The Things I Want to Sew for Fall 2014

Well all of the September issues have landed either in my mailbox or on my iPad - yes, I've gone back to getting some of those issues on my iPad because the amount of paper can be mind boggling!  Sorry to put some of you magazine peeps out of jobs...but it is what it is!

Anyway, People's Stylewatch September 2014 issue, says that these are the Must-Have's for Fall...

1. Plaid - everything
I have several pieces of plaid wools that I bought last year or had in the fabric collection and I want to use them to make a couple of plaid items this year ~ so check, check on this one!

2. Chunky Knits
While this is "new" to the list this year, chunky knits are classics to me.  I already own a few of these, so won't be adding any more.

3.  Bold Colors
I always like to add color to my winter wardrobe - it helps with the dreary blues that occur in Jan/Feb/March when winter sets in with a vengence.

4.  Cutout Heels
I'm passing on this one because it doesn't fit with my lifestyle.

5.  Dark Florals
I have some fall florals but I'm actually on the fence about this trend...I may make something or I may not!

6.  Robe Coats
I just bought Butterick 6107. I have a pretty purple wool that's already backed with interfacing which I bought from Mood Fabrics in November 2013. I thought of the fabric when I bought the pattern, maybe this will be the year that I use it.

7.  Lug Sole Boats
Again, a trend I will pass on.

8.  Boxy Bags
These are really cute handbags but not something I really need or would use in my everyday life.  I cart way to much stuff daily to me these look like car bags and not commuting bags.

9.  Shift Dresses
Okay really, I sew them, own them and will continue to wear them.

10. Statement Earrings
Again another trend I will pass on.

However, I do want to add a few things...

Color and Fabrications ~
I want another garment or two using the color ~ emerald green. I have a wool and a silk blend print in the collection that I'd like to use. This winter I also want to sew some of the gray fabric I've accumulated since gray is another hot color for fall and it actually works in my professional life. Pinstripes, pinstripes and more pinstripes ~ yes there are loads of them in the fabric collection and I'd like to sew a couple of them.

Pantsuits ~
This category makes my list every fall winter...but last year I made a tunic and pants combination as a pantsuit. Since then I've seen loads of them on Pinterest, magazines and in catalogs. I definitely want to make a couple more.

Slimmer Leg Pants ~
I don't like skin tight pants probably because I have bodacious thighs...but I would like to sew a couple pairs of slimmer legged pants...as well as a pair of ponte pants.

Faux Leather ~
There is still alot of faux and real leather in garments for fall/winter, so I will be making a few more pieces with faux leather in them.  This particular dress from Lafayette 148 is calling my name...

As you can tell I'm looking forward to fall/winter sewing and have already started to assemble a list of things I want to sew. Okay honestly, I'm not looking forward to winter especially since for our area they are predicting even more snow for this winter versus last winter...but I so love sewing wool fabrics!

#fatquarterchallenge ~
This weekend I'm working on my #fatquarterchallenge dress.  I can tell you that I went ahead and took advantage of the loopholes provided when we reignited the challenge.  My goal is to get a dress that I can wear to work using all of the fat quarters...however, unless I make a woven top, these little pieces of fabric aren't big enough to go around my bodacious body.

I really wanted to adher to the spirit of the challenge which was to make a wearable garment...so I'm using pieces of ALL of the fat quarters in my dress. I've got a name for my dress based upon what my boss called it when she saw the pic of my fat quarters on Instagram.  I will reveal the dress' name and the actual dress this Friday.

Finally, I do have a couple of posts to share with you this week before the #fatquarterchallenge reveal. I didn't plan to not post last week but I was extremely busy and I just never got around to it.  I do have a little more to say this week and since the Labor Day Holiday Weekend (here in the US) is coming up next weekend...my plans are to spend it in my sewing cave...especially since my annual September sewcation isn't happening this year.

...as always more later!

Inspiration

Many things inspire me to create...but nothing more so than the changing of the leaves.  I love it when they haven't all turned because the mosaic of color makes me want to run home and lock myself in the sewing cave to make beautiful garments from these luscious fall colors.

These pictures of trees were taken from my neighborhood....

This Talbots Sheath Dress...

...along with this claret wool crepe fabric will be the ode to my fall inspiration...

...as always more later!

Top 10 Things for Fall 2012

I took several of the September issues with me on vacation. I knew I would have a lot of downtime and I could take my time and read through them slowly.  One of the magazines I took (besides the Vogue & InStyle) was the People Style Watch September 2012 issue.

