tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5208203570583104522024-03-13T22:06:19.766-07:00The Afro Crafty EngineerReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-9514474286580215162014-08-31T15:30:00.001-07:002014-08-31T15:36:35.816-07:00Pants OptionsSoooo, I've gotten bigger. Not in an unhealthy way, but definitely in "some kind of way". I'm going to attribute it to losing a small amount of weight last year (it was a tough year) that just happened to bring me down a size and coming back to a weight that's actually within my normal range. Add that to the ice cream I scarfed down for the first 6 months of the year and hitting weights for the last two, the combination of food and muscle has added inches to my waistline. So yeah, all this is to say that summer's almost over and I can't fit ANY of my work pants.<br />
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I've been on the lookout for some good pants patterns. All the rtw dress pants that I own and love are from the Limited (I'm especially mad that a pair that i bought and love don't fit anymore, even though I only got to wear them a handful of times). Other pairs that I own have also gone the way of being entirely too snug. To remedy this situation, I've decided that I'm FINALLY going to attempt to make pants for myself. I've made a pair of linen pants for a male friend of mine and in terms of fitting, that was simple; make sure it fits the waist and the length and you're good. But for me, I have curves (that I would love to show off) and I'm nervous about all the different things that can go wrong with them. But we shall prevail!<br />
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The first step is to find a pattern that I think will look good on me! Let's go through the options that I see available to me:<br />
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<a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/clover" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Colette Patterns Clover</span></b></a></div>
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<a href="https://static.colettepatterns.com/assets/shop/1019/cp1019-clover-02-med-1a123d9eaf9c3e2f8ea340b7a8466997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://static.colettepatterns.com/assets/shop/1019/cp1019-clover-02-med-1a123d9eaf9c3e2f8ea340b7a8466997.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I have this pattern. I'm not sure why I bought them when I did. I didn't own my first pair of cigarette, side zip style of pants until this past spring (and I owned the pattern prior to that). There was just something about that full unobstructed front face that just turned me off, but it's growing on me. If I use something that has some stretch to it, I think this would be a nice place to start as I won't have to grow through the process of creating a fly-front.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/thurlow-trousers/" rel="" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sewaholic Thurlow Trousers</span></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/jfhrm/products/82/images/302/P1050832__15148.1405347886.1280.1280.JPG?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-arxsrf/jfhrm/products/82/images/302/P1050832__15148.1405347886.1280.1280.JPG?c=2" height="199" width="200" /></a></div>
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I've been looking at this pattern for a while but I haven't bit. I'm not exactly in the size proportions as Tasia so it would require some effort to grade the pattern (which I learned while making the Gabriola Skirt). And I guess I just wasn't trying to make pants before. But I've seen some good makes on this and I think I like the way it hugs the hips and doesn't look frumpy. Frumpy is not in my vocabulary, especially not for work.<br />
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<a href="https://www.namedclothing.com/product/alpi-chinos/?lang=en"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_76892068"></span>Named Patterns Alpi Chino</span></b></a></div>
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<img src="http://www.namedclothing.com/woostore/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/05_030_Alpi_taka.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></div>
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These are a straight leg trouser that I just found on Pinterest. These look decent, I haven't really found much on them but they're an option.<br />
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<a href="https://www.sewloft.com/shop/bottoms/sewloft-emma-pant/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sewloft Emma Pant</span></b></a></div>
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<img alt="emma-front" src="https://www.sewloft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/emma-front-63x100.png" /></div>
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The Emma Pant seems to be a business slacks type of pant. It has an overlapped front closure (like a few of my Limited pants) and is a straight leg. It also seems to a be a decent pattern though I haven't seen any reviews or makes of it yet. <br />
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<a href="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=75&category_id=2&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=42" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">StyleArc Chelsea Pant</span></b></a></div>
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<img alt="Chelsea Pant - straight leg pant" src="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/images/stories/products/P010-Chelsea-Pant.png" height="166" width="320" /></div>
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Straight leg, wide waistband and high hip, these pants seem spiffy. These seem like a loose fitting pant from the hip which will be good for when I don't feel like showing off ALL of my curves<br />
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<a href="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=683&category_id=2&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=42" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">StyleArc Julie Stretch Woven</span></b></a></div>
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<img alt="A new shape in stretch pants" src="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/images/2014/JULIE-PANT.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></div>
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This has a side zip, slim leg and wide waistband. These seem similar to the Colette Clover but just with a wide wastband which I find to be flattering.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=579&category_id=2&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=42" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">StyleArc Sammi Pant</span></b></a></div>
