Simplicity 3696 - Tantalizing Terry Cloth Robe

A nice robe is a lounging staple that every woman - especially those of us over 30 - should have. I purchased this pattern during one of the many 99 cent pattern sales at Joann's or Hancock Fabrics (don't recall which) because, well, it was only 99 cents! Plus, I didn't have a robe at the time and I felt this would be great practice. I used terry cloth fabric in a super pretty lilac, also purchased at Joann's, along with interfacing for the belt. I cut out size XXS, which is the smallest one, from the pattern paper and prayed that no additional downsizing would be necessary. Surprisingly, once finished, it fit really well! My only complaint with this pattern is the placement of the belt loops on the garment, which were too high, in my opinion. If I ever repeat the pattern I will be sure to drop the loops a little lower and closer to the waist. Other than that, I love my new robe! Here's the pics. Let me know what you think!

Butterick B5559 - Knit Tuck Pleat Sheath Dress

Here's a project that I'm currently working on. It's Butterick B5559, which is a Maggy London Knit Tuck Pleat Sheath Dress. I think the fact that the manufacturer labeled this pattern "facile" was deceptive advertising, but I guess that depends on who you ask. Once the nerve racking pleats are marked, set and sewn the pattern does get easier but - I'm gonna warn ya - you need the patience of Mother Theresa to get beyond that point! I worked through that pain and actually made it all the way to the point where the sleeves need to be added. Having never attempted a set-in sleeve before AND having confessed to my family that I will wear this dress with pride, regardless of how good (or bad) it turns out, I am at the point of do or die. If I do, I'm afraid that I will screw the entire dress up royally. If I don't, it could sit in my "unfinished" bin for days, months, years to come...so what to do? I think that I am going to have to seek professional help with this one. To be continued! In the meantime, if you have started, are working on or have completed conquering this beast, I would LOVE to hear your comments!

Small Steps!

I'm thrilled to be starting off 2011 with a renewed dedication to a passion that I have had for many years, but only in the last year actually started devoting my time and resources to - sewing. Ever since I was "yea" high (which doesn't say alot, considering that I'm only 5'2"!) I have been completely enthralled with fashion. I recall ordering and perusing fashion magazines just to look at the ads. I recall requesting catalogs from places like Banana Republic (and this was back when they were REALLY known for safari-like clothing - hence the name) and North Beach Leather (are they still around?) just to browse the pages and fantasize of the day when I would have the money to fund my dream wardrobe! It was then that I also started sketching on paper and pondering my dream career - to be a fashion designer. Reality set in after high school graduation and I ended up opting out of the dream in order to get a "real" degree. I spent the next 15 years using that degree, but the little voice in the back of my head would not let me forget about my dream. One day, about a year ago, I decided to stop dreaming and start working on making it a reality. I purchased a commercial sewing machine and serger and started taking classes when and where I could. And I FINALLY started SEWING! A year into this, I can definitely tell you that I'm no master tailor, but I know a whole lot more now than I did when I started! Thus, the title of this first post - Small Steps.

My goal in this blog is to share my sewing ups and downs with you as I go from beginner to expert couturier. On a more selfish level, I hope that it will serve as a reminder to myself that any big accomplishment has to be approached on a step-by-step basis. I'm hoping that my diary will clearly show the progression in my skill and, more importantly, my confidence! Thank you for taking this journey with me.