The One Year Challenge Catch Up

A funny story ;)

Mr. Berkley has discovered cicadas. We will be walking along, and the next thing I know, the little guy has 1 in his mouth, and is happily crunching away. He LOVES them! Ick!!! Well, it must not be ick to him. While we were out for our evening walk last night, he managed to grab 2, and this morning, my husband told me that he didn't need his breakfast as he had managed to grab 3 more. Don't worry, he got fed :) As we were walking last night, I told my husband that it must be a boy thing. I've only had female dogs up to this point, and not a 1 ever ate a cicada. I swear they are like candy to Berkley. But, as sweet and wonderful as he is, I will overlook the cicada breath ;)

As I've shared, my 1 year challenge is going well, I have yet to miss a day. I will admit that it can be challenging at times. But, I guess it's not a challenge if it's not challenging!!!

I am not going to do a complete catch up today as the post would go on for far too long. Reminds me of a concert that we attended a while back. There's a guitarist that I absolutely love, Doyle Dikes. By all means, check him out! The concert was coming to a close, and he made a comment about wrapping things up. My husband hollered out, we don't have anywhere to go! With that, Doyle looked up, smiled and said, "I learned the hard way that I can play longer than you can listen!" 

Going all the way back to July 24th...this is a remake of a dress I did a few years ago. I had made the same dress in pink, and I so loved it. Wore the dress when we drove to Detroit to pick up Berkely. The poor little guy was so anxious, crawled all over me, and destroyed the dress. But hey, I can make a new dress!!! This one is actually a bit better as I added side seam pockets. It's the free pattern from Fabrics-store.com, the Chelsea Linen Raglan Tee. Obviously, I lengthened it into a dress, and gave it a shirttail hem.              

 

I didn't make the top I am wearing, but I did do the skirts, and yes it's plural.

Here's a little video that explains it all :)

All out cowgirl ;) I was going through a drawer looking for some fabric when I came across this pair of pants that I had drafted, and partially sewed together. Finishing them was long overdue. Got them done, and I love them!!! 

This is another piece that sat languishing on my sewing table for a few years. I had drafted it out as a Fabulous Free Pattern Friday post to be. Now that it's finished, I will get the post up. So simple to do.  

Once I got the dress together, I felt that it needed a little something, so I added the ties. I love how the ties give the piece a little extra interest, and a little shape through the bust.

 

My lemon pants. Love these pants. I used an old Vogue/Micheal Kors pattern for the pants.  

My tee was a piece that I did for a Free Pattern Friday post. At least, I thought I did. I can't find it! Maybe I should do a repeat. Here I called it the perfect social distancing tee ;) Hey, we may as well laugh than cry. 

We're finally up to July 29th. It looks like a dress, but it's actually 2 pieces, the Molly Tee from Pattern Union.  

The skirt is, at least I think so, this super cute, and sadly an out of print McCall's pattern. I've made 2 skirts from this pattern, and I love them.  

July 30th was a 2 outfit day. I began the day wearing this little wrap skirt. I so love the pattern. It's actually based on a leaf of lettuce. Sadly, the pattern is not available. The designer is in grad school and hopes to get her pattern line back up and running once she's finished.  

That evening I wore this outfit that was inspired by a Maria Pinto piece. I SOOOO love this outfit. It works well with flats and heels alike. We had an opportunity to attend an outdoor concert. It felt so good to actually be listening to lovely music in a concert setting once again.

I have had this dress for years. Sadly, I have yet to find the pattern.It's a fun dress that wraps to the back, and then wraps to the front. The only problem is that if you are caught in a strong wind, you might have a wardrobe malfunction when if the back blows up too high!    

The following day, I was out flying. If you've followed the blog for a while, you may remember this from my Sleeves on Saturdays series. I used the free Plantain Tee from Deer and Doe to create the top. You can find the instructions for drafting the sleeve HERE. 

I love to at least try and keep Sundays special, so I pull out something that just feels lovely. You may remember this piece from my Fabulous Free Pattern Friday series. It's the Perfect Travel Dress,  just 5 easy rectangles. You can find the instructions to make 1 of your own HERE. 