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<img alt="Great basic woven pant, suitable for the office or the weekend" src="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/images/2013/SAMMI-PANT.jpg" height="166" width="320" /></div>
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Sammi Seems cool. I don't really have much more to say about her. Just a basic business pant. <a href="http://clothingengineer.com/2014/02/style-arc-sammi-pants/" target="_blank"> The Clothing Engineer</a> sewed them up and they seem to fit her well.<br />
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<a href="http://clothingengineer.com/2014/02/style-arc-sammi-pants/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">StyleArc Wendy Stretch Pant</span></b></a></div>
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<img alt="Pull-on pants with wide waistband" src="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/images/2014/WENDY-PANT+fabric.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></div>
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This is the last Style Arc one (they have entirely too many patterns). Straight leg, faux closure with velcro and made for stretch wovens, this seems pretty decent. I haven't seen too many rtw with velcro and my only issue with it being on this pant is that many of my blouses seem to have too much of an affinity to velcro and it usually leads to their demise. But I could easily change the velcro out for something that's more blouse friendly.<br />
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All in all, for work pants, I'm not pulling from a whole lot of options, which, in theory, should make it easier to find what I want, right? I left off a few that just weren't me, The Colette Juniper Pants, The True Bias Hudson Pants, and a slew of Style Arc pants (entirely too many patterns). I stayed away from the Big 4; I honestly haven't noticed any pant patterns that have every appealed to me, they always look like they're from the 80's or early 90's and just not me. More than likely, I'll start with the Clovers (since I already own them), but I'll be looking to try something with a fly front not to long after that. If you have any suggestions for patterns that I've missed, shout 'em out in the comments!<br />
<br />ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-25486589839906666112014-08-23T07:36:00.000-07:002014-08-23T07:36:29.207-07:00Sand Dollar Gala DressThe Gala was great! The dress turned out well and I was really happy with the style and some of the design elements.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnCXrJp7Pfs/U_iMJPeOq2I/AAAAAAAAN2c/BqIUoyPIv4M/s1600/GPY_5527%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lnCXrJp7Pfs/U_iMJPeOq2I/AAAAAAAAN2c/BqIUoyPIv4M/s1600/GPY_5527%2B(2).jpg" height="320" width="106" /></a></div>
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I used an African Wax Print (I don't remember where I got it), but I've had it for a while. I have a whole collection of African Prints but this is only the second item that I've made for my self with them, and I love it. The second fabric that I used was a brocade that I bought from FabricMart while they were going through their A-Z sale. I really like this fabric as well, it's decently lightweight for a brocade and I'm glad that I have enough for another project. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized the two fabrics had similar patterns, hence the name "The Sand Dollar Dress"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GOw6KkIv4g/U_iiR2Qrj1I/AAAAAAAAN4I/FH0vBHw7eVE/s1600/IMG_20140823_100730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4GOw6KkIv4g/U_iiR2Qrj1I/AAAAAAAAN4I/FH0vBHw7eVE/s1600/IMG_20140823_100730.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please excuse the lack of seam matching. But the fabric matching makes up for it!</span></div>
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As stated in my last post, I used Simplicity's Project Runway S0571 in a size 14. I'm learning that I don't like the ease that's built into these patterns and I'm going to start tracing a size down for the bodice. I probably could have fixed this with my muslin but I still need to work on using my muslins for fitting. I've noticed that I tend to use them more so to get through the sewing instructions and understand what they want me to do than for actual fitting and adjustments. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEZRqNdQMrM/U_ibC7rYxsI/AAAAAAAAN2s/npMXOauvpIo/s1600/GPY_5584%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEZRqNdQMrM/U_ibC7rYxsI/AAAAAAAAN2s/npMXOauvpIo/s1600/GPY_5584%2B(2).jpg" height="320" width="283" /></a></div>
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The best design element of this is the ingenious way they did the sleeves. To help keep it off the shoulder and keep it in it's place, there's a covered elastic band inside of the sleeve. I made mine a little loose, so I'll have to take it in, but the theory is great and I can't wait to see how it works on other creations. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj21W9JGCq0/U_iiVJpJHTI/AAAAAAAAN4c/We_8mWogp-M/s1600/IMG_20140823_100913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sj21W9JGCq0/U_iiVJpJHTI/AAAAAAAAN4c/We_8mWogp-M/s1600/IMG_20140823_100913.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was my first time color blocking. The pattern already had princess seams on the front bodice but it only contained darts on the back bodice. In order to continue with the blocking on the back of the dress, I had to change the darts to princess seams. I can't find the tutorial I used (it really took me too long to write this post), but it was pretty simple and worked well. I also blocked the sleeves, as you can see, so that the black fabric line continued into the sleeve for continuity. The blocking of the skirt was simple, I just cut a line straight down from the center of the pleats. Since the two fabrics had different weights, they hung a lil differently, but the end result was still good, imho. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vbljYQLJMg/U_ilCFMmSII/AAAAAAAAN4s/R2Yxwy5Yudc/s1600/GPY_5530%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vbljYQLJMg/U_ilCFMmSII/AAAAAAAAN4s/R2Yxwy5Yudc/s1600/GPY_5530%2B(2).jpg" height="320" width="124" /></a></div>
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All in all, it was a good night and a good make. I paired it with a tulle skirt, a wide elastic belt, bronze pumps and chunky pearls and I received lots of unsolicited compliments (the best kind). Thanks for reading and hopefully you'll see me on here sooner than later!</div>
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All photos of me in the dress were taken by J.Lamothe Photography. And of course had to add a pic of the ladies.</div>
