A Great Jacket Pattern, Vogue 8483

So often, I begin a project and think that it will take a certain amount of time. Then, I get into the project and it takes almost twice the time I thought it would take! That was my day yesterday. I had a household project that I really wanted to accomplish. I knew it wouldn't be an hour project, but thought 3 or 4 hours max. I began a little after 8, and finished up around 3. Now, I did take a break, but, it still took almost twice the amount of time that I thought it would take. The good news is that I stuck with it, and I am so very proud of what I accomplished. I didn't get my blog post done, but all in all, a good day :)

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Last week I posted a jacket that I had made quite some time ago, a little plaid jacket that I absolutely love. For the life of me, I couldn't remember what pattern I used. Kelly was so kind to write in and share the pattern number with me, so I thought I would pass it along. 

The above jacket is Vogue 8483. When I saw the pattern it immediately spurred my memory. I absolutely love the pattern. The jacket on the left has a Claude Montana feel to it. The collar is just so pretty! And, I love it in the relaxed version as well. 

I used a pre-quilted fabric, so no lining. But, the time saved in not lining the jacket was taken up with all the bound seams. In the end, so worth it! Taking the jacket off and having it catch someone's eye, just the best compliment. You know, silent compliments are good too! :)

I love playing with patterns, so the little plaid pumps were a fun shoe to pair with the jacket. 

Kelly said that it took her a while to find the pattern in her size, but she has it now! I love when perseverance pays off :) I did find a couple on Ebay. You can find them HERE. There wasn't anything available on Etsy. But, if you like the pattern, just put it in an alert so that when new patterns come up, you'll know. I do that quite often. 

I am super excited as I found the plaid below at Cali Fabrics. I'm making a pair of leggings and a turtleneck that I can pair with this jacket. I'll pair it with a solid skirt, but still, you'll see me coming ;)

It always seems that the projects that take longer than I had thought are ultimately the projects that I am the most proud of. Strange how that happens. Even the quilted jacket in this post, I had thought, "oh this will be a snap." Although it took longer than expected, it was all worth it in the end. 

Happy Sewing!!!

Rhonda

Monday Morning Inspiration/Casual Inspiration for at Home Wear

Over the weekend, I talked to a friend. It was great to reconnect. During the course of the conversation, she commented on my recipe posts, and asked if I will be getting back to them. I also received another note from someone who has followed the blog for quite sometime. She told me how much she enjoys the blog, and how much she has missed my "regular" posts. An apology is in order. I've been cooking, a LOT!!! And too, I still look for inspiration. It's just that I haven't been sharing. 

This past week, I thought of 2 of my favorite designers, and wondered if there would be a spring collection. Since the collections are typically done a year in advance, I hoped that there would be, and thankfully, there is a spring collection for both Carolina Herrera and Maria Pinto(a Chicago based designer).

As I looked through their collections, what inspired me the most were pieces that would translate into everyday wear. Things that I will enjoy whether I'm out and about...or not.

This palazzo pant from Carolina Herrera reminded me so much of the Winslow Culottes from Helen's Closet. 
   

This tiered evening skirt is not something most of us would wear at home, but it reminded me of the Phoebe Maxi from Pattern Union.     

This fabulous little dress screams spring, and works beautifully with flats or sandals. Love the appliqued flowers along the bottom. 

For something rather fresh, this mix of plaids is quite fun!

How could one not be happy with the mix of polka dots???

Maria Pinto has incorporated mesh into her collection, and I LOVE it!!! A mesh dress over a pair of tights and a tank, such fun!

Here she used the mesh on the back of a jacket. Would look super cute with a fun print tank underneath.

I'm really loving knee length shorts. The picture on the right shows how easy the outfit can be to wear in a more casual manner. 

This asymmetrical skirt is so flirty. The lantern sleeve turns what would be a rather boring t-shirt into something much more interesting. You can find my tutorial on the lantern sleeve HERE.

Nothing could be more simple to throw on than a lightweight denim dress with a center front zipper. The pockets make it all the better for keeping your cell phone handy. 

I hope that a few of the pieces have inspired you. I can't wait to get into the studio and pump out a few new pieces! 

If you know of patterns that closely resemble some of the pieces I've shared, let me know in the comments, and I will share them on the blog.

Wishing you a lovely week :)

Rhonda

My Favorite Vacation Momento

One of my favorite things to do whenever I travel is to shop for fabric. I love coming home with a new treasure, and once the piece has been made into something new, I get to wear the memory of my trip.

Believe it or not, antique stores can be a great resource for fabric. There's a little shop in Galveston called Somewhere In Time where I typically find a new treasure...or 2 ;) The shop owner has an eye for vintage fabrics, trims, sewing notions, as well as quilt blocks. 

On this trip, I found this fabulous gold and black piece for $5.00. It's an upholstery remnant. Those of you who have followed the blog for sometime know that I LOVE the Home Dec department. You can find the most interesting pieces, so make it a part of your shopping experience. The black areas of the fabric are chenille like, but I think it will pair beautifully with black velvet. 

