by Dave | Oct 6, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Experimentation, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique
There are so many things I wish I knew when I Started Sewing without knowing as a beginner. I had sewn before, quite a lot. But the brain forgets in 30 years all the things you once knew, or at least some of them. So, essentially, I was once again a beginner. At least I remembered a few things like pressing while sewing. I actually did a blog on this. Here are some more articles you may find helpful: This and this one, too! The following things I really did not know or did not believe were a factor for me.
- RELAX- sewing while rushing or tired makes things take longer.
- READ- reading the manual is more important than anyone wants to admit. I didn’t read mine. Then I was totally excited to find my second machine had a thread cutter on the side! Guess what, so did my first one, I just didn’t know about it. The manual has more information than the internet or someone else’s experience. It’s about YOUR machine. Invaluable.
- TOOLS- I promise, it’s not necessary to break both arms at the same time to buy a cutting mat and rotary cutter. I never would have tried this method until the broken arm incident. I love the sound of the scissors and fabric together. But, honestly, the mat and cutter make cutting patterns more professional.
- SEW- If you do not actually get in there and fight that beast of a machine, you’ll never learn anything. So what if you mess up? That’s what the seam ripper is made for. The first dress I sewed after 30 years took me forever. I was terrified. Why? I hadn’t tried it before and I only had three days to finish. I was going to a funeral and owned not one single black dress! The compliments were worth the time.
- CONCENTRATE- this is the hardest part for me, I want to second guess the pattern instructions. Please follow their instructions, it’s a huge time saver. They are professional and know what to do to get the same results they did. I believe I spend more time thinking about the garment than I do sewing it. I roll over and over in my head how I’m going to make it look. It’s helpful, but not productive. Thinking doesn’t make it happen. You have to actually do something to make it happen.
- KEEP TRYING- It’s okay to mess up. That’s what the seam ripper is for. It’s okay if you sew something perfect and then it doesn’t fit. I’ve done this. It only makes the next one easier.
Most of all ENJOY!
by Dave | Oct 4, 2015 | Blog, Capsule, Fashion, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab
I’ve been looking at all the ways to build a wardrobe. Some will tell you Capsule Building a Fall 2015 wardrobe is the only answer. For me, I love the idea. But, what happens when I’ve sewn all my pieces? Does my machine just collect dust for the rest of the season? I found a Seasonal Shopping Plan that works on the basis of 2 or 3 of each item listed is enough.
- Sweaters, Cardigans (2 or 3)
- Tops: Sleeveless, tanks, tees, strips (2 or 3)
- Tops: Blouses, Button Downs (2 or 3)
- Shoes: Tennis Shoes, Sandals, Heels, Flats, Wedges (2 or 3)
- Skirts: A Line, Pencil, floor length (2 or 3)
- Jackets: Blazers, Jean, Wool, (2 or 3)
- Pants: Straight Leg, Skinny, Wide leg, Boot Cut (2 or 3)
- Jeans: Straight Leg, Skinny, Wide leg, Boot Cut (2 or 3)
- Accessories (2 or 3) I know this must have meant 20 or 30! 🙂
So, looking at this list and using it as a guide, you would need a total of 6 tops, 3 sweaters, 3 pair of shoes, 3 skirts, 3 jackets, 3 pair of pants, 3 pair of jeans and numerous accessories! Just kidding, she actually said 2 or 3. A total of around 24 items.
I can work with this! Although no dresses were mentioned, which is concerning for me 🙂
Overall, the first step in building a wardrobe is defining your style. I found a worksheet for this here. Art in the find has a wonderful graphic of ways to pair your clothing. I would love to share the entire library here, but I don’t think there is enough space. Please visit her page. So much to learn from her.[envira-gallery id="2183"]
[envira-gallery slug="art-in-the-park-ideas"] I included a couple of photos to tease you. Click on the title on her site and a whole library opens up!
There are so many versions on the internet to help you along your way of defining what your wardrobe should and shouldn’t be. Another website has a workbook to help you along the way. Her workbook, PERSONAL STYLE & THE PERFECT WARDROBE can be downloaded in it’s entirety by clicking on the title above.
I really like her workbook. She has questions I would never think of asking myself. For the perfect outfit she asks “What is the ensemble perfect for?” and “What are the main accessories, hair and make up variations?”
I am no where near as creative or organized as these ladies. I personally buy fabric with a vague purpose in mind. Then make something with it, say a skirt. At that point I realize I have no idea what type of top, jacket, or accessories are appropriate for said ensemble. Eventually, I get there and look good. I just don’t take a straight path like these brilliant ladies. I hope you find something useful for your own sewing here, ENJOY!
by Dave | Oct 1, 2015 | Fashion, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique
Cheap Thrills or Cheap Bills? Buying less expensive fabric can be a costly mistake if close attention is not paid to the fiber contents. Inexpensive fabric can be found everywhere if you are willing enough to spend the time. I’ve been known to spend hours at Hancock Fabrics sifting through the bolts on their tables of spot the dot sale fabrics. I have a rule for myself at those tables, it must be at least 50% off. I usually go for the under $3 fabrics.
I completely love a tonal outfit in linen. It was one of my first loves in textiles, 30 years ago. It’s an easy sewing fabric and looks fabulously expensive. I love the fact that this fabric is natural as well. The fabric comes from the flax plant fibers. This is quite possibly the coolest fabric around. The clothing created from this fabric doesn’t have the fake feel of synthetic fabric. Linen gets better with age, it softens up nicely with wear.
