My new white blouse.

Hello everyone - I've just finished making a classic cotton white short sleeved shirt for Faye's 2013 top sew-along. 

Here is the front view:

And here is the back view:

If you want to have a look at more details about this shirt, please visit my blog www.sarhlizsewstyle.blogspot.com


Well not many hours now until our sew our own wardrobes for the year challenge kicks off.

I'm certainly looking forward to it and have planned to make a few essential basics in the first couple of months - those boring things you need to have in your wardrobe, but maybe aren't so much fun to make as fashion sewing.  (Although one planned skirt is not quite so boring).

See you soon,

Sarah Liz :)

Lynn's Jeans Journey...

Hi Ladies,

In case you didn't know it, I "blog-troll" periodically...LOL!  Anyway, Lynn (who should officially be dubbed "The Queen of Jeans") has begun a series (Jeans #9) to document her journey from conception to completion.  She is beginning her 9th pair with this series.  I thought it was worth mentioning for those who want to expand their skills.  She certainly seems to be a credible "go-to girl" on the topic!  Enjoy, Vita

Welcome God's Girl T!

Hi Ladies,

As we draw closer to our start date, God's Girl T is joining us from Virginia's Sew Blessed Daughter.  Welcome Lady, it's great to have you join us!  

Sarah- New Blouse for Fitted Blouse Contest on PR.

Hi Everyone  - I've finished my blouse for Pattern Review's blouse contest .  You can see my final review at  sewing.patternreview.com.  Or visit my blog sarahlizsewstyle.blogspot.com.

I made a fitted wrap blouse from Vogue Patterns 8833.

Here is a quick picture review:

Full length view of front of blouse.

Closer view of front of blouse

Back view of blouse.

So for more on this blouse, do visit my blog and look at my blog posts which will tell you how I made this blouse - you'll find me on sarahlizsewstyle.blogspot.com.   And do visit sewing.patternreview.com as well, because they have lots of interesting resources for sewers.

Soon the Sew Your Own Wardrobe For a Year Challenge will start - I'm really looking forward to this, and to getting to know all of you on your blogs.

See you all next week,

Sarah Liz :)

My New Jeans_Vita

I wore them with heels to a concert Friday night!  Whoo hoo!

I still need to put the button on...LOL!!

I would and will sew it again and again!!  In fact, I plan to make several of the views in a few more colors. I also love doing all of the topstitching. However, I'm not a fan of topstitching thread. It jams in the machine and you only get 60 yds on a spool. What a rip off!!! I wound two bobbins and had just enough thread for the pocket details. I might try an embroidery thread next time. Despite that, I love this pattern and appreciate the "rise" at the waistline. Vogue has a similar pattern with a straight leg and boot cut option; however, the rise is 2" below the waistline. Frankly, I'd end up giving "muffin top" a whole new dynamic if I used that pattern.

Welcome Janine!

Hi Everyone,

As our numbers continue to grow, it's great to welcome Janine who blogs at Janine's Sewing Spree!  It's wonderful that our international following is growing.  We now have contributors from Australia, Canada and Israel...whoo hoo!! 

Denim pockets_Vita

I just have to give a SHOUT OUT to Lisa at Sew On and Sew On for her jean pocket tutorial.  I cut out Butterick 5682 last night and began working on the pockets today.  I followed her counsel on the construction.  The guide sheet takes you another route.  Thanks Lisa...this is my first pair, and I'm so stinkin' excited!!!  Vita

Welcome Rosa!

As we draw closer to our official start date, we continue to grow!  Welcome Rosa who blogs at Tortilla Designs.  It's great to have you with us Rosa, and we look forward to having you share  your progress with us.  

Pattern Sale

Hobby Lobby has McCalls Patterns on sale  for 99 cents limit 10, run! walk! fly! slide! get there any way you can just go! go! go!  go! 99cents! yal! lol!
Helen

Natalea's big day...

Hi Everyone,

Natalea gave me permission to share a few photos of her dress.  She was STUNNING!!!  I was so proud of her.  She will post the photo of the original inspiration for the gown (it wasn't the J-Lo dress) and provide more details about the journey.  We worked about four weeks on it and she is truly fearless....  I've posted my own insights about our journey on my other blog "A Victorious View."

