Love the regular sized pattern but need a petite version? Here is how I petite a BURDA pattern. Continue reading

The New annual MODA Marfy 2010/11 is here! And it comes with 10 FREE patterns! Continue reading

I was very excited yesterday to find a small package in my mailbox. I ordered these beautiful edge snaps made in Italy from Birch Street Clothing. Well I realized that I don't have a fastening tool that will work with them, so I placed another order today. These little beauties will be the perfect finishing touch for my leather skirt. In the meantime, the skirt is hanging on my dressform waiting patiently. Since I cannot wear it, I thought I would share a picture. Continue reading

I'm thinking how cool would it be to make a pair of pumps I already have into boots to match my outfit! Continue reading

I bought an embroidery design CD years ago because I loved this picture. The designs are from Inspira. I loaded the designs on my computer, but have never stitched them - not one. I think the highlighted design below would look great stitched down the left side of the collar of the azalea suit dress. I think I will change the flowers to yellow to contrast with the dress. Here is a rough idea of what I am picturing: Continue reading

I ordered this beautiful azalea wool gabardine suiting from vogue fabrics today. It is for the yummy yellow dress from the February 2010 issue of BURDA Style. The pattern is very simple, so it will showcase the lovely drape of the gabardine. I am thinking of embroidery for the collar, and a self belt with a little embroidery as well. Picture something with minimal thread coverage and maybe a few swarovski crystals. I will report back after reviewing my embroidery designs. Meanwhile, the leather skirt is still on the sewing table and will hopefully be finished before I get too... Continue reading

Last fall, I participated in a fun sew along on line at artisansquare.com. This was my first time sewing leather - actually it was faux leather. I have never sewn real leather. Here is the pattern I used: It is from BURDA Style magazine October 2009. It is a petite sized pattern. I cut size 21. This project held a few firsts for me. * sewing a material which will have permanent needle holes * using fabric glue * bagging a lining * using lapped seams * attaching a collar with a collar band * pressing a fabric which will... Continue reading

Here are this year's MARFY patterns which are included with the purchase of the new catalog. I think these patterns are worth the price of the catalog. My favorite is the one farthest to the right - Tubino #2255. Click the image to see a larger view. Marfy patterns are for advanced sewers. They do not come with instructions or illustrations of any kind - not even one photo of the finished design. It is recommended that you download an image from the website to accompany your pattern. Here are some pictures of a MARFY dress I made for my... Continue reading

I love this skinny gold belt that I bought this past summer from Ann Taylor. Now after seeing how Seth Aaron used a belt as a bracelet on Project Runway last week, I love it even more! Continue reading

I found a better picture of the perfect yellow dress. I will be making this! This little Chanel inspired number never goes out of style. I like the double pocket flaps. I love Love LOVE this collar What good is a beautiful jacket without a sweet dress to wear under it? Continue reading

I knew it the instant I saw it on my calendar this morning. It is the shoe from Sex and The City - the movie. These are the Manolo Blahniks Carrie married Big in! I really love this calendar... Continue reading

Project Runway airs on Thursday nights at 10PM EST on Lifetime. This was Seth Aaron's creation for episode 1. OK, so maybe I wouldn't wear this, but, I love some of the details. Look at the belt used as a bracelet. I love the little checkered straps and the chain at the hip. I like the straps in the back and look what he did to her shoes! I think this guy knows how to make a total look. I am looking forward to seeing what else he creates. So who is your favorite designer this season? Continue reading

Normally, I do not like to check out the new BURDA Style desgns before my magazine arrives, but couldn't help myself today. Here are some of my favorites: Love the shoes! This dress is perfect. I like the collar, fitted waist, and just below the knee length. This is next on my project list! Continue reading

In order to tweak the fit, I slipped the skirt on inside out. I decided not to do a center back seam alteration. Instead, I will use elastic between the skirt and the facing. I have some elastic that I purchased from Emma Seabrook at the Sewing Expo. I bought an entire roll. This stuff is not like the rubbery elastic at JoAnns. It is 3 inches wide and it is soft and has good recovery. This will keep the waist from stretching too much. Continue reading

Remember the 80s? When shoulders were big! (pun intended). I think the prevailing logic was that big shoulders would balance large hips and make the body look slimmer. I think the big shoulders make the body look bigger - like football players. What do YOU think? Continue reading

I assembled the front and back of my skirt by sewing all vertical seams. Next, I sewed the zipper in the center front. Now, my leather skirt is ready for a final fitting. The fit is good, but I might want to snug the waist a tiny bit. I will tweak the back waist at the center back seam. In the photos, I have the waist facing clipped to the outside. In order to fit perfectly, I will have to cut the facing at the center back and sew a lapped seam there to make the waist tighter. Once the... Continue reading

HaPpY BirThDaY to my first niece! PS - love the hat! I hope your birthday wishes come true! Continue reading

A couple of years ago, I took a pant fitting class at the Worcester Sewing and Quilting Expo. The class was taught by Peggy Sagers. I now can sew pants that fit me perfectly. If you ever have an opportunity to take her class, I highly recommend you do it! With my custom pant pattern, I made a basic skirt sloper. I sewed a mock-up to correspond to it, complete with a zipper. It has been hanging in my sewing room since 2007. Last night, I broke it out to draft a pattern for a skirt to go with my... Continue reading

I bought this calendar for my friend Gina but I got it too late so I kept it for myself. Merry Christmas to me! I love it. This is the sort of thing I never would buy for myself. Here it is on my desk at work. What are your little indulgences? Continue reading