tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68583413774095132712024-03-13T13:23:28.383-07:00The Virtuous DesignerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-37549413898539390782015-12-13T17:38:00.000-08:002015-12-13T19:59:38.411-08:00Sunday's Best: Week 9<div style="text-align: center;">
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."</div>
1 Corinthians 15:57<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQo4AuHjDuD0vFQ_dnOMZdE0uHp1S831ykZo7-nh8RzSgpxIEhBgSf4k-bODoyBVJyYALXWugwZCloXbJkdQRCRc4LeBliCjyLJuqbAaAZpZAcpOvJZEBdEx7L4ooFgJo4aGSjXoUl2EL/s1600/IMG_5118.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQo4AuHjDuD0vFQ_dnOMZdE0uHp1S831ykZo7-nh8RzSgpxIEhBgSf4k-bODoyBVJyYALXWugwZCloXbJkdQRCRc4LeBliCjyLJuqbAaAZpZAcpOvJZEBdEx7L4ooFgJo4aGSjXoUl2EL/s400/IMG_5118.PNG" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This has been my scripture for the last 3 weeks is what it feels like. Actually its a scripture that I call on and meditate on very often. When your building a business from nothing but your passion for sewing and the love of God you have no choice. When your starting over after a divorce and trying to keep it all together for your children. You have no choice. and when you think that things couldn't worst but they do. You have no choice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2s9907kc8D6TAvD4436UmUUiH3VNavANltKEjifgYEsISDI7ppo5104K1hTTsfswRt3w_Jn6OCllXz_11Mx_Ww6jwFZw3Jnv9A_txXHAlU529Sc951AJZFsJSeAQoTIrYbEhzd35ZWO2/s1600/IMG_5114.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2s9907kc8D6TAvD4436UmUUiH3VNavANltKEjifgYEsISDI7ppo5104K1hTTsfswRt3w_Jn6OCllXz_11Mx_Ww6jwFZw3Jnv9A_txXHAlU529Sc951AJZFsJSeAQoTIrYbEhzd35ZWO2/s640/IMG_5114.PNG" width="418" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When you decide to sew a maxi skirt and matching midriff top from cheap fabric and it turns into a nightmare project you have no choice. That is how I felt about this whole project. I started it last week in the haste of trying to save week 8's disaster project and didn't really think things through. I also made the mistake of not thoroughly inspecting the fabric before purchasing it. I just looked at the color and price tag of the fabric and was like ".....yup! it'll work." Never again! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOUUh_08cu6alJ8MaIkFVia8OrgB_SmwkazSqppLVj0qoa31EbfGbKODR-7B1uOvmgDYvFXKoO_xnjIAwwRAqQ07HKWIg04eFtIkjB54C_6GRCJxWfeZIheE2BTlscHkv_9LUte101AlC/s1600/IMG_5113.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOUUh_08cu6alJ8MaIkFVia8OrgB_SmwkazSqppLVj0qoa31EbfGbKODR-7B1uOvmgDYvFXKoO_xnjIAwwRAqQ07HKWIg04eFtIkjB54C_6GRCJxWfeZIheE2BTlscHkv_9LUte101AlC/s640/IMG_5113.PNG" width="354" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The problem with this fabric was the lace. it stretched and ripped very easily. To the point that I had to use my serger to sew it together but the hems were impossible to finish without ripping or slipping. I originally made a matching top with the lace fabric, but I ended up having to toss it because the fabric along the neckline kept stretching and ripping. I ended up having to buy a different fabric in a matching color to finish it. I stepped away from this project more than once to problem solve my way through it. There were some other stumbling blocks along the way but there was such a tenacious spirit inside of me to finish it and finish it well. I couldn't stop. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd8jvp8SKOhx2KJ7w7ayTv3T0lyAlgNVXyk5VOUOiMdZIWOE0EoMNr31zoelhVt9FdyNZbi-uCfZ5q-2GpSTPNnfjnmjvPMixpZyuK5k8lZOgs0pDlhY9svMmdNm0PIazUEYfC6m-xbCU/s1600/IMG_5115.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSd8jvp8SKOhx2KJ7w7ayTv3T0lyAlgNVXyk5VOUOiMdZIWOE0EoMNr31zoelhVt9FdyNZbi-uCfZ5q-2GpSTPNnfjnmjvPMixpZyuK5k8lZOgs0pDlhY9svMmdNm0PIazUEYfC6m-xbCU/s640/IMG_5115.PNG" width="420" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As soon as a problem arose a solution seemed to appear before I could be completely discouraged. There were a few times that I wanted to leave it as is and just shoot for better the next project but it seemed like God wasn't satisfied with that decision and sent me a solution and the finance to fix it. <br />
<br />
Which leads me to my lesson learned for the week. I didn't plan this week's project out before I started it. I also didn't really pray about it either. I normally pray each week for God to give me vision for all of my personal projects. I also normally think through the process, what patterns I will use, what technique will work etc. but this week I didn't do this and it cost me double. Double time and double the $$$$. I find that my week goes so much better when I pray and I plan.<br />
<br />
Despite it all God's grace still kept me so that I could experience Victory! In the end I was very happy with my new skirt set. Thank you Lord! Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
Have a blessed week everyone. May God give you a spirit of prayer and preparation as you enter into this next week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCpN0Omd0KeS7rzM5aKVbPL4DlO9trHWoFQj085IUGnE416fvYTwrRP1_NFRuN5yTj1grBB8ChXeSf4rltrhWcjWhzZ0twsCVhe-kWK5t7U17vqHt47kLXeG-iBwkpVPzB_LeplOMY4mc/s1600/IMG_5119.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCpN0Omd0KeS7rzM5aKVbPL4DlO9trHWoFQj085IUGnE416fvYTwrRP1_NFRuN5yTj1grBB8ChXeSf4rltrhWcjWhzZ0twsCVhe-kWK5t7U17vqHt47kLXeG-iBwkpVPzB_LeplOMY4mc/s640/IMG_5119.PNG" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-36157782008385945292015-12-08T19:51:00.000-08:002015-12-08T19:51:01.263-08:00Teach Me Tuesday<h2>
<br /></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
How To Read A Sewing Pattern for Proper Sizing</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS6-yhAd4f6Jii4FcTZIheExR-_ae3g4hL80eQjOSNOs22mS3gorZG_FiltyHJeaFJ_EH3KwjA3wTdqdrory0yUCsvykcZWlFbIOhwnB4Jz372n4CcjbAEDWFmhpp2nK9HO0COdqeBe6U/s1600/IMG_5020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS6-yhAd4f6Jii4FcTZIheExR-_ae3g4hL80eQjOSNOs22mS3gorZG_FiltyHJeaFJ_EH3KwjA3wTdqdrory0yUCsvykcZWlFbIOhwnB4Jz372n4CcjbAEDWFmhpp2nK9HO0COdqeBe6U/s640/IMG_5020.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hello Readers! I hope you are enjoying your Tuesday!<br />
<br />
I originally wanted to share a self-drafted pattern tutorial with you but realized that it needed some tweaking before I released it. For fear of missing my blog deadline for today. I decided to make things easier on myself while addressing a common mistake that I see in beginner sewists. That is choosing the right pattern size. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We as women are accustomed to shopping based on a standard clothing size based on a sizing chart pre-determined by the clothing industry. We are not accustomed to taking our body measurements let alone choosing our clothing size based on actual body measurements. The men's clothing industry on the hand is very opposite of this especially in the area of pants, suits and button down suit shirts where they use actual measurements to identify the fit of the garment. <br />
<br />
For example: If you ask a man what is his pants size he will say: 34" in the waist and 36" in the length. He's answering you based on the actual measurement of his waist and the length from his waist to his desired pants leg length. Whereas women will say...." I wear a size 6 and have no idea what her waist measurement is. Interesting isn't it?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So with that said.... Sewing is the complete opposite of the mass produced ready to wear garment industry. You have to know your body measurements in order to identify the pattern that is going to get you the most proper fit. Yay!!! How exciting!!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So to make this easier to explain and hopefully for you to understand as well I put together a little video tutorial for you on how to choose the right pattern size. I hope you enjoy. Questions or Comments are always welcome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/zgAhdUW5c2s/default.jpg?sqp=CJDFnrMF&rs=AOn4CLBWyz2E5r8gD1tX4ip2S9LPoSX-4w" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zgAhdUW5c2s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-74738861420599475782015-12-06T17:04:00.004-08:002015-12-06T17:04:46.414-08:00Sunday's Best: Week 7 <div style="text-align: center;">
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Philippians 4:13</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPqak6ykx-sk99UioIgrVy_zHpR2Mjtv7U7qZ-R4wWDB_1TE6swvdKppJ4UVBy2Q2VWtTHKsGmJhQVSjHmywmV2cJ9Tsm8mPbw6-23AO9sboBlOCbZuyXpBzLF8ZD1rYukN7qnBDicrOa/s1600/IMG_4989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPqak6ykx-sk99UioIgrVy_zHpR2Mjtv7U7qZ-R4wWDB_1TE6swvdKppJ4UVBy2Q2VWtTHKsGmJhQVSjHmywmV2cJ9Tsm8mPbw6-23AO9sboBlOCbZuyXpBzLF8ZD1rYukN7qnBDicrOa/s640/IMG_4989.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Happy Sunday! I am writing this to you all today from a place of renewed strength. After what seemed like one of the hardest weeks i've endured in a long time. I am thankful that God gave me the strength to get through it, overcome and keep moving forward.<br />
<br />
Ironically enough this week's Sunday's Best is a result of the realities of running a sewing blog with a weekly sewing challenge. The opportunity for your sewing project to not come out is real and in all actuality I was prepared for weeks where I may not have the time to finish a project but not for a project to somewhat fail. I say somewhat because I was working on a dress and the bodice came out beautifully. Not perfect. but beautiful. I was proud of my work. As I was finishing the skirt to attach it to the top I noticed that the hem was off but I figured no big deal I could fix it. but in the process of fixing it. I made it worst..... ugh! So what was a seamstress to do with my weekly time clock ticking and running out of time......? I tried to start another outfit.<br />
<br />
I had the idea and fabric for next weeks post already laid out in my mind. So I thought I could switch things around and finish next week's post for this week. I even had the pattern pieces cut and ready to go. So I decided to go for it. In under 2 hours I had the overall project assembled. The challenge came in finding the time to do the finishing. Which is what takes the longest time. Hems, zippers, waistbands. These are the parts of your project that requires time and technique. You can't rush through finishing. At least I can't because history has taught me that i'll mess it up. So I decided to walk away and give it some real thought. In the end I opted to wear one of my back up garments. These were some things that I made before launching the blog in the event that I wasn't in a position to sew something by Sunday. Thank God for preparation.<br />
<br />
This week's post is what I call my "Mad for Purple Plaid" pencil skirt. I love this skirt for many reasons. <br />
<br />
1) The first reason is that it is made from vintage plaid fabric that I inherited from my sister-in-laws grandmother's sewing collection. This was such a great gift. I received a vintage sewing machine with all of the parts, vintage steel hand sewing needles, vintage patterns, and vintage fabric, some sewing books. I love! love! love! vintage sewing. That this skirt was made from a piece of history is amazing to me. <br />
<br />
