My New Cashmerette Patterns

I think I'm finally a *little* bit into the swing of things...

I saw Cashmerette patterns for the first time on Carolyn's blog a couple of weeks ago. One cool thing about being out of the loop for so long is that everything is new for me! Some things I've kept up with--I continued my Burda and Ottobre Woman subs for the majority of my hiatus, and checked in on Colette patterns and Hotpatterns regularly too.

Still, that's relatively little exposure to the sewing world. I'm sure there are many things I missed and many things that changed. New pattern companies that cater to curvier folks was a fun surprise though!

There are several nice patterns in the line, but here are the four I chose:

Upton Dress: (I also got the sleeve expansion which is shown on these models). 

Lenox Shirtdress: 

 Concord T-Shirt:

Turner Dress:

I'm interested in trying these--the expanded cup sizing (size 12-28 and cup C-H) is inspiring! I am completely unbiased too--other than Carolyn's lovely garment, I haven't had time to look these up online. I think I will just remain spoiler-free until the time comes to sew one up .

I'll keep you posted!

Skirt Pattern Investigation

Bet y'all thought I was never going to mention sewing again, huh??

I was so excited to get my February Burda Style magazine (the real one, not the US knockoff) because of THE BACK COVER!!!

It features this skirt in the red lace overlay version:

What can I say? That skirt speaks to me. Lace overlay. Casual chic chambray. Swishy half circle goodness. Shaped almost yoke waist. *love*

Unfortunately I can't find it on the Simplicity.com site, but I found it on this German site. I'm not sure if that means it's an old pattern or a new pattern? I'm hoping new so I can pick it up! Because I also love that center view, the red & white wide stripes! (Reminds me of a Kate Spade skirt from a couple of years ago).

If I can't find it, I'm fairly certain I can wing this one on my own though. Finding the lace will probably be the hardest part! But mmmm-hmmm, I am certainly going to give it my best shot.

What's in your sewing basket for (not even close yet) spring??

Burda Style: April 2013

I'm so far off my blogging game, I thought I'd posted this LAST WEEK. ha!  In a nutshell, here are my favorites from the April issue of Burda Style (which you've already gotten and found your own favorites probably.  But still.  A new post! yay!)

Those are my favorites. What are yours??

ps...I finished a second novel (the first draft) about 10 days ago! I started a third on last Saturday (a week ago) and have been writing up a storm.  So...that's partly why I've been incognito the past few months.  Writing, writing, writing. 

The second one, it's pretty special.  I'll be working on the revise/editing/second draft of that one to prepare it for that whole scary submission process.  But not for a few weeks yet (probably in June when I'm out of school!)  Wish me luck!

Ottobre 2/2013. And Pi. And Dean.

I got my Ottobre Woman in the mail last week! Did you? I only subscribe to the women's issues now, since Lu won't let me sew for anymore. 

I thought this was a great little issue, with several basic designs I can see myself using over and over (Kristine thought it was a terrible issue, with nothing she could use ever. So...your mileage will vary! Also, Kristine is a Crabby Patty. She also thinks I'm terrible half the time and has no use for me either.)

All kidding aside though, there are some great basics here! Especially if you've never tried Ottobre before.  #14 is a basic sheat dress pattern (on the right below):

And I love the 40s/80s throwback of the blouse #9 (colorblocked below):

 The jacket is pretty cute too, a linen "motorcycle" jacket!

Then we have a nice basic wrap top/dress, #19 (nothing innovative, but still a flattering silhouette on most body types):

And also a cardigan/jacket #12 and a pair of slim pants in ALL sizes (I love when the do all size pants. So often they don't!). Pants #5 & #6.

Knit colorblocked dress. I'm not sure I have the patience? But I actually like this. #17:

And although I hated the gather neck tee below at first  because of the odd shaping, it's growing on me. Tee #13, with shorts #5&6 (all sizes!)  The sleeveless top though, that's fabulous! #3:

I even like the dress/tunic version below left, #7:

That's about it for me, I guess.  But then, that's almost all of the garments too! So it's a keeper.  Maybe if you missed this issue, Kristine will sell you hers. Muwhahaha...

In Random Fits of Nonsense And Wasted Time News...

Happy Pi Day!

from me & my favorite tv boyfriend, Dean Winchester.

He has rhythm. 

I make baked goods. 

Basically, it's a match made in tv heaven.

Good Spread...and Colette Crepe Update!

Firstly...peanut buttery goodness.  This cause is near and dear to my heart as you well know, and I love ingenuity and creativity, as you also well know.

