And the Winner is....

Whew! Christmas is over.  Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy myself. I spent time with family and friends. Gave gifts and ate good. I am ready for things to slow down. Looking forward to the New Year and new mind set, projects, and adventures.
Ok I want to announce the winner of my birthday giveaway. ....
Its Tany from Couture et Tricot.
Tany Please email with your address so that I can get that to you.
I hope that everyone will have a safe and blessed New Year. See you in 2014!

Celebrate My Birthday With Me Giveaway

Today is my birthday and I want to celebrate with you guys by having a giveaway.  I am giving away Simplicity 1560 (note that the sizing is 6-12).  Just leave the word HAPPY in the comments to be enter. Thanks for celebrating with me

The 4 Biggest Trends at Paris Fashion Week | Fashion Week Spring 2014

DIY Lamp Update

Here in the Midwest we have had our second round of snow and below freezing weather. Today's high was only 29 degrees. I stayed in and started working on a top thread tracing pleats on the upper bodice. Then I remember that I don't have any matching thread, argh. So that is on my list for next week.  So I will post a quick and simple diy project I did a month ago. I wanted to add some glam to my living room and this lamp redo fit the bill.  I transformed the  green lamp to gold with gold glitter.
I first sprayed the lamp with gold spray paint that I already had, I sprayed over that with Krylon's glitter spray paint in gold and add a new gold hue lampshade. quick and chic. I still have to redo the one on the left. That one is going in my bedroom. I am thinking a tourquoise. Some shade of blue.

This is Just A Test

Bloglovin'  link

I am on Bloglovin' Now

I finally made the move and joined Bloglovin'.  It does make it easier to read my favorite blogs. I have also discovered some new blogs. I am already thinking about New Years Sewing Resolutions and learning more in sewing and exploring others thoughts and processes in there sewing adventures is one of my goals. So if  you know of any interesting sewing and fashion blogs please let me know. I will appreciate it.
inmycraftroom.blogspot.com 

Elie Saab: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2014

After reading Toy of  Sew&Style post feature Eli Saab pre-fall 2013, I fell love with the designs. His work is so beautiful. I had to view more. Enjoy, I sure did.

Holiday Lust List 3-Sewing

Here is what I am wishing for in my sewing room:

#STP Swedish Tracing Paper sold by Birchstreet Clothing

I love this paper. I trace all my pattern and tissue fit using this paper. Its very durable and can be sewn. Love! I am wishing for this because I need to order more,LOL.

Brother SA107 Walking Foot

Have been wanting one of these for a while.

I have Fit for Real People and want this for my collection.

Well Its on to the Next Holiday....

I hope everyone had a blessed and lovely Thanksgiving with family and friends. I enjoyed my day-cooking,eating, laughing and thanking God for his many blessings. Now its time to focus on Christmas or should I say Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Fighting crowds is not my things so my computer and I will be one this weekend.  I am hoping to get most of my gift shopping done and indulging on myself all so. Well it is my birthday month and there is nothing wrong with me shopping for my own Christmas/birthday gift, right? LOL! So what are you plans for this weekend?

Holiday Lust List 2: Home Decor

Natural New Zealand Sheepskin Rug, Single, Gradient Brown, 2' x 3'

India's Heritage Cable Knit Pillow, Natural, 20" x 20"

IMAX Verine Gold Leaf Wall Mirror

IMAX IK Geometric Garden Stool

So gorgeous and chic. The perfect items to add to my home. Love! 

Everything pictured is be found at Myhabit.com

Holiday Lust List 1: Beauty

e.l.f. Studio 96-Piece Geometric Eyeshadow Palette

Love the geometric design and the color pallette is gorgeous. Its on sale now until Nov. 27th for $10.00. Great gift  for the makeup addict.

e.l.f. Studio 22 Piece Mini On The Go Palette

Also on sale for $10. It contains eyes, lips, and cheeks.

e.l.f. Essential 14-Piece Nail Cube - Limited Edition

So cute and only $10. 

Quick and Chic - Glam Blouse Update

After seeing Kelly Ripa of Live With Kelly and Micheal wear a beautiful, I remembered that I had recently purchased some sew on jewels and said to myself, I can copy that! I had a blouse from my closet in mind. A plain black poly button up blouse that I rarely wear. It was perfect for an update. I grab my materials and got to work. I figured out a pattern, sort of, and in a couple days of hand sewing I now have a Glam blouse. I can already see my self wearing this for the holidays with a pair of jeans for a casual dressy look.

I love a quick and easy project.
Until next time.

Sunday Inspiration

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. "Romans 1:16

Colorblock Tunic:B5954 Review

Pattern Description: Misses tunic: Close-fitting and flared, pullover tunic has front variations, shaped hemline, and narrow hem. Wrong side shows on back hemline.D, D:Collar.

Pattern Sizing:xsm-sml-med

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Not exactly. I made some changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes,very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The styling is on trend.
Fabric Used:I used a heather grey cashmere knit ( a type of sweatshirt fleece) from Fabric.com and a white cotton jersey also from Fabric.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:I did not have enough of the fleece so I cut the sleeve pattern in halve at the elbow and did the upper portion in the fleece and the lower portion in the cotton jersey. I also did the collar in the cotton jersey to colorblock the tunic.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I highly recommend this pattern
Conclusion: An easy trendy and fun pattern. Great for beginners.

Have you read?

AllFreeKnitting.com sent an email announcing Made by Me magazine. I took a look at the website. I was excited by what I read. Patterns are beautiful. You can read here for yourself.

