Author: ~LOLA~

Hey everybody its 2019!……I hope the holidays didn’t irritate you too bad and that you got through it without much strife….I, for one am all the way happy about “the holidays” being O-V-A…..The new year is already in full swing and I love the prospects of new beginnings….Everything is so far, so good (fingers crossed) and things are going according to plan….Speaking of plans this year I bought a planner!…My daughter talked me into getting one on one of our trips to Hobby Lobby….I swear I didn’t know I needed one but they really come in handy…I’ve always been stationery and pen kinda girl so I always have pretty notebooks stashed everywhere but a planner is something I just didn’t know would benefit me…..It really helps to keep me on schedule and reminds me to finish stuff…..I’m still kinda leery about actually making plans because every single time I do they fall through dramatically…. but I said eff it and started planning anyway….we shall see, yeah?….

Okay now on to the outfit that inspired this post…It’s a McCall’s mashup I made back in November; the 24th to be exact….The pants are from McCall’s M7873 View D….I cut a size 16 and the pattern had three pattern pieces…..the pattern called for knits of course; and even if they didn’t I undoubtedly would’ve used a knit anyway….Rules and me just don’t get along very well….For the top I used McCall’s M6992 View C…..for the pants I should’ve done a crotch adjustment but it didn’t bother me too much when I wore them….when I make them again I’m going to do a slight alteration and add a bit of length too……according to my notes I recorded while sewing these coordinates the top pattern is awesome….and now that I think about it, it was a fun sew….the pieces came together perfectly and the top turned out bomb!…..maybe a little length will be added to the top next time I whip it up too…..

The fabrics I used came from Fabric Mart (one of my favorite online fabric stores) and I did the cool color-blocking thing with this outfit…..the idea came to me when I was choosing fabrics….I used Bahama Blue Polyester/Lycra Ponte and Seafoam Green Polyester/Lycra Ponte knits and they were perfect for the job….they were so pretty and vibrant; I thought of Tiffany….when I finished the outfit it was kinda blah to me; like it needed some kinda jazz to kick it up a notch….My sewing supply hoarding came in handy once again…I have this bag of “P’s” and a bag of “5’s” that I bought at least 2-3 years ago for no reason other than thinking they were cool….I had no idea what I was going to do with them so I put ’em in with the rest of the stuff that “I may need one day”….that day finally came….I dug them out and put three of ’em on my new outfit; one of each shoulder  and one on the pants….it took the outfit from zero to sixty just like that….it went from meh to awwww yeah just from adding some shiny sequin P’s….the “P” is for my maiden name Packard by the way; just an FYI…

okay yall now I’m rambling again and talking sewing makes me wanna talk forever….my sewing room is calling me so I’ll end this post by saying watch this space and my social media accounts too if you wanna see more sewing goodness and hear about other shenanigans I manage to get myself into!….I plan to sew and show…show all the way out that is *wink-wink*….(scroll for the pictures)

Talk to you good people soon I promise!

MsKRS

the Planner

Now this post is already late according to my “plan”; and see my friends that is why I hardly make any…. well plans, that is……Oh, and hey yall hey!….just came in rambling on this one huh? LOL…well here is some more sewing gibberish because this dress pattern is just all ‘dat; and the color really makes it the sugar honey iced tea…..Soooo I’ve been having this canary yellow (and tangerine orange too) obsession going on since early Summer right?….it all started on Pinterest….I searched those colors and the yellow shades were just so pretty….so feminine and fresh and just goes with the California sunshine oh so perfectly….Of course I’m still stuck in this time warp of yesteryear so I took to my old school patterns once again….

Ended up sewing Butterick B6318 View A….the pattern was in one of my Love Sewing magazine packages and immediately became a favorite of mine just by looking at the envelope (I’ve had it for a while)….this reprint is just dripping in old school goodness; I mean the pattern actually says “Retro Butterick ’61”!….Just everythinggggg I swear….Okay now lemme give up the goods on sewing the pattern….I took to my ever-growing stash and of course my hoarding once again provided the perfect canary yellow fabric for my new dress….the fabric I used I believe I thrifted so my description of the fabric may be a little off—–I’m thinking its some sort of polyester blend; it’s slubbed too….kinda reminded me of a heavy linen too…..it’s like it was made just for sewing this particular dress; there’s that OG Sewing Magic again…..the pattern had seven pattern pieces and the dress came together in an afternoon….[I made this dress a little bit ago, Sunday August 12th to be exact hence the late blog post thing **covers face**]…I had quite a bit of yardage but the width wasn’t wide enough to cut the skirt part of the dress so I had to Tim Gunn it…..it all worked out well though and his observant eye would be proud…..I cut the size 16 (I cut my actual size for this pattern because I didn’t use a knit like I usually do); and added a matching vintage Talon brand zipper to to make it all the way fly!….I like the sash thingy on this pattern too; the pieces are actually sewn into the dress! I’ve never sewn a dress with that feature before and I just love it…..the feature reminder is written somewhere in here and will no doubt resurface just when I need it….okay I came in like a chatterbox so I’ll end this pattern and sewing rave with some pictures….Until next time good people, until next time….

