Trial and Error

It's been nearly a month since my last post and the reason is because I've been so busy. Work and family consumes nearly all my time and I struggle to keep up. So just as predicted the sewing has been placed on the backburner. Honestly, I don't know when I'll find the time to pick things back up where I left off. I'm still determined and I haven't given up b/c in the back of my mind I'm still searching various avenues.

Recently, I made a connection with a pattern maker b/c I feel I'm not learning the drafting techniques at a fast enough pace. We'll be meeting together here hopefully this week. Another avenue I'm attempting is draping. While watching a Project Runway repeat over the weekend I noticed the contestants using some sort of thin styling tape on their dressforms. I've been wondering for a year or so what it was but my internet searches always yeilded results on how to make a dress form using duct tape. Smh....Well today I decided to dig deeper with the search and found out the name -- graphing tape/crepe art tape. I found out where to purchase this very inexpensive product as well.

I was so excited after I purchased it today that I wanted to play with it. Well, I first had to repair my dress form. My 5 year old named her Chi-Chi and somehow broke it. My husband couldn't repair it, so I prayed and it was answered!! Hallejujah it's now Fixed! Chi-Chi is off limits to my daughter, lol! First I studied my sketch and then placed the tape. Things started to get a little confusing b/c I had to guess at how to tape the back of the dress form since I rarely sketch the back view of a garment. Maybe that'll be something I'll have to start dong. Here's the result of my taping:

I'm still not certain on how I'll go about constructing the sleeves. My intent was for them to be Kimono type sleeves, but the way I placed the tape made them more like set in sleeves. I absolutely cannot wait until I cut it out on muslin and attempt to construct it and sew. The next challenge will be grading the pieces if all goes well because my dressform is a size 8 and I will need to increase it quite a few sizes for my fit. We'll see how goes!! I think I'll see where this will be very helpful but will not exclude drafting altogether.

Fashion ads from Ebony Magazine, 1970 -

Fashion ads from Ebony Magazine, 1970 -

Oh so sleepy

I promised myself that I'd devote X number of hours per day (or week) towards research, design, pattern drafting, and/or construction but that's easier said than done. I had a productive day at work today, but good grief I'm so exhausted when I get home. Sunday I managed to do a little research on U.S. women's sizing charts, but weekdays after work I just wanna nap.

Anywho, here are the pictures of my first design. I like the top better with jeans instead of wearing it with the maxi skirt. Also, I prefer not to wear it belted. I've yet to wear it anywhere because I still need to make a slight adjustment to the top, but I'll do so soon. More busy workdays ahead, very busy weekend planned, ***sigh*** it's happening again. Backburner City.

Baby Steps

Rendered sketch with brief sewing instructions

Fabric to be used for Kimono Wrap Design

Basic Western Kimono Pattern Draft Pieces

1st Cut Test Fitting on Test Fabric

My day was off to kinda of a rough start due to going to bed late, waking up earlier than usual, vehicle in the repair shop (which set me back $358 bucks!), a 7 hour faculty meeting, and worst of all the HEAT! Nah-- I think having to spend the $358 in auto repairs may have been the worst. BUT a person has to look for the silver lining. I managed to do so by working on some ideas.

I've been thinking about a name for my designs and came up with a working title years ago, but I wanted to perfect the craft before securing it. I've realized for some time now that having label sewn into the clothing would be necessary. So I decided to sketch it out along with the logo I thought of today, and I actually liked it. Nothing too fancy. I tried designing it digitally with an online paint program, but I had no idea what I was doing. I'll have to search around for label manufacturers to help me out with that part I guess.

Another challenge I've yet to deal with is grading. I'm still unsure of how to increase and decrease pattern sizes. I have a concept but have yet to actually apply it. Either way once I learn to do so, I'll graciously need the help of select friends and family to assist as fit models. I'd like to have an idea of how their own ready to wear clothing sizes compares to the ones I design.