Here's a little video to see how the ties work.

So, with a little advice from Doyle Dikes, I will end here. But I'll be back with another post quite soon. Believe it or not, these posts take quite a bit of time to put together. But, it's worth it as I so appreciate all of you who drop by.

Until next time...

Sew On!!!

Rhonda

The Perfect Travel Dress Now Available On Video

So many of you enjoy tutorial videos. They can really be an added bonus to a written tutorial.
I received an email from Sew News announcing that the episode I did on the Perfect Travel Dress is now available as a download for only $1.99. The Perfect Travel Dress is the second most downloaded tutorial of all the Fabulous Free Pattern Friday pieces that I have done. Amazing! So with that in mind, I thought you might like the info on the video download. Just click HERE for all the info. From 3/17/2016 to 3/19/2016, use promo code 15GREEN and receive 15% off your purchase!

If you are one of the few who has not seen the tutorial for the Perfect Travel Dress, just click HERE.

Happy Traveling!

Rhonda

A Happy Surprise and a Great Friend

I was working away in my studio yesterday when the mail came. My husband appeared with a magazine in his hand. It was the new issue of Threads Magazine. If you haven't seen it r received it yet, check out the fabulous top that's on the cover. It's a Kenneth King original, but then everything from Kenneth King is original!!! This would be a super fun top to make. In fact, I think it might translate into a few other garments as well.

Nestled back in the Reader's Closet section is my little polka dot skirt that I made last year for Sewing Indie Month. If you are new to the blog, I headed up the pattern hacking category for Sewing Indie Month and had a blast with it, I do like to chop things up!!!
The pattern is the Zlata Skirt Pattern from Stepalica Patterns.

Here's a picture of me in the skirt. I was shocked to receive a message from Threads asking to feature my skirt in the magazine. Honored and shocked! The skirt was sent off back in January, which was great timing since I wouldn't wear it all winter. When it came back home, I pulled it out of the box and wore it the next day. A little like a good friend returning from a long journey. If you would like to see the posts I did on the skirt, you can find them HERE and HERE. 

Thank you Threads!!!!!

I would like to preface this picture by saying that I am greatly blessed to have a friend like Cennetta from The Mahogany Stylist. She has believed in me, listened to me moan, and promoted me every chance she gets. In fact, there's a link on HER blog(not mine)to all the posts I've done for Sew News. My wish is that everyone could have a friend like Cennetta. If you do, count yourself very fortunate.

You may remember the Perfect Travel Dress I did some time ago. Cennetta has made a number of them, she loves them! But check this one out. Talk about VAVAVAVOOM!!! This is her beautiful daughter Lauren, or as I affectionately call her, Miss DeeDee :) The dress was made for our upcoming Haute Couture fashion show this Sunday. You can see more pictures on Cennetta's blog HERE. 

                                               

In closing, I thought I would share this picture with you. I'm feeling very overwhelmed at the moment, just a lot on my plate. I love this picture because it speaks to me of determination against all odds. When the quest seems insurmountable, it will be, unless you try :)

Happy Friday. I wish for you great friends, happy surprises and something that will make you work hard for the prize!
Rhonda

Frabjous Couture's Me Made Mondays

If you have not been following Frabjous Couture's new(relatively new anyway)weekly post, she has decided to make Me Made May a weekly event. If you would like to commit to a weekly Me Made Garment, be sure to check out her blog. The garment does not need to be worn on Monday, just one day during the week. It's a nice opportunity to showcase garments throughout the year and an easy challenge to commit to just one day out of the week.
About a month ago I got the dress I did for the Sew It All television program back. They keep everything until they are sure they won't need it, so it can be quite a while before you get it back. You may remember that this is the Perfect Travel Dress.You can find the tutorial here. I wore the dress to church and when I left home, the sleeves were pulled up. During mass, they came down as it was so cold in the church and I needed something over my arms.

 My hibiscus is in bloom and it matches the dress!

 Rectangles, I love them!

Some of you have seen the Sew It All episode where I talk about how to make the dress. They sent me the DVD and I have yet to open it and take a look :( I really should!!
Hope you are or you have had a great day!
Rhonda

My Sew It All T.V. Episode

Last week I did a post about what went into creating the skirt and blouse that I did for the Sew Stylish article.

