ALL Red Tag Fabrics (off already reduced prices)
50% off Absolutely Cotton quilting prints
40% off Entire stock of duck cloth, licensed cotton prints, sportswear twill solids and prints
30% off Licensed College and NFL cotton prints, Luxury fashion fur, Wool/Wool blends, corduroy solids and novelty, cotton interlock solids, nylon lycra solids, special occasion fabrics, buttersuede solids, novelty suede and gabardine.
1.49/yd Special Purchase broadcloth
9/11-9/17: Hobby Lobby
30% off Seasonal fabric, Calico prints and solids, fleece
9/11-9/17: JoAnn Fabric and Craft
50% off Blizzard Fleece and Anti-Pill Fleece Solids and Prints
40% off Crepe Back Satin, Crepon Sheer, Felt by the Yard
30% off Keepsake Calico, Nursery Prints and Panels, Plush Fur, Licensed Character Prints and Kits, Soft and Fully and Soft and Comfy Fabrics

Notions/Accessories:
9/11-9/17: Hancock Fabrics
54% off Entire Stock Lace
30% off Entire Stock Ribbon
49.99 Garment Steamer (Reg 79.99 ea)
9/15-9/18: Hancock Fabrics
54% off Entire Stock Sewing Machine Needles, Offray Ribbon, Batting, Foam and Fiberfill
30% off Fiskars and Gingher Scissors
9/11-9/17: Hobby Lobby
30% off trim by the yard
9/11-9/17: JoAnn Fabric and Craft
40% off Gutermann Thread

Don't forget! The new ad for Hancock Fabrics comes out on Tuesday/Wednesday and goes into effect on 9/1, so I will definitely be updating this post - do not want to miss their Labor Day sales.  Check out the ads for yourself - there may be something that I missed!  Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn Fabric and Craft.

Happy Sewing (and Shopping)!
Tiffany

Seeing Spots Slippers based on McCall's 6449

I am so excited I have finally found some time to sew! My life has been so hectic between starting my vintage pattern boutique, starting a fitness ministry at our church, teaching my regular aerobics classes at the gym and just life! Sewing has been on the forefront of my mind although I just haven't had the time or energy to sit down and do it.  As a promise to myself, after my 5:45 AM spin class, I sat down and made these super cute boots from McCall's New Autumn Collection for 2011.  (Got the pattern for $0.99 at Hancock's Labor Day Sale!! Woot! Woot!)

Here is my review on my version of McCall's Craft Pattern 6449:

Fabric: 

SUPER thick Leopard Print Fleece

Luxurious Brown Fleece Lining

Brown Thatch Fabric (Pretty sure it's outdoor fabric) for soles and cuff contrast

Notions: None! (Except Thread) Pattern called for Bias Tape, but due to the thickness and my desire to alter the way the booties are sewn, I did not use any.

Time to Complete : 1.5 hrs including cutting time (30 minutes to create contrasting foldover and keep fuzzy lining intact.

Machines Used: I used my sewing machine for the majority of this piece.  The only thing that I used the serger for was to seal the upper edges of the slippers for decorative effect. 

Alterations Made to Pattern:  Well, it appears that I am really bad at following directions all of a sudden!  I decided that I wanted the fuzzy lining on most all of the piece, but to have the option to fold over the cuff, I had to separate the folded portion on the lining piece.  I ended up drafting 4 new pattern pieces from the 2 by simply separating and adding in a seam allowance.  Added a few additional steps with the sewing but SO totally worth it!

I decided to sew the side seams and the soles with exposed seams so that you could apreciate the layers of fleece.  The front seam is stitched as most garments are with a hidden seam.

Yeah or Nay:  Absolutely!  There are a few things I may try next time:

1.  Make the top of the boot a little larger or include elastic as my calves are kind of big from working out so much and it makes the booties hard to stay up.

2.  Use stiffer material or interface.  I am hesitant to interface because I don't know what it would do when I wash the slippers, but it's worth a try!

3.  Add some color and texture - maybe a leather!

Do you like it? What would you do differently?  Have an idea on how to make a sole so that you can go outside?

Happy Stitching!

Tiffany

Sewing Steals: Hancock's Labor Day Goodies!

I'm not sure how much talking I need to do for this one, so I will just let the pictures speak for themselves.  I had a blast at Hancock's HUGE Labor Day Sale.