And FINALLY after an exhausting and mind boggling day, I needed a release and decided to sew. I needed something to take my mind off of things, and sewing really does the trick. I'm still not ready to start on the Tracy Reese pattern whether or not I had the fabric in possession, but I wanted to instead work on the kimono. I'm in the early stages and so far so good. I just drafted the basic kimono and sewed it together. I pray my steps will be ordered and that I'm doing things right when I add the other design details. Even though the sewing provided a nice outlet, I need to not sew when tired. I was making a few mistakes that I knew that was due to being sleepy. I thought I learned my lesson earlier this summer when I sewed the machine needle right through my index finger.

It's late and I need to be in bed, but I just want to enjoy this moment where everyone's asleep. So I'll make a bowl of cereal and catch up on this week's Project Runway that I missed the other day. I'm too unfocused to continue sewing.

Keep Pressing

Tracy Reese Vogue Pattern # V1126

Claire Shaeffer's Vogue Pattern #V7881

I have no clue how I intend to keep at this now that I'm back at work, but I'm determined. My first day back on the job was less than stellar. I overslept, I struggled to get the children up and out, my husband left his wallet at home and I had to track him down to give it him, and my classroom was in complete dissaray. ****sigh**** It was NOT productive to say the least. Today was different. I rested well and tackled the day. We experienced record high temperatures so I started the day out strong, but by the end I was whipped. I still have so much to do prior to the first day of school and that's where my I've placed my primary focus, BUT I managed to sneak to the fabric store while on my lunch break and got lucky.

The store didn't have the Issey Miyake pattern in my size that I picked online, so I opted for the advanced level Tracy Reese Vogue Pattern #V1126. I was trying to shoot to include slacks b/c I need the practice, but I couldn't find an advanced ensemble pattern I really liked. So I opted for the Claire Shaeffer's Custom Couture Collection pattern # V7881. I ended up lucky b/c the patterns rang up $32.00, but there was a $3.99 Vogue sale sign accidently posted on the pattern filing cabinet so the store had to honor that price. I ended up paying only $8 bucks for both patterns altogether.

I didn't end up so lucky in the fabric shopping department though. I struggled trying to find a suitable fabric for the Tracy Reese and stumbled upon a beautiful tomato colored lightweight wool. I liked the sienna colored one too. What I didn't like was the price at $9.99 per yard. I'll need roughly 4 yards in addition to notions, interfacing, and lining. So I really wasn't up for paying that price per yard. Coupons needed asap please!

I'll look over the pattern directions for the suit an will see how to further go about constructing the other blouse I sketched. ***pause*** Good grief I just looked over the directions. There's 108 sewing steps plus deciphering the sewing terms. Lord please help me thru this!! Baby steps.

Found Treasure!

Well I don't know about it so much to be a coveted treasure, but I managed to finally clean my garage and found my newly dubbed Vision Portfolio! It's no Franklin Covey planner and it's not in the colorful coral, lavendar, or mint colored binder I had intended to purchase, but it is ideal plus it hold's 8x11 sheets. Most of all, I won't have to spend any money.

Cleaning out the pages was a reminder of where I was just a few years ago. I had unexpectedly accepted a job at the historic Little Rock Central High as the principal's assistant. It was during the 50th Anniversary marking the date when the 9 African-American students integrated the school. so it was non-stop news reports, visitors, documentaries, etc revolving on and off the premises. It was a very interesting (and stressful) chapter in my life. I thought I'd be eager to throw away all the notes I took when training and learning all my responsiblities, but couldn't bring myself to do so. It's not that I would necessarily want to go back to working in that capacity, but the hoarder in me wanted to hold on to it so I placed it in the yearbook given to me by the school's principal (who is amazing and the most organized person I've ever met). Gotta say I'm glad I cleaned out that garage.

Vision Board

Two of my children looking through my 2007 Vision Book

A few years ago we decided to upsize our home. It necessary several reasons-- mainly because our family expanded and for safety reasons. It was a terrible time to sell and we were faced with the added stress of trying to both buy and sale AT the same time. Even though I was eager to sale, the thought of selling and then having to move into an apartment/asking to stay with relatives stressed me even more. So we were very proactive in our search for our ideal home, and things just all worked out for the best.

