Goodbye 2017, Happy Sew Year 2018

2017 has been a great year for me, with my sewing skills. I have improved on some skills, I have said “oh my gosh, what was I thinking” to some garments, and the one thing that I am so proud of is my enrollment in school for Fashion Design.

I am starting at Sacramento City College, taking the basic classes and moving my way up the ladder, well I kind of have no choice but to start at the basic level, because all the classes build off of each other. I have learned so much after one semester and I am actually enjoying what I am learning. Once I have completed all the courses at the Community College level I will go on to Sacramento State University.

 

Here are  few of the garments I completed in 2017, I would  have to say that these are my favorites.

 

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Vogue 9253

The Infamous Vogue 9253 I was sure this dress would break the internet. There were so many posts of this beautiful dress on the McCall’s Facebook page and they were all just fabulous.

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McCalls 7664
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McCall’s 7664

I love this jacket. Quick and easy to make and the bias tape trimming gives it life!!!

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McCall’s 7664
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McCall’s 7531

Simply but classy. This dress is a must-have. Depending on what fabric you use it can be dressy or casual. LOVE this pattern!!!

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McCall’s 7531
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McCall’s 7531
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Simplicity 8513

Okay, can we talk bodysuits? Bodysuits are making a comeback and this is the first of many for me. The pattern was easy to follow and this stretch velvet fabric- HEAVEN!!!!

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Simplicity 8513
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McCall’s 7255
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McCall’s 7660
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McCall’s 7660

This fabric is FIRE!!! This photo does nothing for it. It is a stretch knit that I found at Angels Textiles in Los Angeles, CA. I wish I would have purchased more.

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Burda 7065

Modified Burda 7065 using a Mimi G tutorial, what girl doesn’t love a Little Black Dress?

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Burda 7065
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Simplicity 8379

This dress was hot for the summer. I wore at the Mimi G Style Conference in Los Angeles in July, so did a lot of other women, but none of them were the same. This is a go to pattern for sure. 2 pieces and a neckband, quick, easy, and cute!

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Simplicity 8379
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McCall’s 7020
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My biggest fan and I on our 20th Wedding Anniversary

This guy right here is the BEST Husband ever. He loves me for me, supports all I do and NEVER, EVER complains. He even went pattern hunting for me, more than once. He is patient and even sits at the table at the fabric store while I do my shopping. It helps a lot when you have someone that supports your hobby. I love me some him. He is awesome!!!

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My first project – self drafted skirt

One of the very first maxi skirts that I made once I was able to get my machine threaded correctly. One seam up the back, elastic waistband, and a hem. I was so proud of this skirt that I made like 4 more the next week.

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My fabric stash

I “borrowed” the bookshelf for my fabric stash. I need to see what I have. Of course this stash has grown even more since this photo was taken. I now have this shelf and 2 large sized rubber mate tubs filled with fabric. Shh, don’t tell.

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My work space

This is my workspace. I am the proud owner of 3 Sewing machines (1 Babylock and 2 Brothers, which I purchased at Costco), 2 Sergers (1 Babylock and 1 Brother, also from Costco). Believe it or not I use all the machines, depending on the project. Sometimes I have 3 of them in use, so I don’t have to change the thread.

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Simplicity 8045 – modified

I wore this dress for the Mimi g Fashion Show. It was a great experience and I was so nervous, but I can proudly say that I have been in a Fashion Show wearing my own handmade design. That was a huge accomplishment for me.

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McCall’s7405

Made this to wear on a date with my husband and the weather turned cold. I have it for next year.

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Simplicity 1358

Love this simply pattern. Pink Camo was a hit this summer and yep, I jumped on the bandwagon.

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Simplicity 1358
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Simplicity 8291

This dress was my everything and it didn’t fit. I was in a rush to make it and failed to do the fitting, went to wear it and the bust needed an adjustment. I was so sad. Well at least it looks good on “Brianna”, my dress form. I know for the next time I make it, that I need to make that adjustment.

 

I am so ready for 2018.  I have my planners out and all ready to go. Here’s looking to a Happy Sew Year!!!

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Simplicity 8513 Stretch Velvet Bodysuit

This Bodysuit is FIRE!!! Quick and easy and can be worn dressy or casual. My plan is to wear it with jeans and matching boots. YES, I bought boots to match this fabric, who wouldn’t? This Wine/Burgundy color is all over the place. You see it in jackets, shirts, sweaters, jeans, leggings, t-shirts, and boots, of course. LOL! img_3915

This was how I spent my Saturday Night. It was the best. I studied this pattern for a week to make sure I could get the snaps and the sleeves to be perfect. The snaps were a struggle, but I got it done. The sleeves, came out FABULOUS. I took a Guided Sew Along with Leslie Bentley over at The Sewcial Place on Facebook to learn the sleeve technique and with that guidance I had no doubt about the sleeves. Leslie, by the way is a great teacher. You should check her out if you haven’t already.

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Bishop sleeves are the thing right now and I love them. They add class to any top or dress.

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Simplicity 8513 Misses’ Knit Bodysuit

Which view did I make? View B

How many pieces to cut? 5

What size did I cut? Medium

What kind of fabric did I use? Fabric Stretch Velvet

Where did you purchase this fabric? Hobby Lobby

How much was the fabric per yard? Price per yard $4.99

Would I make this Bodysuit again? Yes, Yes, and Yes. I will be searching for fabric soon for the next one.

Army Green Off-the-Shoudler Maxi Dress Simplicity 8045

This Off-the-Shoudler Maxi Dress is a modified version of Simplicity 8045. I made it  without the top band. This dress was made for a Fashion Show that I participated in, in Los Angeles, CA, during the Mimi G Conference. It was a great experience but I was more nervous than I have ever been in my whole life.

I cut this in a size 10 and the fit was perfect, the only alterations needed were the length, I am a little bit on the shorter side, so most maxi dresses and or skirts require me to alter the length. The fabric used is a Army Green Knit from Michael Levine’s Fabric store.

This is one that I will make again for the Fall/Winter, if we ever get those seasons, right now it is 110 degrees on average for the next few days.