Taffy modeled & some funny pattern pics

So first up, here’s my Taffy in person:

Ok now that that’s done I wanted to share some amusing patterns I have in my possession, inspired by Annabelle’s post on strange pattern purchases and at her suggestion to share some of them, here you go – enjoy!:

ok maybe some people love 80’s fashion but large shapeless garments and shoulder pads are NOT my friend so this one is a “no” lol.

I realize men have to wear robes sometimes but that man in view A needs some pants too! lol

Is it me or are those shoulder pads in those nightgowns? I could never wear these to bed – I’d be afraid they’d suck me into another dimension lol

I know these are supposed to be cute but I just think they are creepy lol.

If anyone disagrees with my thoughts and absolutely must have one of these gems I’m happy to give them a loving home – otherwise I guess these orphans are all mine 😉

Sew Colette & Spring Palette Challenge: Taffy Complete!

I finally finished the Taffy!

Hard to tell but it’s very sheer blue chiffon with an off white bubble pattern.

I made quite a lot of my own changes.

Obviously my usual FBA – yes even with a looser top; believe me, it’s necessary. It was a bit tricky on this one cause of the unusual dart but I managed to make it work 🙂

The most obvious change is that I opted not to use bias tape, as my fabric was SO lightweight and sheer, I felt it would take away from its delicacy. Also I didn’t want the sleeves to stick out too wide, as I don’t need any extra attention on my chest area lol. So I did a rolled hem on the neck, sleeve edge and hem. I think it looks lovely, and really suits the fabric.

Also I made self ties instead of bias tape ones, again because the fabric is so delicate, I wanted the ties to be more flowy.

This was my first bias garment and it was tough to cut because a) my work surface was too small and b) the fabric was so slippery, even with spray starch. Nevertheless I LOVE the look and feel of bias tops so I would do it again 🙂

I also sewed the first step of the french seam for the sleeve on the wrong side (even after checking it twice lol) It was this mistake that caused the long delay in me finishing it, due to my own shame and disgust lol. In the end, instead of seam ripping on my delicate fabric I just finished the sleeve seam with the serger.

Other than that the blouse sewed up fairly quickly and the fit is great – I’ll post pics of it being worn soon 🙂

my first giveaway win, unsolicited compliment, & sneaky peek!

I’ve been remiss in not posting this sooner but awhile back I won my first giveaway: 3 m of this gorgeous ricrac in one of my favourite colours; bright orange – from the lovely & talented Karen of DidYouMakeThat

I received it in the mail a couple weeks ago but really wanted to have a project plan for it before I posted it… but I’m drawing a blank! I really want it to be used for something special cause I love the colour so much 🙂 Ideas? 🙂

Also as a side note I got my first non-friend or family compliment on a me-made item today; ironically the baby doll blouse I blogged about here. I did make it small enough to wear and it’s the only me-made I’ve worn to work… and voila! compliment from my boss’ fashion savvy wife; I didn’t tell her I made it, though cause I’m really not proud of it lol.

And now for a gratuitous cat pic (and also a sneaky peek at my Taffy fabric!):

Yippee!!! Spring!!!

My very favourite season of all is Autumn but there’s nothing quite like the newness of Spring to kick up a girl’s heels and rejuvenate the spirit – the smell in the air here in the Lower Mainland is intoxicating; Japanese cherry blossoms, all manner of flowers, shrubs and flowering trees – enough to delight the senses from dawn til dusk and beyond 🙂 We are SOOO blessed!!

It’s also the time where for many of us we start dreaming of lighter clothing and outdoor activities – the weather is so mild here on the coast, we don’t get THAT cold of a winter, but it sure is nice when one can put away the jacket and wear a hoodie instead, and when you start noticing you need a pedicure for those open toed shoes you’re dying to have a chance to wear again 🙂

All that being said, I’ve been on the prowl for a 50’s style sundress; the kind with wide straps, a straight across bodice and angled pockets, and LO!! Sarai from Colette patterns must have heeded my spirit’s call because what does she reveal in all its glory…..

LILY!!!

the absolutely perfect sundress: retro 50's chic meets modern bombshell - STUNNING!!

 

Colette Patterns has also released two other lovelies: another sundress – Hazel – with clever V-front seaming, perfect for stripes or border fabrics (I’m thinking of this in bordered eyelet at a later date) and Iris, the most perfect shorts I’ve seen in a long time: not too long, not too short, and with clean lines and shape, making them both elegant and summery – not at all frumpy like a lot of shorts look on me (i’ve ordered them, we’ll see if they look as elegant on my not-quite-as-willowy figure LOL)

I should be wrapping up my Truffle dress this week, and will be making some headway on the Taffy blouse this weekend so I’m almost caught up on my Sew Colette projects… this means by the time my new patterns reach me I might actually be able to sew them!! YIPPEEE FOR SPRING!!!! 😀