So I decided to make a vision board. It wasn't an actual board, but more of a book of ideas of what I wanted to secure. I made a trip late one night to Wal-mart to buy an album that held 8x10 pictures. I made of list of things such as rooms, window sizes, and cut out pictures of furniture that I wanted to have for the house. I even surfed the internet of home plans that I printed and then searched for homes that resembled my envisioned ideal home. Building one from the ground up wasn't an option for financial and time reasons. Today I pulled the vision book from the bookshelf and looked at the drawing of the home I envisioned and some of the furniture pictures I printed. It's amazing how close it came to the actual ones purchased.

My intent today is to head to Office Depot and purchase a pretty colored quality binder. It's time to start another vision book complete with information, pictures, business plan, ideas, goals, etc. If it's the Lord's will I pray for them to materialize.

Worry

Here in the last couple of days I've been fortunate to talk to people with experience in the fashion industry and gained some very insightful information. There was one who found herself practically an overnight success story, one who has a successful clothing line carried in boutiques, another has an online specialty clothing business, and a few others. I've been wanting to try my hand in it for quite some time but could never find the time to research and learn my craft. Some of them shared the downside of the business and it did evoke a bit of fear within myself.

I have to confess the biggest fear is the financial strain that could occur if things don't pan out. I was told yesterday by one designer that perserverance was the key, and the ones who didn't consider their venture a success so to speak didn't have the perserverance. It really takes alot of hard work and for whatever reason their venture was placed on the backburner and there was a financial loss.

Love referencing this scripture when I'm feeling a bit anxious b/c it is a reminder that things will be okay...working on myself because I do have the tendency to overthink things.

Philippians 4:6-8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Juggling Act

I'm coming to terms that I'll be reporting back to work here very soon. I was a bit sad about getting back on that day to day grind, but I'm grateful for having this time off. I'm upbeat and even laughed to myself this morning thinking about the antics of some of those high school students. My biggest obstacle will be balancing my time. I was feeling overwhelemed wondering how I would juggle my life, so I had to write them all out. For some reason it calms me to write and see my challenges written out. Maybe I feel I can strategize by doing so.

I still wonder how will I fit all these things I want to accomplish in a day, week, month, year? I keep adding more and more into the pile! Only through prayer and knowing God is my foundation. Drafting that Kimono is starting to rear that challenging head so I laid it down and made a vow to pick it up soon along with the advanced Vogue pattern. I found this awesome book about the fashion design business while perusing my local library, and it's made me look at my long term goals more in depth. We'll see how things pan out. In the meantime, I'll need prayer to help me juggle:

• family/husband-wife time


• the fashion design business research and all that entails


• learning construction techniques


• children's extracurricular activities


• homework


• housework


• me and my daughter's natural hair


• managing the finances


• exercise


• running errands


• work


• ...and the list goes on and on :-)

Official Project #2- Short Sleeve Kimono Wrap Design

I was planning on sketching a new design for my Official Project #2, but I found this November 30, 2007 sketch that I think I'll do instead. I purchased this printed chiffon fabric last week that I think I'll use. I can't decide whether or not I'll construct the sketch in the middle or the one on the far right. I'll make a copy of the design and will render it using the fabric colors. This will be an interesting challenge because I've never ever worked with using prints and such a thin fabric as well.

Average/Advanced Patterns

Since pattern making and construction courses aren't an option at this time (lack of $$$), and with keeping in line with the self-taught method, I think my next plan of action will be to purchase Average and Advanced-Level patterns to learn enhanced sewing techniques. According to Vogue Patterns, the two are defined as -

• AVERAGE-These patterns are perfect if you have more time to sew, and more experience sewing. Look for challenging designer techniques, tailoring, unique construction details. Expect more fitting and inner construction. Find more variety in fabrics from the stretchiest knits to synthetic leathers and suedes.