Isn't she stunning?!  She wanted a pleated yoke on the front and back.  The lace inset was embellished with Swarovski crystals to match the appliqué.  The  appliqué was purchased as well.  

I found Lisa's blouse lol!



http://www.lanetzliving.net/inc/sdetail/141/160485

there are also  2 on Amazon.com
just thought I'd share!
Helen

Welcome Rachel!!!

It's time to welcome Rachel who blogs at Holy Stitchers & Sew SEW Quilty.  Rachel is a quilter and is looking forward to participating in the challenge.  We're excited to have you join us Rachel!  Vita

It's Stitch-Slapped Friday!!!

Here's hoping you have nothing to share!  Good sewing to you....

Professor PinCusion...

Hi Team,

I came across this site hosted by McCall's Patterns: Professor Pin Cushion!  It has a few great videos for beginning and seasoned sewers.  I reviewed the denim video this morning and found it very helpful.  I will be adding denim to my to do list in the coming year, so I've been on the hunt for info that will increase my skill set.  Check it out, and tell what you think!  Vita 

We have a CHALLENGE BUTTON...YAY!!!

A huge SHOUT OUT to Marie at Code it Pretty for her concise and easy to follow instructions on how to create a button for Blogger!  I tried several other techniques before I found hers...she's awwwwwsome!!!  She has great info over there for maintaining blogs.  Please check her out when you get some time.  I blog elsewhere as well, so she will certainly be a "go-to" resource.  

So, we now have a Challenge Button.  Feel free to copy the code and spread the word on your blogs.  I'm soooo excited!!!  Only 26 days remaining before the "official start" of our journey....  

I have been assisting Natalea with her Vow Renewal dress.  She has given me permission to share photos beginning Saturday evening.  I've tried to chronicle our journey with photos.  She's pretty "fearless" when it comes to the whole "who needs a stinkin' pattern" mindset.  Since I provided her first and only sewing lesson, I feel an obligation to acquiesce, smile, and wave...smile, and wave!  LOL!  Have a great week, Vita

Welcome Coco!

Hi Ladies, Help me welcome our newest team member, Coco, who blogs at Spotty Dog Social Club! It's great to have you, and we're looking forward to seeing your work!!! Vita

Are You Up for the Challenge...(Repost)

Beginning April 1, 2013, we will begin a year long journey of home sewing!  We're committing to not purchasing clothing for one year.  Instead, we will build our wardrobe by making it ourselves....
Challenging? YES
Impossible? NO!!

Join us.... Leave a comment and your email if you're interested.  We'll even invite you to author posts, share techniques, review sewing books, and display your efforts along the way.

Look for challenges in the coming weeks to help you get ready to take your sewing skills to the next level.  More later....

P.S. I'm working on turning this image into our button for the challenge....Vita

Welcome Cezanne!!

Hi Ladies,

Please welcome Cezanne who blogs at Sewing Ivy!  She's a new sewist and is excited about joining our challenge....  Enjoy the journey Cezanne!  Vita

Sewing your own wardrobe challenge - plans already

• As some of you know, a challenge has been launched by Vita and Natalea at: sewyourownwardrobeforayearchallenge.blogspot.com

• I look forward to meeting everyone taking part in this challenge - and wish you all the best of luck.

I think this will be a great opportunity to make some of those garments you really have been meaning to make, and for me, at least, a chance to use up some of the huge stash that has taken over my house, my life etc.  I am using March to join another challenge - you'll find that on the post before this one on my blog, called, unimaginatively (but then my imagination has got me into planning too many projects that will never happen, so practicality rules today!) "Fitted blouse contest on PR".

I'm also thinking about what I shall make for the start (April 2013) of sew your own wardrobe for a year challenge.  I recently saw a great pair of RTW trousers in a patterned stretch twill.  Normally I wouldn't wear patterned trousers, but this was a conservative label, and they looked fantastic. They were paired with a royal blue trench.  I've got a trench a never wear (because I don't have anything to really go with it) so I rushed to my local fabric store - because I had seen a fabric very similar some months ago - and yes, they still had some - better still, being sold off!

Stretch cotton drill.

I have a pattern already purchased that may work for these trousers - like everyone, I have challenges fitting pants. I'll try it out.

Kwik Sew 3540

Time to go and do some sewing now for the fitted blouse contest (and if anyone wants details, please visit cleverthinking99.blogspot.com

Sarah Liz:)