2) I love this skirt because it was my first time sewing with plaid. If you are a sewist and have ever sewn with plaid fabric then you know what i'm talking about. If your a reader who aspires to sew..... let me enlighten you. Some fabrics such as plaid requires that you pay special attention to all the lines in the fabric pattern. This small attention to detail pays off big if you do it right. So this was my first attempt at plaid and I missed the mark in certain places but overall I didn't do bad. From the pictures below you can see the not so bad plaid alignment. The side seams line up pretty ok and the trickiest part was getting the zipper in and making sure the plaid lined up. This was the not so perfect but pretty darn close.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JH2bNhaUkFoeFahcqFj7XycY0Ijh6NhfsdDrnPmOBXc2h4xnHgdb0IWcpnQRtUUZLFfKrLx7Y35vZg_0T7CktpCDOlZHXtpN-zZnzHBHgxo9dKh3o5hTXwWC6P6ORa8RBAquGQsu02BQ/s1600/IMG_4984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JH2bNhaUkFoeFahcqFj7XycY0Ijh6NhfsdDrnPmOBXc2h4xnHgdb0IWcpnQRtUUZLFfKrLx7Y35vZg_0T7CktpCDOlZHXtpN-zZnzHBHgxo9dKh3o5hTXwWC6P6ORa8RBAquGQsu02BQ/s640/IMG_4984.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIfD7qRN59zhlDij-FUHDcjzMgrTQYDVEO1QNn8d-qeFOJ0xGr8wkbnf-ZJCqMSQMr94mqpSmVlAr-xXaqEQiQyY7SpLmUzyjcqevcVFw71y3VMI1hD-MgsCrpJGq7gSX8-LFgmkXXdcV/s1600/IMG_4995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIfD7qRN59zhlDij-FUHDcjzMgrTQYDVEO1QNn8d-qeFOJ0xGr8wkbnf-ZJCqMSQMr94mqpSmVlAr-xXaqEQiQyY7SpLmUzyjcqevcVFw71y3VMI1hD-MgsCrpJGq7gSX8-LFgmkXXdcV/s640/IMG_4995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3) I love this simple purple plaid loveliness because it has been a long time since I lined a pencil skirt and I am very pleased with the lining. I used a cream colored anti-static lining from Jo-anns it usually runs 7.99/yd but of course I always have my coupons at hand. but I like the weight and hand of this fabric. Its not as nice as bemberg but very similar with a cheaper price tag. They also usually have a decent selection of colors to choose from.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqAiMwsRPeX8Sx4IL0a0F4uRV9J_jy4LBsgfc50j5yj33hYpxmrzWgrmeASO3vaUTQhnE7qNC_s6_Ea698BNgQHOhADzubNgnIb3SAxdvyetpy-wpjWi4Lae011JHHIi9UfIOZ0SIXvKj/s1600/IMG_4991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqAiMwsRPeX8Sx4IL0a0F4uRV9J_jy4LBsgfc50j5yj33hYpxmrzWgrmeASO3vaUTQhnE7qNC_s6_Ea698BNgQHOhADzubNgnIb3SAxdvyetpy-wpjWi4Lae011JHHIi9UfIOZ0SIXvKj/s640/IMG_4991.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just love the way the lining looks set into the waistband. All the seams are tucked nice and neat underneath the lining.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6CCVZTquq2Qywn9HT6GGl7rmWbkmjU9i9mFHcAU0Y4q3TAJ8RE9BjfuF1PMBvuevzaBwzwPkUcqOwHLijBIKGBmYG_fu94KoL4tNurydP09B1GzxPIOPJy1IbyJ9b7Shq7imE8X-PPaP/s1600/IMG_4992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6CCVZTquq2Qywn9HT6GGl7rmWbkmjU9i9mFHcAU0Y4q3TAJ8RE9BjfuF1PMBvuevzaBwzwPkUcqOwHLijBIKGBmYG_fu94KoL4tNurydP09B1GzxPIOPJy1IbyJ9b7Shq7imE8X-PPaP/s640/IMG_4992.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
From the picture above the zipper is sitting nice and secure in between the lining fabric and the plaid. It had been so long since I had sewn a lining that I forgot how to insert a zipper to the lining using my sewing machine. With a little patience I finally remembered and with just a few practices I was able to get it in perfectly!!!<br />
<br />
Now comes the second trickiest part of this project. I had a hard time styling this lovely purple piece of American sewing history. The colors in the plaid are so bold that I wasn't quite sure if I should have pulled a color from the plaid for my top selection or go with a more neutral color like cream. In the end I decided to go with my wardrobe workhorse this season. My button down denim shirt. I belted it with a black leather belt and wore my black pumps and a pearl necklace. In the end I didn't mind the outfit but I think the next time I wear it i'll pair it with a nice cream sweater or cardigan and tie in the colors of the skirt with my jewelry. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSP8o1N-fAqH2C0fd8iEgjIFRBYD4PaWtV7nDW4tvdGJr_OUNaSPmUuww5Uh818xhnjh7NUS49v1EoPQpIeE4qwsZsJszE96zBxZRqyA1P53MnGfg6Jq7bOnB1Y5giPehJb9guf-DcfNC/s1600/IMG_4983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSP8o1N-fAqH2C0fd8iEgjIFRBYD4PaWtV7nDW4tvdGJr_OUNaSPmUuww5Uh818xhnjh7NUS49v1EoPQpIeE4qwsZsJszE96zBxZRqyA1P53MnGfg6Jq7bOnB1Y5giPehJb9guf-DcfNC/s640/IMG_4983.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I even had a hard time figuring out what color tights to wear. I prefer none altogether but the dropping temperatures outside makes it harder for that to happen. So I opted to wear nude colored pantyhose. Not tights but pantyhose. Its been a minute since i've worn those. Like a couple of decades. Even my 10 year old daughter asked me wear I got those tights from. She had never heard of pantyhose before today. <br />
<br />
So there you have it. I had a challenging week that even challenged my 52 week wardrobe challenge but I thank God that I overcame all of it.<br />
<br />
In closing, if your wondering why i'm not in this week's post its because my daughter who is my usual photographer wasn't feeling so well. So I had to opt for using my mannequin instead. Just one more challenge that I blew my way through!<br />
<br />
Have a blessed week! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-48001184105728438412015-12-01T19:45:00.001-08:002015-12-02T20:30:56.462-08:00Teach Me Tuesday: How to Understitch a Lining<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKJHAB0PV76pX5YfE3GFUEG1hrwsKBDzYzvqk0ZML0Fu8sZDmAtNWXdaomBEZvvKOpJlgWPNn-ARQRtFbyGxRPV0aDGhvUY1zIt5uYyHfPTpIe4102NlrV2P-zRKcqM8bQxquDvkM7ORX/s1600/IMG_4907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKJHAB0PV76pX5YfE3GFUEG1hrwsKBDzYzvqk0ZML0Fu8sZDmAtNWXdaomBEZvvKOpJlgWPNn-ARQRtFbyGxRPV0aDGhvUY1zIt5uYyHfPTpIe4102NlrV2P-zRKcqM8bQxquDvkM7ORX/s640/IMG_4907.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Happy Tuesday Readers! <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week's post was inspired by one of my students who is currently using her lessons to sew herself a dress for her 15th birthday party. One of the things that I love about teaching is that as an instructor I am constantly learning in the process of teaching. Today as we were working on attaching the lining to her bodice we began to have a discussion about under stitching the lining to the neckline. And the lightbulb for this post went off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Understitching</b> is simply stitching a line close to the edge of a facing to keep it from rolling toward the outside. It comes in especially handy when sewing around a neckline. It keeps the facing, or lining, firmly on the inside of your garment without any stitches showing on the outside.<br />
<br />
<h3>
"It is the small details when you are finishing your garment like understitching that are necessary for quality construction and a professional finish."</h3>
<h3>
How To Understitch</h3>
<div>
For this tutorial I used 2 different cotton fabric swatches in order to demonstrate the technique but as I mentioned in the definition above, understitching is best utilized around the neckline of a top, bodice or jacket. There are other places where it can be useful but these are the most common.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8McnKcJ_yTd32R_QG1j7L0aRjMcun8f4vfJfuIsxe1soVKLqlvCxyBJasFXb7W82bYWpGxXm6376ffYA5NI4nGmcrT4BZ5fyJ9pZKPYplh2vF-IWHuEd-ye5JN-keUszG51h6n4Ajtn7-/s1600/IMG_4908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8McnKcJ_yTd32R_QG1j7L0aRjMcun8f4vfJfuIsxe1soVKLqlvCxyBJasFXb7W82bYWpGxXm6376ffYA5NI4nGmcrT4BZ5fyJ9pZKPYplh2vF-IWHuEd-ye5JN-keUszG51h6n4Ajtn7-/s320/IMG_4908.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) You underline right after you attach the lining or facing to your garment. For this tutorial I utilized a white cotton with black polk a dots for the lining and a black fabric with white dots and cherries to represent the fashion fabric. So as you can see I sewed my two fabric swatches together.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyek7T5Gdmj3-gizYNH4Y__ApmN_3TBCDvvFwEGigN-WocPG0OSMfgT4AYEcLrAkigtjv-BbzZgDkzIT_G3cvnjLkyWODJng4N4GocZnaUV1_HILCAk5mV5WL1AgTMV34a6neqvGEhTnqg/s1600/IMG_4910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyek7T5Gdmj3-gizYNH4Y__ApmN_3TBCDvvFwEGigN-WocPG0OSMfgT4AYEcLrAkigtjv-BbzZgDkzIT_G3cvnjLkyWODJng4N4GocZnaUV1_HILCAk5mV5WL1AgTMV34a6neqvGEhTnqg/s320/IMG_4910.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyPme_-sduLdtTUdEMeVq5tajK7Y5Ob1e0nInIXrLJyqU1bkCc8drTfpFEmDmjIMFQFhKHfH5fbPTt9sO78QnVC6WY2tseA_faTR64poISAfbuU7nSBDCMKDB_Qy8PU4dlv1n2Oajbjz7/s1600/IMG_4913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyPme_-sduLdtTUdEMeVq5tajK7Y5Ob1e0nInIXrLJyqU1bkCc8drTfpFEmDmjIMFQFhKHfH5fbPTt9sO78QnVC6WY2tseA_faTR64poISAfbuU7nSBDCMKDB_Qy8PU4dlv1n2Oajbjz7/s320/IMG_4913.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) Take your project to the ironing board and pull your lining away from the fashion fabric so that the wrong side is faced down on your ironing board. Press out your seam with the seam allowance pressed over to lay to the lining side of your fabric. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>***Note: </b>It is really important that you give your garment a good press prior to understitching. If you don't you may have some slipping and uneven stitches. A nice flat seamline will make it easier for your machine foot to glide along the seamline.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-tXbrKrnxuEuix_IhA2ARGA03d0qW7kArXTECjL2aZdI1PuDyAxEhPplWhdCYTzYmj9GEf-aff49e6Mn4WZPomqs064fvHGIfxvxvaEGDn25UrGiZ9A5vrhjuuE9kCQwAixCQ3NHB7oa/s1600/IMG_4912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-tXbrKrnxuEuix_IhA2ARGA03d0qW7kArXTECjL2aZdI1PuDyAxEhPplWhdCYTzYmj9GEf-aff49e6Mn4WZPomqs064fvHGIfxvxvaEGDn25UrGiZ9A5vrhjuuE9kCQwAixCQ3NHB7oa/s640/IMG_4912.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) Once your done pressing. Take it back to your machine and line up your machine needle about 1/8 inch from your seamline. I used a straight stitch foot and just lined up the seamline with the right side of the pressor foot. </div>
<br />
4) After you under stitch you take your garment back to the ironing board and fold the outside of your garment over the lining with the wrong sides facing each other. Press your new seam. <br />
Here's what it should look like once your done. The stitches are close to the seamline but are only visible from the inside of the garment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvJAFREVRKVNXRBOzdhtAyRjgKcMavEngOMWtHel-xyKEgE6fjDUdH9O1xY-nrFRvfqmI8FHlmhyphenhypheny5QvQNqcBj08V8oFgvlYH_TVY65UXrZnPmTx0MWd5AzCTrFB_UKp9nXg7EGv4ljlT/s1600/IMG_4919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvJAFREVRKVNXRBOzdhtAyRjgKcMavEngOMWtHel-xyKEgE6fjDUdH9O1xY-nrFRvfqmI8FHlmhyphenhypheny5QvQNqcBj08V8oFgvlYH_TVY65UXrZnPmTx0MWd5AzCTrFB_UKp9nXg7EGv4ljlT/s640/IMG_4919.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFXrpRLtuv9D-H1rzu1VlF1t7cRlFdyvdjPpHiCQgBtHdZtde7YIYiczAoJd7azlas4sYGUeUVbJkML2PZXtwUqctA6uX1wPbVzdhMw98zfVKA_SDPzmpIOQ91dG7VVVswmpUfswAszql/s1600/IMG_4914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFXrpRLtuv9D-H1rzu1VlF1t7cRlFdyvdjPpHiCQgBtHdZtde7YIYiczAoJd7azlas4sYGUeUVbJkML2PZXtwUqctA6uX1wPbVzdhMw98zfVKA_SDPzmpIOQ91dG7VVVswmpUfswAszql/s640/IMG_4914.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-vr3c3N6fes12iAC2Lv106rKt_qcKoM9-TgElq-TpfNNBa8XVerHZkJVjwZoxdDk7aeRtnFpqq4zIkU65tk0-G8qipFAYTIG_NZ8WTnO_Wwcvf60tZO8QKuXF9F6y0BP_bx1q6lvUz6G/s1600/IMG_4920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-vr3c3N6fes12iAC2Lv106rKt_qcKoM9-TgElq-TpfNNBa8XVerHZkJVjwZoxdDk7aeRtnFpqq4zIkU65tk0-G8qipFAYTIG_NZ8WTnO_Wwcvf60tZO8QKuXF9F6y0BP_bx1q6lvUz6G/s640/IMG_4920.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
And thats it! Be Bless! As always Questions, Comments and Prayers are always welcome!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-26579609678482690452015-11-29T17:54:00.004-08:002015-11-29T17:54:47.175-08:00Sunday's Best: Week 6<div style="text-align: center;">
"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength......."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isaiah 40:31</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir56FgAEG4s8TMORIFRalR0i_iN9OszbJef72yfp5HePmzK6iRJnvcMVdtTxfgrlGPiAFr3DY6y5WLljXSTg_PSPdgFSY5d7I7Vqdwp2PuBikFX1Cx8k1BBzyXAAeKEGzIVr1NE38lApXh/s1600/IMG_4438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir56FgAEG4s8TMORIFRalR0i_iN9OszbJef72yfp5HePmzK6iRJnvcMVdtTxfgrlGPiAFr3DY6y5WLljXSTg_PSPdgFSY5d7I7Vqdwp2PuBikFX1Cx8k1BBzyXAAeKEGzIVr1NE38lApXh/s640/IMG_4438.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hola Readers!<br />
<br />
I am enjoying a much needed rest in the Wisconsin Dells this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.<br />
<br />