• ADVANCED-The finest patterns featuring the best of European and American Couture. Perfect for those who like the sewing challenge of professional tailoring and fine couture techniques. Expect intricate fashion shaping, hidden construction details, couture inner construction, fine touches of hand sewing and bias draping

So I searched onlne and came up with Issey Miyake Vogue pattern #V0152. I'm not crazy about the pants at all, but it does look very advanced with techniques that should be beneficial to learn. The same goes for the top. Lucky me it's on sale for $3.99. I have no clue when I'll be able to start on it say it arrives here in the next couple of weeks or if I can purchase it onsale at Hancocks. We'll see how it goes to see if I'll be able to devote a couple of hours each night once I report to work. Realistically, I'm having a hard time seeing that happen but we'll see. I'll set a finish time for maybe October or November this year.

On a side note, I've been saving my sketches since 1988 and have tons of designs. I was flipping through the more recent ones looking for one that I could possibly construct. Ummm, I don't know about them now that I've actually constructed one of my own. I can't quite put my finger on it, but most of them seem a bit difficult to execute or they need some major editing. I think I may do a new sketch and construct it. I'm curious to know how my sketch techniques will be affected since I know I'll be actually constructing them. I'm trying to not let the fear of my sewing limitations impair myself.

That's why I think it'll be beneficial to do both projects at the same time. I'll post my sketch that I will hopefully do today. So excited!

V1052 Misses' Jacket and Pants Issey Miyake Vogue Patterns

Post Assessment

Well aside from needing to sew the hemline of the skirt, I FINALLY FINISHED CONSTRUCTING MY FIRST DESIGN! Seems like the 6 1/2 weeks that it took to complete took forever, but at the same time it really wasn't very long considering the fact that just earlier this year I had no clue where to begin. Prayer, faith, and encouragement from family and friends are what made it happen. I learned so much piecing this simple garment together, but the thing I learned most was patience b/c working on this definitely tested mine.

While constructing the garment I notated a few likes and dislikes that I experienced while sewing the dress as well as assessment of the dress.

LIKES

• The dress drapes well


• I love the color


• It's not too tight

DISLIKES

• Too low cut


• The cut of the bodice was a bit too large


• Excessive seam allowances; large intake


• The contrasting serger threads (should've used red instead of white)

Another thing I assessed is that I'm going back and forth on is the length of the dress. I was certain I wanted it to be a maxi skirt, but the finished result looks a little bridesmaid-sy. I can definitely see myself wearing the top with a nice pair of jeans, but the dress itself seems a little more suited for a resort wear. I'm leaning towards designing more along those lines too. Overall I'm pleased with the techniques I learned such as waistband casing, contouring, and drafting circles, but I have SO MUCH more to learn. One day at a time....

Planned and Unpredictable Series of Events...

...but I'm almost finished! The very second after I posted my last entry a series of both planned and unpredictable events occured. It was one thing after another ranging from trips to the doctor, various overnight house guests, home repairs, birthdays, etc! I had really let the frustration get to me because I had planned to finish the garment no later than last Saturday. I was especially discouraged because I had planned to wear it to the Little Rock Fashion Week's fashion show. Can't beat myself over it because life got in the way and that's just how it is. It took me an entire week after my last post to pick up where I left off. I did manage to finish the bodice. I made post assessment notes after I tried it on that I will share once I finish the the skirt....BUT, I'm running into possible problems.

I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FABRIC!!!! Last time I was in the fabric store I saw just a bit of the red cotton fabric left on the bolt, but I didn't purchase it b/c thought I had enough. I went back a few days later and it was all gone, ugh! I'm going to see if there's any at the other store's location which is on the other side of town. ***sigh*** I really wanted it to be a maxi skirt and not above-the knee. I also wanted it to be a solid color set. If the other store doesn't have it I'll need to think of a Plan B. I'll either need to make it a short skirt or find a really nice print fabric to use for the skirt. We'll see.

Construction Day

Well today the big day that I construct the garment on the actual fabric. I've already made the decision to edit the design and not let it be a tiered skirt, but I can't decide to either let it be separates (long contoured bodice, maxi skirt) OR a maxi dress. I'll also do without the uneven hem on the bodice, so I guess I'm leaning toward the separates idea and praying that I have enough fabric. I only have 4 yards of this 100% cotton red colored cotton fabric that I really wanted to use.

