Check out my new blog

Please check out and follow my new blog which explores my journey in creating & fashion shows.  Thanks Hills

nikolandjoi.blogspot.com

Serenity prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.

Patternmaking book update

Ok, so last week I asked you guys for help w/ deciding on the best, least expensive patternmaking books.  I bought the book Make Your Own Dress Patterns by Adele P Margolis and eventhough the styles remind me of a late 60's, early 70's movie...  I actually love that era.  While I've only skimmed through the book, it has tons of different styles and info on how to alter your basic block into those styles.  The one issue I have with this book is that it's not detailed enough about creating your basic block.  Luckily I had Make Your Own Patterns by Rene Bergh.  This book is very detailed w/ regards to creating your block patterns.  This works great for me now as I am working on a very super exciting project.  More to come on that later.  Thanks to everyone for the comments about the book.  I plan on taking a patternmaking class this Fall so I will have the Helen Armstrong book then.

Peace Hills

Patternmaking books, HELP!!!

Does anyone have this book?  If you do, what are your thoughts because I'm thinking of purchasing it.  I need an inexpensive patternmaking how to book.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

Peace Hills

M6112 question

While sewing McCalls 6112, I had an issue,"how do I stabilize the neck area?"  It just kept stretching as I was sewing.  The pattern directions said to sew it as 5/8 narrow hem.  When I wore it, by the end of the day it was showing a little shoulder on one side.  Does anyone have any remedies to this type of issue. How do you keep necklines on knits from stretching?


Peace Hills

McCalls 6112

McCall 6112

I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE this dress.  Did I say how much I love it?  It was so simple to sew up, even I didn't need the directions, he he.  And I am super excited about the results.  Today was the 1st day I revealed my natural hair @ work so I made this baby up real quick because I needed something simple and casual and a lil bit sexy.  And I think I accomplished all those things.  I made version B, shortened about 2" and WALA...

lOVE IT

PEACE HILLS

Designer

I might be a little late, but I think Rachel Roy is my new favorite designer.  I love the simplicity & the edge of her collections.  Here are a few of my favs from different collections.

I love Flowers

I love flowers.  They are so pretty.  Over the last year I have become slightly obsessed with floral fabrics.  I have purchased at least 3 yards each of 6 different floral print fabrics. They have to be large prints though, I dont like the tiny flowers.  I have no idea how I am going to use these prints, but gotta a little inspiration when I checked out Gertie's Blog and saw this beauty: 

V1117 is perfect and I also found this Threads article on how to make a fabric covered belt.  So I can't wait to work on this.
Now I just have to figure out which fabric I should choose?

Comments

I am not sure, but I think my "comments" section has been out of order.  Please try to post a comment & if it does not work email me.  I would appreciate the help.  Thanks.

Peace. Hills

Simplicity 2398 & 8th Grade Prom

Simplicity 2398

Friday my niece attended her 8th grade prom and I was asked to make the dress for her.  This dress came together very easily actually.  I was slightly intimidated by it because the dress had foundation built in the bodice which was needed.  I made version B with straps and she loved it.  I used a satin tafetta fabric that I found at Hancocks. 

Do any of you remember your 8th grade prom?  I remember mine & it was definitely not as fancy as theirs.  These kids rented limos...???? Really for 8th grade, I just found that to be kind of funny.  Anywaysssss, check out the pics of her in the dress.

Peace Hills

Going Natural

Happy bday 2 Me, Vegas & Simplicity 2406

"Go shawty its your birthday!"  Hey, so today is the big 30! and damn 30 looks good.  I have had such an awesome day.  I stepped into work this morning @ 730 and realized that my coworkers had done this to my desk:

This just really made my day! I have great coworkers!

I also just recently got back from Vegas, which was awesome.  The girls and I had a blast. 

Vegas is fun, but it's just one of those cities that you stay a few days and come right back.  So needless to say, that I was glad to be back home when I got home. I also made Simplicity 2406, which turned out awesome.  I made it in the majestic teal linen blend fabric that I got from JoAnns.

I love draping...

Ok, so for those of you who don't know, I am currently taking a draping course and also an alterations course @ my local community college.  My draping class has completely put a stop to any possible sewing plans that I may have.  Both classes are 1xweek & 5 hours long.  So you already know that when I get home I am EXHAUSTED.  Also not to mention that I have the most INTENSE teacher.  We stand in the front of the class for about 1 1/2- 2 hours while she demonstrates whatever we're are working on that day.  @ first I wasnt so much into the way she taught, but now as we enter into our 5th week.... I LOVE IT.  I love her method of teaching and all that I have learned in such a short time.  So I'm very excited about that. 

& Another thing I am so very very excited about.... IM GOING TO VEGAS!!!!  I am extremely excited about this trip.  Because my friend & I are turning 30 this month, 6 of my close friends are flying out in 3 weeks. Needless to say, I have alot of sewing to do.  I will update w/pics before I leave.  Gotta go, I have tons of work to do.

Peace. Hills

Fretting Over Fabric – Major Sewing Realizations

I decided to trek on down to High Fashion Fabrics downtown. They have a ridiculously huge fabric selection, especially compared to the chain stores like JoAnns & Hancocks, but it was during my “fabric shopping” that I had an epiphany of sorts….

I have a major issue when it comes to fabric selection. I wandered aimlessly through the store from aisle to aisle looking @ & touching each bolt of fabric finding fabrics that suit my taste & budget... just to come out of the store w/ NOTHING!!!

I guess I'm just really weird like that.  Even w/ my stash @ home, I pull out patterns match them w/ fabric and make a firm decision in my head that this will go together... Only to several days later rearrange the fabric / pattern w/ something else.  It's like a strange game of musical chairs only w/ fabric and patterns....

How can I work through this dilema?  Thats all.

Peace. Hills

I've been sewing....... really.

I have taken a serious vacay from blogging.  Not that I havent been following my favs & adding to new blogs to follow, I've just been too lazy to post on my own.  First of all I made S2603.  I love it & got a lot of great feedback when I posted picks on my Facebook page.  I found this great houndstooth sweater knit at the "wonderful" High Fashion Fabrics here in Houston, TX.  And on top of all that excitement it was marked 70% off.  I got 4yds for like $10 or less.  AWESOME!!!!  I love when I get deals like that. Well here goes...

Before I added sleeves. I couldnt decide if I should've added them or not. I think I'm gonna remake it sleeveless.

With the sleeves pinned on...

Finally on me, I'm working on photographing my work better. I think I need a new camera...

Oh! and by the way please excuse my sewing room.  I share w/ my daughters and their toyroom & it's ALWAYS a mess!!!!!

Post more later.

Peace. Hills