Here's what I ended up with:
9 McCall's Patterns - each $0.99
1 Vogue Pattern - each $3.99
4 Packages of Bias Tape - each $0.89
4 Cards of Buttons - each $0.50
1 "Fahion" Zipper to make a dress with an exposed zipper - $1.89
7 Zippers - Invisible and Regular - $0.99 to $1.59
and over 15 yds of Fabrics!

Total Spent: $72.55
Total Savings:  $221.51 !!!!! (WOO HOO!!)

::Studio P Vintage Sewing Pattern Giveaway::

So... I am very excited! Forrest from one of my favorite reads, Presserfoot Propaganda, is hosting a giveaway to my vintage sewing pattern boutique, Studio P Vintage Sewing or studiopvintagesewing.com.

She made an adorable dress to kickoff the giveaway - you have to see it!

Visit her blog for information on how to enter! 

Sewing Steals: Hancocks Labor Day Sale 2011

Hi Everyone!

Looks like Hancock's waited until the last second to update us all on their sale. However, it seems to be a great one for fabric and home dec fabric!  Drumroll please....

Patterns:
9/4-9/5 - McCall's Patterns - 0.99 ea
9/1-9/5 - Simplicity Patterns - 1.99 ea
9/1-9/5 - Vogue Patterns - 3.99 ea

Fabric:
Garment:
9/4-9/5 - 60% off Entire Stock Spring Fashion Fabrics including Seersucker, Pique, Swiss Dot, Gauze, Challis, Linen, and Linen-Look Solids and Prints.
9/1-9/7 - 50% off Costume Collection and Confetti Corner Fabrics
9/1-9/7 - 40% off Special Occasion Fabrics
9/1-9/7 - 30% off Fall Fashion Fabrics, Entire Stock of Velvets
Home Dec:
9/1-9/7 - 50% off Entire Stock Fashion Drapery and Upholstery Fabrics (Super Cute - some patterns would make great dresses/pants!)
Quilting:
9/1-9/7 - 50% off Entire Stock Absolutely Quilting Fabrics & All Quilting and Craft Solid Fabrics
9/1-9/7 - 40% off Halloween Cottons
9/1-9/7 - 30% off Harvest and Christmas Print Cottons

Accessories/Notions:
9/4-9/5 - 50% off ALL Sewing/Quilting Notions - Includes Zippers, Thread, Elastic, Needles, Pins, Tape Measures, Velcro, etc.  (OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS!!!)
9/4-9/5 - 50% off Entire Stock of Scissors
9/4-9/5 - 50% off Entire Stock of Lace

9/1-9/7 - $7.99 ea Cutting Boards
9/1-9/7 - 30% off Packaged Tapes and Braids, Entire Stock Coats and Clark Thread and Zippers (HUGE!), Entire Stock of Sewing Needles, Entire Stock of Velcro, Entire Stock of Ribbon, Entire Stock of Appliques,
9/1-9/7 - $99.00 ea Dress Forms! (If you don't have one already, I highly suggest!)

This is a sale I don't think you will want to miss!  I plan to be there on Sunday right after church!  Check out the ad for yourself and map out your Sewing Steals.

Happy Stitching!
Tiffany

A New Hairdo for a Better-Feeling Day!

If any of you know me, you know that I don't look the same for very long.  I often change my hair color, length or texture atleast every 8 weeks.  I have naturally curly hair, but rarely ever wear it curly. 

I had been growing my hair out for the last 9 months, but it was time for a change.  (If you also know me, you should know how hard it is for me to share personal info.  I feel like I should get it off my chest though - I have extreme hypothyroidism and every so often, when my levels are out of whack, I will gain weight and lose my hair.  Well, it's one of those times and yes - it's easier on my hair and me when it is short.)

Here are a few pics - let me know what you think.  It's cut after Jessica Stroup's shorter, but longer than now haircut from the new 90210.  (I plan to wear it curled similar to hers about 50% of the time and give my flat iron a well deserved break!)

My hair:

Here is the inspiration:



I have to teach Zumba tonight otherwise I would curl it up and take a picture.  Maybe one day...

Happy Stitching!
Tiffany

P.S. Shout out to Ritchie at Lather Salon and Spa in Atlanta for making it happen!  Email me if you want his info!