I hope that you all are enjoying your Turkey Day weekend festivities. The temptation to not post this week was heavy on me. Especially since my kids were off of school beginning on Wednesday and we were leaving for our mini-vacation weekend Friday afternoon. But i'm so glad that my desire to write outweighed my temptation to bail. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Its very pretty and peaceful in the Wisconsin Dells this time of year. Its also cold! Walking to the resort indoor waterpark pool in a swimsuit, cover-up and flip flops has been a chilly trip. But the heated salt water wave pool, family time and good food has been giving me a warming feeling inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbEVJu8Qh1hUO8OrOZsyl2vq8R-bfG4QMBgtiklwxlUgSxba-gJEfcNzD0Pmv5r1HvdKMJ41zLRzH3gu7RHN7gFm-p_VshtACoWM0yCuMzNZDCTSKvqbZhDRGIkz7cLkwo_6OPipNoMUf/s1600/IMG_4857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbEVJu8Qh1hUO8OrOZsyl2vq8R-bfG4QMBgtiklwxlUgSxba-gJEfcNzD0Pmv5r1HvdKMJ41zLRzH3gu7RHN7gFm-p_VshtACoWM0yCuMzNZDCTSKvqbZhDRGIkz7cLkwo_6OPipNoMUf/s640/IMG_4857.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Besides cold weather isn't all that bad if your properly dressed so I decided to take myself back to my crochet roots and work up a sweater for this week's challenge. I started Virtuous By Design crocheting hats and scarves back in 2013. It wasn't until last spring when I applied for a business loan to purchase sewing equipment that I began to focus growing the sewing side of my business. So I thought the short week and cold weather was a great excuse to crochet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnnyrskJ1uFwf372WiboyI3JVWv-dlefwEZF02EK0hPbgpFyW55IKQZGGImzp3If5qId4eWVfMk5L0yKV9Wq4W9TPCS0F22Rl-ruIsRTYh9E_W7UwYRFHhOIDXej-Eo-HtJ9kRQDk-aTD/s1600/%2524_32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnnyrskJ1uFwf372WiboyI3JVWv-dlefwEZF02EK0hPbgpFyW55IKQZGGImzp3If5qId4eWVfMk5L0yKV9Wq4W9TPCS0F22Rl-ruIsRTYh9E_W7UwYRFHhOIDXej-Eo-HtJ9kRQDk-aTD/s400/%2524_32.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This weeks garment is what I call my sport poncho. Its like a hybrid between a sweater and a poncho. It's crop length is not quite long enough to call a poncho and its extra wide, 3/4 length sleeves doesn't fully qualify it to be called a sweater in my opinion. I like it because its a nice layering piece that keeps you warm but the extra wide sleeves gives your arms ease of movement. I find that it looks best with a long sleeve henley t-shirt or a crisp button down shirt underneath as I have pictured looks good too.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82TOM7Gf3lMDlzGhGt5KZQe-25YQG-O0jHdAK1yuthwrNpNKLyMD2nLe4Ee9REodpEIfb4gt-ctub1xyyb_4Vc7SGYj3aL3A4K2eeTi2NBbSPku0ID4ADxIVRvACPnhPuN13oxv7tvkPm/s1600/IMG_4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82TOM7Gf3lMDlzGhGt5KZQe-25YQG-O0jHdAK1yuthwrNpNKLyMD2nLe4Ee9REodpEIfb4gt-ctub1xyyb_4Vc7SGYj3aL3A4K2eeTi2NBbSPku0ID4ADxIVRvACPnhPuN13oxv7tvkPm/s640/IMG_4443.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I used basic crochet stitches to come up with a simple stitch pattern that would make a fabric that was both warm and sturdy but also fluid enough that the big dramatic sleeves would drape nicely. In the end I was quite happy with the result. Here's a nice shot of the back. You can see the sleeve detail a bit better. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPqq2RN91qli3HX6mZ7gsNxIVfxaWCVqH_RPpjELo8rGDwwJuRz3QI_8GiMG9eoPrldzCTe3wbdv-gQO06-EABkmBoEMr55K7VHLj8vd4nrP7SadSiotpIekvUm9iqkPNxfGsTZSA0wID/s1600/IMG_4447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPqq2RN91qli3HX6mZ7gsNxIVfxaWCVqH_RPpjELo8rGDwwJuRz3QI_8GiMG9eoPrldzCTe3wbdv-gQO06-EABkmBoEMr55K7VHLj8vd4nrP7SadSiotpIekvUm9iqkPNxfGsTZSA0wID/s640/IMG_4447.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I originally wanted to wear this sweater on the return trip but forgot to pack it. What I didn't forget to do was keep warm and have plenty of fun with my family!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGPJrZSJCRa3cJMXHqfc-pmxuyaJVuvyYa8kgWulp60_IgHZT66lJ5XZat6GG8FyFtwjPyjrWmkQNdmeWAdJ9liIwFjwTqxZIlLvk_pEZ3vFAQKt0qkKEDwr8hM4VPLE1i8Er1zv2EtJT/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggGPJrZSJCRa3cJMXHqfc-pmxuyaJVuvyYa8kgWulp60_IgHZT66lJ5XZat6GG8FyFtwjPyjrWmkQNdmeWAdJ9liIwFjwTqxZIlLvk_pEZ3vFAQKt0qkKEDwr8hM4VPLE1i8Er1zv2EtJT/s400/IMG_4861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFZ__bvu5d99sVAdZS4STt6huq3tNm4Fse80XW61dIi2E0XsIo2GnnEYkCHLf2yv_MR19pj2Jr8DUH02fvOHo2c4ivmoHlXFJe2jSMiKzRe_C2swEC3AB12J1_Qkr040Hc3rMbZeWUaLG/s1600/IMG_4880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFZ__bvu5d99sVAdZS4STt6huq3tNm4Fse80XW61dIi2E0XsIo2GnnEYkCHLf2yv_MR19pj2Jr8DUH02fvOHo2c4ivmoHlXFJe2jSMiKzRe_C2swEC3AB12J1_Qkr040Hc3rMbZeWUaLG/s640/IMG_4880.JPG" width="546" /></a></div>
<br />
In closing, this weekend's getaway was a much needed act of rejuvenation and i'm rebooted and ready sew through the coming Christmas Holiday Season! Be Blessed!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-79930657455302308022015-11-25T19:12:00.002-08:002015-11-25T19:19:27.724-08:006 Holiday Sewing Crafts for Kids (Round-Up)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_YPZD1qvoRDQPxiBsqdQELhyphenhyphenpXGrHRBe3i60c8tExu31BRWk0ZMmMeh0QbBADC-zWwkat04HV_wV9fNftbZiBDWXSQ4NFZrhIX9rYgD3kJGMZE5KnXXd7922QZkRQ4SoKXcHVsq958Pt/s1600/6+crafts+pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_YPZD1qvoRDQPxiBsqdQELhyphenhyphenpXGrHRBe3i60c8tExu31BRWk0ZMmMeh0QbBADC-zWwkat04HV_wV9fNftbZiBDWXSQ4NFZrhIX9rYgD3kJGMZE5KnXXd7922QZkRQ4SoKXcHVsq958Pt/s640/6+crafts+pix.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello Readers!<br />
<br />
The Thanksgiving Holiday is upon us and this week I wanted to share simple hand sewing or no sew holiday crafts that children and/or families could do together. Being a single parent I know that children can sometimes get bored when they are off from school for the holiday break. And between spending for the Thanksgiving feast and the upcoming Christmas season budgets can be tight. <br />
<br />
I did a search of various craft and sewing blog sites and rounded up a series of inexpensive activities that even your 3 year old could do with a little help of course! These are mostly winter or Christmas themed activities but can easily be adapted to any holiday you are celebrating. <br />
<br />
I love this leaf garland made with felt and yarn from the blog "A Beautiful Mess" I know that fall is pretty much over but you could easily Change out the leaves for snow flakes, angels, or christmas trees even hearts for Valentine's Day would be cute.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8358081ff69e2016300130b50970d-800wi" imageanchor="1"><img alt="1" border="0" src="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8358081ff69e2016300130b50970d-800wi" height="400" style="background-color: black;" width="288" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/09/fall-leaves-garland-diy-project-.html">http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/09/fall-leaves-garland-diy-project-.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
The sewing teacher in me absolutely loves these sewing cards. There is no tutorial with this site but if you scroll down below you'll see a very similar project posted in Parents Magazine with instructions. This project is an easy way to introduce very young children to sewing while working on developing their fine motor skills. These could easily be turned into Christmas tree ornaments or if you use a larger sheet of paper it could be a holiday card or thank you card. This is the one I think I am going to choose to do with my children.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL-8a_csBALnfmdVN_V0XLHjmlwx8X8ZAf7LuwDeVf63hFK22xO-lO-tnJGANoRg4ibHwGJRHL_onY2RVDjoFR4HXcc2uSz9tQwRDURb8Ph4I_f1-iiuUFZUPRu-y9FJBIqbgOnfUTBUP/s1600/4c18e9b57bbe861d472f86eebc5cd000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL-8a_csBALnfmdVN_V0XLHjmlwx8X8ZAf7LuwDeVf63hFK22xO-lO-tnJGANoRg4ibHwGJRHL_onY2RVDjoFR4HXcc2uSz9tQwRDURb8Ph4I_f1-iiuUFZUPRu-y9FJBIqbgOnfUTBUP/s320/4c18e9b57bbe861d472f86eebc5cd000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/goldtop/330122202/in/photostream/">https://www.flickr.com/photos/goldtop/330122202/in/photostream/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What holiday sewing craft round up would be complete without the famous no sew fleece project. No sew has taken American crafting by storm. From scarves, to blankets and now we have the heart pillow. Seriously though.... I think this is a great and inexpensive way to spend time to together as a family. You could even have a conversation with your kids about being thankful or about love and how we express love or receive love as it relates other people in our lives. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgJv6HoSLARyUEbTvBRMZiXqODzfcYIvYS9Th5wcNPqk36IM6o0azpJ6ikRgQxdyzoQEgSLeK3n0Iu31v47FNhgA-UXgeUG08t9-Lzw1WVgsblKFrccobwDrt9US5gZnzaQffJV3mcZtJ/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgJv6HoSLARyUEbTvBRMZiXqODzfcYIvYS9Th5wcNPqk36IM6o0azpJ6ikRgQxdyzoQEgSLeK3n0Iu31v47FNhgA-UXgeUG08t9-Lzw1WVgsblKFrccobwDrt9US5gZnzaQffJV3mcZtJ/s400/16.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://krokotak.com/2015/01/heart-pillow-no-sew/">http://krokotak.com/2015/01/heart-pillow-no-sew/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
This is similar to the snowflake sewing cards. This post actually has instructions on how to do the craft. I love the idea of taking simple shapes and turning them into handmade ornaments. You could even turn it into a learning lesson for your pre-schooler. I also think that as simple as it is its still something that I think older children and adults can enjoy as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBv1A4TRpRW5uoQrmHptI6tHa3G-UWCTwJrJPU8r1HS0B6-skDpf8fEsjGzkOH_SlNSsJOGzS1DGCEqsJk0crKkApZ3yu24Na6BgOgeyud9t3DcAxFpscPDehq76wJZR0MLZTDJiPWD6aL/s1600/550_102150574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBv1A4TRpRW5uoQrmHptI6tHa3G-UWCTwJrJPU8r1HS0B6-skDpf8fEsjGzkOH_SlNSsJOGzS1DGCEqsJk0crKkApZ3yu24Na6BgOgeyud9t3DcAxFpscPDehq76wJZR0MLZTDJiPWD6aL/s400/550_102150574.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/easy-ornament-crafts/?page=2#page=2">http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/easy-ornament-crafts/?page=2#page=2</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I have had this project on my Pinterest board for quite sometime and stumbled upon it while I was preparing this post. This is another no sew option and another tree ornament using yarn and cardboard. I like the idea of making the star bigger and turning it into a window or door ornament.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjHFY8Nmm86eI0OCb1W9Ii-JA3U-WbsCEbJLbwQyqXyx6bH4X94EjX7v8dXapIKS6bF6rafCdRKxXf_p3sbRMt6lKFnaq3UMbj-RNVRvl4f8wuqZQbvPg_Nm7Lbo2f9FON9KH8kPuCGZE/s1600/fb34b1406bd52396570e53eee8b12bb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjHFY8Nmm86eI0OCb1W9Ii-JA3U-WbsCEbJLbwQyqXyx6bH4X94EjX7v8dXapIKS6bF6rafCdRKxXf_p3sbRMt6lKFnaq3UMbj-RNVRvl4f8wuqZQbvPg_Nm7Lbo2f9FON9KH8kPuCGZE/s400/fb34b1406bd52396570e53eee8b12bb3.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://livelaughrowe.com/yarn-wrapped-star-ornament-diy-tutorial/">http://livelaughrowe.com/yarn-wrapped-star-ornament-diy-tutorial/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Last but not least. I couldn't pass up the sock snowman. Isn't she cute! Easy project using left over socks. Some simple hand sewing is involved but the rest is hot glue. I've seen the "Olof" version of this on pinterest and I was sooooo tempted to please the "Frozen" fans out there but in the end her pink hat and rosy cheeks stole my heart!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfPyiPrpkMiP0QGA0e_0Y97R9i6J0fJzne9ncsYxXqIX5UXGL7862Y5lomP3FGoVqcqwi_1xLBAeUI77F2x7xS0Ri298VI4X3a7eEX7nZGC0inT_fYQqa_3RYnYQgH6m0ID42MFzsA3Rh/s1600/DSC_00171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfPyiPrpkMiP0QGA0e_0Y97R9i6J0fJzne9ncsYxXqIX5UXGL7862Y5lomP3FGoVqcqwi_1xLBAeUI77F2x7xS0Ri298VI4X3a7eEX7nZGC0inT_fYQqa_3RYnYQgH6m0ID42MFzsA3Rh/s320/DSC_00171.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://creativemeinspiredyou.com/snow-cute-snow-men/">http://creativemeinspiredyou.com/snow-cute-snow-men/</a><br />
<br />
And that's it! I hope that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and that these crafts help to get you in the mood for the upcoming Christmas season!!!! Be blessed!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-62012959403452187642015-11-22T12:17:00.001-08:002015-11-22T12:17:35.720-08:00Sunday's Best: Week 5<div style="text-align: center;">