Simplybe- A New Shopping Experience for Curvy Girls

Has anyone heard of Simplybe. I received a catalog the other day from them. You know how it is when you receive a catalog and don't know how they knew about you. I glanced through and saw a few things that I liked. The next day I took a better look.
 First, this catalog is a British company that is now stateside. Second, they feature designers such as Anna Scholz, Joe Browns,AX Paris Curve,Project D London, and Frock & Frills to name a few. Third, the sizes range from 10-28. Fourth, the prices fairly reasonable and the clothing are on trend.

Here are some things that caught my eyes:

Ava by Mark Heyes Geometric Dress

Grazia jacquard trousers

   

raglan sleeve print blouse

Studded Doctors Bag (on sale for $24.00)

Quilted zip front pencil skirt

Print blouse with lace sleeves

AX Paris Bodycon dress with lace neckline

There is so much more that I was impressed by I just could not list them all. Seeing the curvy models in those printed pants might have changed my mind about having a pair. After looking at the catalog and the site, I am definitely inspired in my sewing. The ideas are rolling around in my head. If you are a curvy girl or not go ahead and check out the site, if nothing for the inspiration.

until next time........

How to Dress for the Pear-Shaped Body - For Dummies

How to Dress for the Pear-Shaped Body - For Dummies
Very good advice for us with some junk in the trunk,LOL!

Define Your Fashion Style with a Quick Quiz - For Dummies

Define Your Fashion Style with a Quick Quiz - For Dummies

How to Sew a Machine Blindstitch Hem - CraftStylish

Here's a link to a great tutorial on machine blindhemming. The clear pics and simple language helped alot. My sewing machine maual had me so condused.  Must try this.
 How to Sew a Machine Blindstitch Hem - CraftStylish

Wardrobe Staples Women Must Have among Their Clothing Items - For Dummies

Wardrobe Staples Women Must Have among Their Clothing Items - For Dummies  This link will lead you to some information on the basics every woman should have in her wardobe. While I am closet cleaning, I will using this list a guide for what to keep and what to put on my must have list.

Mid-Year Refresh: Looking Ahead to the New Season

 I was going through my dresser drawers looking for a cami and it occur to me it's time to take a good and honest look and start getting rid of somethings. I just can't keep holding on to old clothes, things that I have never worn and probably will never wear. So I decided that next week I will go through closets and drawers organizing and make a list of those things I do need.  Then I will focus my sewing projects around those needs. So for now on all my planning will be on wardobe building. I have been doing some internet research for help in this area and have found some interesting material that I will share in future posts. So what plans do you have for the new fall season? How will you focus your sewing plans? Do share!

It's A Match: Iman Sequin Cardi Jacket and M6708

I was watching Iman Global Chic on HSN looking for inspiration and her Today's Special -Rock the Runway Sensational Sequin Jacket immediately reminded me of M6708-view E Cardi pattern. Exact details.  I must make one of these in a turquoise or purple. Iman's purple version sold out.


HSN



M6708





SpandexHouse $15.00 per yard



SpandexHouse $15.00 per yard





Amazon.com $14.99 per yard





Fashion Fabric Club $4.95 per yard



What I like.......McCalls New Fall Patterns

I am pleased with many of the fall 2013 patterns that McCalls have released. First up the Fashion Star line have a few that I can see my self sewing up. I especially like the tips on how to make variations on the styles.


M6788




M6789

I don't have a need for an special occassion gown; however, I do love this one by Melissa Watson . I like the cowl drape in the back. It is beautiful.



M6791

I am plenty interested in the Plenty by Tracy Reese dress, especially the fabric that the sample was sewn up. Must look for something similar.



M6801

The tops are must for me. I love gorgeous femimine blouses with great details.

M6795

M6796

M6793

M6794


Can't wait until a pattern sale to add these to my collection.
Until next time...........

Pressing Matters

Every sewists know how important pressing is to sewing. Properly pressing a garment makes all the difference between homemade and handmade. Crisp seams and sharp pleats cannot be achieved without pressing. It is even worse when ones iron dies while sewing a project, Ugh..... Well I am experiences that right now. I am finding it really hard to iron without steam, because my iron no longer holds water. Using my fingers to "spray" water is not cutting it. Oh it still heats up, but without steam its difficult to get that professional look. So I've been shopping the interweb for a new budget-friendly new iron. One with verical steam capabilities. I have my eye on one, just need to pull the trigger and I need to do it very soooooooooooon.
Back to the interweb.......

While I Was On A Blogging Hiatus.....

Major changes went on in my craftroom: first I did four furniture redos.

I transformed  an old chest of drawers from blah to fab with spray paint, modge podge, and fabric. I also redid two sewing desks and a night stand.

And I welcomed a new sewing buddy to the craftroom a EuroPro sewing machine rescued before it could be given to goodwill by my special guy, he is so supportive of my crafts. I have a few more diys to show later in another post. These were the major projects.

Until next time.......

Product Review: Orgreenic Fry Pan

Hello,
I have been away form blogging for two years now ( my how time pass) but I am ready to try it again. While away I did do some crafting. I will have to update that in another ppost. But today I wanted to let my anger, or should I say review the Orgreenic Fry Pan.
Well, as per the manufacturers instructions, I seasoned the pan by coating the pan with oil and heating over med heat until smoking. Then let it cool and wipe away any excess oil using a paper towel.  When I tried to cook and egg like they did in the commercial, my egg stuck, clean up was horrible, I had to scrub the pan that claimed to be non stick and easy to clean. So I decide to re- season the pan and try again still the same results. I even end up melting the tip of a plastic spoon accidetntly mind you in the pan. Now I have a pan the I can't get the melted plastic out of and while trying to I scratched the surface of the pan and some of the green of the pan came off. Conclusion, I am throwing the pan away. What a waist.

Until next time, hopefully with something craft related, LOL