Coming Together

I was starting to wonder if this thing would ever come together. I was really having doubts yesterday ready to give up, but I did push myself. I added the ruffle, drafted the bodice dress combo, and added the shoulder straps. It needs MAJOR tweaking before cutting the final pattern on the actual fabric. The neckline is a little too low. The bodice is too tight and needs to be let out, and all the edges will need to be finished (they were left raw on the muslin). I'm proud of what I've accomplished, but I have to admit I'll be ready to take a break once I'm finished. My hair is a mess (as well as my daughter's), I need to catch up on bills, house cleaning, groom myself (my eyebrows look crazy), EXERCISE, assign my children strict bedroom detail, have family time, clean that garage that I still haven't done, call grandma, and the list goes on and on! I'm giving myself until tomorrow night to finish this dress and I'll take a break.

Apprenticeship

Learning so much on drafting and constructing this simple design I sketched. I wished I had the opportunity to learn as an apprentice. There's so many techniques that's sometimes difficult to understand when read and accompanied by visual aids. I'm a tactile and learn things better hands-on. Maybe I'll learn enough to possible pass on to someone else.

I drafted the circular gathers today and learned how to "make" a tool used to measure the radius using a tape measure, thumb tacks, mechanical pencil, and measure board. Learn somethin' new everyday.

shared workspace

My not-so-formal dining room is used primarily as my office and workspace. I wish I could have an exclusive sewing/drafting/office adjoined to our home, but considering the fact that up until a few years ago my workspace was the family's kitchen table I won't complain. Ultimately, my dream would be to have actual office space away from home....wishful thinking :-).

My summer routine has been waking up and going straight to the dining room. I either look over bills, surf the net, or sew. Usually about an hour later my soon-to-be 5 year old wakes up, sits in my lap and cuddles for about 5 to 10 minutes. She then asks for breakfast which is almost always apple cinnamon oatmeal, milk or juice, and she watches her favorite cartoon on my IPhone. I ALWAYS have to move my work out the way and pray she doesn't spill her drink on my things. She never wants to eat in the kitchen but right next to me. I have to be honest and say how sometimes I wish for her to sleep in longer, but at the same time I look forward to hearing her say good morning mommy I sleep real good, seeing her smile, and especially the morning cuddles. I'm really loving this summer break and don't want it to end.

How to Gather: a basic sewing tutorial

I'm advancing along and found this tutorial on how to add the gathered ruffle to my design. We'll see how goes.

Much Easier

Oh yeah, the Dritz Quick Turn fabric tube turner was MUCH easier than the other fish hook-looking metal loop turner. I figured how to turner wider pieces of fabric with the metal turner, but this wood stick/plastic tube fabric turner is again MUCH EASIER to use. Okay, one less thing to worry about...next challenge--onto drafting the bodice ruffle.

How to Use a Loop Turner - CraftStylish

How to Use a Loop Turner - CraftStylish <----- Link

I'm not sure what to say about my project. I woke up really discouraged because I hit yet another stumblingblock drafting the dress in regards to contouring. The other thing is the straps require the use of a loop turner that I purchased. I thought it would be very easy to use, but I'm having a tough time trying to figure this thing out! Ugh! So I Googled on how to use the thing and came up with this cool webpage. I thought it was cool to show another way to use the thing other than purse or shoulder straps.

Still at it...

I stayed up late last night trying to figure out how to plot the proper darts to contour the bodice of my draft...ehhh, it turned out so-so when I cut the pattern on muslin and tried it on for a test fit. I moved on and started drafting the bodice/skirt combo. There isn't a seam in the waist and once again I'm reading AND re-reading trying to comprehend the instructions. I'm finding that I focus better when I don't skip breakfast AND unfortunately I take a break that includes a short nap :-). I find that I also get snippy and have to send the kids out the room when I feel distracted-- the cartoons and tween Disney/Nickelodeon shows drive me yonkers! It's hard enough trying to comprehend the instructions without their shows blaring from the next room.

