Missing Project Runway??

Today on Bravo they showed a mini marathon of the last season of Project Runway. It reminded me what a good show it was and how TFS just isn't adding up. I hear that in August PR will be back on Lifetime. Can't wait...

JELL-O Flag "Cake"

I know, I know... this is a sewing blog. But I wanted to share this with you guys. My husband and I have really been watching what we've been eating. We cut out refined sugar and processed foods. We eat quite a bit of salads and lean meats. It's been paying off. He's lost 21 pounds and I've lost 8 (why do guy's always have an easier time?!?!?)

My husband's birthday is this week so I wanted to make a special dessert without wrecking our progress. I've always wanted to make one of those JELLO Flag Cakes. So I looked up the recipe and made some healthy substitutes. I used sugar free JELLO and light cool whip. However, instead of putting pound cake on the bottom of the dish, I put sugar free vanilla pudding. I used two of the small boxes of pudding and mixed it with about three cups of skim milk. I poured this into my pan and stuck it in the freezer for about fifteen minutes. I layered the other ingredients as directed by the recipe. The end result was a hit!

Click here for the original recipe.

And here's my version:



Don't worry- I'm busy in the sewing room besides the kitchen. I made a high waist denim skirt and I'm currently making a top to go with it... you'll get to see them by the end of the week:)

~Byrdie

Sew U: Strapless Knit Dress

This project was completed with the help of the book "Sew U Home Stretch" by Wendy Mullin. This book is great for those who are just learning to work with knit fabrics. It goes through the different tools and techniques you will need to sew a great knit garment. What I like about the book is it comes with three basic patterns: a crew neck t-shirt, a raglan top, and a dress. Then the author gives you instructions and ideas for altering these patterns into different looks. I am slowly learning how to alter patterns to get different looks and fits. I eventually want to draft my own patterns. So this book is great for learning the basics.

I made this dress using Wendy's basic dress pattern. She then guides you through making the necessary alterations to get it to the strapless version. This dress was super easy and quick. After cutting it out, it took me about one and a half hours to complete. The hardest part was tracing the pattern off and making the design alterations.

I used a blue cotton jersey from Denver Fabrics. This dress only cost me about $10 to make. I cut a size large after reading the sizing chart. However, I ended up taking the dress in about 3 inches per side.

I think the end result is super cute and super fun to wear. I think I will need to make more in different colors. It's great to wear as a casual dress to run errands. Yet, you can also dress it up for dinner. I might also make the dress in some cotton woven fabrics for a light and breezy version- just need to keep the extra width on the sides to allow for slipping over the body. I would also eliminate the waist band and make a band of elastic for the waist instead.

Here is the photo from the book. I obviously added length because I am not 18 years old anymore:



And here are the finished looks:




~Byrdie

Vogue 2975

Here is another ensemble I finished this last week.

The top is made from a beautiful silk charmeuse from Gorgeous Fabrics. This was the first time I have worked with charmeuse. I am pleased with the results. I love the pleating detail along the neckline (kind of hard to see in the photos). It cost me $28 to make the top. This is more than I like to spend on fabric but I treated myself. Also, it is still less than what you would pay for a RTW top of the same fabric.

The skirt is made from black sateen from Jo-anns. The skirt cost me about $10 to make. I like the skirt- I can pair it with different tops and sweaters... it's a good basic to have.

I think the outfit needs a belt. This is a good one to wear out with my hubby to dinner and a movie. Check out Pattern Review for a full review on construction.






~Byrdie

Vogue 1086

So here is my latest creation. I have loved this pattern ever since it came out. It is a Tracy Reese design. I love the gathered detail in the front and back bodice. I also really like the v-neck in the front and back. It is a very cute spring/summer dress.

I made the dress with a fabric I have been eyeing for a while at Gorgeous Fabrics. It has a pinkish-lavender background with a peach star burst design. I thought it would be the perfect print for this dress. Because the fabric was so sheer I underlined the entire garment with white rayon bemberg lining, also from Gorgeous Fabrics. The fabric for the dress was an investment. I usually don't spend that much but I just had to have it.

Overall, I am satisfied with the result. I think it is a tad on the big side though. On a side note, I have been hitting the gym hard and watching what I eat. Perhaps it's starting to pay off. Check out my review on Pattern Review for the scoop on construction.





My latest inspiration is making vintage inspired garments. I have been collecting some vintage patterns from ebay. There are some really good blogs out there on the subject. One of my favorites is Sew Retro.

~Byrdie

NewLook 6705 and 6873

I can't believe it's been over a month since I've been able to post something. In an attempt to make garments that are current with the trends and wearable, I've been motivated to make things that are inspired by RTW looks that I like. This outfit is the first. Here is the look I was going for:



I really like the color combination of the light blue top and white skirt. The ruffles on the top are darling. It looks like the perfect spring outfit to me.

I used NewLook 6705 for the top. I've reviewed this pattern before when I made this top. This time I made the sleeveless version with the ruffles. I cut the top to be the shorter length instead of the longer length in view D. I also omitted the pockets. I just wanted a simple look like my inspiration photo.






For the skirt I used NewLook 6873. I did view B without the grosgrain ribbon trim. This was my first adventure in underlining. The white fabric was going to be a little on the sheer side. So I underlined with a lighter weight white fabric. I found a great article from Threads Magazine on the subject which helped me insert the underlining correctly.



Here is the final look. I am happy with the results. For a full review on construction details check out Pattern Review on the left. I'll be writing a review shortly after posting this.






~Byrdie