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ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-27046012577172937242014-06-28T18:08:00.000-07:002014-06-28T18:12:47.558-07:00Gala PreparationI have a Gala to attend in a ffew weeks on July 19th. It's for my National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Professionals Chapter and it's for a pretty good cause, raising money for scholarships (hence the name STEM Scholarship Gala or SSG for short). I've been collecting African Print fabric for a few years now and have only cut into a 2, no, make that 3, of the prints twice now for small things, a band on a dress, a small dress for a baby, and a mini skirt that I can't wear often because it's mini. I haven't expanded my wardrobe the way that I've wanted with the fabric that I've been buying so I'm trying to force myself to cut into these and get over my fear of creating something unwearable. Most of the clothing that I pin on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/fxysoul/sewing-fashion-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>are styles where people use African Print that can be worn in every day settings. I like being able to carry small physical homages to my heritage with me and I especially like when it's something that's freakin fashionable (and I feel sexy/beautiful doing it). One of these days I'll catalog and show you the jewelry that I've collected on my travels or been gifted and document where each piece came from. I've been sewing a lot more recently, so I'm going to challenge myself to create 3 pieces of clothing with African Print fabric as the focal point before I buy anymore fabric (even though I'm already on a fabric diet. Darn you Fabric Mart!).<br />
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So anyways, back to the Gala. I made a few mock ups of options for a dress. I'm going to use Simplicity S0571 (that also goes by 1418 on the website. Not sure why the pattern numbers are different). Here are the line drawings for the dress:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7k7bBD-9Y8/U69iJd51YAI/AAAAAAAANKk/w9C-bZGjYDU/s1600/S0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7k7bBD-9Y8/U69iJd51YAI/AAAAAAAANKk/w9C-bZGjYDU/s1600/S0571.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
It's part of the Project Runway collection and I was drawn to the clean lines and the soft pleats on the full skirt. I purchased the pattern originally thinking that I could do the last 'B' version for the front and the 3rd 'A' version for the back, but now I've realized that it may be a bit difficult. I guess I can only get sexiness in one place, the shoulders or the back, but not both. I'll accept it this time just because I don't want to futz with it too much, but I'll always be thinking about the one that got away.... <br />
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I noticed something pretty cool in the directions. The pattern actually for an elastic casing to be created. I was confused as to where this would come into play but it seems to be a design piece for the off the shoulder version; it gets attached to the inside of the sleeve to help secure it in place. I'm pretty grateful for that and I'm excited to see how effective it is.<br />
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Alright, so now to get to the mock ups that I created. I actually posted it on Instagram too (follow me at AfroSoulJah) to get some opinions. So far, people are gravitating to the Dark one with the black panels.<br />
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I won't argue with them (and it'll be easy to shoe match). It helps to simplify the busy print and will be a nice touch of color blocking (not sure if that's still what's "in" or not). I'll probably work the black in with some broadcloth or possibly some pique that I have in my stash. I'll need something that perfectly compliments the weight of the fabric. I'll also have to modify the skirt pattern as it doesn't naturally have that blocking inherent to the pattern but it shouldn't be too much of stretch on my skills.</div>
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Thoughts and opinion? I'm looking forward to this and I'll actually make a muslin for the bodice pretty soon!</div>
ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-27134931256212207842014-06-15T20:35:00.000-07:002014-06-15T21:18:59.187-07:00Nettie DressThanks to <a href="http://closetcasefiles.com/" target="_blank">Heather</a> and <a href="http://sownbrooklyn.com/" target="_blank">Wanett</a>, I was able to get my hands on the Nettie pattern! Thank my sewing life for bloggers, sewing meet-ups and an extremely giving and kind sewing community. I have a few things lined up for this pattern but this is the first one. I whipped this up in a few hours, outside of taping and cutting the pattern out. The most difficult part for me was attaching the neckline binding. I probably could have made it tighter in the shoulder area; it's a tad loose but it's still wearable. I used the binding lengths suggested by the pattern which Heather states is 90% of the length. Next time, with the low back, I'll probably reduce the percentage to 80-85%. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czICYlNZCWc/U55jscFmGFI/AAAAAAAAM7A/hhfrdItmc9M/s1600/IMG_8160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czICYlNZCWc/U55jscFmGFI/AAAAAAAAM7A/hhfrdItmc9M/s1600/IMG_8160.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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The main fabric is from Girl Charlee. This was actually my first time having to deal with stripes and I think I did fairly well. Even the arms match up!<br />
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The shelf bra works surprisingly well. I had my doubts when I was inserting it, but I like it. I used a swimwear lining fabric that I bought from Spandex House. I'll be adding cups (or pockets for cups so I can switch 'em between this and future dresses) when I have time even though it's totally wearable now as long as it doesn't get too cold. ;-)<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'm excited for this dress and I can't wait to wear it out in the wild! Be on the lookout for the other variations!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_QvzT5bXrI/U55jrzh7FFI/AAAAAAAAM68/7sZiipYPKVg/s1600/IMG_8165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_QvzT5bXrI/U55jrzh7FFI/AAAAAAAAM68/7sZiipYPKVg/s1600/IMG_8165.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f2CyHvHmnQ/U55jwz-KJ0I/AAAAAAAAM7M/sy4RNP7Wu-s/s1600/IMG_8156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f2CyHvHmnQ/U55jwz-KJ0I/AAAAAAAAM7M/sy4RNP7Wu-s/s1600/IMG_8156.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-84135813615467815822014-05-08T16:43:00.001-07:002014-05-08T16:43:55.516-07:00Practical Sewing: Nut Milk BagsSometimes it's nice to a do a quick project that helps you hone your skills, makes your life easier and helps you to feel accomplished. Ever heard of a nut milk bag? They're pretty amazing. It allows you to make homemade nut milk really easily. Also, for those of you without juicers, you can easily use this to make juice as well, I know one of my friends' mothers makes carrot juice by blending carrots with water and then separating it using a mesh sieve. It seemed tedious, having to press down with a spoon or your fingers to strain out all the water. Using a nut milk bag to separate the water from the pulp would make her job (or rather her children's job) a lot easier. She was actually the inspiration for me making these, they're a gift to her and for all she's done for me.<br />
