OOOoohh the infamous UFO's. When I originally saw V9253 I pictured the perfect fabric for it. I started the project and just couldn't go on with it. I don't know what it was. I just ditched the whole thing. I eventually got back to it and here is the finished look. Of course, I had to add my own twist to it and tbh I really can't see much wear for the pattern as just a dress, so I decided to make it into a duster/ wrap dress. Fall is on its way and dusters are in, so I think I am ready. I love the versatility of this.

These were the adjustments I made
- No pockets
- Fully closed back
- Fully open front for wrap effect
- Bias binding all through the front
- Fabric used was an African Print, Wax Print

I was trying to get ready and the camera wouldn't let me be great

Trying to run to my spot LOL

Trying to run to my spot LOL

 

When I saw Vogue pattern V9253 come out this summer I thought it was all things amazing. To be honest I thought it was so me (cept the plunging neckline) and everything I love. A line style, Kimono Sleeves, Belt. It gave me my life on a platter LOL. So when McCall's Pattern company decided to have a competition for the pattern I was so on it. Ok, truth is I was on it but I was so swamped with work so I kinda waited the last minute.

I had seen so many entries for the dress all gorgeous and I figured I needed to do something different. I am currently into dusters and kimonos and I looked at the pattern and figured this would make a great kimono or even wrap dress. For the fabric, I didn't want to be stuck only wearing this in the summer months and so I thought fall and winter are coming, What would be great for fall. A quick trip to hobby lobby and I stumbled onto this Faux Leather and I fell in love. Kind of made me feel rebellious... tough biker chick ha ha. My vision was long leather duster with some ripped jeans or wrap dress that I could dress up or down. 

The leather was surprisingly soft and I thought I needed to switch needles but my universal needle was fine. These were my modifications to the pattern:

Double pleats on each side of the front skirt - Left out
Zipper on back - Left out, cut as a fold
Center front of skirt - Cut for the wrap or jacket effect
Used Front skirt pattern because I lost the back one. Couldn't find it for the life of me LOL. Yes my sewing room is a mess LOL
I Would add buttons to the front skirt but I like the way it is for now.

And that was that. Do not adjust your screens you are not in the matrix and the Faux Leather looks better in person than it does in pictures. I promise you I didn't use a garbage bag LOL.Oh And this is not summer friendly, I was sweating bullets just taking pictures in this LOL... How does it look? Yay or Nay, How would you style this? Let me know

One of my favorite pieces of clothing is the shift dress. Its comfortable, cute and very forgiving. Also for some of us non "curvys" it hide's that very well, not that I am saying it's anything to be hidden. Anyways I have been playing around with different styles of the shift dress and I recently made one with Vogue 8897 pattern using a Java Wax African Print fabric here. Well I was at it again and this time I decided to add bell sleeves. Anything bell sleeved is trending right now and I was wondering how I could incorporate that into my sewing. So my shift dress it was.

From the sleeve of the pattern I cut it short and added a gather bell to the end. The pattern is really dress length but somehow I cut it short to about tunic length. I am sure this still can be worn as a dress but that removes the comfort-ability for me. So cue the jeggings. Can I safely say I LOVE THIS TUNIC. I will be definitely making more and watch out for some in my Etsy store. One of my friends suggested I start to name my clothing (Ok I laughed at this) but yeah, I think its a great idea, so I will be calling this bell sleeved tunic, the Thabo Tunic. Thabo simply means Joy or happiness and that is definitely what I feel when I wear it.

Its's been a while, hasn't it?

It's been a busy time and it doesn't help it's already the end of the year, the holidays, the busiest season of the year. I have been sewing but haven't been sewing much for myself and that is not entirely bad, but I do want to whip up a few things for myself. I am working on a few things but my most recent project led me to one of my most favorite style of dresses. The shift dress. I just love the way shift dresses fall especially for some of us that have not been blessed with curves. I decided to make my version in an African Wax Print Fabric using  a highly modified Vogue 8897. I took mine in a few inches, shortened it as well as the sleeves and lessened the V opening. Don't look to hard at the pattern. I had no intention of lining the pattern but it kinda worked out. It's winter so I can definitely pair this with some tights and a coat. I love it. How did I do?

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