Fabric and a Movie...

After it took me three days to sew a dress...one dress...*sigh*  I knew I needed some quality time out of the sewing cave to get a new perspective.  So the Little Prince's mother, commonly known as my middle daughter, and I headed to NYC to pick up a few things on my sewing restocking list.  I really wanted to do this while I was on vacation so I didn't have to rush around the garment district on my lunch hour.

We hit up Mood Fabrics, SIL Thread, and Daytona Trimmings. Of course we took pics of both of us amongst the fabric at Mood...

...and this is my haul...

Hug Snug, thread & stitch witchery from SIL Thread

Tracing paper from SIL Thread

Invisible Zipper from Daytona Trimmings

10 yards of brown wool crepe from Mood 

2.5 yards of forest green double 

wool crepe from Mood

Then because I missed her birthday last week while vacationing, we took in an afternoon showing of the movie, Sparkle.  

Now I know the movie has been bashed by the critics, but the original Sparkle starring Irene Cara and Lonette McKee was one of my teenage years' favorite movies.  I own it in both VHS and DVD.  If anyone has seen the original, you know it was a cheesy story badly filmed with really poor acting.  But Irene Cara sang her butt off, Loretta McKee was such a convincing drug addict and Philip Michael Thomas was in his prime and sooooooo good looking...this was way before his Miami Vice days.

So Sparkle is an integral part of my childhood as well as my daughters...we were anticipating the remix even before Whitney Houston died.  I know Whitney's participation in the movie and passing hyped up the anticipation for the movie even more...and can I say first that the remix is so much better than the original. However, before I get to that, I have to say that I was annoyed to read a review about the movie saying that it was the poor man's Dreamgirls.  Ummmm, excuse me!  If the critic had taken the time to learn the history of Sparkle they would have realized that it was written and shot way before Dreamgirls even appeared on Broadway!  It actually was the black people's version of what was happening in their neighborhoods, versus the sanitized Broadway version of the music business with a black girl group.  There are some rough scenes in the original version of Sparkle that are totally gone from this remake.

On that note, I like what the director and producers did with the remake.  I like how they concentrated on Sparkle and her desire to sing more.  I like that the sisters are so much more well developed characters and I love the church aspect of the movie. To that end, I lost it in the movie theatre when Whitney Houston sang, His Eye is on the Sparrow. To realize that she was singing about being free and wrapped up in Jesus' arms after she had passed away, did me in.  I can't believe how much her death affects me even now... 

Anyway, if you haven't seen the movie you should. Jordin Sparks is adorable.  Mike Epps as Satin Struthers is just awesome, the music is great...especially since I never liked the Aretha Franklin soundtrack - what can I say I'm a purist! I thought Irene Cara and Lonette McKee did a great job of singing in the original movie. Finally the clothes from the 60s are just fantastic! If you only go for the clothes, the music and seeing Whitney sing her last song, EVAH, it is worth it!

So, I'm back home in the sewing cave...refreshed...renewed and with a whole lot of new supplies.  My next dress is a designer interpretation that if you follow me on Instagram you've already seen the components.  BTW, why aren't you following me on Instagram? I'm diaryofasewingfanatic and it's all about my sewing...

Now I know that you're looking for pictures of the finished V8799 dress but since I no longer live with my photographer and just can't get the hang of taking my own pictures, they will be taken at the end of the week...

Let me leave you with a Sparkle clip...

and the closing song with the cast...

...as always more later!

The Help - The Movie

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing the movie which I've been anxiously awaiting since I read and loved the book.

I know that there has been some controversary about the race of the author telling a story about women of a different race in a difficult time in American history...but as Octavia Spencer (Minny) said in an interview, just see the movie before you decide!

I can tell you that it is worth it for the storyline, the humanity that shows in the movie and even the clothing from that time period...especially if you are a vintage afficiendo who loves clothing from the early 60s ala Jackie Kennedy.

So I hope that you can find time during this weekend or in the next couple of days to go and check out this awesome movie...it is so much better than the silliness that was Sex and the City 2 and I would hate for that movie to do better at the box office than this one!

I do have one criticism and even that is too strong a word...if you've read the book they do change one major storyline making it more palatable...but I've forgiven the producers for that because they are so true to the book in every other way!  Academy Award nominations should be awarded to these wonderful actresses who turned in amazing performances! 

