Stitch -N- Snitch

M5050 + M5512 leather and lace

2009-09-29T23:32:00.002-04:00

DSC01202
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Description:
Tops and tunics have raglan sleeves, neckline, waistline elastic casings and ribbon bow; tops A, B have sleeves with elastic casing; top C has sleeves with ribbon casing; tunic D has sleeves with self ruffles; tunic E has sleeves with lace trim.

Pattern Sizing:
XSM -XLG: I used a medium for my sister

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, with the exception of the lace

Were the instructions easy to follow?
OMG these were so easy and the whole thing only took 2 hours!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The quick and easy put together!

Fabric Used:
poly chiffon I got a year or so ago from Vogue Fabrics

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I chopped off 3 inches from the hem of the shirt for the addition of the lace edging. I also used about 6-7" or so more elastic around the neck edge to accommodate my sis' shoulders, she wanted it to be and off the shoulder top. For the inside I used a black lace hem binding since the fabric is so sheer.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would highly recommend, especially if you need something quick. This tunic and be fashioned for dress up of dress down wear. My sister wore it to a club.

Conclusion:
I needed something quick and sassy for a night of club hopping, especially since my sis asked me last minute to make her something. She asked me around lunch time after lunchtime and my 8pm she was putting on her top right off the machine..lol.. I swear I think the machine's needle was still hot! She loved it and it matches the leggings, I also made for her that day, perfectly. I'm sorry there are any detailed pics, but as I said she was wearing the top before I put my label in it :-)

---------------------------------
Mccall 5512 legging

Pattern Description:
Lined, loose fitting, A-line dress, 5" above mid-knee, has gathered neckline, back opening and bias turned down collar with button and fabric loops; dress A has cut-in shoulders; dress B has above elbow sleeves with turned back cuffs; leggings, below mid-calf, have elasticized waist and no side seams.

Pattern Sizing:
8-16; I used a 10 for my sister

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
very much

Were the instructions easy to follow?
SUPER easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved that I did It in an hour and a half on all on my serger!

Fabric Used:
wow its a mystery! I got it from walmart 2 years ago! I bout 7 yards! its an awesome stretch lycra something..lol. it has a snake skin pattern on it!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
none, but next time i make these for my sister I will make adjustments for her booty..lol.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
yes, this pattern will be my TNT pattern for leggings! I love leggings with heels!

b5214 and my sister!

2009-08-20T17:29:00.003-04:00

DSC00963
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Description:

MISSES JACKET, DRESS AND BELT: Fitted, unlined jacket has collar and lapels, extended shoulders forming cap sleeves and shaped hem. Below mid-knee dress has fitted, self-lined, halter bodice with buttonhole and button closing, flared skirt, left side seam zipper and right side seam pocket. Belt has buckle with prong and eyelets.

Pattern Sizing:

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes! with the exception that I modified the belt it looked the same!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
easy as pie!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the cut of the halter, its what makes the dress so special. i also love the pocket!

Fabric Used:
a light weight stretch cotton from Vogue fabrics. For the bodice lining I used a remnant of red silk.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
as usual i used an invisi zipper instead. and i made a SBA from my sis. I was running out of time so I did the belt in my own way. I folded over a piece of white fabric and used stiff interfacing and made the long side seam., turned inside out and top stitch 1/4 from the edge in red. I used a pearlized snap closure (same ones I used for the back halter closure)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Its on my cutting table to make in my size..lol. This is pattern can easily be dressed up or down depending on your shoe and accessory choice- i highly recommend you try it.

Conclusion:
this is one of the 3 dresses i made last minute for a wedding. It fit in perfectly and then later that night she changed her shoes and wore it to the club...lol. I think i will make the little jacket when i make it for myself....
more pics will be up on my blog....

BTW... im thinking of doing a long topstitch around the halter edge in white - what do you ladies think? do you think it will make the dress look too busy?

S5098 - and frantic sewing!

