Life happens Be Positive

A touch of Leather

On the topic of bias binding, I am loving this skirt seen in the October Lucky by Elizabeth & James, its called the Jena Skirt.

 
Its a classic style Sailor Skirt made with a wool blend that has a little stretch (we love that) with leather trim on the pocket flaps and side seam.

 

and its a pencil skirt, SQUEEEEE!

So its sophisticated with a little edge and I'm thinking, if you don't want to dive into making a leather skirt, this is a great way to get a touch of the trend in your closet without the full investment.

On another note, my heart goes out to any of my readers that was impacted PERSONALLY from the events of 9/11. I did two tours in Iraq because of this and I lost a few marines I knew personally. These feelings never go away.

On a positive note though, want another reason to invest time in making an LBD?

 
this is so appropriate, she makes me so proud!

Fusible Bias Binding

I've used bias binding for years to finish off my seams on garments that I don't want to line, mainly skirts and dresses.

Why am I know learning about this?

 
Its the Clover bias tape maker with the slot to insert fusible web tape aka Stitch wichery on the bias binding as you are making it.

Or

you can just buy the bias binding (which I would do) and just run it through it to apply the stitch wichery with the iron or just try to do it without the maker on the ironing board, either way, fusible tape on bias binding, where were you all my life?

Previously, I would base stitch my bias binding on my seam allowance or pin it before I sew on the bias binding, well, sweethearts, no more of that!

This is great, I mean, gosh, I'm all over this. I'm kinda pissed because it truly makes so much sense, I should have thought about this on my own.

I'm so excited, its like a want to make something just to use the technique right now.

And!

I have a video for you guys, yeah, its horrible old school, informerical quality, but aside from that, you get to see what it can do.

 

No sewing this weekend, I'm diving in to my Sewing with Nancy book (finally got it on Wednesday) to see what other gems I can get out of it.

Who is reading my blog?

Okay, you know me but I don't know you.

Please let me know who you are and how long you have been reading.

SS2011 Set 2: Summer LBD (Butterick 5638)

 

 

I love this dress, its feels so amazing, its timeless and elegant.

This is a long time in the making, I've had this fabric in my stash for around 3 years. It was a gift from my mom that she purchased in Trinidad. I had 3 dresses in mind for this fabric but Butterick 5638 was the winner.

 

• Fabric: 1.5 Yds Embroidered Linen
• Lining: 1.5 Yds Matte Polyester Lining
• Notions: Hook & eyes, Black thread & 22 inch zipper
• Added additional 2 inches of Length to dress after I made my petite adjustment and added back the inch to hem of the dress.

 

 
 
 

 

 

Teal suits & Midi Skirts

I'm brainstorming what I want to work on from fall thru spring. Teal seem to be the color of the moment and I'm thinking, based on this photo I saw in the August 2011 issue of Lucky Magazine, that it would be great for a suit.

 

A structured jacket with a pencil skirt, a classic look made current by the color choice. I love the color of the background and I am thinking, a multitone pink strand of long pearls will be a great accessory.

I also love the midi-skirt trend, however it doesn't flatter my body type. Before you protest this statement, I've already tested out this length of skirt and it made me look "sloppy". The length is not flattering for my height and made my hips look even wider than it already is.

 
I point this out because I constantly say, not everything you love will flatter you. I probably will modify this look to be a knee length straight skirt instead. Now where can I find a shirt like that?

More fall musing will follow soon.