I have an extra magazine that I would like to give away. I had said that I would announce the winner today, but I will give you all one last chance to get you name in if you would like an opportunity to win. Just see this post, http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-sew-stylish-cover-inside-story.html and leave a message there. I'll announce the winner first thing tomorrow morning.

You may remember that I won the Sew It All contest last year and went out to Denver, Colorado last October to tape an episode. Be sure to check your local PBS program guide as the show will be airing soon. I will be in episode 709. You can read about it here on the Sew News blog.

If you would like to read the instructions before the show airs, you can find them here,  http://www.sewitalltv.com/episodes/series_700/episode_709.html
Since the number of the show is 709, it will not be one of the first to air, so you have plenty of time to find out where and when it will air in your area. I'm just so excited....and a little nervous as well, actually, a lot. The entire show was taped in one take. Whew!!! Once I have some info as to when it will air in the Chicago area, I'll be sure to let you know.
Thanks so much for all everyone did to help make this happen for me!
Rhonda

Starting The Year Out With a Perfect Travel Dress

Good Morning and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
I had intended to get out a special Wednesday Showcase post yesterday, but I had a house full of guests and by the time they left, I was exhausted. So that post will wait until next week.
To begin this new year, I want to take a look back and share with you the lovely Perfect Travel Dress

that Cennetta of http://themahoganystylist.blogspot.com/ did for her daughter for Christmas. When I saw this picture, my first response was WOW!!!!! I think she looks absolutely incredible! And better yet, she loves her dress. Whew ;)

I actually had the opportunity to see Lauren in the piece but she was wearing it as a top like she is in the picture below. She wore the sleeves with less gathering which allowed them to hang a little longer on her arms, so you can see just how versatile the piece is.    

You can find Cennetta's full post and review here, http://themahoganystylist.blogspot.com/2013/12/rhondas-perfect-travel-dress-in-review.html. She's planning to make another for her sister.
If by chance you would like to give one a try for yourself, you can find my original post here, http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com/2012/10/fabulous-free-pattern-friday_13.html Please note that the measurements that I have given for the neckline are the minimum for the opening. Once you cut the neckline, try it on and if you would like for it to be a little more open, you can then cut the neckline a little bigger. Remember, you can always cut more away, you just can't put it back!!
Thanks so much Cennetta for giving the Perfect Travel Dress a try!!! You did an amazing job.
Remember, this dress will be on the program Sew It All sometime in either February or March. As soon as I know when it will air, I will let you know.
Wishing us all a fabulous new year!!
Rhonda

Fabulous Free Pattern Friday, The Perfect Travel Dress Hits The Road

Hi Everybody, just in case I didn't say hi a little earlier with the pillowcase post :)
On Monday I will be flying to Denver and then I'll be headed to the Sew News office for the Sew It All taping of the Perfect Travel Dress. It's been a while, but you may remember that, thanks to your help, I won the Sew It All Casting Call Contest. Here's a link to the video,  http://www.sewitalltv.com/contests/casting-call.html Just click on the video that is above my picture and you can see my audition.

I call this the perfect travel dress because it is so versatile and the trick to making it versatile are the drawstrings that are on the shoulders as well as both side seams of the skirt portion of the dress. Here is a link to the original post with instructions,  http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com/2012/10/fabulous-free-pattern-friday_13.html
The sleeves can be long or short.

 The side can be pulled up and worn with tights.

Or, you can pull up both sides and make the dress into a top. Match it with a top, a skirt, a couple of pairs of tights and you are prepared for a number of days on the road.

This is the dress I made for the audition. I wore it quite a bit over the summer. As you can see, the neckline is a little closer to the neck. 

 Here's a sneak peak at the fabric that I'm using for the taping.

I'm super excited. I think this is going to be so much fun.
So sorry that there isn't a new Fabulous Free Pattern Friday piece today. It's been far too long since I've posted one. I do plan to have one next week and finally be back on schedule.
Thanks so much to all of you who helped make this a reality for me. It's just a dream come true!!!