2009-08-12T20:34:00.008-04:00

DSC00453
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Description:
Description: Top A,B,D,E,F have slightly extended shoulders and set-in sleeves. A has short sleeves, mock wrap front, optional appliqué. All views have stand up mandarin collars and close-fitting bodice. B is sleeveless. C has raglan short sleeves with keyhole front with single button closure at base of collar. D has front and rear fitting seams, bust darts, wrap front with buttons and rear zipper closure. E has cap sleeves. F has kimono-like sleeves and frog closures with front and rear fitting seams, wrap front and side slits at hem.

Pattern Sizing:
6-8-10-12 (i used an 8)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
very much!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
very clear instructions. I cut this out last night and it was finished in time for her to go out in tonight - without me rushing!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like the mock wrap over bodice

Fabric Used:
brocade from JoAnn's

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
no alterations were needed, but I did use and invisible zip instead

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
its really cute but I dont think so - but i will definitely keep it in the stash, you never know when i'll need a kimono for Halloween.

Conclusion:
I made this for me sister to where to a dinner with friends and she loves it! I really like the covered buttons and the mandarin collar - so cute. It came together quickly and its the best invisi zip i've dont thus far!

I'm a sewing demon this week! I have two dresses I'm working on for my sister and I for a wedding this weekend and i'm going crazy! It's super easy to fit my sis, so all of the things I make for her just fall into place. My dress on the other hand - HA! The FBA on my dress is killing me, anyone have any ideas?

Lauren's dress in view A

My Dress in view A

M5142 wearable muslin

2009-08-12T17:41:00.007-04:00

IMAG0171
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

TOOOOOT TOOOOT....lol.. thats me tooting my own horn!!!!
Ok I love the way my capri's came out! sorry about the cell phone pics, I left my camera at my mom's house.

* First off I made them using M5142 but I didn't like the flare of the patterns capri so I just cut the jean pattern piece to my liking - they are a 'city shorts' kind of length.

* For some crazy reason I decided to make the low-rise jeans. Umm yeah I don't know what I was thinking, lol! I have a high waist and although I don't have a big belly I don't the fit tummy to wear the low rise of these jeans. In the end I had to compensate the extra width needed by unfolding the waistband.

everything else fits great, they hug my booty and I don't get those crazy crotch smiles. I used my embroidery machince to stitch on a pocket design and I used a jeans buttons for the front..

This pair is my wearable muslin made out of some cheapo non-stretch fabric from Walmart's 1.50$ bin. I'll be making another pair in stretch denim this weekend to submit to the PR contest.

I also finish a baby quilt for a friend of mine --- its uber adorable!!!

busy weekend!

2009-08-09T18:49:00.006-04:00

Meet NINJA!
he/she is the reason I havent been able to finish my pants!!! I became this kitty's adopted parent after the family he was with didn't want to be bothered with him anymore. I'm guessing Ninja is about 2.5-3 mths and is a handful!

The first two days were rocky, all he did was hiss at me but now we are BFFs unfortunately he/she loves Bertha (sewing machine) more than me and wont let me near her...lmao

I'll finish the pants tonight while Ninja is sleeping

Trial for the PR contest ...... M5142

2009-07-28T21:59:00.002-04:00

DSC00937
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

I've finally convinced myself to enter the PR advanced beginner contest.

I've never sucessfully completed a pair of pants, let alone a zippered front fly - so I figured I'd challenge myself and do a pair of jeans. If I'm going to test myself I might as well go with the scariest sewing thing I can think of (besides BWOF- so cute, so evil).

I've been trying to research pants fit, Pati Palmer's 'Pants for Real People' seems like my best option. For some reason every fracking bookstore in the metro detroit area/burbs is OUT! Even Borders has this book on BACK ORDER. Each and every library in a 25min radius is OUT! I even had my younger brother look at his local library. It was there! but he's too lazy to go pick it up for me...lmao

I'll have to settle for all the online blogging and tests to get it right.

*Mrs. Palmer please make your books available for immediate download on ITunes. If they are a godsend and are flying of bookshelves, I want to read them NOW.

now for pictures of the first day of progress.....

non sewing news...... a sad day for the flat iron!

2009-07-26T21:12:00.003-04:00

earlier this week I made a personal commitment, well I guess it's and anti-commitment, to not comb or brush my hair for a month! Totally natural baby! no-straightening or curling, just wash and go. I'm hoping my hair thanks me for this much needed break.

