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Posts Tagged ‘dress’

Anna Sui Vogue Pattern – FINALLY!

Posted in DIY, dresses, patterns, tagged , , , on August 19, 2011 | 7 Comments »

Somehow I developed a very bad habbit of hoarding patterns during $1 & $1.99 sales.  I think somewhere somehow I decided that if I had the pattern then I had just about made the garment.  Hence – I have boxes and boxes and boxes of unopened, never sewn patterns.  And for some reason, whenever I want to make something  new …. you guessed it – I buy another pattern!  Why do I do this?????  I. Have. Plenty. Of. Patterns.

One pattern that I have never ever let myself forget that I have is a really fun Anna Sui Vogue Pattern (V1046).  While Vogue patterns never go on sale for a buck, they do go on sale for $3.99 and that’s only $3 more, so BANG, I’m in!  This one was love-at-first-sight!

Good thing I snatched this one up when I did - it's now out of print! Sorry gals.

I’ve been in the mood to sew from patterns lately, so naturally I’m starting with those stashed away in the crevices of my mind…and this is one of the first to make “the cut!”

Here is my version. Fabric is some sort of flimsy, lightweight polyester that I got for $1 yard!

Can you see the fun pink hidden in the print?

As you can see - it's a true tent dress ... it even makes my size 2 mannequin look a little fluffy. Finally! I've been starting to really hate her for looking good in EVERYTHING!

And here's the back view.

Overall, I’m really happy with the results …

If I was going to review the pattern (a sort of moot idea since it’s no longer in print!), I’d say that the pattern runs very big.  I made my dress a size smaller than I am and it still looks about 2 sizes too big.  I’m wearing it, don’t get me wrong, but it’s definitely fuller in real life than shown on the cover of the pattern.

I’ll try to snap a photo of me in it when I wear it out so that you can see what I mean!

And now for the breakdown:

Cost: $3 for the fabric, $3.99 for the pattern = $6.99.  FOR A DRESS!!!!  Hilarious.

Time: This took more time to cut out the pattern than it did to construct!  Since you have to use lightweight fabric, it can be tricky to pin and cut and keep steady.  So, I’m estimating this took me about 2.5 hours.  I didn’t do it all in one sitting so this is a guess.  I think it was worth it; however, I probably won’t make this pattern again.

So finally that particular pattern is off my list of things to do.

I’m off to conquer the other 400 patterns in my stash …..

 

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Fun & Easy One Shoulder Dress … did I mention cheap, too?

Posted in DIY, dresses, tagged , , , , on July 27, 2011 | 4 Comments »

Gosh, it seems like forever since I shared what I’ve been working on – I think I’m having withdrawals!

For tonight, I just wanted to show  you pictures of my new, totally favorite dress!  This one isn’t for sale because I just absolutely LOVE it.  I made it straight from a McCall’s Pattern, and I made it with $1/yd fabric!

I really really love this fabric - it's flowy and very light, I've been holding onto to it for about a year. Yay for finally finding the perfect pattern!

dreaming of yellow pattent funky wedges and/or flatforms!

Who doesn't LOVE a one-shoulder dress ... I'm so glad they're still in style!

I’m off to vacation for a few days…but when I come back, you should be hearing about my new Silhouette Machine … and the rollout of the NEW & IMPROVED organization formerly known as Austin City Craft … can you guess our new name???

Oh…the breakdown:

Cost: $1 for the pattern, $3.50 for the fabric for a grand total of a whopping $4.50!!!  Hollah!!!

Time: right at 1.5 to 2 hours.  This is not a hard pattern at all, but if you’re a novice, the directions to the neckline and facing might cause you some problems.  Just stare at it, and between the wording and the pictures you’ll figure it out.  Or shoot me a message!

McCall's Pattern 6118 and my version! I think I need a few more of these!

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Halter Dress for my Ellie and My American Dress

Posted in DIY, dresses, tagged , , , , , , , , on May 30, 2011 | 5 Comments »

Gosh, this week has been busy!

I’ve been quiet on the blog but I’ve been busy busy at home and on the machine.  I thought I’d share my latest non-Etsy-shop item…. A halter dress I made for Ellie!

I made this straight from the pattern, except I added the tiny little bow-tie accent you see here and I used coordinating fabric for the facing.

These fabrics are very close in design, but if you look closely, you can see they are different.

Oh, I also made it into a maxi dress ... so 3 very small and simle adjustments / additions.

She loves it! We went to a music show last night and this girl danced the night away in this dress. She made her momma so happy!

Also … want to know a little secret for the absolute EASIEST HAIR ACCESSORY EVER >>>>>>

Simply cut a strip of fabric! Really! Cut a strip and wrap it around the hair. Tie it and leave it alone...or tie it in a bow and leavie it alone. If it frays - SO WHAT! She's gonna lose it anyway and you can just cut another one!