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I made the bags out of drill fabric. I'm not really sure what exactly drill is, but it seems to be unbleached and made from natural cotton which is what I wanted for something that would be used for making food. I bought the two different types I found at JoAnn's, figuring that she could use the one she likes best. The difference between the two is the amount of spacing between the weave, so one might work better on certain juices than others. Using my nut milk bag (yes, I know, it sounds funny), as a guideline, i cut each bag on the fold and only serged the vertical sides. that's one less seam for the solids to get cleaned out of. I also omitted the drawstring that was in my bag. I never use it for making milks, however, while writing this, I just realized that I use it to dry my bag by hanging it on my cupboard knobs after I've washed it. Drat!! I'm sure she can figure out another way to dry them. But all in all, this was simple, allowed me to use my serger (for the second time) and help out someone who works extremely hard for everything.<br />
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I've been talking about these nut milk bags, but I figure I should share with you a recipe so you can use them! This is the simple recipe that I use for my almond milk.<br />
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<b>Almond Milk Recipe:</b><br />
1 cup Almonds<br />
4 cups water or coconut water<br />
1 teaspoon Vanilla<br />
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<li>Soak the almonds for 2-8 hours. </li>
<li>After they've soaked, place the almonds and the 4 cups of water in the blender. Blend on high power until it seems thoroughly mixed. </li>
<li>Place the nut milk bag in a bowl and pour the mixture into the bag, being careful not to overfill. Squeeze the bag, letting all the liquids into the bowl and keeping the almond pulp in the bag. </li>
<li>Store your new almond milk in a jar or container, add the vanilla and shake it up!</li>
<li>The remaining pulp can be used as to bulk up cakes or pastries, or dehydrate it to make almond meal. </li>
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Note: If you prefer your almond milk to be sweetened, just soak 2 or 3 dried dates with the almonds and add them to the blender at the same time as the almonds.ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-41779131484790702942014-05-04T14:00:00.000-07:002014-05-10T18:49:10.912-07:00CommunityCommunity is important. It's what helps to shape us and who we are. It influences our decisions, gives us support and allows us to feel at home whether things are good or bad. I have many different communities in my life, be it work, sports, family, NSBE or just life. What I was missing and what I found yesterday was my sewing community.<br />
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So to sum it up, yesterday was a freakin fantastic great day! I went to a class put on by Jennifer from <a href="http://workroomsocial.com/" target="_blank">Workroom Social</a> for sewing a Dolman Sleeve Blouse that was being taught by Marcy of <a href="http://www.oonaballoona.com/" target="_blank">OonaBalloona</a>. I've followed her blog for a while now and I've always been impressed by her style, skill and confidence. So of course when i heard there was a class being taught by Marcy in NYC, i hopped on that train (literally) and used it as a great excuse to go fabric shopping, learn some stuff and make some new friends.<br />
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The ladies from our Blouse class. Fiona, me, Aspen, Jen and Marcy</div>
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So yeah, the whole making new friends part, that ties into the sewing community she-bang. After the class, Jennifer hosted a fabulous sewing party/meetup/swap thing and I must say, I've never met so many great creative women in one place at one time. With over 30 people in one place and me feeling as though I've known a handful through semi-cyber stalking them through my Feedly account (fyi, i inspire myself every day by reading what people have created and showcased on their blogs, and then i feel like a "failure" for not spending enough time to create things myself), I truly had an amazing time. <a href="http://www.sownbrooklyn.com/" target="_blank">Wanett</a>, <a href="http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Carolyn</a>, <a href="http://puusdooroftime.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Devra</a>, Gail, <a href="http://www.littlegreenorchids.com/" target="_blank">Aspen</a>, <a href="http://www.oonaballoona.com/" target="_blank">Marcy</a>, Fiona, Jennifer, plus the many more that my terrible memory is failing to remember. It feels good to meet the people that you read about, that you hear about and that you admire, for all they create in addition to the things that they do in "real" life. I'm hoping that we all keep in touch (that I blog a lil more so people know I'm alive) and that I have reasons to jump on the train and get to NY more (and hopefully not spend the $$$ that I spend every time I go).<br />
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The attendees of the Social</div>
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Thanks to Jennifer and Workroom Social for putting the event on and making this possible, Thanks to everyone that came out and I'm especially thankful that I was able to meet a great bunch of people who will continue to inspire me and that have helped me to feel a sense of community for the creative side of my life!<br />
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Marcy and I<br />
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Update: Jennifer posted pics up from the party on her site. Check em out!<br />
<a href="http://workroomsocial.com/blog/manhattan-pop-party-pictures/">http://workroomsocial.com/blog/manhattan-pop-party-pictures/</a><br />
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ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-28143642677924393752014-03-30T19:22:00.000-07:002014-03-31T04:51:59.195-07:00Aerial Star light<div dir="ltr">
My sister knows that I sew. However, I'm a terrible sister and have never made anything for either of the two that I have (must do better!). This one particular sister also knows that I tend to procrastinate about things which had led to some trust issues about requesting things to be made, but I'm glad she changed her mind on this one.</div>