B5314

2009-07-26T20:51:00.004-04:00

DSC00941
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Description:
MISSES' DRESS AND BELT: Lined dresses A, B, C have front and back darts, back zipper, skirt with front and back darts, back slit. A: gathered collar with self loop. B: slight draped collar. A, B: self-fabric belt with purchased buckle. C: neckline slit, squared armholes and purchased belt. All dress lengths are 2" above mid-knee.

Pattern Sizing:
(6-8-10-12),(14-16-18-20-22), I made my usual 20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I made view A, it pretty much looks like the drawing

Were the instructions easy to follow?
When I glanced over them before starting they seemed pretty basic BUT my puppy ate them before I could actually follow them step by step - so I winged it and couldn't use them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The draped collar is what sold me!~

Fabric Used:
It's a mystery! I've had it for about 6months now, but I can't remember where I found it. Its very cool, smooth and kind of has a soft feel.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I modified the entire bodice and the draped collar. I believe my shoulders are a little 'linebacker-ish' so I felt the wide boatneck of the collar would really show them. I brought the entire neck edge and should area in about an inch (sorry no pics, i was frustrated). I also used a SHORTEN length of the collar pattern, so that it doesn't drape as much to compensate for the shoulder modification

I also did my usual FBA, BUT added and extra dart (pic in flickr). For the life of my i couldn't get the arm area to lay flat. I add two identical darts almost parallel to my fba darts and this totally fixed my problem

I didn't use a lining, so I used seem blinding around the arm hole.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'd definately recommend, but if your bust is as large as mine (38f) then be prepared to modify this baby. I plan on making view C before the summer is out.

Conclusion:

DSC00941

2009-07-26T20:51:00.001-04:00

DSC00941
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

B5319

2009-07-24T15:51:00.002-04:00

DSC00560
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Description:
MISSES' DRESS AND SASH: Lined dresses A, B, above mid-knee, have semi-fitted, mock wrapped bodice with contrast midriff, left side zipper closure, A-line skirt with side seam pockets. A, B: contrast sash. A: two-piece cap sleeves with gathers. B: sleeveless bodice.

Pattern Sizing:
(8-10-12-14), (16-18-20-22); I used a 20

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
sure did!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
the instructions were really easy, although making my fba on this pattern wasn't (sad face)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the envelope pictures color-splashed dress with contrast black sash! I love all wrapped bodices, they make the 'girls' look great!

Fabric Used:
cotton for the "Vogue" line at Joanns

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I made my usually fba, shortened the shirk about 1.5" and took the lazy route and simply serged the hem. I also didnt use a knit like the pattern says (im a rebel)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would like to if I remember. I really want to find fabric similar to view A and do it in a knit like the pattern calls for.

Conclusion:
I love the way my dress came out, even though I think is meant to be kinda of dressy I like the way you can make it casual with easy going accessories and flats.

Many more ........

2009-07-23T22:30:00.002-04:00

I am a HORRIBLE blogger!!!
I have so many patterns that I have made and even taken pics of, BUT when you are a HORRIBLE blogger you dont post them...

I'm trying to change my ways, so within the next week I will be adding the newest items first then the older ones.

b5249

2009-07-23T21:38:00.002-04:00

DSC00731
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Fabric: Cotton

Pattern Description:
MISSES SKIRT AND BELT: Skirts A, B, C, D have princess seams, back zipper and high waist. A, C: carriers and self-belt with purchased buckle. B, D: side front pleats and pockets. C, D: self-ruffle. A, B, C, D: mid-knee length.
Pattern Sizing:
14-20 (size 18 used)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
very much so

Were the instructions easy to follow?very easy, it only took me a few hours

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I LOVE the ruffle that stops at the center front.. really cute!

Fabric Used:
cotton remnant from Haberman fabrics

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
The pattern calls from a regular 7-9" zipper, but I used an invisible zipper(take that butterick!..lol). I also shorten the dress about 2.5-3" because I wanted the hem to hit just above my knee (i'm 5'9").