 

I’m also almost finished the most gorgeous version of my Team Spirit dress – made in cotton candy pink!  I’ll post a photo later tonight.  Oh my goodness, it’s delightful!

I hope you’re all having a fabulous memorial day…here’s a photo of my version of an American Dress!

Who says America is ONLY red, white and blue? I think we deserve a fair splash of PINK!

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Giveaway Day Winner – plus discount for non-winners!

Posted in dresses, Giveaway, tagged , , , , on May 26, 2011 | 3 Comments »

WOWzers!  Sew, Mama, Sew’s Giveaway Day was a smashing success – I have really enjoyed reading your comments (almost 300 of them!) and visiting your blogs.  It will take me a while to visit each blog, but I’m on my way and enjoying the process.  Plus, I even WON a giveaway, too!  I won a journal cover from PSPHYLLISSEWS – hollah!  AND, as I am typing this I learned that I have also won a darling clutch!!!

Like I said, I had almost 300 entries on my blog and over 150 entries in my Etsy shop.  So, in total, everyone had about a 2 in 450 chance of winning a dress.  Not too bad!

Before I announce the winner, I wanted to let you in on a little secret …..

Are you being quiet?

Do you have your library voice on?

From now through Sunday night, I’m offering anyone who participated in the Giveaway but DID NOT win….

20% OFF any STRAPLESS DRESS in my shop.

(My shop is on vacation for a few days, so contact me for details and photos!)

And now for the winner…………….

LISA

as in lgiesting17

(I used a random number generator from the internet, and it led me to Lisa. Congratulations!  I’ve sent you an email…please respond by tomorrow afternoon, or I’ll need to select another winner)

I would also like to welcome my new subscribers …HEY Y’ALL!

Okay, coming up soon – more tutorials … still working on the placemat tutorial, slipcover tutorial, and the reverse applique tutorial.  Those will all be out in a few days.  Yummy, I can’t wait!

Oh wait…I need to post a photo, don’t I???

How about a picture of another strapless dress?

Again, feel free to take 20% off until Sunday!

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Today is GIVE AWAY DAY!! Win a Strapless Dress!!!

Posted in Giveaway, tagged , , on May 22, 2011 | 246 Comments »

Today, Sew, Mama, Sew is sponsoring/hosting “GiveAway Day” and I’m participating – woot, woot, hollah, hollah, let me hear you say YAY!!!

Leave me a comment below between now and 11:59pm May 25th – and you could win a FREE STRAPLESS DRESS!

Here’s how it works: simply leave a comment below.  On May 26th, I’ll tally up everyone who commented between the hours mentioned above, and I’ll randomly draw a winner.  (you’ll need to check back to see who won, or leave me your email address to contact you if you win.)

***If you are the winner, we’ll chat about your sizing.  I’ll give you a few fabric options.  Then I’ll make your dress and ship it within a week of us chatting.  Easy as PIE!  (actually, pies aren’t easy for me, but you get the point!)

Here are some samples of what you could win:

****You can enter to win a SECOND TIME by visiting Parsimony, my Etsy shop.  I’ll be giving away another strapless there, too.  The same time frame applies!

***Also, you don’t have to be a subscriber to win.  However, you might note that I post a lot of sales and give aways here on my blog, so feel free to come on board!

Good luck – and visit Sew, Mama, Sew’s blog to find tons more blogs doing giveaways!  That’s what I’m doing right now!

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My latest custom order – a 3/4 length sleeve Emerald green “gem” of a dress!

Posted in dresses, tagged , , , , , , , , on May 17, 2011 | 5 Comments »

I’ve got a few tutorials in the works for the Under $5 & 15 minutes series .. but I’ve also got some Etsy orders that need to be cranked out.  So, for today, I thought I’d show you what’s being mailed today.  This order is a custom order.  The lovely lady loves the original “Ruffled Shoulder Dress” from my Etsy shop.  However, she has a little bit of “artwork” on her arm that she wanted to cover up for a wedding.  So, she asked for longer sleeves.  Also, she wanted something in emerald green to accommodate a ‘fascinator’ head piece that she’d already picked out.  So, I did my best.  I’m delighted with the outcome and just might need on of these myself!

The actual green of the dress is brighter than I could get to appear here. I'm not so great with photo editing ... or photo-taking for that matter! But I do love the longer sleeve length!

And here is the version from my shop:

That’s all for now … can’t wait to chat again!

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2 little dresses I’ve been working on…

Posted in DIY, tagged , , , on August 18, 2010 | 1 Comment »

I am so behind on taking photos for my shop, and that means that I’ve got lots of little dresses just sitting around waiting for their moment to shine!  Ugh, there aren’t many things sadder than a fun dress not having fun!