"......except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.” Deuteronomy 1:36</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwecb2zJi8mgrGNikL4XYXWZX5ZGATEDt6jks5JjddY3gI3Z7KjcgK9xWXBYXk2upm3GFlN_Th-Timc_dasa1aHJubR07Fgu6Ch3U9SgU1OhHng6O5o6EJH4MoyHuyCttDraxEyhZM5VXe/s1600/IMG_4843.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwecb2zJi8mgrGNikL4XYXWZX5ZGATEDt6jks5JjddY3gI3Z7KjcgK9xWXBYXk2upm3GFlN_Th-Timc_dasa1aHJubR07Fgu6Ch3U9SgU1OhHng6O5o6EJH4MoyHuyCttDraxEyhZM5VXe/s640/IMG_4843.PNG" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am completely overjoyed over this week's garment. Using the same purple dress pattern I made a crop top and pencil skirt set. It is a personal testimony of what perseverance and self-discipline will yield. I mentioned last week that I have been sewing with knit fabrics at the studio and I can't begin to explain to you the things that I conquered. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sewing with knit fabric isn't hard but finishing your garments can be tricky especially if you want your garments to look professionally made. I am especially proud of the top that I made to go with this skirt. I altered the bodice pattern in order to add a yoke using some left over stretch vegan leather fabric. I also opted to not finish the neckline with a raised neckband collar in favor of finishing the neckline in the same black fabric.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPiiTeu-CST3oy3Z4XcJQJoZV7XP9HlOVFOIcZ5Ghsa8abd_3OWAF9v_z6AJFOcX0ihaRl7To6Ex1aeN45XMF-hAy44pzrrlI6_JGOQeVTyYoZL0FFC8fePkd2khhRBcLTET-Xl1Xr6Mv/s1600/IMG_4752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPiiTeu-CST3oy3Z4XcJQJoZV7XP9HlOVFOIcZ5Ghsa8abd_3OWAF9v_z6AJFOcX0ihaRl7To6Ex1aeN45XMF-hAy44pzrrlI6_JGOQeVTyYoZL0FFC8fePkd2khhRBcLTET-Xl1Xr6Mv/s640/IMG_4752.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyINGbGiY4pOZrnawvbvSDxf6Yw3gJLLfCCAGfkhmxAn0EH6IfkgtrhMD7ZG_VMusH_vikNgBUwlgVuQgWlVHgN0MaNvIjhBpscQOi5JMeoBpmSw_q1A9rWvjlGGaL_jiOCr2A9UfyVXAI/s1600/IMG_4754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyINGbGiY4pOZrnawvbvSDxf6Yw3gJLLfCCAGfkhmxAn0EH6IfkgtrhMD7ZG_VMusH_vikNgBUwlgVuQgWlVHgN0MaNvIjhBpscQOi5JMeoBpmSw_q1A9rWvjlGGaL_jiOCr2A9UfyVXAI/s640/IMG_4754.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is the first time that I allowed myself to experiment with altering the style of an existing pattern and although I have used a band or bias tape to finish a neckline before I used a different technique that allowed me to use my serger to finish the edges. Even the inside of the neck area looks clean and professionally finished.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVX5OCYsa-Wl92dhy_VjMOAqM9zfe4w39-pr57dKySTWIqylT2x-eo-4ouDiGiuE9mnFnXfAkgzC5LbD91C11yiufSfnrkjNtLrwDxbOwcXigk-N5mcF_QPXRdD4ubnbk-sHkcnY7aglrx/s1600/IMG_4756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVX5OCYsa-Wl92dhy_VjMOAqM9zfe4w39-pr57dKySTWIqylT2x-eo-4ouDiGiuE9mnFnXfAkgzC5LbD91C11yiufSfnrkjNtLrwDxbOwcXigk-N5mcF_QPXRdD4ubnbk-sHkcnY7aglrx/s400/IMG_4756.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For a long time I struggled to believe that I could excel at sewing. That the passion and love for the craft didn't match my ability. However, what I am learning is that while some gifts that we have come naturally, others have to be developed. This requires a level patience, self-discipline and a willingness to persevere. This week's photo shoot is an example of perseverance. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Every week I wonder where am I going to take my photo's for this post and between making the garment, other business and family responsibilities it always ends up being where I feel the most comfortable. In my home. However, the lighting inside of our house sucks and I had no other choice than to go outside. As you can see from my face in this picture I was cold. I don't know how models do it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UNn97nMgoaCm1OqLAb-7fuaEcj2eQrPSVgbyBqgrQI-R7GT0tcargNrx5dw0PjBIuXY66FXFuK4r1X_tLABivmPK7ay4aen8YAhCvKnENMJHVO7o7wlft1kyVcX42srzL3B0I1LMv0oa/s1600/IMG_4836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UNn97nMgoaCm1OqLAb-7fuaEcj2eQrPSVgbyBqgrQI-R7GT0tcargNrx5dw0PjBIuXY66FXFuK4r1X_tLABivmPK7ay4aen8YAhCvKnENMJHVO7o7wlft1kyVcX42srzL3B0I1LMv0oa/s400/IMG_4836.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Truly though, I am a city girl with country girl tendencies. I love nature and feel most comfortable when I am surrounded by it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3j966PRUdpbvfXmu-IZ9oV4C5mEVHfj-Gz8vaKfyYvWc_3yfpwPyMmEYK9hRE-s1NLlymE-8K1TyM7GUHtMAbD84W6oxFbmRKCsQlddCA7PYwtEl8sNzaQoWi6NiGwnO4zPnxx1mX1v3/s1600/IMG_4838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3j966PRUdpbvfXmu-IZ9oV4C5mEVHfj-Gz8vaKfyYvWc_3yfpwPyMmEYK9hRE-s1NLlymE-8K1TyM7GUHtMAbD84W6oxFbmRKCsQlddCA7PYwtEl8sNzaQoWi6NiGwnO4zPnxx1mX1v3/s320/IMG_4838.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am overjoyed not only because of my dressmaking triumphs but as I am writing this post I am being reminded of the many other areas of my life where I exercised self-discipline and persevered. That's one of the things that I am coming to enjoy about Sunday's Best is that it has been giving me the opportunity to reflect on my week and share it with others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0Ap1n8Ii9PdFyyeYgjVC3IcKon0E2HjG0JhuNF32cVSbZZauuFYKdsOAqUlRDY8WKw-Qy1lAPK6pfaKyhLHIZ8-GBuhkMCi3pWemAAgSSxo4aAw6DW3zt2t3KeHPW-n4-33ZSD8eE2dH/s1600/IMG_4842.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0Ap1n8Ii9PdFyyeYgjVC3IcKon0E2HjG0JhuNF32cVSbZZauuFYKdsOAqUlRDY8WKw-Qy1lAPK6pfaKyhLHIZ8-GBuhkMCi3pWemAAgSSxo4aAw6DW3zt2t3KeHPW-n4-33ZSD8eE2dH/s640/IMG_4842.PNG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmHNIJyZ4flyT6vxA7XGfKiOPk0WUWB7F8DhA1-ZpgIX_sxBE7eGjcb4wp4HNrmTq8qhKRDsMZiVr4aymTa-q6zVNzNNm-97sfUdyb8Q_y-yyvbxRMi0jJwIlOQN70Ulp8J2zsPqjHZaW/s1600/IMG_4841.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmHNIJyZ4flyT6vxA7XGfKiOPk0WUWB7F8DhA1-ZpgIX_sxBE7eGjcb4wp4HNrmTq8qhKRDsMZiVr4aymTa-q6zVNzNNm-97sfUdyb8Q_y-yyvbxRMi0jJwIlOQN70Ulp8J2zsPqjHZaW/s640/IMG_4841.PNG" width="488" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In closing, I want to thank my lovely daughter Asabea for graciously agreeing to be my photographer again this week. I also want wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday! I pray that you all eat a lot and have loving people to share it with! Be Blessed! xoxo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-24944574383403846512015-11-17T15:32:00.001-08:002015-11-17T15:32:16.235-08:00Teach Me Tuesday: How to add a yoke to a bodice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QmpBBR3hfjYo2EfPosaIigsLkbQmlD_Z3hkaxCTA96AARQnhCEgTVS53Q_l4ICTNz1fDAS6nJpPlQS1ysUWuDHDcdwfNQNo7QKrQUT2K6_1_fpA1sajp2B9CEY6Tn-CyUtJfbugFCd0Q/s1600/IMG_4724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QmpBBR3hfjYo2EfPosaIigsLkbQmlD_Z3hkaxCTA96AARQnhCEgTVS53Q_l4ICTNz1fDAS6nJpPlQS1ysUWuDHDcdwfNQNo7QKrQUT2K6_1_fpA1sajp2B9CEY6Tn-CyUtJfbugFCd0Q/s640/IMG_4724.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hello Fellow Sewists! I am so excited for today's post. I have been wanting to flex my dress designing muscle lately. I usually have a dress design in mind and I look for a pattern that most resembles what I envision. But buying patterns all the time and having to constantly adjust the fit on them is time consuming. I am also finding that it isn't always necessary. Especially if you have taken the time to work out some pattern slopers. <br />
<br />
Which leads me to today's post. I am looking to do a variation of the purple dress I wore for this past <i>"Sunday's Best" </i>post. However, I want to add a front yoke in a contrasting fabric to the bodice. After doing a little research and using some common sense I came up with a pretty straight forward way to adjust my pattern. <br />
<br />
So here we go....<br />
<br />
<b>Supplies:</b><br />
<br />
Butcher Paper<br />
Measuring Tape<br />
L-Ruler or yard stick<br />
A bodice pattern that has already been adjusted to fit your body<br />
Fashion fabric of choice and a contrasting fabric ( I used stretch knit for both) You can also use this technique on a woven fabric.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1) Measure the front length from the highest point of your shoulder which is right at the based of your neck straight down the side front of your body to right above your bust line. Its usually right where the front crease of your armpit is. For me this is 8" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2J-UDvJWPx5r2XnqrHwcQnfwV_unHgdXMGwyFkoiKIJfCyNhBKWIIQK1t6t340s8w0UqAlJUsTgaCGUPVLXk9uF3snFEc8pR1J4WBqpN3ZXKxu_QQ19Kt3aBZnDzojlaQpGSEzcKUDcB/s1600/IMG_4710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2J-UDvJWPx5r2XnqrHwcQnfwV_unHgdXMGwyFkoiKIJfCyNhBKWIIQK1t6t340s8w0UqAlJUsTgaCGUPVLXk9uF3snFEc8pR1J4WBqpN3ZXKxu_QQ19Kt3aBZnDzojlaQpGSEzcKUDcB/s320/IMG_4710.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2) To preserve your existing pattern trace your bodice on to a clean piece of paper. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__66cxU_2VueC26Wl4xb-ZDX3B61rG9O9K3GnGSVhXgPX34DJkPEU_OXFQgI4Bkg3BSI4C_aRKJrTU4QshxXRPWwj4uYblinjicCm7-I3tWelD0_TpRdBEwtn8KL1T_aeQZqdxdZ3cv4I/s1600/IMG_4711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__66cxU_2VueC26Wl4xb-ZDX3B61rG9O9K3GnGSVhXgPX34DJkPEU_OXFQgI4Bkg3BSI4C_aRKJrTU4QshxXRPWwj4uYblinjicCm7-I3tWelD0_TpRdBEwtn8KL1T_aeQZqdxdZ3cv4I/s640/IMG_4711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
3) Take your measurement to your pattern piece. line up your measuring tape or ruler with the shoulder point that is closest to your neckline. Now measure straight down<br />
and mark your top bust point. For me this was 8".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTF6d5XyWJEYpEvQ-yNoiiz2bM2IKekXFc6zNELS_MEC3Be33-7mfWULGSvksEnYqDJz5uquikUgfUelZqpmSTMHszJBgTsEaHeoHjl8oFnEamySFLSBuv9UELrBd30J-EvBtG2ghdgDs/s1600/IMG_4712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTF6d5XyWJEYpEvQ-yNoiiz2bM2IKekXFc6zNELS_MEC3Be33-7mfWULGSvksEnYqDJz5uquikUgfUelZqpmSTMHszJBgTsEaHeoHjl8oFnEamySFLSBuv9UELrBd30J-EvBtG2ghdgDs/s640/IMG_4712.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4) Using your high bust point as your starting point, take a straight edge and draw a horizontal line across the top of the high bust area of your bodice. It should intersect with your 8" marking point.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksbhnUzLY3dpygyTnfChgEozgeUwEnb4jRHo1XpUjZszKfX05nRFCwyT5Bnm86wyFlPT2-K_d-eUV6fxOizNIggvLG-i8xlNViCo6eCVA-fKRatcYGVf6xici7q5vX8MpsCvoUmxx5i0g/s1600/IMG_4713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksbhnUzLY3dpygyTnfChgEozgeUwEnb4jRHo1XpUjZszKfX05nRFCwyT5Bnm86wyFlPT2-K_d-eUV6fxOizNIggvLG-i8xlNViCo6eCVA-fKRatcYGVf6xici7q5vX8MpsCvoUmxx5i0g/s640/IMG_4713.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5) Cut your pattern including across the line you drew to separate your lower and upper bodice piece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu69rppa1NcwVVNC7be4r1R7-qzxMBIiFXRE5UJOYA-mNZQrrJ0S6deX9xovJvmA9pkYxUN4hBJPJrGmP2_lErOWN1liJglAGQoBNCiCVBsYYMqdklNiMfNY-odagTfkvWM9ZHgc13Y6H/s1600/IMG_4716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu69rppa1NcwVVNC7be4r1R7-qzxMBIiFXRE5UJOYA-mNZQrrJ0S6deX9xovJvmA9pkYxUN4hBJPJrGmP2_lErOWN1liJglAGQoBNCiCVBsYYMqdklNiMfNY-odagTfkvWM9ZHgc13Y6H/s640/IMG_4716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<h4>
<b>Seam Allowances</b></h4>
<br />
6) Now here is the tricky part. in order to keep the measurements of your bodice and armhole you have to add a seam allowance to the bottom of the yoke area and the top of the lower bodice piece that you just created. <br />
<br />
7) To do this mark your desired seam allowance. Because I am working with knit fabric and plan on using my serger to sew this dress I only added a 3/8 inch seam allowance. You can use 5/8 of an inch if you want. <br />
<br />
8) Place your lower bodice piece on yet another clean piece of paper ( you can do the draft of this on newsprint first and then if you want to preserve this pattern retrace it to nicer paper). Mark up from the upper edge corners 3/8 inch. Connect your points with a straight line using your measuring stick and carefully connect your new line with existing pattern.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKlfNAoIx3LWFLkoWKWkcu334qdFyj7uUXzJXsUdXTsqa3rp_4dKRGqTmQ7LmU4wXDA5ZwLutFLMwNjsekqLLhAGyPYyw7eKYLacpDQNTgSNkSXFNE1uHTwbqHQpCTm_cSqDU7oboz9DE/s1600/IMG_4718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKlfNAoIx3LWFLkoWKWkcu334qdFyj7uUXzJXsUdXTsqa3rp_4dKRGqTmQ7LmU4wXDA5ZwLutFLMwNjsekqLLhAGyPYyw7eKYLacpDQNTgSNkSXFNE1uHTwbqHQpCTm_cSqDU7oboz9DE/s640/IMG_4718.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gn1XDg4ra5WKCxF1O7UOWJBi9L7DeAmtNz4ARX07jsTha1WcA7ViAyvW21IwjTgrkz6e3LPrgxQ_Akb9nRwy07xa_hSxeF6qUnPOsfho0HiU7npsLeaybv_sG6JVUnFKceydvaoa7RVf/s1600/IMG_4719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gn1XDg4ra5WKCxF1O7UOWJBi9L7DeAmtNz4ARX07jsTha1WcA7ViAyvW21IwjTgrkz6e3LPrgxQ_Akb9nRwy07xa_hSxeF6qUnPOsfho0HiU7npsLeaybv_sG6JVUnFKceydvaoa7RVf/s640/IMG_4719.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
9) Trace the rest of the pattern with your new seam allowance added.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFHl-l8pOqIAGTfzcL-yIGnQSHED42gt0GwWazdtWtHJvtG5PdEAtxbMHUtoHcSfguqeK__9iuPRERgW022OqBbQn9S7iafS7buAANTG1XQot5MG2yzP9nvydMTEAWURB9y3LDWHifJAL/s1600/IMG_4723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFHl-l8pOqIAGTfzcL-yIGnQSHED42gt0GwWazdtWtHJvtG5PdEAtxbMHUtoHcSfguqeK__9iuPRERgW022OqBbQn9S7iafS7buAANTG1XQot5MG2yzP9nvydMTEAWURB9y3LDWHifJAL/s640/IMG_4723.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
