June 15, 2015

Just Another Lady Skater

There really nothing to see here.  Just another Lady Skater Dress.  I don't use the bands on the neckline or sleeves - can't be bothered.  

This was cut and sewn at Sew Camp back at the end of March.  JB - who rarely notices my clothing - said this dress looked good when I wore in on vacation in Spain!  


The fabric is pretty floral with bright blue flowers all over it.  Along with some red, pink and white.  I bought this at Fabric Mart - and honestly - it was a pretty quick turn around from purchase to garment!


I need to remember to raise the neckline - or at least widen the shoulders when I make this pattern.  This dress is comfortable and easy to wear.  I'm in love with florals this year.  Pretty soon my closet will have nothing but floral dresses in it. 


Just a few out-takes.  JB and The Musical One thought it would be fun if I posed with Hank the Heron - too bad it's blurry.  I like the dress in black and white - if anyone sees a print like this - please let me know!

June 5, 2015

Sketch It Up!

I have never really been a sketcher of my sewing plans.  I've always kept a project books - something with lined pages, where I could jot down the pattern number and notes on machine settings, alterations, etc.  and always a swatch.
But no drawings. 


Earlier this year, I saw 110 creations and snapped up a copy.  My first project in that book is the blue lace skirt - which is still unfinished.  I've been keeping the individual pages up to date, but not the chron list.  


Last month - I was able to tack a week in New Jersey on the end of Spain vacation.  During that time - I spent some time in The Cave and got the change to meet Jenny.  Jenny had literally just launched and introduced her Curvy Sketchbook.  I reached out to ask her to purchase one.  Jenny brought me one, but wouldn't let me pay - nice that one, but don't tell her I said so ;)   


I think I'd like to do a little compare and contrast and point out my favorite features - because honestly - they are both great resources for keeping track of what you have made, are currently working on and things you wish to make.

101 Creations - Measurement Chart
Cashmerette Measurement Chart

Both books contain measurement charts with the same basic measurements.  101 Creations includes shoulder width, rise and sleeve length.  Cashmerette includes bicep, thigh, waist to knee and inseam.  Cashmerette also has room to keep measurements for up to 5 additional people that you might sew for.

Cashmerette - Project Page

101 Creations - Project Page



Both books have project pages - Duh!  that's the point.  Again - both books have much of the same information.  But there are differences.  I didn't do a great job taking photos, but you can find samples of 101 Creations or Cashmerette - both ladies took better photos and staged them, etc.  

In this section, there are things I really like in one book over the other, such as:

  • Cashmerette - front and back of a curvy woman who looks more realistic
  • 101 Creations - project title front and center and a watermarked page number so you can easily keep track of how many finished projects you've done during the year.
  • Cashmerette - place for a swatch
  • 101 Creations - section for Accents and then gives suggestions (piping, applique, lace, etc.)
  • Cashmerette - focus is on the drawing.
  • 101 Creations - Notes for next time. 



101 Creations has a needle change record that I will never use.  I buy needles in bulk, change them at the start of every project and toss the old needle into an old pill container.  

Cashmerette has a fabric inventory that I will never use.  I don't want to know exactly how much fabric there is in my house.  It will just make me feel guilty and honestly - I don't need a hobby that makes me feel that way.  

Both books have pages for pattern inventory - that might come in handy - but I'd rather be working on making my drawings not look like they were done by a 4 year old.

All in all - while I really like the page layout of 101 Creations, I prefer Cashmerette - I just like the way the model looks.  All the basic information is there and I really like having a dedicated space for a swatch.  You can see my drawings aren't great and I'm not going to start trying to draw in the pattern of my fabric as well.

As I said previously - I bought 101 Creations and was gifted Cashmerette - but opinions are my own.  I hope you found them useful.  

June 2, 2015

My Least Favorite ESP (aka - Crazy Dog Lady Dress)

 Through no fault of the pattern, this is my least favorite of my ESP dresses.  And it has to do with an unfortunate photo I took of the finished dress at sew camp - sometimes you just can't un-see something. If you follow me on Instagram, it's likely you know what I'm talking about.  I'm not putting that photo on the internet again.
This was also my (very) late entry for the crazy dog lady sewing challenge.  I love that this dress is subtly dog themed and you have to really be paying attention to get it.
I've worn this dress twice to work now, and it's comfortable and easy to wear.  I love the fullness of the skirt and each time, I've paired it with my red cowboy boots, red belt and cardi and my Dudley tribute necklace.


Close up of the fabric - those are paw prints surrounded by bones and my Dudley tribute necklace.  This necklace was a gift from a friend when we lost Dudley, I had another friend, put it on a different chain, and you can't see them, but there are 3 rough cut rubies on the side of the chain to symbolize the 3 remaining dogs.  While we only have 2 dogs left, I feel all 4 of them when I wear this necklace.

Do you have a piece of jewelry that reminds you of a person, beloved pet or moment in time?
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