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She does aerial arts and has recently started competing. Last year she had a costume made by someone that she paid a few hundred bucks for. When I saw the video of her performance and then finally saw the finished garment, I was surprised at the level of workmanship on the garment in relation to the price that she charged. I haven't sewn with to many knits so far, but I immediately figured I could do better. So sis and I talked about it and came up with a design that would be able to work for her next completion. I was excited (yay, she's letting me do something for her!). </div>
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So in usual Afro fashion, I procrastinated, but I was able to finish the garment a week before the competition. I used Jalie 3134 and modified it so that the sides were cut out. We used a blue swimwear fabric along with a sheer sparkly black for the contrasting panels and was lined with a lovely swimsuit lining (Helenka swimsuit lining) from NYfashioncenterfabrics.com (i'm only disgruntled that the shipping cost is practically the same as the cost of the fabric, but it was worth it). The hand of the lining is great and sewed like butter when I interlined it with the blue fabric for the center bodice. I also modified the back geometry so that more of her back is exposed by reducing the rise of the lower panel. I found that the pattern runs a little small; my sister has a longer torso than me but when I tried it on myself for fitting, it fit me perfectly. The size ended up working on her but I'll take this into account next time. I also need to work on my elastic application skills. I messed up but I know the general idea of what I did wrong so that I can fix it for next time. </div>
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I'm posting some stills from her performance, I think the costume looked great, and I was especially happy since this was the first time i'd ever sewn a garment like this. (fun fact, this is all sewn on a regular machine). Just a warning, there's some serious muscles about to be shown in these pics so try not to be as jealous as I am of her!</div>
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ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-83355958232252952872014-03-30T18:30:00.000-07:002014-03-31T04:50:18.560-07:00True Silky Blue <div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this is waaay late. Sorry, last year was rough and I haven't been creating as much as I would like. I ended up taking a day off from work to work on this dress. It was a good day, sometimes I forget how much like to make things and how much and long I can focus on something when I enjoy what I'm doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was a little nervous getting into this pattern. I haven't seen any reviews on it online and the ones I did see did not have a ringing endorsement. I cut into my muslin feeling confused. The instructions keep referring to the pieces by names that don't exist, notches were in the same category and they kept saying weird things like seam numbers. Then I had a revelation, those numbers by all those circles actually mean something, those were the seam numbers! I don't think you all understand the amount of relief that went through my head; all of a sudden everything made sense (there might have been an actual trumpet fanfare sounding in my head). Yay for muslins!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fabric arrived the Tuesday before the wedding, as expected, and it was exactly what I wanted, a nice lightweight silk which felt great between my fingers. There were some white stripes in the material which went away with the first ironing. I cut out all my pieces and immediately went to work. Things went pretty smoothly. It wasn't until I went to zip it up that I realized I might have cut too large of a size. Luckily it seemed to pull together well with just taking in the back seam. However, I must note this, when making a strapless dress, especially one with weight that you plan to dance in, it's not a bad thing for it to be very fitted. It took a few tries to get the boning right, but this second time (first while making Gertie's pencil skirt), went smoother and adds the right support to the bodice.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P276rwx8eWw/UzjD3e4E8wI/AAAAAAAALRI/S6t1hYwPaBY/s1600/IMG_8101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P276rwx8eWw/UzjD3e4E8wI/AAAAAAAALRI/S6t1hYwPaBY/s1600/IMG_8101.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made it a tea length dress and used some African print fabric for the waist inset. I mixed and matched the pattern. Originally it called for the waistband to bet touched to go with the rouched bodice but I needed something more simple to show of the print off the fabric. If I had time, I would have made a purse with the same material to wear with it but I was cutting it close and just haven't gone back to that project yet. However, I did splurge with my time and decide to add some piping with the same material. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9qmmukv04s/UzjBcJp2qzI/AAAAAAAALQ4/ScX-eWSCtq8/s1600/03_274_D_S_2554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9qmmukv04s/UzjBcJp2qzI/AAAAAAAALQ4/ScX-eWSCtq8/s1600/03_274_D_S_2554.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made the rouching on the bodice with the baste and pull method. That part turned out well though it did take some effort to ensure that they were spaced well. Next time when I'm not pressed for time (if that ever happens) I'll try using the ruffler that I've owned for almost 3 years (I bought a kit of foots for the invisible zipper and haven't used ANY of the other feet yet.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The silk itself was pretty easy to work w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ith. This pattern used a LOT of fabric with the skirt being gathered at the waistband and lined. I had some issues hemming the lining of the dress, my machine started chewing it up so I left out unhemmed for the wedding and just using safety pins to keep out from peeking out. After the wedding I called a few swimming machine repair shops about a tune up and one VERY nice repair man suggested I try changing the tension before I brought it to him. Guess what: it worked. I felt like a fool floor not having played with that earlier but I was able to roll been the rest of the lining with no issues.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dress wore well the day of, I'm glad I spent the time making it and I hope you all like it as much as I do!</span></div>
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ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-26867997316859529692013-09-23T15:23:00.001-07:002013-09-23T15:24:48.665-07:00Under PressureSo it would seem (and by seem, I mean that it's totally true), that I like to procrastinate and work decently okay under pressure. My previously mentioned friend who's getting married in a few weeks (3 weeks), asked me to be the hostess/greeter of her wedding. She was kind enough to give me free reign to create my own dress. The two dresses that her brides maids are wearing are these.<br />