MsKRS

 

 

 

Good afternoon y’all and I hope everything is as well as possible….As I mentioned before I would try to share more of my makes instead of keeping all the goodness to myself so yeah!!….On to this pretty dress that’s full of color and happy face stuff….

First of all the fabric is from my beloved Hancock’s Fabrics….both pieces have been in my stash for quite some time; I was on an eyelet kick when I first started sewing so as soon as I saw them I snatched ’em up…..thought about making an A-line skirt a long time ago but I didn’t have enough yardage; or so I thought….I didn’t think about the color-blocking thing until I decided to make the dress….the color-blocking thing for the A-line skirt may work better with different colors now that I think about it…..

The pattern is another one from one of my favorite books** Chic and Simple Sewing by Christine Haynes**...its called The Sunday Dress and the example in the book is whipped up in Black eyelet; and its sooooo pretty….I hardly ever follow the pattern’s fabric suggestions but for some reason I knew I had to use eyelet for this dress….I sew with knits more often than not no matter what the pattern says but this particular dress would not shine as bright without using eyelet I swea’ fo Lawd….yayyyyy me for having a fabric buying issue with four yards to create with amiright?!…I had a slight problem with the waistband (I was tired asf); I couldn’t figure out the pieces to a friggin’ waistband (crazy right?) but this morning I found them to be cut totally wrong so yeah it wasn’t going to work that day or any other day…..when I started the dress that epiphany escaped me and I chucked it in the corner of shame and immediately started another project which was a simple tank top that turned out to be a fail and is now in the corner of shame too because it needed bias tape but I didn’t have the right color so I decided to finish the neck a different way and okay I’m rambling LOLOLOL….   okay yeah that sewing session had a lot of sewing mishaps to say the least…but for some reason I couldn’t get the damn dress out of my mind yesterday so I when I got up this morning I decided to figure it out…the tank top is another story and that lopsided mess may never see the light of day!…the dress was saved with a little rest and re-cutting so lemme share the pictures because I can literally talk about something, well pretty much anything sewing all day….

–side note– the dress didn’t call for a lining on the skirt but the eyelet holes are much bigger than the example fabric used in the book….should I do a short lining or try and go naughty like the pattern suggests?…lemme know!…(oh and share blog links to sewing goodness)….Talk to you good people soon!

MsKRS

 

Whattttt??!! Another blog post so soon??!! Well yeah because I’ve been off work for the past few days and I’ve had the energy to do what I actually want to do!  Go figure!…Well this post is about a new make;  it was finished just today!….Now, a little dialogue….

Yesterday I was in my sewing room really wanting to sew but I didn’t know if I wanted to sew something hella extra or just something quick and easy…I was also tidying up the house and doing laundry….long story short I took a nap and when I woke up I started “sewing”….you know the process of looking around your sewing space, messing with stuff that you’re not going to use, and sifting through patterns….This pattern has been in my stash for quite some time; a few years to be exact….I snagged it from my beloved Hancock’s Fabrics when I first started sewing….I’m almost certain I hadn’t sewn it because at the time I wasn’t very good at installing hardware and had no clue that it wasn’t necessary all the time….Sewwww while sifting away I found the lovely again…There are six views; three for the day and three for the evening…they’re all very feminine and pretty….One of my Instagram sewing friends suggested I sew View F initially but I ended up sewing View A….exactly the same cut but View F is a maxi version….I see myself making View F in a light, flowy fabric for the Spring and Summer like my friend suggested….