Viola Davis (Abileen)

Octavia Spencer (Minny)

Bryce Dallas Howard (Hilly)

(all pics from The Help's website)

Take a chance and bring some tissues because this movie will touch your heart!

...as always, more later

Musings on a Sunday Afternoon

I've felt like crap most of the day...*sigh*...so even though my sewing mojo is working, my body is not cooperating!  And I have to go to work tomorrow...

Yesterday I did not sew.  This certain little person needed a babysitter...for SIX HOURS...can I tell you I know why God did not see fit for women over 50 and menopausal to reproduce.  At one point I wanted to lock that little joker outside...seriously, can you cry non-stop for 45 minutes?  Me, neither...but he can!  *LOL*  Then I had family over for several hours during the evening so there went my Saturday.

This morning I woke up and just felt well...crappy.  I've been reading a book instead of sewing...it's about all I can handle.

However, I did come up with a SWAP plan.  So as soon as the three pieces of fabric that I purchased yesterday just for this purpose arrives, I will start a folder on Stitchers Guild and announce my plan.  Not to disappoint but I went with option 2:

2 dresses -single pieces consisting of top and bottom that can be worn alone.
6 tops - t-shirts, shirts, blouses, or camisoles
2 bottoms - jeans, pants, shorts, skirts or kilts.
1 your choice (not an accesory)

I chose option 2 because I could incorporate some things from my already formulated fall/winter sewing list in my collection...and don't everyone gasp now but it incorporates three new patterns.  I'm pretty excited about this plan especially since two items can be made prior to the start date of December 26th.  I even have a great name for the collection...it came to me 1,2,3 without much handwringing or thought so I know it's perfect name for the wardrobe.

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Please go by Karen's blog and see the new outfit she made with the fabric she took home from the get-together!  It is awesome because it plays to her refashioning strengths!  If you think I'm the "Queen of TNT," Karen is the "Queen of the Thrift Store Refashion."  The girl makes me almost wish that I hadn't given her that piece of fabric!  *LOL*

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I really want to see the movie, Precious.  I read the book several years ago and my oldest daughter brought it with her yesterday.  It took about three hours last night to read through it again.  At first I didn't want to see the movie from what I remembered of the book...but now...I think I'm gonna go!  But I'm bringing the tissue box with me!

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Finally, this piece of A-M-A-Z-I-N-G fabric showed up on my doorstep this week:

Fabric Mart describes it like this:

This unique Anna Sui 100% designer wool is an understated, yet quite elegant wool with gorgeous detail. For starters, it is a gauze-like crepe with a slight sheerness, yet softly textured hand and a nice light drape. It features a burn-out jacquard border that consists of a repeat scrolled columns that are approximately 23” in height. It would make a gorgeous long sweater coat or a modern wool jumper, over shirt, blouse or classic skirt. Use you imagination to bring this lovely wool to your wardrobe.
 
It's so beautiful it makes my heart stop! *sigh*
 
I will work on the dress next weekend...I'm headed back to watch television and continue to read my book!  I hope everyone else had a very productive weekend...
 
...more later!
 
 
 

The September Issue ~ The Movie

Okay, I've decided that I'm the only one that didn't like this movie!  I saw it yesterday with my friends because we had to get out of the rain!  I mean it was drizzling on and off all day in NYC but when the wind picked up as well as the rain well it was time to seek shelter.  Our choices were to try and trek down to FIT and the museum to see the Toledo Exhibit or to hit up "The September Issue".  Since we were closer to 42nd Street and the movie was starting shortly, we opted to see the movie.

However, after reading both Karen's review, LindsayT's review and a folder about the movie on Stitcher's Guild, I've decided that someone did something to the cut we saw in NYC yesterday.  Because I have one word to describe the movie, BORING!  Thank God they gave Grace Coddington a bigger role in the movie because Anna Wintour may be a genius of an editor but she came off as bland, cold, and monotone.  The movie was so uninspiring that one member of our band of merry fabric shoppers (who shall remain nameless) took a nap during the movie and at times I had to pinch myself to stay awake.