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My thought is to make something similar. I found a pattern at JoAnn's, Burda Young 7388, that is carries some of the same style elements. <br />
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I'm going to do a mix of the two, a gathered sweetheart neckline bust but a flat waist and a gathered skirt. The material is a <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/0302007/dupioni-silk-fabric-midnight-blue">dark blue silk dupioni from fabric.com</a> and will be lined with a black polyester lining. I'm actually going to belt the dress with a blue African print fabric that I bought and I'm hoping it's not going to look like too much with the gathers and the belt. And I was thinking of piping the top of the neckline and the seams for the waist in the print fabric to tie everything together.<br />
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I haven't seen too many people make this dress up on the interwebs and the ones that do seem to run into some issues with the pattern pieces. I'm going to muslin this up since this is the most expensive dress I've had to make since I started and take care of some fit issues in the bodice. It's boned and I'm not too adept at it, only used it once, so we'll see what happens. All in all, i'm excited and a bit worried. Fabric should be here in a couple days and then it's off to the races! I'll let you know how it all goes!<br />
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ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-25017092277121469742013-09-14T12:19:00.004-07:002013-09-16T04:37:22.232-07:00Look Up! Laurel Blue<div dir="ltr">
Earlier this year I picked up the <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/laurel" target="_blank">Laurel</a> dress from Colette Patterns. I had been in a sewing slump and figured that this simple dress with only 4 pattern pieces would be a quick fix to pull me out. </div>
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Six months and one <a href="http://afrocraftyengineer.blogspot.com/2013/06/ketchup-mustard-hourglass-pencil-skirt.html" target="_blank">non-related skirt</a> later and I finally started and finished it. I started with a different fabric choice but ended up going with something a little lighter and more summery. I picked up this fabric from <a href="http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Fabric Mart</a>. Its currently my favorite place to buy fabric online, I like how they drape the fabric to give you a sense of what you're buying. My fabric knowledge isn't good enough to buy things on name alone. I think this is a Marc Jacobs fabric that I found on sale. It's really thin and drapes well and my attempt to make it out of one layer was quickly shot down by my common sense. And I'm glad I listened, this fabric is SUPER thin for a non silky. Ripping out stitches left holes that had to be coaxed out. I underlined the dress in another Fabric Mart find and left the sleeves without the lining to lighten it up. <br />
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Pattern-wise, it was indeed simple. The things that took the most time were the hand stitching and making my own bias tape. Woo hoo for my first time making bias tape. I found this really great tutorial that I previously pinned on Pinterest on creating appx 5 yards from a fat quarter and i immediately jumped to it. It was pretty simple expect I got some of the measurements wrong which made it so that I couldn't pull it through my bias tape folder thing. Which meant I had the pleasure of hand folding and ironing the entire strip (yay me). Thank goodness for TV, Netflix and the first season of 24.</div>
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I enclosed all my seams with store-bought bias tape and overlooked the arm sleeves. One thing to mention was the way the sleeves were built. The pattern indicated to make 3 rows of basting stitches along the top which we then pulled on to ease the sleeve into its arm hole. I had never seen that before and I enjoyed the finished look with tiny gathers across the top. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxMnvHQ4C0Q/UjS1IrHCW4I/AAAAAAAAJuA/BJBpLUK7Xm4/s1600/IMG_7424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HxMnvHQ4C0Q/UjS1IrHCW4I/AAAAAAAAJuA/BJBpLUK7Xm4/s320/IMG_7424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Bias Tape binding: The black is the center back seam, the orange is single fold tape along the hem. </td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifh9PKduyAw/UjS1DonFxnI/AAAAAAAAJtw/p4TumXqci3g/s1600/IMG_7426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ifh9PKduyAw/UjS1DonFxnI/AAAAAAAAJtw/p4TumXqci3g/s320/IMG_7426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Bias Tape binding: Purple Double Fold Bias tape binding along the side seams.<br />
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The only alteration I made to the dress was to add darts on the front. I'm not used to super look fitting dresses, especially if they're not cotton. I was prepared to make this a simple shift dress but after pinning the front, I liked it so much and couldn't NOT add the darts. I left them open to create a sort of pleat, which was inspired by <a href="http://ahandmadewardrobe.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/a-pair-of-laurels-just-in-time/" target="_blank">A Handmade Wardrobe</a>. I haven't yet decoded if I'm going to iron the pleats in or just let them fall where they may but I would like to add some sort of visual interest in order "seal" the end of the dart. <br />
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All in all, I really enjoyed sewing this dress and I've already worn it once and I'll be sure to wear it again. I hope you enjoyed my selfies! The light wasn't what I wanted it and I don't know my camera well enough to compensate for it yet, but I'm working on it. Continuous improvement!</div>
ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-30443817006002078572013-09-08T19:00:00.000-07:002013-09-08T20:25:33.781-07:00Bridal Showers<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, this post is in recognition of my failure as a budding blogger to take decent pictures of my creations. I will do better. But in the meantime, you will see terrible pictures of things that I created yesterday for a good friend of mine. She's getting married in a month and I'm uber happy for the current couple/soon-to-be-newlyweds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is only the second bridal shower that I've been to and the first one that's been a female only affair. In classic Renee fashion, I waited until the last minute to think of gift ideas and started brainstorming 3 days before the scheduled event. Also, in true Renee fashion, everything worked out thereby continuing to enable her bad habits. I wanted to create something personal, that would be remembered and that she could see and use everyday. Those discounted the usual items that I THINK get given at bridal showers, such as lingerie. Given these restrictions, I decided to consult with my dear friend, Pinterest. Oh Pinterest, how I covet thee. Thankfully, i have enough spare time (cough) to scroll through a forever scrolling webpage of ideas that pop up when I type in 'Bridal Shower'. They ranged from terrible involved to just not being right, but after xx amount of <strike>minutes</strike> hours, I was able to come up with 3 gifts that would amount to less than $50 in monetary value (i think, I didn't really do the math) and would take me less than 6 hours to do. Since I would be starting these projects on Thursday, everything would work out fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I was unable to procure one of the necessary items for gift number 1, but fortunately, gift number 1 was the most time consuming and was instead replaced by an equally good one (that got blessed by the groom) and was a hell of a lot simpler. I still ended up making three items and they all turned out well, if I do say so myself. Presenting....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gift #1</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These magnets are of cities that they've been to together. Zurich in Switzerland, Cancun in Mexico, St. George in Burmuda, Ponce in Puerto Rico, Cincinnatti, OH (where the Groom is from) and Manasas, VA (where the Bride is from). I decided to do the cities because it's pretty easy to remember the countries you travel to, but a lot of times (at least for me), the cities are forgotten. This way it will be a constant reminder/quiz of where they've been. As their travels increase, I'll possibly consider building on the collection. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gift #2</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This picture frame lists famous couples in history and in story with the couple's names front and center. I spray painted the frame purple as it's the Bride's favourite color and knew she would find a good place to put it. I made sure to include some recognizable African couples as well though I didn't include as many as I would have liked. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gift #3</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CC stand for Chris & Candace and i put their last name on it. I played with just putting CJ as a universal nickname, but I felt as though the Groom has had that name for so long that people would automatically associate it with him. The CC helps to establish their union along with sharing the last name. The symbol on the right is an Ghanaian Adinkra symbol "Eban". It is a fence which symbolizes "Love, Safety and Security".</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was the centerpeice. I FINALLY used my Silhouette Cameo for good (and not pack rat evil). I've had this thing for almost two years and prior to yesterday, had yet to put it to good use. With the discovery that a $2 roll of contact paper from Big Lots is a cheap alternative to throwaway stencil material, I'm hoping that hurdle has been jumped and I'll continue to find good uses for it. It was simple to use, a little tedious at the weeding out process, but intuitive and worked out well. I still need to figure out how to properly import some images into the software but it worked out well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gift #4</b></span><br />
<img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was because I tend to go overboard, but I needed something to "wrap" the casserole dish in and this "Market Tote" at JoAnn Fabric's was 60% off so I grabbed it. It folds up nicely and will definitely be put to good use. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Note to self: always walk with JoAnn coupons in purse</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All in all, it took me about 6 hours including shopping and travel time to complete all of these, and a good chunk of that time was trying to find the parts to the cutting machine and the remainder of my supplies that I KNOW I own but hadn't touched since I moved here. The Bride loved it and I LOVED seeing the expression on her face when she realized the thought that went into each of the gifts. It's reactions like those that make me love what I do and inspire me to continue putting in the extra effort to make things that people will use and enjoy. </span></span><br />
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ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-7790009696735179512013-06-16T06:52:00.000-07:002013-06-16T06:52:10.738-07:00Ketchup & Mustard Hourglass Pencil SkirtIt's been a rough year creation wise for me. I haven't felt inspired to follow through with any of the things on my sewing wish list. But things are getting better. Which is good. My baby sister graduated from Wake Forest this past month and it was just the incentive that I needed to make my first garment for the year. I went back to a pattern that I knew, a pencil skirt from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing. I already loved the first version that I made of this skirt, a simple black high-waisted in some sort of black polyester that looks great with a blouse tucked in for work. The version I wanted to make this time however was more simple. I wanted to use one of the African print fabrics that I've been stashing up but too scared to cut into. I also didn't want to bone this version as it took some time last time and I wasn't exactly ready to try to perfect the mistakes that I made on the last one (the front panel doesn't exactly sit flat). <br />
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I picked up this light material in NY a year ago, it was the last fabric on the bolt and an impulse buy. I cut this version shorter than the last and interlined it with black broadcloth to make it opaque. I accidentally cut it a little too short so decided to use bias tape to finish the hem without losing length. I'll have to make a decision in the future about the use of the back slit, the length of the skirt and the slit make for some interesting geometry. I finished the inside seams with bias tape as well, making the interior clean and not something I'm embarrassed to show anyone.<br />
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ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-6530585085917262232012-10-30T18:00:00.000-07:002012-11-01T18:32:22.033-07:00Car CaddyI finished up a Car Caddy via <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2009/12/cozy-car-caddy-tutorial.html">Homemade By Jill</a>. The little boy that I made it for loved it and was excited for his cars to have a street to drive down. It was cute to see him actually play house with the it, using the parking spots as a place to take a nap. His dad liked it too. It was a nice portable way to carry a few cars on trips.<br />