Awww Lawd I’m rambling again and haven’t mentioned the actual dress!  Okay here we go: I started it yesterday evening and finished it today; its Simplicity 2308 View A….I cut the size 14, which is the largest size on the envelope….The fabric is from Fabric Mart and its been in my stash for for a spell….its a sturdy knit fabric (but of course) and the description reads: “Dusty Pink/Black Poly/Lycra Box Plaid Ponte Knit 54W”….No alterations except the elimination of the hardware which would’ve been a 20″ zipper and a couple buttons….I cut the back piece on the fold too because of the hardware ditch….When I make the other views I’ll probably add them because the fabrics I have in mind wont hold up well enough without it….My knits have no problem standing on their own…..The pleats on the neckline gave me fits for no good reason and after three tries I just let it be…the side ones were okay but the middle one just would not cooperate…the fabric often has a mind of its own….Sewing moo-ju-juju! LOL…Well I’m feeling like whipping up something else so I’ll share the pictures….As always talk to me, share with me, direct me to all the best sewing stuff you can find!

Until next time yall!

Love,  MsKRS

Turned out very nice yeah?

Side one

Back view

Side Two

Zoom in to see the different day and evening views!

The pattern of the hour! Pretties for every time of the day! I can dig it!

Belle modeling; Pink Cookie in the background kinda too “free”…I need to make her something to wear!

 

 

Yall!!!!!  I haven’t blogged in too long and for that I want to start this post out with an apology and virtual hug!…My February/Black History Month is off to a okay start and I’m grateful….Now I’ve been sewing sooooo much like nonstop but to blog about em; yeah that’s a whooollleee different story….Recently I told myself I was going to blog more and to be more dedicated to my cool beans of a craft….I may be getting more time to do just that (wink-wink stay tuned)….Right now today I’m sitting here with my GRANDbaby watching Forensic Files and roasting up a chicken….She’s doing something on her tablet; ABC Mouse it may be…..it’s smelling really Sunday dinner-ish up in here!…..I gotta figure out some kinda side dishes to make with the bird…..Okay now to share one of the many projects I done’ made recently…..

By now y’all know my love of vintage stuff and yesteryear; this outfit is one of many that I’ve whipped up but have basically kept hostage from my peeps on accident somewhat hahahahaha….well no more; for this outfit anyway……The pattern is circa 1974—Simplicity 6326 View 2 Easy Cut Easy Sew Jiffy Knits pattern….it only came in one size; “Miss Size 14 Bust 36” AND aint none of these my size! LOLOL luckily knits are so forgiving.…this pattern actually called for knits (my absolute favorite fabric everrr, most of my patterns are for knits) so I referred to my beloved, ever-growing stash and dug out a printed knit I’ve been hoarding of course for no good reason….the fabric sewed up beautifully (which is one of the reasons why I love knits) and fit the pattern perfectly….it’s so comfy and easy to wear although those waistlines were quite high back in the day….no matter; the high waist definitely helps with the chubby hiding thingy I do…..did a couple alterations too; I didn’t add any hardware and I eliminated the butterfly collar….I didn’t really care for it–I cut it out and “set” it but ended up chucking it in the end….I’ll probably make the outfit again though; and the collar then because I kinda liked it on the envelope; maybe because it was in a contrast color on there….::prints and knits are two of my weaknesses just random FYI::….the collar seemed like it was too busy when I tried to add it this go ’round though…..overall the outfit is a really cool addition to my closet so I know it’ll remain in rotation….Vintage wins again peeps and I got a buncha’ crazy pictures to show y’all as proof…..any questions about this ‘fit just ask me, anything to show me just share, and I’ll talk to you good folks soon!

Always,  MsKRS

Well howdy everybody and I hope you are enjoying this easy Sunday…Of course I am utterly and completely dreading going back to the rat race tomorrow but my sewing room is the BEST way for me to ease back into it…Been sewing so many things but of course no blogging nor pictures…I don’t have an excuse though; just a story (forgive me)….it’s in my plans to share, it is in the plans….This dress forced me to blog it though; the process was quite interesting; check it…..

It all started Sunday July 23, 2017; which I know was another therapy session because of the fresh hell I face weekly with my gig…..I remember that day because I was fiddling around in my sewing space and I couldn’t figure out what to sew…I was binging MadMen on Netflix and that moved me toward my vintage stash…..as I rummaged I kept running across these “weenie dog” type dress patterns; you know the ones with the super dropped waistline?…yeah,those….now I can’t bear to part with any old school pattern even though I may NEVER sew it and this particular style was filed under that category…..