10) Do the same to the bottom of your yoke piece.<br />
<br />
11) Cut your new pattern pieces.<br />
<br />
12) Cut your fabric using the lower bodice pattern for your main fashion fabric and cut the yoke with the contrasting fabric. Sew the two pieces together. Your finished bodice should look like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aF5-5mQnwdWT5ZkrL5aMgoSeUb04aCb9Ux-DXaFtkyVxKuQENdOs-XYZtiSdbtvMj-F9dZbwm1kgS5iiAkLvGUhyphenhyphenfORUPk6_EjRl7sJCXYJFLBAKyG2Cek8KqNyUS-xNy3Utz5tfLZ90/s1600/IMG_4724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aF5-5mQnwdWT5ZkrL5aMgoSeUb04aCb9Ux-DXaFtkyVxKuQENdOs-XYZtiSdbtvMj-F9dZbwm1kgS5iiAkLvGUhyphenhyphenfORUPk6_EjRl7sJCXYJFLBAKyG2Cek8KqNyUS-xNy3Utz5tfLZ90/s640/IMG_4724.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Voila! That's it. A brand new bodice!<br />
<br />
Enjoy! Be Blessed and as always comments, questions and prayers are welcome!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-16072948646454553052015-11-15T11:27:00.001-08:002015-11-15T11:27:05.124-08:00Sunday's Best: Week 4<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgDH9r0j859BSECyPuFMIH1Ch9aS9tHcLgYHxKOJFyC0J6gVcWfyaGl_CATY5TyLdjCERLJQ_EAvRawzpZ-Mi0XRnMp5Rv35GNAubbMD4EAhspex2m8qz5OhWqUxaSzHhq58QKeGbd4mF/s1600/IMG_4684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgDH9r0j859BSECyPuFMIH1Ch9aS9tHcLgYHxKOJFyC0J6gVcWfyaGl_CATY5TyLdjCERLJQ_EAvRawzpZ-Mi0XRnMp5Rv35GNAubbMD4EAhspex2m8qz5OhWqUxaSzHhq58QKeGbd4mF/s1600/IMG_4684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a>"........she is clothed in fine linen and purple." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proverbs 31:22</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduQah1OcJyC7YjEdLo7ceWcxKFYcOr0nWMyyo-ZJVCV0turAHM7uM_k5XCzmNDzxDI7Q2asJudejrQhF4zM19wp1wcNEX_-eugPGSBb-jF5324gXIH34erxxRdqSUT044s3oA8-SDzi14/s1600/IMG_4684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduQah1OcJyC7YjEdLo7ceWcxKFYcOr0nWMyyo-ZJVCV0turAHM7uM_k5XCzmNDzxDI7Q2asJudejrQhF4zM19wp1wcNEX_-eugPGSBb-jF5324gXIH34erxxRdqSUT044s3oA8-SDzi14/s400/IMG_4684.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Its week 4 of Sunday's Best and I'm proud of myself for consistency and this purple dress. It has me feeling myself! feeling myself! feeling myself! I think like many women, I absolutely love the color purple. So when I found this purple stretch knit fabric on my fabric trip to Chicago last month I couldn't resist it. Especially at $3.99 a yard! When it comes to selecting fabric my eyes are immediately attracted to color, my hands to the weight and feel of the fabric and my wallet to the price tag. All in that exact order and then comes the vision for what I will make with it. I am praying and faithfully waiting for the day that my wallet can afford luxury fabric but thankfully, gone are the days where I use cheap fabric to sew my garments with. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eAs8qxta3sh4g1w0ixXcJDIlU6kUOYQpyN_KHU6LzOVMitYGLAQBJTYLlbq4ToYr_W6c2QmLWlZNIARlj7iGqwInvh-YPErMizH8X-DayUZjLzgqqjhkS9UUFTiC4iylJ1gl_7cTnWnX/s1600/IMG_4657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eAs8qxta3sh4g1w0ixXcJDIlU6kUOYQpyN_KHU6LzOVMitYGLAQBJTYLlbq4ToYr_W6c2QmLWlZNIARlj7iGqwInvh-YPErMizH8X-DayUZjLzgqqjhkS9UUFTiC4iylJ1gl_7cTnWnX/s640/IMG_4657.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlQcc9TJRK2GzsKu3mN3xlcU7Jxd_WntjDFbr2dL4z3ZkWlqSKF55sW_TG-1X6eegqrtOL6ycAcAfbSQtDCWVugWkD1n5CyaS3CNFM-PU14R4fw1ZyvbEq9KLTx30Pnefyl-t-FECpLn5/s1600/IMG_4643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlQcc9TJRK2GzsKu3mN3xlcU7Jxd_WntjDFbr2dL4z3ZkWlqSKF55sW_TG-1X6eegqrtOL6ycAcAfbSQtDCWVugWkD1n5CyaS3CNFM-PU14R4fw1ZyvbEq9KLTx30Pnefyl-t-FECpLn5/s640/IMG_4643.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Immediately I knew what I wanted to make. I have been dreaming of making a simple bodycon dress for a long time. One that is form fitting and flattering but isn't too tight. I've been working on how to sew with knits for the last couple of weeks. Starting with a couple of fitted knit skirts and a crop top which ended with the idea for this dress. The fabric is soft. It almost has the feel of a pajama knit fabric. I plan on being able to wear it to work with tights throughout the rest of the fall and winter season.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeRLPdy5xfP2_nBS7uXl7SPJ5kHL2bnpYqg9_8RG9w251OuOfFBi0I58jMB1Kl5hfja7xkLuzbOnfBlviA7HQ1WscS3swRqw-TM7DbLwJo6vQHZEEHzs8Xq0hMdLTr6rZzhwbKy4Rw7hs/s1600/IMG_4652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeRLPdy5xfP2_nBS7uXl7SPJ5kHL2bnpYqg9_8RG9w251OuOfFBi0I58jMB1Kl5hfja7xkLuzbOnfBlviA7HQ1WscS3swRqw-TM7DbLwJo6vQHZEEHzs8Xq0hMdLTr6rZzhwbKy4Rw7hs/s640/IMG_4652.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now I need to say this before I go on. This is the first week since starting Sunday's Best that i'm feeling myself. I mean like i'm feeling more confident in who I am in Christ Jesus. Maybe its because I am wearing the color purple or maybe because despite how I feel on the inside I keep stretching myself to keep moving forward with what God has placed on my heart to do. I just know that the more I keep reaching forward the more I find myself releasing a piece of my past. As a matter of fact as I am writing this I am feeling a sigh of relief and release in my spirit. I'm feeling freer and bolder.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">The whole modeling thing is getting a little bit easier as well. Especially when your photographer is your 10 year old daughter. Not only does she have the gift of dance but photography is also something that she has been flirting with and I think she's pretty good at it. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
As you can see from the pictures I was having a lot of fun with it!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbm2cg-f5L2i47Isu5ubVPMLaEmXN54JSDPZHQa2kRln_x3IoUkBRaZCGuBEr1u8EW3EOMEeLz8qb-94x5Mk4mtXXle7jvvtJtyruvpiz8MG5PkeyUUkodYjjH6SXlxLQ8kU8Fqt4aqsWJ/s1600/IMG_4675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbm2cg-f5L2i47Isu5ubVPMLaEmXN54JSDPZHQa2kRln_x3IoUkBRaZCGuBEr1u8EW3EOMEeLz8qb-94x5Mk4mtXXle7jvvtJtyruvpiz8MG5PkeyUUkodYjjH6SXlxLQ8kU8Fqt4aqsWJ/s640/IMG_4675.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYf3yUBJuyBDz9p6wE8L43rL9rf8bArR8SDOCrol9qjrqDmbW5_1ec_dyARZ5MvK46FbaWxfVHXZaiiAjhYFzTi79PZpaCweJLD0h7GyjVTNDWkj0ogEkyD-L8iiPWaSVAJhBIj_3JN4y/s1600/IMG_4654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYf3yUBJuyBDz9p6wE8L43rL9rf8bArR8SDOCrol9qjrqDmbW5_1ec_dyARZ5MvK46FbaWxfVHXZaiiAjhYFzTi79PZpaCweJLD0h7GyjVTNDWkj0ogEkyD-L8iiPWaSVAJhBIj_3JN4y/s640/IMG_4654.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My kids even got in on the posing fun for this post! They wanted me to take action shots of them jumping off the top of the deck stairs. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s_O9Oj_eVaVG6Gz_sHHEpt-FxIYZO4uXRaag47n0TlEFJTqDHPq_hgDGcrxU2bQcYJ1Zia1psdLslAFKx9Je4gOcK9sWcGPZtlGoRTKBZKlzFqhyphenhyphengJuUFmpsIhNbR_bNvCPdjyZJMMX9/s1600/IMG_4704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s_O9Oj_eVaVG6Gz_sHHEpt-FxIYZO4uXRaag47n0TlEFJTqDHPq_hgDGcrxU2bQcYJ1Zia1psdLslAFKx9Je4gOcK9sWcGPZtlGoRTKBZKlzFqhyphenhyphengJuUFmpsIhNbR_bNvCPdjyZJMMX9/s400/IMG_4704.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAgYl7UO1dtbdOWKgDkdDbP5DpqDwSfKVfM6Fu07moJmtEOVu7GTnzscNFBgkYr7pFR0MqOQRa8gkMsCtAt_oPw0KqLG2y5EzkmUt8Tb5ujUKq63SiSz7x3ymKxekTm696EmfNJa1rpRZ/s1600/IMG_4708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAgYl7UO1dtbdOWKgDkdDbP5DpqDwSfKVfM6Fu07moJmtEOVu7GTnzscNFBgkYr7pFR0MqOQRa8gkMsCtAt_oPw0KqLG2y5EzkmUt8Tb5ujUKq63SiSz7x3ymKxekTm696EmfNJa1rpRZ/s400/IMG_4708.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I think this week I want to close this post with a question. Is there something that is keeping you from chasing after your dreams or stopping you from living your life the way you dream about it? If so I want to invite you to be a part of the challenge this week and think about what it is and start figuring out what are the obstacles that keep you from moving forward. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As always Be blessed and comments, questions and prayers are always welcome!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-33506482735821010862015-11-10T11:26:00.003-08:002015-11-10T11:26:21.520-08:00Teach Me Tuesday: How to resize a pencil skirt pattern<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjEaWV9HLrqa3B0ARybVAHp1tY9cTCfvEaHNoHP-keeaqWo4LMrQ4MtqmHdLBDdQRAVYB7fSFgIpTXPQzlpJWK_gfur5fTrJn93OO8B88vhSJGiiRg876rBwcZb1l7d1uKkBsapIHmlF6/s1600/IMG_4612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjEaWV9HLrqa3B0ARybVAHp1tY9cTCfvEaHNoHP-keeaqWo4LMrQ4MtqmHdLBDdQRAVYB7fSFgIpTXPQzlpJWK_gfur5fTrJn93OO8B88vhSJGiiRg876rBwcZb1l7d1uKkBsapIHmlF6/s320/IMG_4612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hello Readers! Today I am in the midst of fulfilling a skirt order and my customer is a friend of mine who lives in Baltimore and wears a shapely size 12. Usually I have clients come in for a more custom fit but because of the distance I decided to try my hand at ready to wear sizing! How exciting! which also means I have to work on my pattern grading skills. <br />
<br />
For those of you new to sewing, pattern grading is a technique of taking an existing pattern and making it larger or smaller. In this case I am using my existing pencil skirt pattern that I used to make myself a dashiki pencil skirt and my black pencil skirt that I just featured on Sunday's Best. If you missed that post you can read about it here:<br />
<br />
http://virtuousdesigner.blogspot.com/2015/11/sundays-best-week-3.html<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I am in between a size 12 or 14 right now leaning more toward a ready to wear size 14 and I need a size 12 so after taking my measurements and referring to a couple of ready to wear size charts from a couple of mall brand stores websites and simple math I figured out that I need to reduce the size by about 2 inches in the waist and the hip. I also decided to lengthen the hem by about 1-2 inches in case its too short for her, she can always take it to a tailor in her area and have the hem let out to her desired length.<br />
<br />
<b>Pattern Grading Methods</b><br />
<br />
Now there are 2 commonly used methods of pattern grading<br />
Method 1: Slash and Spread<br />
Method 2: Shift Method<br />
<br />
Today I am going to use the shift method for my pencil skirt. If you want to read up more about pattern grading, Craftsy has a great short article about it here:<br />
<br />
http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/02/easy-guide-pattern-grading/<br />
<br />
OK so are you ready...?! here we go. <br />
<br />
<b>Supplies:</b><br />
<br />
Pattern paper, butcher paper or newsprint big enough to trace a pencil skirt pattern<br />
L ruler or yard stick, hip curve<br />
existing skirt pencil pattern preferably one that you like to fit of.<br />
Writing utensil<br />
Desired measurements<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dUDZ0zvAi1Uu-5rGbj8d_6EtodUr09Dbb-k91QPEoj7OWBjV9YUPqVcqMogretGDhhTuNo8bHzB32fg0YRAtU8V5wSKe0J-vJS8gyMWf29Fqxwzs7GIAFMC_BkDIR2NU4c-ElwSGDQZc/s1600/IMG_4603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dUDZ0zvAi1Uu-5rGbj8d_6EtodUr09Dbb-k91QPEoj7OWBjV9YUPqVcqMogretGDhhTuNo8bHzB32fg0YRAtU8V5wSKe0J-vJS8gyMWf29Fqxwzs7GIAFMC_BkDIR2NU4c-ElwSGDQZc/s640/IMG_4603.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
1) <b>Trace your pattern onto your butcher paper</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuJ89ApCKI7CZCG09Ah8wojR_IgE8frhTKl65Xx5S04yWf5WlCVkX7qAB5f-1nEe7v3NcPtYIH6amOSMrUyqbXrS-relK8espc8P4xgTvDfYmyf9nki1UfH5J28GUdVObqHXtybqDn33a/s1600/IMG_4605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuJ89ApCKI7CZCG09Ah8wojR_IgE8frhTKl65Xx5S04yWf5WlCVkX7qAB5f-1nEe7v3NcPtYIH6amOSMrUyqbXrS-relK8espc8P4xgTvDfYmyf9nki1UfH5J28GUdVObqHXtybqDn33a/s640/IMG_4605.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
2) <b>Mark the amount you need to either decrease of increase. </b><br />
<i><br /></i>
My pattern is measured at 1/4 the total measurement which means I have to divide the total decrease needed by 4. i.e. I need to decrease my pattern by 2 inches in both the hip and waist. So 2 divided by 4 yields me .50. So I need to decrease in the hip by 1/2 inch. <br />
<br />