Not exciting, but a great bargain, 4 yards of chambray for $8.00. I initially thought of doing a shirt for my husband, and I still may. 

         

But the piece below that I saw while in Galveston has me so inspired, so I may just decide to stretch at least some of the fabric and do a little painting. Hey, at $2.00 a yard, a little creative endeavor is worth it.

A must stop on any trip to Houston is High Fashion Fabrics. On this trip, I had the luxury of spending all the time I wanted as no one was waiting for me. I saw lots of beautiful pieces, but I ended up buying just this piece of metallic knit. Our Haute Couture Club will be viewing the Mainbocher Exhibit at the Chicago History Museum for our annual holiday party. Our workshop chairman wants us to make up the Ginger Jeans from Closet Case Files and wear them to the event. I'm making a pair of black jeans and I wanted to dress them up a bit, so I thought this piece would do the trick. 

I met a friend for lunch on Saturday. Another restaurant that I especially enjoy is called Shade and it's in what was at one time the downtown area of The Heights until it was incorporated into Houston. The area has retained it's charm with antique stores and vintage shops. My friend walked in with a bag, but I assumed she had been shopping. After she sat down, she said that she had been going through her fabric and had decided that there were pieces that she would never use. She went on to tell me that she thought 2 pieces were something I would enjoy, so presents!!!!

The first piece is a gorgeous piece of cobalt blue silk with  copper flowers and vines. 

While I was at High Fashion Fabrics, I took the time to shop around for fabric colors that I would like to line the piece with and I just may do a jacket with a copper lining. If you look below, the centers of the flowers are calling, at least to me ;), for beads, so this may end up being a beading project as well.

The second piece is another piece of silk. 
  

I love the geometric aspect of the embroidery. I have no idea of what I would like to do with this piece, so I think I will let it sit on my dress form and see if it speaks to me. You know, fabric can talk!!! If you have any ideas, I'm up for suggestions too!

Another friend gifted me 2 fabulous pieces of plaid that make my Celtic heart sing! There's enough of the red plaid for a ballgown, but I think I will keep it simple. I'm loving all the plaid pieces that everyone is showing for the fall/winter season. 

This piece has really grown on me. It has a mustard gold back ground with red, black and white in the plaid. This piece may end up not being used in a traditional manner. 

So this picture is looking a little more realistic of what I looked like on my way home!!! If it were, can you imagine the baggage fees?!!!

Have a wonderful day and I hope you get a little time to sew :) 

   

Ann's Raised Waist Skirt With a Back Flounce

A few days ago I did a post to showcase the lovely skirts that Ruth and Cennetta made using the instructions I posted for drafting the skirt below .

I was heartbroken to find out that I had somehow missed the post that Ann of http://didyoureallysewthat.blogspot.com/ did on the skirt that she made. Hopefully late is better than never. Her skirt is impeccable and I think you will truly enjoy seeing it.

Like Cennetta, Ann decided to eliminate the high waist. but other than that, she followed the drafting instructions. Take note of the invisible zipper in the off set back seam.

 The back panel was cut on the fold which is great since there is less matching of the plaid.

Ann is an incredible sewist and makes the loveliest garments. You can see the post she did on this skirt HERE. But please don't stop with her post on the skirt as you will find lots of inspiration as you scroll through.

If by chance you have made something following a Fabulous Free Pattern Friday post, a Sleeves On Saturdays post, or any other drafting tutorial I've posted, I would love for you to link up to this post and show me what you made. It can be a daunting task to try and see everything that everyone does, so a little help is very appreciated and besides that I would love to brag on you too! So just click on the InLinkz tab and link up!
 

An InLinkz Link-up

Showcasing The Plaid Raised Waist Skirt With a Back Flounce

Back in November I posted this skirt as part of a Monday Morning Inspiration post on plaid fabrics. So many of you loved the skirt, so I did a post on how to draft the skirt. You can find that post HERE, just in case you missed it. It really is a very pretty skirt.

Ruth of https://corecouture.wordpress.com made a lovely version, but she decided to add the flounce to center back. You can find her post on the skirt HERE.

The lovely Cennetta of http://themahoganystylist.blogspot.com loved the plaid and she always enjoys trying out a new drafting project, so she decided to give it a go. She kept both of the flounces, but dropped the raised waist. You can find her post HERE.

Check out how cute her skirt is!

 I love the shorter version and I think she looks absolutely adorable in the skirt.

 Hmmm, I think I need to get mine finished!!!!
Thanks to Ruth and Cennetta for giving the skirt a try. I think you both look amazing in your versions.
If by chance you give this skirt or any other drafting project I've posted a try, please shoot me an email and let me know, sewbussted@yahoo.com. I love seeing what you've done and even more, I love to share your work.