Fast forward a bit (because I decided to go ahead and sew the style) to the fabric choice being “Coral/Citrus/ White Pineapple Print 100% Cotton Shirting” that reminded it should be washed gently; meh…..The print cheered me up and I went to work with only two yards so I Tim Gunn’d it….Pineapples every damn where!…My kinda party though cause it was wild! LOL…..The pattern is Butterick 3578 Size 16 Bust 36….Extra Quick ‘N Easy pattern with only four main pattern pieces….That’s what lured me in: Only four main pattern pieces….Now I am usually a speedy seamstress but this dress was drawn out until today!…That Sunday I started it I really thought I would have finished it that night but was stopped dead in my tracks because the pattern called for a lining….now I shoulda’ known it was going to need something because there were no facing pieces; just wasn’t thinking like at all….So I take to my stash and find thee perfect lining fabric that’s the same Coral color is the dress fabric….I supposed with all the fabric decisions and huge darts in the dress I got tired and went to sleep…..

Day number two started on Tuesday July 25, 2017….Installed the lining and was reminded of how tedious linings can be—-and more importantly of how necessary they are with certain garments for cool structure and finishes….

Day three was yesterday; Saturday July 29, 2017…..More tinkering with this dress…This UFO doesn’t bother me for some reason and the time span is making me love the dress more….it’s literally SLOWLY becoming one of my faves….I got a new Ott Lite for my space too which is thee perfect addition….it added just the right amount of light without being in the way of my machines…..Went ahead and got a new iron …this time a little cheap-y one; a Sunbeam….it has a lotttt of steam though…..my other one just quit steaming all together….now an iron is quite pointless without steam in my game which is why I put my other one in storage….the new one ” aint all dat” but it’ll do for now….(I’ll probably order my beloved Oliso tonight; my soul is telling me I should LOLOL)…..Anyway I got so far as installing the lining and I quit again….the lining and had a buncha’ hand sewing involved and I wasn’t interesting in any more sewing after that….

Now today was the showdown….I installed the hook and eye!!!!!!! Bahahahahahahahahahahahaha!…that is all I did today for my dress!….I even hemmed it yesterday too; I forgot about that……but it’s done….I couldn’t find my bees wax for the first session of the hand sewing and it was flat irritating….I started digging around in here and finally found it though….Now lets see if I can pull off another one of my MadMen shenanigans……Here’s my new girl —–>:

the pattern of the hour…..

Its kinda pretty yeah?…..we’ll see….

 

 

 

I forgot all about quitting because I had to do the zipper….I put the zip in yesterday too….it was also from yesteryear…..a Talon brand zipper I got from one of my thrifting trips…..It was the perfect size; after I had to look through every single zipper in my possession….this dress, this dress….I better look darling in it!

 

 

 

Need to do a final press and she’s ready to go…..Has anyone sewn anything similar lately?…Ever?….Show me your makes!

Hey y’all hey!  Now of course my blog gotta start talking smack as soon as I logged on; saying I haven’t blogged in four months!  Four months!?!? ….now that makes no sense at all; but I do have purty dress to share this afternoon…. and I’ve been sewing a’plenty during my hiatus but alas, no sharing and for that I apologize…

This afternoon I present my latest make: McCall’s Fashion Star M6552 (this pattern debuted in 2012)….I so miss that show a whole lot…the contestants made designs for Macy’s, Saks, and similar chains….I like Project Runway too and get quite wrapped up in the designs but they are so NOT ME……very beautiful, well some of ’em….but the majority of the others are just not my forte’ at all….but I basically liked everything I saw on Fashion Star….the clothes were “normal” instead of some crazy challenge garment made with parachute material!….anyway, this is one of ’em…..

First of all the fabric just feeds my soul y’all, it’s the modern retro thing I do like all the time so it just works you know?….I snagged the fabric from Fabric Mart a few months back…the description is just as awesome as the fabric itself: “Plum/Stone Blue/Goldenrod/Multi Large Retro Floral Print Rayon/L” <—COOL, amiright??….I cut the medium; only because if I would have cut the small “the girls” would have protruded so far out my favorite guy would have certainly been quite concerned…the large would have the same effect with the addition of the neckline dropping down a little too far South….Remember J. Lo’s little green number??…not a good look at the grocery store or family BBQ yikes! …..the neckline is hella fierce though with the deep “V”,  which is one of my favorite features of the pattern….the pattern was labeled “easy” which it actually was for a nice change…..there were only three main pattern pieces with a neckline facing and drawstring for the other two…..Made a couple modifications to the pattern though….the drawstring was cut out, casing sewn in and everything only for me NOT to like that feature with the fabric after the fact….After careful observation I ended up grabbing Clover (my seam ripper) and taking the channel out….I made a quick sash instead….I suppose I’m a sash kinda gal….although the cinch waist works much better with solids IMO…..This pattern required three yards of prettiness to whip up….