My biggest distraction is a show I absolutely love to pieces. I recently "discovered" the TV show Dallas and have absolutely fallen in love. I remembered the Who Shot J.R. hype when I was a kid and all, but I'd never watched an episode up until a few months ago. Pure camp! I've watched all of the episodes up until season 7 (with 7 seasons left to watch). The thing is that I MUST sit and watch. I can't work and watch b/c I love all the costumes. I love to see all their facial expressions as well. Straight 80s nostalgia with all the campy drama. I promised that I wouldn't allow myself to check out Season 8 from the downtown library, but for some reason I gave in and checked out a copy a few days ago. Well, I have it sitting here playing on my desk top and I notice a dress that Jenilee Harrison's character is wearing (I couldn't bring myselft to crop J.R. and Sue Ellen out the picture because they are my favorite characters LOL). You may remember her from the show Three's Company as the actress who replaced Chrissy. The dress somewhat resembles mine except the neckline will me slightly more rounded than V-neck, I'm also wanting it to be a doubled layered ruffle, I don't believe the ruffles will be attached on the back but front only, and the dress will be sleeveless with string ties on the shoulder. Man, I wish I could get a hold of that dress and deconstruct it. I still have a long night ahead of me. I need to finish drafting back of the dress, figure out how to modify it by adding the contour to the front bodice, and cut on muslin for a test fit. I'll start fresh tomorrow to figure out how to add the ruffle and facing. Lord if all goes well I can start cutting out the pattern on the actual fabric, add the zipper, and hem. We'll see how goes!! This one dress has taken over my life, but I'm enjoying every minute of it. I won't go into a spill, but I've waited so long to get to this point in my life b/c it's a milestone.

Alternate Route

I'm trying to chalk up the time wasted trying to draft my body measurements as a learning experience. OMG I spent 1 1/2 weeks drafting and re-drafting, but I kept having this feeling that something was off. Well, after my visit with Korto and what I had considered doing anyway was to just purchase a Vogue Fit Pattern Shell. I had started drafting the details on my own pattern draft, but I thought how messed up it would've been if things didn't turn out because of my own drafted basic bodice. Soooo, I made a trip to Hancock's Fabrics and purchased Vogue's version of the basic draft. I am soooo glad I did so b/c their directions helped me figure out the mistakes I was making on my own draft. Plus, I learned how to combine the bodice and skirt. So simple! Well, I'll proceed drafting the details from my sketch onto my purchased shell.

I'm giving myself until next Friday to construct b/c I've got to start preparing for this upcoming school year and finish some odd and end projects around my home. My next step regarding the construction will be to ensure that I'll comprehend the drafting design instructions and proceed. This includes understanding contouring. Since my design will have a cut out neck, I'll need to ensure there will not be any gapping. There's a technique to ensure proper contouring of the bodice that I'm trying to grasp. I never knew so much went into one garment. I can't wait until this will come as "second nature" when constructing.

Field Trip 7-6-11

Korto Momolu, Downtown Little Rock 7-06-11

Today I was blessed to spend time with a true visionary. Korto Momolu was kind to allow me to share a day in the life of hers and it was a taste of heaven that I will never forget! It left me hungry for more! Despite all her success, she's very humble and sincere. A true inspiration as well. I sometimes question if I'll ever be able to grasp the knowledge of clothing design and construction, but I was inspired today to push myself and learn.

Sewing Machine Set in a Sleeve

I was still struggling a bit with my basic bodice's set in sleeves and my stepmother offered her assistance. She's has her doctorate in Family Consumer Sciences Education and a very experienced seamstress. I need the help, but I have have slight issues with asking. It's not that I'm prideful, it's just I don't want to be bothersome. I figured that if I can read, then I should be able to learn but I've hit stumblingblocks comprehending certain techniques. We set a date, but I found this helpful video and cancelled. I'll be starting the construction part of my dress Lord willing tomorrow. EMWR get ready :-)

Teach Yourself to Sew: How to Sew a Sleeve

Rescue!

I've been praying and help is on the way! Details will follow!