Besides the fact that it had a lot of pictures, and I love the pretty pictures, this magazine had one of the best Top 10 Fall Must Have Lists...well actually Top 15.  

So I'm sharing the list with you...

Number One:

The color hunter green ~ This rich color makes a statement on clothing, shoes and bags!  Pair it with bold hues like purple and royal blue for an eye-catching look or neutrals for a more subtle take.
I love this color and plan to purchase some fabric (yes, I know you would think I would have some in my collection, but I don't!) greens yes but not a solid hunter or emerald green.

Number Two:
Ankle Strap heels ~ Updated with pointy toes, this leg-lengthening style is having a major moment! Skinny straps are easiest to pull off - wider ones feel edgier.
This one will not go on my list since ankle strap heels aren't flattering on me.

Number Three:
Military Details ~ Embossed buttons, epaulets and sharp tailoring are everywhere! Look or them in muted colors on classic sheaths, little jackets, skinnies and more
This one is definitely on my list.  I already have plans to make a jacket and adding a dress with some military details is high on my list also.

Tory Birch Bernadine Peacoat

Number Four:
Trumpet Hems ~ The flouncy shape is a fun twist on spring's peplum trend!  On dresses and skirts in classic or standout styles, it's feminine and figure-flattering.
I may add a version of this to my wardrobe. The skirts pictured in the article remind me of Simplicity 5914. I've made this skirt 2 or 3 times and actually had plans to make another this fall.

Simplicity 5914 skirt

Number Five:
Dome Bags ~ Rounded top-handle carryalls are sophisticated and functional! Suede, leather and other luxe textures add a special feel
I'm really into the hobo bag and structured bags this fall so I won't be adding one of these to my wardrobe.

Bella Donna Bag from handbags.com

Number Six:
Brocade ~ This ornate fabric is perfect for dressing up, but on more casual pieces or paired with jeans and flats, it's chic and unexpected.
Definitely want to add a brocade piece to my wardrobe this fall/winter...just have to figure out which one.

Brocade fabrics from Mood.com

Number Seven:
Jeweled Necklaces ~ These dramatic styles punch up any outfit, day or night! Go for understated neutral stones or vibrant colored gems
I have a few statement necklaces like this already, just need to pull them out and wear them!

Number Eight:
Shift Dresses ~ In graphic patterns, bright colors and more, this loose silhouette is both stylish and easy to wear! For maximum flattery, choose above-the-knee styles and pair with heels.
I definitely have plans to make one or more of these! I even have my pattern and fabric picked out. Now I just have to make time to get to it! *smile*

Number Nine:
Voluminous Coats ~ The roomy look is so fashion forward! Wear these trendy styles anytime - opt for fitted clothes t create a cool contrast.
I already own a voluminous coat...bought last season and it wore so well last winter. My coat will definitely be in the rotation this year!

Number Ten:
Patent Leather ~ On clothing or accessories, this texture is striking - real or faux! Try just a hint on pumps or a shirt collar, or go all out in a head-turning piece of clothing.
I love patent leather shoes!  Love, love, love them! These are a staple in my shoe collection, and the shoe pictured below is joining the collection soon!

Yilva Shoe from Anne Klein 

...and the additional five are Gold pieces, Faux Fur, Paisley printed garments, loafer pumps and animal motifs.

The descriptions in italic type are straight from the People Style Watch article and I would highly recommend that you pick one up. So, how about you? Which one of the trends will you be adding to your fall/winter wardrobe? Some, all, or none at all? Do the trends even matter to you? Talk back to me because this is the Question of the Day!

Just a quick note...

In today's NYTimes Thursday Styles section, there is an article "Fashion Forward?  Check!" that review's this seasons designers love affair with houndstooth.  You can read the short clip, here.  It also features a picture of one of the Ferragamo dresses that I just adore from the Fall 2011 line!

There's also a review from the On the Runway Blog written by Cathy Horyn about the Dries van Noten Spring 2012 fashion show.  I know this is getting a little ahead for us sewing fashionistas who are heading into fall, but it was an interesting read.

Okay, I'm out!  Gotta do that day job that allows me to pay for my sewing passion and fabric addiction!  *LOL*

...btw, I finished my houndstooth inspired dress...so I'll have pics soon.

...as always, more later!