I am going to mark 1/2 inch from outer corner of the waist point and 1/2 inch from the hip point on my pencil skirt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwavIyoFvH3CK4niiaUM0_cT93jKN8LLbvSJfau1CRvSMs2LNeTLlzfYOF-zMg1p_zkM7pWw9CjLFte7E1qUCJnaFSagO9TxOhtwDGFZbMIxlbFG7CYmxr881EevifD0Buw5726_bTjgx/s1600/IMG_4606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwavIyoFvH3CK4niiaUM0_cT93jKN8LLbvSJfau1CRvSMs2LNeTLlzfYOF-zMg1p_zkM7pWw9CjLFte7E1qUCJnaFSagO9TxOhtwDGFZbMIxlbFG7CYmxr881EevifD0Buw5726_bTjgx/s640/IMG_4606.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3) Using your hip curve connect your new waist point to your new hip point. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK3wvnhiIUxyx_EHdiBPta2kuAvZ3KdLz7gjrYvhim0MVtQMKNbdczSHpnbkw2R2malcHjnX0Ef_ASbbx4eJMnLpBcXOKVeDMyepuHUhgFwKz7VUbDIsIuWprsyW-jEUDThy7GoBEWPuG/s1600/IMG_4607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK3wvnhiIUxyx_EHdiBPta2kuAvZ3KdLz7gjrYvhim0MVtQMKNbdczSHpnbkw2R2malcHjnX0Ef_ASbbx4eJMnLpBcXOKVeDMyepuHUhgFwKz7VUbDIsIuWprsyW-jEUDThy7GoBEWPuG/s640/IMG_4607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4)Place your original pattern on top of the new pattern. Lining up the new hip line with the original side seam and hem line. Trace the rest of your new side seam.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnGm8M6OsfRsfYe4ECO3MXIbKdEvu8x7kkaaLkrgo3P9fLp6LS_ucYg6xUZ943sKB8-byhAlbRIoJEuwUcQZIM-gEi-pRP-U58eM9Nrn1G82gAWR0WmMXoTEUC7DVRbStxXGfpeWl4t7v/s1600/IMG_4609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnGm8M6OsfRsfYe4ECO3MXIbKdEvu8x7kkaaLkrgo3P9fLp6LS_ucYg6xUZ943sKB8-byhAlbRIoJEuwUcQZIM-gEi-pRP-U58eM9Nrn1G82gAWR0WmMXoTEUC7DVRbStxXGfpeWl4t7v/s640/IMG_4609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>5) Cut your new pattern piece.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhUxtj6d5GLfht5Pb_L8i1QzWd12icqjj1BYxVh7HDaLQbSFY4H70ORB_DEn-fbZR30TE_9qVzCEccygTvVvdXiRqFX2ZNlsxoqlkl3D1A8AuU23Bict2EnyvpVzsEjIBCbomFNkBnzOR/s1600/IMG_4611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhUxtj6d5GLfht5Pb_L8i1QzWd12icqjj1BYxVh7HDaLQbSFY4H70ORB_DEn-fbZR30TE_9qVzCEccygTvVvdXiRqFX2ZNlsxoqlkl3D1A8AuU23Bict2EnyvpVzsEjIBCbomFNkBnzOR/s640/IMG_4611.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>6) Repeat Steps 1-5 for your back pattern piece.</b><br />
<br />
There you have it. A new skirt pattern in a size 12. I hope you enjoyed this Teach Me Tuesday as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. As always questions, comments and prayers welcome!<br />
<br />
Have a Blessed Day!<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-6837150437706261742015-11-08T15:40:00.002-08:002015-11-08T15:43:15.968-08:00Sunday's Best: Week 3<h2>
</h2>
<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">"Moving Forward"</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="text Ps-139-13" id="en-NIV-16253" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">"For you created my inmost being; </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Ps-139-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you knit me together<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16253B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in my mother’s womb.</span></span></i></div>
</div>
<span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I praise you<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16254D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">your works are wonderful,</span></span></div>
</div>
</i></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I know that full well."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></i></div>
</div>
</span></h3>
This blog and Sunday's Best in and of itself has been a challenge to me. Not because of anything other than the fact that one of my biggest challenges has been overcoming my issues with low self-esteem. Knowing and valuing my worth as a woman is a huge part of my testimony of how Jesus has changed my life over the course of the last 10years.<br />
<br />
When I share this with others they are often shocked that I struggle to see how awesome God has made me from feelings of being unattractive, to being a good mom or even when it comes to sewing. It is a daily battle and for the past 3 weeks I have been fighting every Sunday just to stay focused and take a simple picture of what I made for myself to wear to church. For no other reason then the fact that God placed it on my heart to share it with all of you.<br />
<br />
Having to be this exposed in front of others is one of the biggest challenges that this makeover has been helping me to overcome. It stems from a long story filled with situations of rejection and racism starting from a very early age in my life. You'll have to read about that when God opens the door for me to share it. For now, however, what you need to know is that it caused me to want to fly under the radar. Not to be too big for fear of being criticized or experiencing any rejection. <br />
<br />
It is also the reason behind a lot of the poor choices that I made throughout my life from friendships to romantic relationships, and even how I prioritize and set standards in my professional life. I often allowed people to do and say things to me because I was afraid that they would stop being a part of my life or I would sacrifice my goals and stop doing things that were in my best interest for fear of disappointing them. Now I am not looking for a pity party, perhaps this level of transparency is a bit much for some of you.<br />
<br />
However, God placed Sunday's Best and this makeover challenge on my heart for the following reasons:<br />
<br />
1) To help me overcome and 2) to share my story and what i've overcome with others so that they too can overcome.<br />
<br />
A makeover starts from the inside. Losing weight and buying a new wardrobe will serve you no purpose if you don't take the time to let God examine your heart and show some stuff that he wants to makeover. <br />
<br />
This past week I made a decision to let God continue to show me who myself is and to just praise him for making me myself. I also made a decision that I wasn't going to care who was watching!<br />
<br />
So if your watching and reading this week I decided to go back to basics. I made a black pencil skirt. I needed one for my closet. One that could take me from work to church. What I love most about this skirt has been the process of perfecting the pattern for it. I started with a commercial pattern and used it to make a couple of skirts and after each skirt that i have made i've worked out some of the fit issues. This is how I feel about my life these days. I'm a work in progress and each day God is perfecting me and bringing me closer to who I am in him. <br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWccGNYXels0PfZ5QbnIxglrknz6tG4C9QRCyb9GmzpyPbB48J-Bz3E1pB6iLOeBX2iXEFtf1mdKY96g_lXEezN1C7cNiUYNEd2uE1ZVD5khcxC10p2Mz6PcEnhzSNKD2tgzx6pwso3Aqv/s1600/IMG_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWccGNYXels0PfZ5QbnIxglrknz6tG4C9QRCyb9GmzpyPbB48J-Bz3E1pB6iLOeBX2iXEFtf1mdKY96g_lXEezN1C7cNiUYNEd2uE1ZVD5khcxC10p2Mz6PcEnhzSNKD2tgzx6pwso3Aqv/s640/IMG_4601.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-84649027012494531622015-11-04T11:55:00.003-08:002015-11-04T13:41:33.834-08:00Teach Me Tuesday: How to Alter a Sewing Pattern: Shoulders<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So its Teach Me Tuesday on a Wednesday here at the Virtuous Designer. I had a series of attempts on what to share yesterday with you all and settled with a quick video tutorial on how to select your proper sewing pattern size. I was quite excited about posting it! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I went to post it on the blog only to find out that there is a size max on video footage. The video was too long..... Bummer.... However, I was not discouraged I thought about trying to trim it down, only to find out that I really needed all 6 minutes of the footage that I had. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I realized I could upload my video to YouTube and upload the video to the blog that way. But I'm not quite sure what happened but YouTube posted that it would take about an hour to upload a 6 minute video! I was like what.....!? Facebook is faster than that. I'm not even sure if I did it right. What I did realize is that I need some lessons from a tech savvy professional or not so professional on how to navigate in the world of video tutorials. So if you or anyone you know is down to give a sister some lessons I am so willing to learn.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
None the less. This morning I woke up still determined to figure out how to post this video or possibly re-video taping it in two shorter sessions. Feeling hopeful with a twinge of inadequacy I decided to work on something I know I can do decently well and that is sew!! I pulled out a pattern I have been working on for Sunday's Best and the lightbulb went off! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I was doing some research on how to make a shoulder adjustment I came across a great article on Nancy Zieman's blog with step by step instructions on how to make adjustments to the shoulders of a sewing pattern. My classic pear shape means that I come with narrower shoulders than most commercial sewing patterns. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here I am working out the step by step instructions and the solution to my blog dilemma was solved along with an aha! moment. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My intention for this blog has been about documenting and sharing what I have learned on my own sewing journey. Sometimes I put so much pressure on myself to deliver that I forget that I don't have to write every single tutorial. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hence the conclusion of the Teach Me Tuesday on a Wednesday dilemma is to share with you what I leaned today and the link to the tutorial on Nancy Zieman's blog. If you've never heard of her she is a sewing teacher legend. She has published a lot of sewing books and has had her own sewing show on PBS for a long time. She's well respected in the sewing community and has very sound teaching. I hope it teaches you as much as it has taught me this week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's the link and as always comments, questions and prayers are always welcome!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/sewing-with-nancy/how-to-alter-patterns-for-narrow-shoulders/</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Be Blessed!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-83595473163029016852015-11-01T10:43:00.000-08:002015-11-01T10:43:57.591-08:00Sunday's Best: Week 2 <h2>
Letting Go....</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Letting go of my past by far has been one of the hardest things that I have had to learn how to do in this process of transformation. Letting go of bad habits, letting go of people that no longer serve their purpose in my life, letting go of how I think about things. old hurts from past situations, and I could go on. However, the first choice that I made was to make the decision that I wanted to change. Many things have changed in my life over the course of the past 7 years and somethings are still a work in progress.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
When God put this topic of letting go in my heart this week in prayer to share on the blog I sensed that there was a deeper issue that he wanted to address in me. As I was waking up Tuesday morning I heard the still small voice of the holy spirit say "don't let doubt slow your progress." See fear and doubt have been the biggest peace and progress robbers of my life. I get a rhythm going and then I get to a certain level in my business, with my weight loss goals, or whatever and I begin to doubt myself or I begin to fear that I won't be able to handle the success so I start self-sabotaging. Making excuses, talking myself out of things, allowing myself to become distracted or my favorite weapon of self-destruction procrastination as a result of doubting my ability to get the job done.<br />
<br />
This week alone I received multiple new sewing job opportunities but I was feeling run down because of a cold. I am the biggest baby when I get a cold. I prefer to lock down, douse myself with water, tylenol and sleep it out. However, doors were opening and I couldn't afford to do it that way. So I made the decision to keep myself focused despite how I felt physically. Can I tell you that the enemy of my soul and my old self were at war with the God in me. Bad habits wanted to take over, Negative thoughts bombarded my mind and wanted to take over. My emotions wanted to kick into autopilot and begin to navigate this ship but I had stay focused on what the word of God says for my life and stretch myself with the fruit of self-discipline in order to get things done.<br />