I’m still in the lab (my sewing room) and I’ve been stalking Pinterest for new inspo….Pinterest doesn’t help much though because it makes you want to sew up every damn thang and you can’t make up your mind!…I love that time suck though, I really do…..I have some striped sweater knit swagged on Belle too trying to get the creative wheels rolling….I’ll share the pictures now; maybe I’ll get some ideas from all these patterns and books stuffed in my sewing space….till next time y’all good people!  *don’t laugh at my pictures; I’m still refusing to upgrade my little Coolpix or use my guy’s awesome Nikon he has….old habits die hard I suppose*

**MsKRS**

the prettieness of the hour…..

check out that neckline….I gottsta’ be careful when I wear this little numba’!…..

the pattern of the hour…..

the sewing foot of the hour….

 

 

 

 

Now this evening I’m feeling very down; one of my cats passed away yesterday out of no where.  He wasn’t a senior cat nor was he sick.  We just don’t know what happened and needless to say I have quite the headache from the thoughts of him being gone and the tears.  I won’t talk to much about it because frankly it’s quite hurtful.  Luckily I have sewing as therapy and I promise you I used it today to ease the pain….

I started my first make of the year this past Thursday and it would’ve been finished that day however my Granddaughter came over and took over my night.  I was barely able to cut it out between her hiding under the table pulling the fabric down to her wanting me to pick her up.  Yesterday was no good because of what I mentioned in the beginning of this post.  So today I decided to take my mind off of it all and go ahead and finish my top.  This is the second time I’ve sewn this top but the first time I blogged it.  If you fancy seeing the first one it’s pictured on my Instagram.  Yall, I LOVE this pattern.  Like totally LOVE it….its such a easy and cool sew; its just something about those old school patterns that gets me every time.  The instructions page is so freshly encouraging and the instructions themselves are always so easy to follow.  Such a refreshing change to sewing these “new wave” patterns that are often so purposely difficult and sometimes flat out wrong.  I’m a vintage kinda gal for sure.

The Cowl Neck Top~~”Simplicity  E.S.P. is the Extra Sure Pattern–for fool-proof sewing…for time-saving…for fit…for fabric direction…for fashion…for Extra Sewing Pleasure, the E.S.P. pattern does it.  

• new, easier sew-sure pattern
• specially developed shortcuts to sewing
• three-size pattern for sure fit
• one fabric width most appropriate to design
• fashion tips to stretch your wardrobe

For you …today’s busy woman…our Extra Special Person…we make beautiful use of your time!  You want good fashion…The Cowl Top is versatile, it’s casual, sportive…in a glitter knit, it’s a glamorous evening top.  You can wear it with jeans… or a velveteen skirt.  

When they include words like this it makes me think they knew me personally!!! (Even though I was only two at the time!)  I mean they mentioned glitter knit come on!!!!  Yep, I’ll say the folks at Simplicity know me realllllyyyyy well!

I whipped up Simplicity’s E.S.P #8111; this pattern made its debut in 1977.  It’s described as a Misses Pullover Top/the Cowl Neck Top and I cut the 16.  It only has 4 pattern pieces with no facings or anything else fussy which makes you wanna whip up ten of ’em in a row!  The pattern calls for knits (as usual cause yall know knits are my absolute fave) and I took to my stash and pulled out some sweater knit that was buried under some denim pieces I’m currently hoarding.  The fabric’s description was just as cool as the pattern’s are.   The fabric is 100% Poly Sheer Fuzzy Sweater Knit in the color “Hyacinth”.  Merriam-Webster describes the color as a “light to moderate purple” but I thought about the flower when I saw the color.  I got the fabric from Fabric Mart which is doing an beyond awesome job of filling the void of losing my beloved Hancock’s Fabrics by the way.  Thank yall folks at Fabric Mart kindly for that too!  Okay I’ve rambled long enough so I’ll share the pictures and talk to you good people soon!

**MsKRS**

Front View of my new Cowl Neck Top…gone’ ‘head Simplicity!  

a close-up of the cowl

Side view one

Shot of the back

Side view two