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I used some denim from a pair of shorts that I gave up on making. The applique fabric was some leftover of something from over 10 years ago (which of course I forgot to take a picture of). It was actually already cut into quilting squares, but since I don't quilt, it's a good supply of scraps. I bought the felt, paint, piping and webbing at JoAnn's. I love it when I get 30% off my total purchase, you really can't beat their coupons and convenience. They're everywhere!<br />
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The pattern was simple, but if I were to make it again, I would make the road a little wider. If I had more time, I would thrown his name on there, and maybe a building and a tree or two. But simple is better (less time, more blank slate for imagination) and this project was relatively quick and successful!<br />
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<br />ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-65647341642622042582012-10-30T17:37:00.000-07:002012-10-30T17:37:19.594-07:00Black Wiggle Skirt<div>
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I guess this thing isn't entirely a wiggle skirt, but its close enough. I used the pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerties-Book-Better-Sewing-Couture-Style/dp/1584799919" target="_blank">Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing</a>. I must say, this is the first book I've bought that contained patterns and sewing techniques and it's great. Plus, it's great to be able to look up in Gertie's blog for more explanations and pictures of things that weren't able to make it into the book. Like the boning on <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2011/05/tutorial-adding-boning-to-high.html" target="_blank">this waistband</a>. It's the exact same skirt that she created in the book, which was perfect for me since that's what I was creating as well. I needed a simple black pencil skirt that I could wear to work as the other two I own are way too tight and short for that environment.<br />
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This material was a beast to cut and sew with due to its constant fraying. The selvage mentions something about worsted polyester (no idea what that means), but its a material that I bought in Jamaica a couple years back and am just now getting to it. I tried catching the side seams of the skirt material in bias tape, but the dang thing pulled completely off at the points when I got near the edge and just kept pulling. I ended up pinking those seams and it seems to be holding up well enough, but I'm interested to see what's going to happen after I run it through the wash.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Failed attempt to encase the seams</td></tr>
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I went all out and boned and lined the thing and after a few headaches, it tuned out pretty good. After realizing that machine stitching wouldn't catch the whole waistband front, I hand stitched the lining into the waistband. It was surprisingly therapeutic. I also hand stitched the lining to the zipper, which involved hand acrobatics, but it looks neat and professional. Here's a pic of the nice wide waistband.<br />
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I decided to forego the button and buttonhole. Partly because I was excited to wear it the next day and it was already past midnight, and partly because the fabric is a bit bulky and I didn't have a lot of space on the over flap due to a miscalculation so I used two hook and eye closures to keep the flap in place.<br />
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I think I'll do a nifty button and elastic loop in the future just to personalize it a little more. And I added a ribbon to the lining to personalize it as well. <br />
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And to finish the post off, here's a pic of me wearing the skirt! I'm excited to play with the pattern again, I'll make the waistband a tad smaller next time, and I'm thinking about hemming this one a little above my knees, but all in all, it was a great first try!<br />
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<br />ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-520820357058310452.post-25726951202466436272012-04-07T06:37:00.000-07:002012-04-07T07:46:30.362-07:00Welcome!This is the blog where I will be documenting my craftiness, my green thumb and all around smartness. My goal this year is to create more, to be a producer instead of a consumer so this will be one aspect of that. I have a few sewing creations that I've completed over the past year or two so I'll catch you up on those later, just so you can see where I'm coming from. But this year I will aim to create at least ONE thing per month, whether it be knitting, sewing, crafting, etc...<br />
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But what inspired me to come here (even though the actual blog was created almost a year ago, this is my first post), was a Dutch website that creates African Print cloth. Let me start off by saying this, I support people looking at markets and deciding how to make their niche, however, I do wish that we could get a stronger presence of African companies selling African Print cloth. I made a trip into NYC a month or so ago to buy cloth and although the store was bursting at the seams with cloth being sold by Indians, the majority of the stuff there was manufactured by the Dutch. This is a big market both inside and outside of the African Continent, and it'd be nice if someone on the continent could tap into that a lot better than what I see today.<br />
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That being said, I was directed to a website today that made me drool. It was love at first site. One, because of the beautiful cloth. Two, because of the great ways that they're using it and how they're inspiring me to use it. <a href="http://www.vlisco.com/">Vlisco</a> is the website and my goodness, they're expensive. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised, <span style="font-size: x-small;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The Vlisco strategy is aimed at enabling well-to-do African women to experience the brand in all her facets..."</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span>I figure I'll buy some of this "ankara" fabric after I've gone through my stash and feel that my skillz are up to the expensive challenge. Plus, I'll want to have a specific event in mind in which to wear the beautiful creation to.<br />
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So that's it for now. I will continue to expand my crafty knowledge and I'll bring you all along for the ride. Pics and such soon come!<br />
<br />ReneeJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12120410026292069594noreply@blogger.com0