Fabulous Free Pattern Friday/The Perfect Travel Dress

For this dress I was inspired by the travel wardrobes I see many of you post. One of the bloggers that I feel is a master with a travel wardrobe is Margy of http://fool4fabric.blogspot.com/. She is absolutely incredible. I am convinced that she can take 6 garments on a month long trip and make it look like she has a new outfit every day. Check out her blog and see what I mean.

I am calling this dress,

The Perfect Travel Dress

So easy to do, just 4 rectangles, well actually 5 if I count the neck band. There are many ways to wear this dress as there are drawstrings in the shoulders and down the sides of the skirt.

Draw up the sleeves and it has a little different look.

The shirring in the top of the sleeve.

Draw up the skirt a bit for a little sexier look.

 Draw it up more and pair it with a pair of tights.

 Draw it up a whole lot more and it becomes a top.

 And of course the sleeves can be lowered or drawn up, whichever you like.

From the picture above and the picture below, you can see that the dress is just a rectangle across the top and another rectangle for the skirt.

To draft the dress, begin by measuring from the top of your shoulder, over your bust to the length that you would like the top portion to be. My measurement was 16". By the way, my fabric is knit. This dress does not have to be made from a knit, but if you do decide to make it from a woven fabric, you will need to include a zipper down the center back or you will never get into it.
My fabric was 60" wide. I used the width of my fabric and cut the rectangles for the top portion of my dress across the width.
The skirt measurements will be your hip measurement, plus at least 1" for ease, 2" is usually better. I always like to have a little extra and take it up if I choose. If there isn't enough fabric, there just isn't enough fabric. So your hip measurement plus 2" of ease by the length that you would like your skirt to measure.

To cut the neckline in the top of your dress, find the center.

Measure over 3" on either side of center and mark. Measure down from center 2 1/2". Connect your marks with a smooth curved line and cut open the front of your neck. For the back you will once again measure over 3" and then measure down only 1/2". I wanted my back neckline to sit a little higher at my neck. If you would like a more open neckline, you can always cut more out, just remember, you can't add back. Put the top portion of your dress aside for now as we will work on the skirt portion of the dress.

Begin by putting the hem in the 2 skirt panels. You do not want the side seams sewn together at this point. Once the hem in sewn in, sew the side seams and try the skirt on. We want some shape to the top portion of the skirt, so pinch in the excess fabric at your waistline. Once that is sewn in place, you will be able to sew the underarm seam of the top of the dress. Leave an opening for the waist of the skirt.
Before you attach the skirt to the top, sew the hem in the sleeves. Note that we have not sewn the shoulder seam of the top at this point. Once the hem is sewn in the sleeves, sew the shoulder seams together.
Now, baste the skirt to the top. It is important that you baste the skirt to the top as it is easier to take out basting stitches than it is regular stitches. Try the dress on. You may want to take in the sides of the skirt a bit more. The weight of the dress can change how the dress sits on the body. If you are happy with the fit, take out the basting seam.

To create the casing for the shirring cords, press open the seams on the skirt and the shoulder seams of the top portion of the dress. Stitch down the seam leaving about a 1/2" opening that your cord will go through.
Cut your cords. I cut mine 1 1/2" wide. You will need 4 cords for the shoulder seams, 1 for each side, you have 2 seams with 2 sides, so 4 cords in total. You will also need four cords for the 2 side seams of the skirt. Sew the cords with a 1/4" seam allowance. I did not trim my seams. Turn the cords to the right side with a turner or a safety pin will work as well.
Thread the cords through the side seam casings. Anchor them in place at the top of your skirt and at the neckline of the top of your dress.
Sew the top of the dress to the skirt.

In the above picture, the waist of the top is sewn to the waist of the skirt.
The final step will be your neckband. I cut mind 3" wide and folded it over. This resulted in a 1" neckband. 3" folded in half is 1 1/2" and then I sewed the band to the neckline with a 1/2" seam allowance.

I'm looking forward to taking this garment on a trip....somewhere! I think I can get by with a pair of brown pants, a ruan, a pair of tights, a jacket to match my pants and one other top and I should be set with the ability to make quite a few changes.
Good Luck if you decide to give it a try.