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Most definately! Next time i will use a heavier fabric and maybe a plaid so that the seams and ruffle are more visible

Conclusion:
I love this skirt, it came together with no effort and the fit is great. I cant wait to make view D with the pleats and pockets!

b5216

2009-07-23T16:02:00.002-04:00

DSC00910
Originally uploaded by ldanielle81

Pattern Rating: Easy & Great for Beginners
Tip: Full bust alteration
Current Tags : B5216

Fabric: Silk Chiffon

Pattern Description:
Loose-fitting, pullover top or tunic has narrow hem. A, B: self-fabric or contrast tie, forming shoulder straps, tied at center front or shoulder and casings. C, D: gathered shoulders, elasticized, empire waistline. D: three-quarter length sleeves.
Pattern Sizing:

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, with the exception that I crossed the bodice for a bit of modesty.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Easy Pezzy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like the low cut bodice ~ even though in the end i chose to go the modest route.

Fabric Used:
silk chiffon, from Vogue Fabrics Chicago (one of many fabric road trip runs)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I modified an FBA enough so that the neckline would cross. My bust isn;t suited for the original low cut.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, its easy enough for all - and extra cute! I most certainly will make this again, probably with another chiffon. I like the breeziness it brings to the shirt.

Conclusion:
I like the results, even though the cut is way to low for me, I can see this looking even more awesome on someone with a smaller bust.

I also did a serger rolled edge for the hem and sleeve opening ~ time didn't permit me to do the arm hole properly

Pulling my hair out!

2009-01-04T18:19:00.001-05:00

I have been trying to upload a new blog template for the last hour with no luck!!!!

B5100 EXTRA EASY SWEATER DRESS and M5525

2009-01-04T15:14:00.011-05:00

At the LAST POSSIBLE minute my girls decided to go out last night to bar hop in Royal Oak. Of course I had a mountain of clothes that needed to be washed, so I looked in my stash for a quicky pattern. B5100 had been in my stash for a while and I had the PERFECT fabric.

The pattern was extremely EASY. I didn't even have to rip out any seams!!

I love the cowl neck! I wore a dark brown cami under it - lol for just a little modesty.

(yes I was watching FOOTLOOSE)

It took me 3 hours to trace, cut and finish this completely so I didn't have enough time to serge the arm seams :-) but I dont think anyone could notice.

It looked so super cute on, I think I'm going to make one in purple.

McCall 5525 view C

I used an orange corduroy I got from JoAnn's for only $3yrd. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the direction my coat is going! I was intimidated about having o put a lining in, but after I got going I realized how easy it really was. Im not done just yet - I have to hem it and place button/button holes but other than that its good to go.

Sorry about the cell phone pics- i couldn't find my camera, but I will post finished pics Monday.

STARTING THE NEW YEAR RIGHT!

2008-12-31T20:00:00.003-05:00

so many good and horrible things have happened in my life since i started this blog! At the time I felt they were too personal to share with the world (lol... even though i don't think anyone reads my blog). I now believe that maybe sharing things with people who don't know me will help clarify things. So often the people closest to you tell you what they think you want to know, rather than the truth or even worst tell you things just to keep you down. I've lost friend's, my S.O. (well i gave him away ;-)), and trust in a few family members.

I have gained some great sewing things :-) i bought myself a HUSQVARNA VIKING TOPAZ, made my first lined jacket, a pair of fabulous fitting pants, and much more.... I have soo many new pics to share! TOMORROW though, tonight I'm going out to toast in the new year!

Happy New Year!!!

GOOOOO OBAMA !!!

2008-11-05T02:47:00.004-05:00

I cannot begin to tell you how extremely proud I am. I can't find adequate words to express the emotions and greatfulness I have for president elect Obama. He and his family have touched the lives of so many giving hope and faith to so many in this country that have been pushed aside. The poor and unheard and those who went through the civil right movement. Men and women who marched with Dr. King and listened first hand to Malcolm, can now rejoin - knowing that their dreams have lived and are now finally being fulfilled. I watched as they showed how Jesse Jackson cried - I can't imagine how this moment feels to him after witnessing Dr. King's assassination. I'm extremely appreciative for any person that has had to sacrifice to pave the path the we as a country are now headed.

