MY LOVE FOR SHEATH DRESSES

I LOVE Sheath Dresses.....when I bought this pattern #M6886, I didn't make it right away.  I kept seeing a lot of my fellow sewist such as Erica Bunker post pictures of this dress, still I didn't make it.  It wasn't until one of my students made this dress for her second project and I found out how EASY it was.  I couldn't believe I had the pattern for about a year and I DID NOT make it, I was sleeping on this pattern.  Once I found out how easy it was, I made two in one day, one with sleeves and one sleeveless, and there are two more to come.

I did make some adjustments to the pattern:

• I cut a size 14 across the shoulder because I have short shoulders
• I cut a size 16 around the circumference of the arm
• I cut a size 18 in the waist and tapered it at the bottom for a more fitted look 
• I cut the pattern at the lengthen or shorten line to add 1.5 inches to the back because I have some junk in my trunk, LOL!!!!, if I don't make the adjustment in the back, it will be high in the back.
• I cut the pattern at the lengthen or shorten line to add 1.5 inches to the front as well to make it even 

Here are pictures of the adjustments:

Cutting at the Lengthen or Shorten Line

Adding 1.5 inches to accommodate for my "junk in the trunk", LOL!!! I drew dashes across the paper.

I taped the bottom half of the pattern to the paper at the dashed lines.

I laid the cutting line of the pattern on one of the grid lines on my cutting mat to make sure when I draw the line to connect the added space it will be straight.

All of the adjustments are made.

The dress in leopard print knit.

Necklace and earring set by Patrice Perfect Pieces

Bracelet by Patrice Perfect Pieces; silver ring by Silpada

The dress in black knit.

SEW BROS

Today was my first day teaching an "All Boys" sewing class.  They were very excited about taking the sewing class.

Their first project is a sweat shirt, #Simplicity 1605.

I explained the basic sewing tools they needed for Beginning Sewing, I explained the outside of the pattern, the instruction sheet and the pattern pieces to them.  I took their measurements to make sure they cut the correct size.  They were amazed about the pattern pieces that were inside the envelope.

One of the boys did not have his materials because his mother forgot to purchase it, so one of his classmates told him since his size was smaller, he could use his pattern so he would be ready for class next week.  That really touched my heart.

There was a discussion about what they should name their group, they decided on "Sew Bros", LOL!!! how cute!!!  

Today, they cut a pattern for the very first time.

I taught them how to iron their pattern pieces.  One young  man cut one piece one size too small so we had fix that, I had him iron all of the pieces before taping them back together.

Ironing their pattern pieces.

The last thing they did today was pin "some" of their pattern pieces to their fabric.  The student that didn't have his fabric asked me if he could practice pinning with one of his fellow classmates.  His classmate said "yes" and showed him how to pin the pattern to the fabric.  This just warmed my heart.

They thanked me for teaching the class today.

TSALT

About two months ago, I answered an ad for a full time seamstress.  An interview was scheduled, I was not told to bring anything, because I consider myself a professional I showed up with garments I've made and also with my iPad that had pictures I had taken of garments I made that were not on my website or blog yet.  I had an interview with two wonderful women, TAMARA SALTONSTALL and REBECCA DANENBERG.  They both were very impressed with the quality of my garments, especially the finishing which is just as important to the construction of a garment.

TAMARA SALTONSTALL is the owner and designer of the fashion line SALT.  Tamara created the brand TSALT.  Tamara loves vintage clothing but with a modern approach.

During our conversation, I found out that REBECCA DANENBERG is a New York designer, WOW!!!! She's a New York native, Rebecca has been dubbed as the original New York City's downtown designer.  Rebecca made a name for herself in the 90's with an edgy namesake sportswear label.  Rebecca Danenberg's designs are not for mainstream fashion, but for those who wants individuality in what they wear.  

I have made several garments for TSALT, both Tamara and Rebecca are pleased with my work.  

Here are pictures of the four most recent garments I've made for TSALT.

FRONT OF LACE DRESS

BACK OF LACE DRESS

High waist elastic skirt

These are the first garments I've made for TSALT, two mock wrap desses.

I look forward to growing this relationship with Tamara and Rebecca.

When I stepped out on Faith in June to do my sewing business full time, I had no idea I would be working with designers.  I thank GOD everyday for this talent HE has blessed me with.

DIY LEOPARD PRINT PENCIL SKIRT

I've been on a pencil skirt frenzy here lately.  I had this beautiful double knit leopard print fabric for almost a year.  I ordered it from http://www.lowpricefabric.com/.  The fabric feels absolutely wonderful.  I have some more, my plan is to make an Off The Shoulder Dress out of it.  I can't wait to make it.

Construction of the skirt:
- I used a store bought pencil skirt I had in my closet
- Added 1 1/2 inches to the side seams
- Added 1 inch to the top for the casing for the elastic
- shortened the length so the hem would fall right below my knee

My bracelets are from https://www.facebook.com/patrice.p.walker.5.  Patrice have some really nice jewelry.

The necklace had the same print and color as the fabric.  I did not plan this, I had the necklace for about 3 years before I bought the fabric for the skirt.