Designer Interpretations - Fabric Inspired

I don't want to sew pieces of a wardrobe.  I don't want to figure out how to make 5 or 6 pieces work with each other.  I know that in times past, I've extolled the virtues of wardrobe sewing and I've even wallowed like a pig in mud, dreaming up and constructing wardrobes...but right now...I don't want to sew that way.  So I won't be finishing up a 6pack...cause I don't want to. 


Now...right now...I'm inspired by designer garments.  This fall season is offering up so many delicious pieces made with wonderful details in amazing fabrics.  I want to make those things.  My mind is overflowing with creativity caused by all of those glossy pictures in the fall magazines featuring the best of the designer collections.  The garments that cause me to go crawling around in my fabric collection pulling out pieces of fabric to then add to a TNT pattern and coming up with my own designer inspired creation.  


Today's designer inspired piece is based upon Salvatore Ferragamo's Fall Line. EricaB has highlighted it and there have been three to five page ad layouts in most of the September magazines.  I love the silhouettes the designer, Giornetti, used but mostly I absolutely ADORE his use of black and white houndstooth.  He has recycled a classic fabric into new silhouettes that have sent my creative spirit into overdrive.


So I found this fabric in the collection:

It's a take on the classic houndstooth pattern in black and white that I've used with my TNT dress pattern...and a black petersham ribbon.

I also added a little piping to the neckline:

  

An invisible zipper to the back...

and I got a great pattern match here...

And that's as far as I got Sunday evening before I packed it in for the night.  The dress still needs to be hemmed and the armholes finished.  Both are things that I can finish up this weekend so I will have a new dress to wear to work next week...when the weather finally starts to act like it's fall.  


BTW, I've taken the Leather-Look dress apart...I need to cut out the silk organza pieces and stitch them to the dress before I reassemble it.  I also found some brown leather-like piping from Daytona Trimmings to add to the neckline and armhole...so this dress has become a little more involved.  And Toy, the dress is to wear to an after work event...I wanted something a little funkier, trendy and fun...I thought this fabric would make a dress that would fit the bill.


...as always, more later!

So far its just raining...

...and I haven't sewn a stitch!  It's been so gray, cloudy and rainy and then there's that crazy need to sit in front of the TV and watch the newscasters explain just how much rain we are going to get, how high the waves are going to be and how hard the wind is going to blow...

...that when I finally pulled myself from in front of the television, I picked up one of the many fashion magazines that have come to my apartment in the last couple of weeks and then I ended up surfing the internet! 

After that I had to make a few Powerpoint slides of inspirational ideas...I know all of you Pin Interest peeps would have just saved the images to that program...but I use Powerpoint so much at work that this is my first thought...drag it into Powerpoint, resize and turn it into a jpeg...seemingly old school now!  *LOL*
Anyway, here's what feeding my creative urges now:

This YSL Dress reminded me so much of McCalls 6395

Several dresses from various sites

I love me some Jason Wu!

More Jason Wu!

Finally can I share a 10 Fall Must-Haves all Fashionistas should buy/sew/own this fall courtesy of the September 2011 People Stylewatch issue:

• A Bold Red Piece
• A Pony Hair Piece
• Something in a Southwestern Print
• A Feminine Menswear Piece
• A Chunky Cable Knit Sweater
• Heeled Loafers
• A Longer Dress
• A Metal Choker
• A Structured Bag
• A Mixed Material Coat or Jacket

They even provide a little pull-out card to put in your purse and take shopping with you to make sure that you get everything!  It's pictured above.  For fashion buying/sewing/owning, I think this mag was the most "realistic."  No over the top designer gear with 4 and 5 digit price tags for a garment.  The editors made sure to include an example in the high, mid and lower price range with sources as diverse as designer (Kate Spade, Oscar dela Renta, Tom Ford), JCPenny, H&M, Forever 21, The Loft/Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Banana Republic and a host of internet sources.  I really like the fantasy of the other fashion magazines but if you just want one source of what's hot for Fall 2011, spend your $3.99 USD for this one!

Hopefully we will wake up with power in the morning and I will sew then...if not it's a book, surfing on my iPad, some card games with my daughters while we hunker down and wait for the hurricane to pass.  If you are anywhere on the East Coast in the hurricane zone, my thoughts are with you and please be safe!

...as always, more later!

Some cleaning but no sewing going on...