I thought I’d share two of those dresses with you….

1. Yes, another Strapless Dress!!!

This is a OOAK, made from Joel Dewberry designer cotton fabric - the most beautiful shade of blue and red...if you've been inside my home, you've seen these two colors ALOT!

Look closely - you'll see that I added a row of the red to the inside of the bodice ruffle...it looks really fun when worn! Especially if you get to slow dance with a tall drink of water!

wow, these pictures are showing up HUGE!!!  =)

2. two new My Ruffle Can Beat Up Your Ruffle Dresses…

I really do love this dress, but for some reason, I don’t sell it too often.  That was, until this summer!  Maybe ruffles are in the air, because this dress has been selling and I’m so happy about that!  The two dresses below are for the SAME lovely lady!  She first purchased the dress in black, then when she received it, she liked it so much she ordered it in another color.  Wow, I think I could take that compliment all day long!!!!

Photo courtesy of Daniele, whose dear husband cut her gorgeous head out of the picture! he still gets kudos for taking the photo!

and in GREEN…

I just mailed this out to her today...hated to see it leave my sewing room! I have decided that Ellie needs one of these too!

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Bold Prints for Nice Girls!

Posted in DIY, tagged , , on March 4, 2010 | 5 Comments »

Now I’ve done it.  I’ve officially been scolded by my mother for not being more “with it” on my blog posts.  Sorry mom!  I have a feeling she’s the only one who’s noticed, but just in case she’s not – I do apologize to you all!

I can assure you that I have been DIY’ing everyday…just lately it’s been restricted to Etsy orders and I’m usually in such a rush to get them mailed out, that I don’t take the time to grab a photo.  Plus, you can see better photos of those dresses on my shop, anyway.

Well, tonight, I am preparing to head out for a conference this weekend. So, naturally, I need to make me a little something to wear….since I have NOTHING TO WEAR…somehow that doesn’t seem believable even to me!  Anyway, I found this GORGEOUS fabric and just had to make another one of those strapless numbers out of it.  I bought enough fabric to make a couple of these because this is a dress that I MUST own for myself too.

All the magazines are touting the most gorgeous “BOLD PRINTS” for spring.  When i saw this bold print, I knew it was the one for me.  My photos aren’t doing it justice…the fabric has more hot pink than what is shown.  Still, I just love it!  Watch out Lubbock!  (yes, that’s sort of a joke, but yes, I am going to Lubbock!)

I’ll make some fabric napkins in the morning to take to the dear family that will be hosting us this weekend.  For Saturday, I’m going to have to be creative since I’ll be traveling…but I’ll try my best to come up with something MOM!

Here's mom with Ellie, me and MeMaw!

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It’s SNOWING in TEXAS!!!

Posted in DIY, tagged , , , , on February 23, 2010 | 2 Comments »

Today’s DIY has been in my head for a long time…and in my sewing room for almost as long.  I’ve had it “almost finished” since about February 3rd!  If you follow my Etsy shop, then you might remember my New Year’s Resolution to create a new dress every month using that month’s birthstone.  Well, here on February 21st, I’ve finally finished February’s dress.

It’s hard to tell by the photos, but the dress is a true Amethyst purple – very rich and deep in color, I love it!  I think this color purple looks fabulous on ANYONE!!!

For this dress, other than the color amethyst, I was also inspired by all the rain and snow that has been taking place all over our great state this month.  I was standing in line somewhere (at the post office probably), and the person in front of me had a darling little trench coat on.  “Hmmmm.  I feel a new dress coming on.”  I knew right then that February’s dress just HAD to be “IN THE TRENCHES”… a little form of a trench coat – but without all the bulk and masculinity!  And, I think it’s super fitting that I should finish this dress today because Austin is expecting 3 to 4 inches of snowfall – right now it’s snowing the biggest, fluffiest snowflakes I’ve ever seen in Texas!

I’ll try to get a picture of it on an actual human being sometime soon!  Happy Winter everyone!

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OBI OH MY!

Posted in DIY, tagged , , , , on February 20, 2010 | 7 Comments »

This little dress has been in my head for about 6 months…i am SO relieved to have let this one fly free!!!!

It’s a simple little strapless dress with an Obi belt – I used an asian inspired designer fabric for the dress, so I created an Obi belt but used the oh-so-American polka dotted fabric on it.  Say what you like, but I love it.  When things get stuck in my head for so long, they don’t usually end up looking as nice in real life as they do in my head.  In this case, however, I think I’m even MORE in love with it in the real world…I’ll have to try it on to know for sure!

For tonight – I’ll rest easily knowing I’ve just freed up more space in my head….

(don’t worry all of you waiting on your Etsy orders – I’m working frantically, I just took a little break!)

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