In a nutshell (hehe, peanut butter humor), these two reasonably handsome fellas have developed a peanut butter recipe that sounds amazing but more importantly is part of a much grander scheme to fight acute malnutrition with the help of MANA Nutrition.  If they can get their factory up and running next week, they'll be in a position to donate a packet of MANA nutrition for every Good Spread peanut butter sold.

Go. Donate. Spread. Eat. 

The Colette Crepe is coming along...the bodice is together (waiting on ties, I'm still digging through supplies looking for that blasted stripey ribbon) and I think I can finish it today. I hope so! It's going to be too cold to wear it if I don't get my tail in gear!

(I need a new steam iron. Ugh.)

I also have a stack of projects lined up behind this one and I'm itching to get crackin on a couple of them.

Like trying out these Juniper trousers also from Colette:

 

 

Or the super sweet and very retro Anise jacket:

And to quote the indomitable Tim Gunn...Carry on.

Burda Style: 11/12

Burda, ye have surprised me.  I LOVE this issue.  And I almost never love November! (the magazine issue, not the month. hehe.)


My favorite might be this vintage 1956 reprint, #138:

But there is a lot that I love in this one.  Love love love this plus sheath dress.  Wow. #146

Pretty sheath dress #122.  You don't see many tailored sheaths with long sleeves:

Another retro-inspired dress, #121 (also available as a peplum top):

Adorable jacket, #117:

Fitted plus tunic #142:

Love this skirt, a nice, tailored twist on a wardrobe staple, from the plus section #144:

And I probably have something similar, but I love these relaxed sweater things. They're so easy to sew and wear! #104

Another great basic, a-line skirt #124:

And the tie-neck top is included too, #109:

This issue is packed with other nice basics too, trousers, jackets, knit and woven tops, skirts.  If you don't subscribe, this is a great issue to pick up with a lot of bang for your buck!


I may be "off" my sewing game in recent months, but I wanted to take a moment to throw in my love for Burda Style/Burda World of Fashion magazine.  I well remember the days I started sewing from these magazines and the frustrations and bewilderment I felt trying to decipher oddly translated directions, no technical drawings and European fit. 

It was exhilarating!

There's a petition making the rounds suggesting changes to Burda Style magazine, and I feel your pain seamstresses.  My advice to beginners and those struggling with the crazy tracing "train tracks", the odd instructions, and the crazy fashion styled photo shoots... stick with it! If you keep working on your skills and learning new techniques, I promise the day will come when you don't really need Burda Style's directions to make that fabulous jacket or dress; you'll already possess the skills needed. 

With experience, you'll also get better and better at deciphering those train track pattern lines, more able to recognize the shapes you should be tracing for the different pattern pieces.

Experience is one of those things that you (unfortunately) can't rush or hurry along...have patience.  Burda Style remains, to me, a real treasure trove of sewing and fashion excitement, delivered right to my mailbox, every single month.  Even six years later.

(and luckily, I don't need those crack-crazy instructions very often. although sometimes I attempt them just for kicks and giggles. the nutty translations crack  me up!)

Viva la Burda Style!

golden..

Just a quick drive by/catch up/bragging rights smallish post before I dash back out the door to the next thing on my to-do list this week (I teach a *mostly* senior citizen computer class on Thursday nights).

Firstly, I held an OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL TODAY!

This lovely accessory (goes with literally everything, don't you think??) alas belongs not to me, but to the very handsome and eloquent Dain Blanton, 2000 Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist.  He was the speaker at a convention I attended this morning.

I also FINALLY received my 5/2012 Ottobre magazine, the fall women's issue.  Here are a few of my faves...

Just regular clothes, not high-er fashion (like Burda Style).  But you know what I wear every day??

Regular clothes.

So I like this issue.  Alot.

Also...just got a notice from AnySoldier that my "soldier" had updated his care page.  Have you ever visited AnySoldier.com??

It's a pretty awesome site. You can choose a soldier or unit and read their page to see what items they are in need of (while deployed).  My soldier is in Afghanistan, so his unit would really like DVD's, headphones, protein bars and powder, weightlifting gloves...but their needs change occasionally and the soldiers can update their page at any time.

And of course, when they are shipped out somewhere else, or (hopefully soon) home, then that gets noted too.  It is a free site, and they email you the mailing address for your soldier's unit as soon as you request it.  Just don't request it until you're ready to ship the care package.  Things can change fast!

The holidays are fast approaching (as much as I'm in denial).  Remember a soldier's unit this Christmas season!

Gotta run...

ps...for smartypants Kristine. I was TOTALLY listening.  Yup.