Gorgeous Halloween Weekend in Michigan and M5631

2008-11-04T02:17:00.006-05:00

In all of my 26 years I can never remember a Halloween where the weather was as perfect as it was this year. I clearly remember going trick-or-treating with my parents carrying an umbrella, and most times with a heavy jacket. This year the weather was dry and only chilly! To mark the great weather I dressed up..lol! I found the cutest bavarian beer girl costume at "PRICILLA'S" (local adult store) and I went to a few parties, bar hopped and then hit the casino! I'll see if I can find a few clear pix to post tomorrow.

I also finished my McCall's 5631

I LOVE THIS SKIRT !!! I cant wait to wear it this week
I made a size 18 and cute off a few inches from the hem...lol.. its just above my knees now

I found a cotton pique that looks almost like the pattern envelope. It's heavy enough so I can still wear it as the weather turns.

I used a piece of black satin for the waist band and bow.

The skirt has three rows of pin-tucks at the bottom that are hard to see on the fabric, but I know they are there - and they re fabo!

ok I'm heading to bed so I can vote tomorrow !!!!!

the sniffles, online shopping and a sock...

2008-10-30T03:09:00.006-04:00

I have'nt been feeling well this week so my sewing machine is taking a much needed break. So I've been in bed most of the week re-reading my TWLIGHT series again (for the third time). I know I'm ridiculous but I giggle like I'm back in high school and wish I could have a vamp BF like Bella Swan. I CANT WAIT until the movie comes out... NOVEMBER 21st!!!!

I noticed that I a LOT of online shopping when I'm sick, but I did score some pretty good deal! JoAnn's was having a 'midnight' sale online so I bought a new dressform. It's a singer that normally sales for $249 - BUT I only paid 99$!!!
oh yeah, oh yeah that was an awesome deal.

Friday I ordered a serger from WALMART.com and it came today !!!!!

Since the Detroit winter is aproaching I decided to start crocheting a new pair of cozy socks. Unfortunately the yarn gnomes hide my hooks and I had to settle for knitting them. I knitting fairly well, but I am the SLOWEST KNITTER the world.
The yarn has been in my stash for a few years: Peaches and Cream - pink lemade

BTW..... does anyone use the BOND USM? Do you know where I can get nice modern sweater patterns from? I know they list a few on their website, but I'm looking for something else.

'Toya

New glasses !!!

2008-10-24T00:31:00.002-04:00

I almost forgot.... my new glasses came in today! They are a really cool plum color :-D Now I get to buy new makeup to match them.

S3622

2008-10-23T23:55:00.006-04:00

I had insomnia last night so I figured I'd finish the S3622 I started a few weeks ago while the weather was still warm. I'm horrible when it comes to knowing different fabric types, but I think would would be called a jersey knit - anywhoooo its super comfy! For more color options I omitted the undershirt that the original pattern calls for. This way I can wear all sorts of coordinating cami tops.

The best part of the dress are he elastic banded sleeves. I normally hate doing sleeved but these came together without any blood being shed - believe me, it's happened many times before.

My BF decided he wanted to be Top Chef: Detroit edition and made meatballs and mini calzones today. The meatballs were so moist and tasty, but those mini calzones were off the hook!

I'm working on my first pair of pants tonight --- wish me luck!

'Toya

FINALLY !!!!!

2008-10-23T01:03:00.006-04:00

I've been sewing for the last year and a half, but not until 6months or so ago I discovered Toy's blog. From there I ventured to Erica's, Mimi's and Adrienne's corners or the web. Well to say I'm a sewing blog stalker wouldn't be too far from the truth :-) Needless to say after I saw all these awesome women creating awesomer (toya-ism) garments it inspired me to really start sewing seriously.

So basically ......... Hello I am La'Toya, proud parent to Jade, Rockefeller and Oreo(2canines 1feline). I travel from Detroit to Chicago monthly just to fabric shop I own over 79 unused patterns, 14 used patterns and I've been a sewing fabric-holic for 6+ months :-D

I'll posts some pics of the most recent things I've manager to whip together.