<br />
That is what Paul was talking about in this scripture. He said its going to be a press in order to get to the goal of winning the prize for which God called him "heavenward in Christ Jesus" Living a transformed life in Christ isn't a cake walk. <br />
<br />
With that said..... There have been some nuggets of knowledge and wisdom that I have gleaned as a result of all this pressing that I have been doing that I wanted to share.<br />
<br />
<h3>
10 Steps to Letting Go</h3>
<br />
<b>1) Letting go is a process that happens over time.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2) Letting go requires that you allow yourself to be vulnerable.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3) Letting go requires that you not be afraid to confront what you have been holding on to.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4) Letting go requires that you acknowledge and receive that God's love is more powerful than </b><br />
<b>the hurt of your past.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>5) Letting go requires a willingness to forgive. Both yourself and others.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>6) Letting go requires that you let go of old habits that no longer serve their purpose in your life.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>7) Everyday offers new opportunities to let go.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>8) Letting go starts by embracing your purpose and true identity in Christ.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>9)) Expect a confrontation with your past to come in the process of embracing your future.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>10) You have to strive in order to stride.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h3>
Week 2: Wardrobe Challenge</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdwYeOb09hdujs-C3-VEj3aBCuSXZsRqb3vAXvaSqld7mYUGSLIVvQA7P7EQzM9nQW0n8LU4l9UqdIJmZaLcTGbyNIZMpVryjJnvbxhYOh78V7kWTIk3Iqmw5BBwGIOJbDf8CzSxqmxmJ/s1600/IMG_4464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdwYeOb09hdujs-C3-VEj3aBCuSXZsRqb3vAXvaSqld7mYUGSLIVvQA7P7EQzM9nQW0n8LU4l9UqdIJmZaLcTGbyNIZMpVryjJnvbxhYOh78V7kWTIk3Iqmw5BBwGIOJbDf8CzSxqmxmJ/s400/IMG_4464.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ironically enough this weeks wardrobe challenge was a blazer project that I started 2 years ago when I first moved back to Milwaukee after living in Baltimore but didn't finish and just couldn't part with it even though it was a little bit big on me now. The khaki green and black fabric was something I had in my stash dating back almost 10 years ago when I first started sewing. The rest of the fabric is a combination of old denim jeans that I outgrew after losing the weight and the plaid on the lapel is vintage fabric that I recently purchased specifically to use on this project. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which leads me to my final point about letting go. Sometimes there are things or people from your past that no matter how much you would like to be rid of it you can't. Instead, God offers us an exchange. He asks us to give him the hurt and the pain and in exchange he heals us and extends his grace so that we can apply the wisdom and knowledge from the past experience in order to create a completely new situation or relationship with those that hurt us. While this is hard it is a true act of freedom. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>I<b> want to give a special thanks to my friend and sewing student Johanna Duckworth of Creative Images for styling my outfit and taking my photos for this post.</b></i><b> I<i>n addition to my jacket the grey knit skirt and pink crochet rope scarf were also made by me. </i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNBVBkeaAZru59jbdk0_1yCwlPuGRb_QKb9OcalbW-LejjjFLKdtaXwbgDAiSqev99rkWSWA9WRU9SmxLWTjMFS1QceoUcDliD9zP6hZQxu5CCl7mRRf5QSSygDY5d8x6XjVWlIhDekUW/s1600/IMG_4461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNBVBkeaAZru59jbdk0_1yCwlPuGRb_QKb9OcalbW-LejjjFLKdtaXwbgDAiSqev99rkWSWA9WRU9SmxLWTjMFS1QceoUcDliD9zP6hZQxu5CCl7mRRf5QSSygDY5d8x6XjVWlIhDekUW/s400/IMG_4461.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2_vRXWJJO4z1iEfNPQVXqa5If_fJUf9lVpaSeSPB0CS1_CaCv2ZjaIIpEOOb_Opg75v3J_UV6DXHiuO-2lcv9bddiqJJ-QKXto68bqWtJY9XoIvlOtwftAlNMDtMLbR5KjTVrnLa9u86/s1600/IMG_4465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2_vRXWJJO4z1iEfNPQVXqa5If_fJUf9lVpaSeSPB0CS1_CaCv2ZjaIIpEOOb_Opg75v3J_UV6DXHiuO-2lcv9bddiqJJ-QKXto68bqWtJY9XoIvlOtwftAlNMDtMLbR5KjTVrnLa9u86/s400/IMG_4465.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-62091521381921757912015-10-25T10:20:00.000-07:002015-10-25T10:32:37.505-07:00Sundays's Best: Week 1<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Purpose</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i>"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2</i></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; line-height: 24px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Sunday's for me are all about praising God and resting. So it only seems fitting that my makeover challenge be about giving God glory for changing my life. God is the reason behind my complete life overhaul. Back in 2009 I </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">began to pray that God reveal his purpose for my life. I would pray about it, I would declare it to myself and to others that I was going to live my life with purpose. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I had no idea that the transformative journey that I was embarking on would be filled with moments of heartache, loss, and personal struggle. What I learned is that walking with God means that you let go of <b>You</b>, so that you can be the <b>You</b> in <b>God</b>.<b> </b>It took me a while to see that everything that I was going through was a necessary step to my personal growth and transformation. However, the person that I am becoming is the proof that it was worth it. I am arriving at my purpose and it feels good.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">The Virtuous women of God in Proverbs 31 was a woman with purpose, making Virtuous By Design, a brand with a purpose. Making me a designer with a purpose. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Sewing to me isn't just about making fashion happen, or keeping up with trends or even setting fashion trends. I love sewing but I believe that my craft has allowed me to sew into others so that they too can move toward their purpose.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">With that said, this makeover challenge is about challenging myself to continue to allow God to make me over one garment and one week at a time. This blog is your invitation to be a part of this process. I hope that it inspires, encourages and motivates you to allow God to transform your life!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">This weeks Sunday's best is what I call my "flirt skirt". This ultra feminine skirt has a flounce at the bottom of the pencil skirt that adds a flirty touch while the ethnic print fabric adds a punch of strength and boldness to the skirt design. I love it! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Special thanks to my daughter Asabea Christian for the photography. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4p5HdUQiHyz4E3oi3OQi7wShmQe4Z4b2zoo6q7N4XYhAEBNDokutCIVdWbNlP01lSaZlVYyHzMLbI49whDHsiqd7i9Ek4c7l5qKaxznfOPCWoQWU46hiLqzO4bxfHEp_wVfO9kPKBLQ8/s1600/IMG_4408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4p5HdUQiHyz4E3oi3OQi7wShmQe4Z4b2zoo6q7N4XYhAEBNDokutCIVdWbNlP01lSaZlVYyHzMLbI49whDHsiqd7i9Ek4c7l5qKaxznfOPCWoQWU46hiLqzO4bxfHEp_wVfO9kPKBLQ8/s400/IMG_4408.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mKOw61bsEiNRkDZ-i9e2rrDUfl-HUHOI_yIy-dVfVGACxidMz-mZfEVh6Re5ehE1HLdZNpkGIvMY_xYzsUg6pXRIuunQZNShH1gZZN0og4vJcxgLxZOTwZ6DThF75V8_tWCKXS2jKCVi/s1600/IMG_4382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6mKOw61bsEiNRkDZ-i9e2rrDUfl-HUHOI_yIy-dVfVGACxidMz-mZfEVh6Re5ehE1HLdZNpkGIvMY_xYzsUg6pXRIuunQZNShH1gZZN0og4vJcxgLxZOTwZ6DThF75V8_tWCKXS2jKCVi/s400/IMG_4382.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcves3seqyHRjw4cqbAuKyIBpB8et_nlUOL52r32NuqdDimTfaMHBP3qkFMglIjm0ZpYGRz4SdpZLpNvwJWuIvJerz_FYrk-m1J1g52WpWYGQjMSaNh6zopSPUfRNVNd7r5USy_xKQatX/s1600/IMG_4384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcves3seqyHRjw4cqbAuKyIBpB8et_nlUOL52r32NuqdDimTfaMHBP3qkFMglIjm0ZpYGRz4SdpZLpNvwJWuIvJerz_FYrk-m1J1g52WpWYGQjMSaNh6zopSPUfRNVNd7r5USy_xKQatX/s400/IMG_4384.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-50860997429034950972015-10-24T07:32:00.002-07:002015-10-27T19:53:53.448-07:00How to Start A Wardrobe Make-Over<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Prov-31-22" id="en-NIV-17307" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative; text-align: start;">"She makes coverings for her bed; </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Prov-31-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">she is clothed in fine linen and purple."</span></span></i><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"> Proverbs 31:22 (NIV)</span></h3>
<br />
In the midst of my excitement for this makeover sewing challenge I realized that I was struggling with the idea of where to start. After all I will be challenging myself over the course of a year to sew myself a new garment every week. In the beginning it may sound exciting and new but over time it could prove to be... well... a challenge. Not only that, I tend to get OCD about my sewing, or I can get super excited about a particular pattern and sew the same thing in a different color or fabric 5 times until I realize that I should probably challenge myself and take my skills to another level with a more complicated project. So I took the time to come up with some pre-steps that not only helped me identify a starting point but also a strategy to building the wardrobe of my dreams.<br />
<br />
<h4>
1) Declutter your closet</h4>
The first thing I did was took a trip to my closet and re-evaluate my existing wardrobe. I decided to throw away whatever was too big, too ugly, too out of style and too whatever else to keep. I actually think de-cluttering your drawers and closet on a seasonal basis is a must do in anyone's life. I have this thing about house clutter and life clutter. If your house is filled with clutter then its usually an indicator that your personal life is too ( this is a place I've struggled with over the years by the way. I'm constantly checking myself in about it).<br />
<br />
I think it was around September or October of 2014 after I lost 25 pounds that I did my first major closet declutter and took this picture and posted it on Facebook as a testimony of my personal triumph with my battle of the bulge!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZBxulBk76BHeSV2M8dnwzCn6PH-XqCLg_T4GFCMsDLJBcVW0uXPFQ1XleORhTd2rw_ZTM0xhhm5LJOHneFvr2F9920Q9opwuwc3O13sKm00NguQJCQPNqmaZWED21qxCUZDlpHU5F00F/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZBxulBk76BHeSV2M8dnwzCn6PH-XqCLg_T4GFCMsDLJBcVW0uXPFQ1XleORhTd2rw_ZTM0xhhm5LJOHneFvr2F9920Q9opwuwc3O13sKm00NguQJCQPNqmaZWED21qxCUZDlpHU5F00F/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Then I invested about $250 buying some basic wardrobe staples (jeans, black slacks, a black blazer, layering tops, etc.). This kept me going throughout the last winter season. Then spring and summer came and I made a few skirts and dresses and bought a few things from the thrift store in order to work through that season. However, in addition to my shrinking closet, I have started to realize that in the process of losing the weight, not only am I changing on the outside but my inside has been transforming as well. Things that I used to like to wear I have begun to see that I was wearing because its what looked best on my body based on my weight situation. Now that I am sporting a smaller waistline I realized that my confidence is up and my courage to be bolder with my wardrobe is too!<br />
<br />
<h4>
2) Create a Vision Board</h4>