Gordon Gartrell 2011

Oh goodness I jinxed myself with the previous post, lol!! My drafted bodice with sleeves did end up looking like Theo's "Gordon Gartrell" shirt. I didn't sew the bodice to the skirt which was fine. I wasn't concerned with the raw edges either since the purpose was ensuring a proper fit. Several errors here: the skirt is about a size too large and I'll need to take it up; the same goes for the bodice. ****Sigh**** Big issue with the sleeves. My brain is fried from working on this for 3 days and I'm going to have to seek help me learn to correct the problem. I'm not exactly sure why the sleeves turned out okay on my tunic, but not on the fit pattern. So I'll to go ahead and proceed with my summer project since it is sleeveless, but I'll need instruction on making the sleeve corrections.

Gordon Gartrell

Only a true 80s kid and a serious Cosby Show fan will know about Gordon Gartrell, lol!! I hope my summer project doesn't end up like this. I've been lollygagging a bit today when I should've been finishing up this fit pattern. The skirt turned out fine---a bit roomy, and the bodice I remeasured and redid was a fairly decent fit. I'm easing in the sleeves and that alone is a messy beast for me. I'm preparing to sew in the first sleeve and will post pictures later. Here it is after 5 PM and I thought I'd be finished with this no later than noon.

Carol Burnett - Bust Ups, Bloopers & Blunders Pt.1 HQ

I just had to share this one....I love this show and it just looks like they had so much fun on the set.

Advice Needed Please!

2010 Designer's Choice Fashion Preview Show

Esque- Leslie Pennel, Designer

I'm the type o f person that hates to ask for help. Maybe it's because I feel like I'm imposing or that I'll be bothersome, but this whole pattern drafting and construction gets really confusing. Well, each year I attend a fashion show here in my town that features local clothing and jewelry designers. Last year a designer named Leslie Pennel showcased her line and I fell in love! Check her out at http://www.facebook.com/#!/esquedesign . I couldn't wait to come home and look her up on Facebook. I didn't want to seem stalkerish, but I had to ask her questions and she was very kind with her responses. She helped make sense of some of the stumbling blocks I'm encountering. I'm grateful for the advice given. Well, it's noon and I've yet to head out and run my errands. I'll head out in this HEAT and will hopefully work a bit more on this drafting when I return. Today I want to at least complete the basic bodice/sleeve/skirt fit dress. I'm still also determined to clean out this garage before the weekend too, ugh. I may have to put this drafting down for a couple of days and get this garage cleaned.

Carol Burnett - Q & A (Questions & Answers) Tarzan Yell

It's funny how certain things that I remember loving as a child I realize now in my adulthood. I used to love watching the Q & A segment on the Carol Burnett show admiring the clothes she wore. Looking at it now as an adult, the clothes were always well constructed and very flattering on her. Now some of them are a bit dated by today's standards, but quite a few are classics. Bob Mackie designed all her clothing and skit costumes during the entire 11 season run of the show and he was amazing!

Try Again.

The improper fitting of my basic fit block really had me discouraged. It was so tedious and time consuming, and when didn't fit properly I was ready to give up. My sleep schedule is so thrown off and the fact I haven't been to the gym this week doesn't help either. I did go to Hancock Fabrics today to purchase more muslin so I'm going to rework my measurements and draft it again. I'm going to leave it alone for a day so I can catch up on some things like clean my garage, school shop, register my son for school, go to the gym, do some laundry, etc. so I don't fall so behind on that.

When my basic block is done, it's supposed to look like the pictured pattern above. It's just a basic dress...a foundation to build any garment. ******sigh****** I'm trying to stay encouraged.

***Sigh*** Back to the Drawing Board

The basic block bodice was very ill fitting so I'm going to have to recheck my measurements AND redraft the back and front bodice in order to achieve a proper fit. I don't know what the heck happened at my neckline. The waist was way too snug as well. I must've fudged a bit when I recorded my waist measurements. I stitched the sleeves, but haven't had the chance to baste, ease, and attach them on the garment. I think the sleeves will be okay. I have no clue about the fit of the skirt because I ran out of muslin and will have to purchase more. I know this is a learning process, but I can't afford to make too many mistakes.