Now I know why they jazzed up the storyline for the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada!"  Maybe it's also because I've worked at a magazine before so I realize that the day-to-day, in and out is just not that awe-inspiring, drop dead glamorous.  Maybe it's because I saw Valentino (which is a wonderful movie and you should run right out and buy a copy now!) that I'm so unimpressed with the movie.

Or maybe it was because it was BORING!  *LOL*  And the funny thing is that everyone in my group agreed.  So if someone would kindly tell me where that more interesting cut of the movie is playing...I would like to go and see it too!  Otherwise, I'm gonna stick with Meryl and Anne and the fictionalized Vogue Magazine...

btw...Meryl had Anna down to a T!

Valentino: The Last Emperor ~ The Movie

Friday Night I went to see Valentino: The Last Emperor with a friend. It was really good and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This movie is totally different from the Chanel series that we all either watched on public television or on YouTube. That series focused more on the making of a collection...there were a lot of workroom shots...and behind the scenes shots.

This was all about Valentino and his career. Yes, you saw a few shots of the work room and the seamstresses, but the movie is predominately about Valentino...the man he was, the man he became, and the man he now is. There are also a lot of celebrities and famous women he dressed mentioned, as well as, featured in the movie...and an entire segment on his 45th Anniversary Celebration!

It is definitely a documentary but it also is engrossing and interesting right up until the end. I even got a little teary eyed at the finish...I know it's in limited release but a friend of mine sent me the schedule...which of course reminded me that I hadn't seen it yet. Listed below is a synopsis of the movie as well as cities and states where it's playing...(thanks Patti & Patty!)

VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR

a film by matt tyrnauer

SYNOPSIS

"Shown in film festivals around the world to wide acclaim, VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR is a feature film that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences. Directed by Matt Tyrnauer, the film takes the viewer inside the singular world of the legendary designer Valentino. With unprecedented access, VALENTINO THE LAST EMPEROR follows the Italian maestro for the final two years of his celebrated career, capturing the end of an era in global fashion. But at the heart of the film is a love story: the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti."

96 minutes - USA - Color - in English/Italian/French with English subtitles

NOW PLAYING NATIONWIDE :

NEW YORK CITY - Film Forum and Lincoln Plaza and CC Cinemas 1,2,3
HUNTINGTON, NY - Cinema Arts Centre
CHATHAM, NJ - Chatham Cinema
MONTCLAIR, NJ - Clairidge Cinemas
GREENWICH, CT - Bow Tie Cinema Plaza 3
CAMBRIDGE, MA - AMC Loews Harvard Town Square 5
BROOKLINE, MA - Coolidge Corner Theater
CHICAGO. IL - AMC Loews Pipers Alley 4 and Landmark Renaissance Place (Highland Park)
LOS ANGELES, CA - Laemmle Sunset 5 and AMC Century City 15
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - Edwards Island 7 and Edwards University Town Center 6
PALM SPRINGS, CA - Camelot Theaters
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Landmark Embarcadero
BERKELEY,CA - Landmark Shattuck
SAN RAFAEL,CA - Smith Rafael Center
SAN JOSE, CA - Camera 7

STARTING APRIL 24TH
BUFFALO, NY at Dipson North Park
DC (BETHESDA, MD) at Regal Bethesda 10
PHILADELPHIA, PA at Clearview's Bala Theatre 10
ENCINO, CA at Laemmle's Town Center 5
SACRAMENTO, CA at Tower Theater
HOUSTON, TX at Angelika Film Center
AUSTIN, TX at Regal Arbor Cinema @Great Hills

STARTING MAY 1ST
HONOLULU, HI at Reading Kahala Theaters
BALTIMORE, MD at Charles Theatre
PORTLAND, OR at Cinema 21

STARTING MAY 8TH
DALLAS, TX - Angelika Film Center
PLANO , TX - Angelika Film Center
MEMPHIS, TN at Ridgeway Four
SAN DIEGO, CA - Reading Cinemas

STARTING IN JUNE
NASHVILLE, TN at Belcourt Theatre
SALT LAKE CITY, UT at SLC Film Center

MORE CITIES TO BE ANNOUNCED IMMINENTLY WWW.VALENTINOMOVIE.COM

I hope that if it's playing in a city near you that you will take the time to see it!