After checking in with my closet I decided to re-visit "My Style" Board on Pinterest. I highly recommend having some kind of vision board whether something you do with magazine images or digitally like keeping a Pinterest Board. This has helped me to discover my personal style which I have discovered is somewhere between boho chic and vintage glamour. Far from the jeans, t-shirt and flats combinations that I have been working. Keeping a Pinterest board has also allowed me to stay focused on my weight loss goals, not overspend in the store and decide between what I will sew vs. what I will buy in the store.<br />
<br />
I thought it would be fun to share with you some of my style goals.<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieILt0sGyiLVrmtHGqQmreFqOpW2iIxdDp7mqUvdHkI5RhT5_4H0r24NH0zcuG83VSHakrBijRCz_QgilSfyXXsL4L0izgDssdG2MGSfFis6uyl-_DDgWEJHVMaAYzjR8ArhlAusGahQQ6/s1600/rachz2007312867_p1_1-1._QL90_UX336_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieILt0sGyiLVrmtHGqQmreFqOpW2iIxdDp7mqUvdHkI5RhT5_4H0r24NH0zcuG83VSHakrBijRCz_QgilSfyXXsL4L0izgDssdG2MGSfFis6uyl-_DDgWEJHVMaAYzjR8ArhlAusGahQQ6/s320/rachz2007312867_p1_1-1._QL90_UX336_.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>
<br />
I love these pants. They have a 70's vintage vibe and the high waist and slim leg is very flattering. I have a sewing pattern similar to these pants. These are on my I want to sew list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KbE_RY-Uj-6lN4JOT1607Nv1EemYtpBhQOhjIQuJsgEsSM451b9TmaABvp7Kl1Fp1m6e2dGYesST1Z_dHudFGrhrY2l3w4N9S5QdNsENjgOBluDdbHcDjSr4LudT3lDkVgWdxX6oPAhI/s1600/b1d010ac654f378f440db318bbb97d77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KbE_RY-Uj-6lN4JOT1607Nv1EemYtpBhQOhjIQuJsgEsSM451b9TmaABvp7Kl1Fp1m6e2dGYesST1Z_dHudFGrhrY2l3w4N9S5QdNsENjgOBluDdbHcDjSr4LudT3lDkVgWdxX6oPAhI/s320/b1d010ac654f378f440db318bbb97d77.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
I love the color and print on this vintage inspired dress. This is such a church worthy dress lol!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7f656Hz6GJGehAigBjZkNM73mFVYf1Zq7iVZf_C5ervIfAt0ZJcSMPyZcmZ1unKOGLvNBvN8E53Wq7aPMyhSRcVvyhEfOfHdgpUrA2G5IzcWql8OxJYc5cinyJTABU0N3Au1BZapdrKx/s1600/6e5b74b6662266fe196263ab1b45ccfe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7f656Hz6GJGehAigBjZkNM73mFVYf1Zq7iVZf_C5ervIfAt0ZJcSMPyZcmZ1unKOGLvNBvN8E53Wq7aPMyhSRcVvyhEfOfHdgpUrA2G5IzcWql8OxJYc5cinyJTABU0N3Au1BZapdrKx/s320/6e5b74b6662266fe196263ab1b45ccfe.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a vintage dress from Biba. I am so into Biba vintage right now. It was all about the shoulders and sleeves with them. I plan on playing with this sleeve style this fall. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPnlYsSIbbOvbkO1Kx-BvrW1v2A_e49KidszWT55dt8Vq_GT_2R1s7SnhGAXVbBKXHWuBJ0l4qKlA3W6yEAGpSXAkOIRcLNEgC7Btug9Joay2PgfxkuRHyaEGrcASfL9pWNiLWjJ8__Ul/s1600/cd016f475f9159e064e7238e98db5a98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPnlYsSIbbOvbkO1Kx-BvrW1v2A_e49KidszWT55dt8Vq_GT_2R1s7SnhGAXVbBKXHWuBJ0l4qKlA3W6yEAGpSXAkOIRcLNEgC7Btug9Joay2PgfxkuRHyaEGrcASfL9pWNiLWjJ8__Ul/s320/cd016f475f9159e064e7238e98db5a98.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty and a great wardrobe staple. It can go from work, church and date night if you use the right fabric</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJnqZCOWO0LdhePmp1LZ6RW8SGudgAdBv5dqq1sMeIAWPgKHALy-yg56ejffaUqP35TaoRY0EbpZGifA9iYI7LvWaA6opeu3363t6YvYDUA0AcObTKOnxB9FALUa82zP3xVG60Iw6fHPD/s1600/66c3228d2e59ed4bba9e59d9e22da8c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJnqZCOWO0LdhePmp1LZ6RW8SGudgAdBv5dqq1sMeIAWPgKHALy-yg56ejffaUqP35TaoRY0EbpZGifA9iYI7LvWaA6opeu3363t6YvYDUA0AcObTKOnxB9FALUa82zP3xVG60Iw6fHPD/s320/66c3228d2e59ed4bba9e59d9e22da8c2.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love the boho chicness of this outfit, especially the arm bling! Its a bit over the top and eye-catching in an earthy organic way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9AXfGBFHmvzHiWNFE8h07X3eQFHaYRP0c-LxIFXUwkx4Inh2wXBsLvJj2s8Wd6Hjv3UBq02je5NrLtYwyyBUDtz3VgshuFEIljwGjR50tLv_ohM-SAaOvBfsG2k2ctD9WXcbkuVXLUHZ/s1600/c83a8423e5d4b15fbed9b4d99288e03d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9AXfGBFHmvzHiWNFE8h07X3eQFHaYRP0c-LxIFXUwkx4Inh2wXBsLvJj2s8Wd6Hjv3UBq02je5NrLtYwyyBUDtz3VgshuFEIljwGjR50tLv_ohM-SAaOvBfsG2k2ctD9WXcbkuVXLUHZ/s320/c83a8423e5d4b15fbed9b4d99288e03d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And no wardrobe would be complete without a pencil skirt and i'm digging this khaki variation.<br />
<br />
<h4>
3) Decide what you will sew vs. what you will buy</h4>
<div>
I think this is self-explanitory but in life there are somethings that I have no desire to learn how to sew. Jeans, t-shirts and basic button down shirts are but a few of those things on my list. I do however, think that its important to identify what those things are ahead of time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
4) Start with the basics </h4>
After streamlining my closet and re-visting my style boards I was able to identify that there were quite a few holes in my wardrobe. For example: I didn't have a nice fitting basic black pencil skirt or basic black dress, I didn't have a crisp white button down shirt either, just to name a few. Which led me to the conclusion that it is best to start with the basics. A word of wisdom when you are intending to sew the basics. Invest in a quality fabric and take the time to work out all the fit issues in your pattern. If you do these two things you will end up with a nice fitting wardrobe staple that will last you forever. Also, you can use the pattern to create future garments. I have finally worked out the fit issues on a pencil skirt pattern and I am going to use it as the bottom for dresses that I want to make over the course of the year.<br />
<br />
<h4>
5) Create a list of your sewing projects and schedule them into your calendar</h4>
<div>
My final step in all of this was to take my list of what I wanted and needed to sew and schedule them into my calendar. Sewing takes time especially if you want to make quality garments. If I don't take the time to do this the opportunity for me to not stay on track becomes a reality for me. Break down everything that you will need to sew the garments including techniques you will use and then schedule what you will do on what day. If you do this you won't be stressed out about getting your garment finished on time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It seems like a lot but I did all of these things over a period of a couple of weeks figuring things out as I went along. I hope you find this post helpful and I look forward to continuing to share my new wardrobe with you.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-68264782112486078132015-10-19T18:25:00.000-07:002015-10-19T18:25:03.532-07:00"The Makeover Challenge" (The Remix)<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Prov-31-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><b></b></span></span><br />
<div class="footnotes" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; -webkit-transition: all 0.2s; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; transition: all 0.2s; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<h2>
<span class="text 2Cor-5-17" id="en-NIV-28895" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,<span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28895A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28895A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup></span> the new creation<span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28895B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28895B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup></span> has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17</b></span></h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">In my last post I mentioned that I have been in the process of losing some weight. To date I am down 30 pounds and counting. I have about 20 more to go. In the pursuit of getting my body in shape my closet is dwindling and I decided that I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a new wardrobe until I reach my goal. This however is driving me a bit coocoo! I know your probably saying to yourself: " Your a seamstress why don't you just alter your clothes?" The answer my friends is simple. I didn't like them anymore. I would lose some weight and the clothes were too big and my attitude was... </span><i style="line-height: 24px;">"like this outfit is sooooo 10 pounds ago"!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I'm not that person anymore so why try and fit something old onto something new. alterations can be great if its something that you love and want to keep or its a great budget saver solution. However, I'm reaching for a complete life change and why wait to the finish line to celebrate. Im going to celebrate every pound and look good every step of the way! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">So with that said...I decided that a wardrobe Makeover is in order. But not an ordinary shopping spree wardrobe do-over. That would be boring and not to mention expensive (and really I'm not all that impressed with what shopping malls have to offer these days). I am going to try my hand again at something I launched with my last blog "The Latina Monoblog" several years ago. "The Makeover Challenge", where I will attempt to make a new garment to add to my wardrobe each week. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">This time </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">I'm switching it up. Most of my sewing inspiration comes from my love of vintage and/or dressing up for church. Its the one place where I take my time to get dressed, put on heels, where lipstick and style my hair. I always want to look my best. "My Sunday Best" as the saying goes. So this makeover challenge is going to be focused on creating a new garment to wear to church each week. Yep. 52 weeks. 52 outfits. 52 Sundays of wearing something fresh. 52 garments to praise God in! 52..... well..... you get the picture! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Prov-31-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So stay tuned! I'm looking forward to sharing this part of my sewing journey with you!</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858341377409513271.post-69155631717198424872015-06-24T18:23:00.000-07:002015-06-24T18:23:05.775-07:00Why Not....?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">"She is clothed with strength and dignity; </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">she can laugh at the days to come."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Proverbs 31:25</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
About 3 years ago when I was a house wife living in Baltimore, Maryland I started a blog called the Latina Monoblog which started as a creative outlet for me to share my testimony of healing and restoration through Christ Jesus. It was also the place where I shared my favorite recipes, and sewing projects. After a series of life changing events which included a divorce I put the blog down mostly because I didn't have the time because I was busy working toward starting my life over again as a single woman with 2 children and an emerging small business owner. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
One of the most painful yet triumphant opportunities that comes with starting over is that you find out how strong you really are. It causes you to have to hold your head up high even if you don't feel like it on the inside and after you have gone through so much you begin to look at life through a new level of faith and confidence. Its like your looking at your future and telling it I have nothing to lose, so why not...?</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now here I am almost 2 years later living back in my hometown of Milwaukee, Wi and asking my future on a daily basis why not...? What do I have to lose...? The why not..... ? has produced a lot for me including my emerging sewing business Virtuous By Design, new relationships, my children are doing great and attend some of the best schools the city has to offer and pursuing their gifts and talents, a wonderful church community and ministry opportunities, a new car, (my new house is on the way), I've lost 30 lbs. and counting, I laugh more. Life isn't where I want it to be but certainly not where it used to be either. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And.... oh yeah!This new blog is definitely a product of the why not....? I can't wait to begin to share with you some of my sewing projects, tutorials, testimonies and whatever else God puts on my heart to share with you. Enjoy!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13717486484526607872noreply@blogger.com0