I know that everyone is looking for a new garment but somehow I never manage to sew my first day of vacation.  Today I actually spent a considerable amount of time on the computer and cleaning...yes, cleaning.  Even though I have someone clean for me, there are some things that I like to do myself, so I did some of that today...and then there's my bedroom which is a wreck.  So before I can settle in to sew, I must straighten it out first!

That leads to this post btw.  I'm sure everyone has seen the new September BurdaStyle magazine.  If not here is a pic:

There is a discussion going on at Stitcher's Guild about the dress on the cover.  It's either loved or not...I'm in the love category, btw.  Anyway, back to the cleaning...there is a pile of sewing mags by the side of the bed that I'm putting away.  Now you know putting away doesn't mean that I pile them up, take them to the living room and place them in the proper spot...no this involves some page turning, some looking and even some deciding if it really should leave my bedroom!  *LOL*

While flipping through the September 2005 issue, which was laying by the bed for a cardigan pattern that I absolutely adore, I found this:

Yeap, doesn't it look very similar to the dress on the cover of the Sept. 2010 issue!  There are some differences...the rounded yoke neckline, the missing flanges (but seriously who needs them), it comes in sizes 36 - 44 and the pieces are located on the pages where you can actually see the pattern pieces.

It's also the Illustrated Sewing Course, so you can see how to assemble the dress.  Now I really loved the dress on the front of the September 2010 issue but the one inside the September 2005 issue will be easier for me to knock-off.  One because the newer one is a petite version and located on those terrible pattern sheets...and you know how much I hate tracing!  And two, because it will be easier to grade up (okay lay on top of my TNT dress pattern and cut up) AND its the old pattern sheets, so easier to see to trace!

I got the idea to put this dress on my sewing list when I bought the new BurdaStyle Magazine Thursday evening.  However, it was just going on the list.  Now I'm thinking...can't you smell the wood burning *LOL*...that I may need to work on this dress this week.  I have some doubleknit in the closet in both gray and raspberry...and it might be fun to make this work!

So we shall see...but isn't it interesting that a version of the same dress is in two different Burda magazines five years apart!  And if you collect (hoard) Burda's like I do, you might have this issue in your collection too!

Well back to cleaning...I'm not quite done yet.  But I will be finished tonight because I will be up early tomorrow morning, laying out a pattern.  I have to get a little sewing in before I head off to my family's annual Labor Day barbeque.  There are some cousins coming that I haven't seen in awhile...so I'll be in my sister's backyard eating, talking junk, playing spades and enjoying my family's company. 

I hope everyone who celebrates Labor Day has a wonderful weekend too!

...as always, more later!

Michael Kors, Sewing and Me!

I will admit it up front...I am fanatical about Michael Kors designs. And I'm soooooo in love with his new pre-fall and fall lines that I am beside myself. His garments are so in line with the type of sewing that I want to do this fall...

It started when I saw this suit in the new September issue of Allure Magazine:

Which then drove me to his website and to Style.com. I have happily spent the morning imagining new pieces for my fall wardrobe - because you know how much I love a dress! So without further ado these are the pieces that have set my heart pitter pattering...all pics are from Style.com

The good thing about an extensive fabric collection...I already have a piece like this in it! It reminds me of Simplicity 2868 which also resides in my pattern collection...just make short sleeves instead of long ones!

Besides the fact that I love, love, love the pairing of black and white - I'm also really diggin' all of the color blocking that he has going on!

I know that this is in a brown/black combination but I can see it in soooo many other shades...how about a gray/lilac combo or a red/black combo...you could get as dramatic as you pleased or as tonal as you wanted. Oooolalalala - the combinations you could come up with to make it your own! BTW, this wool crepe version retails for $1,995!

Is this not fresh or what!?! I love the colors MK chose for his version - I'm thinking mine could be done from similar colors using some amazing ponte knits from Marcy Tilton! Or if you want to see a less expensive RTW version of this...Dillards is offering a grey/black/white version for $128! Because MK's version retails for $1,795!!!

Now this is my TNT sheath dress with two amazing colors and a large satin ribbon sewn down the front! I can't think of one person who wouldn't look amazing in this dress! Just pick colors you love and get to sewing!

A variation on a theme I know, but doesn't it look just as good in black and white! Some of these pieces will be making appearances in my fall/winter wardrobe...how can they not? They are classic styles with a lot of ooomph, will work well in my corporate environment and will make this plus size mama look professional and well put together!

So what do you think? Anything here that would work for you? Or are you jonesing on another look/designer/color for fall?