As a child I remember my first touch of this fabric and my grandmother’s quick response. Obviously she had high regard for this fabric’s price and quality. Once known as ultra suede, now known as vegan because it’s difficult to tell the difference between the faux and real. There is an incredibly informative post about sewing with faux suede here.
The benefits of cotton are quite similar to those of linen due to the natural fibers. Cotton breathes and feels better than synthetic counterparts. It’s low maintenance, doesn’t pill, and retains it’s shape. The best fabric for leggings or stretch knit is a cotton spandex blend.
Rayon looks more expensive but pills and shows wear and tear quickly. But, in a pinch, and if good diligent care is taken, this is a great inexpensive substitute.
I love working with this because the results look close to RTW (ready to wear) end products. Looks expensive, but looses shape easily, handle with care.
I hate the feeling of this fabric regardless of how expensive it looks. But, to each his/her own.
What do you think?
by Dave | Sep 28, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
Sewing Contests and Sew-a-longs
Sewing contests and sew-a-longs are fun and a great way to challenge your own sewing skills. Okay, winning is great also, but the experience makes it worth it, win or lose. The following Contests are found on Pattern Review, and Swoodsonsays. I always plan to enter, or actually enter, buy all the stuff, and forget to do it. I hope you have better luck than I do. The first two Sewing Contests and Sew-a-longs listed are from pattern review.
All of the contests at Pattern Review have specific guidelines, be sure to read and follow the guidelines prior to beginning work and submission. For the month of October they are running the Sweater Knit Contest and the Sew Small Contests. The following links will be helpful in the Pattern Review Contests, *General Rules for all Contests *Contest Eligibility*Voting Guidelines
The following lists of Sewing Contests and Sew-a-longs are fairly comprehensive and compiled by Swoodsonsays. Thank you so much for this list! I appreciated it so much I couldn’t help but share with my readers too. She maintains these monthly lists of Sewing Contests and Sew-a-longs and requests anyone hosting wishing to be added to her list shoot her an email or use the contact form! Swoodsonsays updates as needed and includes weekly additions in her newsletter, subscribe! I know I did, I sure don’t want to miss out on all this fun.
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October
November
December
I hope you find at least one sew-a-long or contest to participate in as the weather cools and you are inside more sewing. ENJOY!
by Dave | Sep 27, 2015 | Blog, Fashion, Lucy's Sewing Lab
Does it matter if you are sewing the season’s colors or not? To some people, yes! I’m not so much into the capsule wardrobe as I am into colors. I love the changing seasons, I’m old school, the colors change too. According to Pantone this season’s colors are of the 70’s. In the 70’s I was too young to care about the colors I wore or what entity decided those colors. As long as it had Raggedy Ann on it I was happy!
I became curious, who is PANTONE? Why do we care what they think about color? I did a little checking on Pinterest. They have actually been doing this color prediction since 1963. I have no idea why America just recently found this information provided by Pantone as relevant. Well, I have been shopping for my fabric to use in the coming seasons. I did not take my Pantone list with me, take a look though, Pantone is pretty dead on with my choices. Here are my choices.[envira-gallery id="2095"]
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Pantone’s choices are below[envira-gallery id="2098"]
[envira-gallery slug="pantone-fall-2015"]
I love the way the stones were added to the color to show just like on the color wheel, there are tints and tones of the color which are completely acceptable. WWD, Women’s Wear Daily breaks down the colors and explains them more in depth the pictures below are from their site.[envira-gallery id="2100"]
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I’m over the top excited about my new wardrobe this season. I picked up sewing again a year ago and have not bought any clothing since. The exception is Thrift Store purchases, those are used as fabric. I’ll be adding another post with more color information for those interested. Also, I’ll be compiling an album of Pantone Fall 2015 you’ll find here. As the weather changes so will your wardrobes, ENJOY!
by Dave | Sep 25, 2015 | Blog, Fashion, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique
Palazzo pants are like grown up, dressed up, sexy, yoga pants. They they look like skirts until you walk in them. I made three pair over the weekend, all of them look completely different but I used the same sloper. And by sloper I mean pants that I have and already like the fit 😉 You can find a diy Palazzo Pant Video here. They are super quick and easy to make. I used a yard of 58″ wide fabric for each pair. But, I’m short so 36″ is plenty for my size. If you need to add length a bottom contrast fabric, or waist will do the trick.
Short girls are leary of wearing that massive amount of fabric in wide legged pants. I feel they make me look taller and leaner, I’m a rectangle shape and 5’4″. Heels, horizontal stripes, and high waist fools the eye into making the shorter girl look tall. There are lots of other styling tricks that can help you out with looking taller, too.
I made mine about two – four inches from the ground, I’m not a fan of pants dragging around me all day. I love this style, I created a Pinterest Board. These are my very favorite looks from that Pinterest board so far[envira-gallery id="2066"]
[envira-gallery slug="palazzo-pants-from-pinterest-board"]
I really like how versatile palazzo pants are, they can be casual, dressy, or anything in between. I’m currently working on a pair like this. [envira-gallery id="2072"]
[envira-gallery slug="palazzo-pants-with-contrast-and-bow"]I think ultimately they are year round pants. So roomy, wearing tights underneath in the winter for warmth or wearing lightweight ones in warmer times of the year. Plus no one has to worry about the things that happen when wearing maxi skirts. To me, these pants are the best solution for people like me who love looking girly, but realize sometimes a dress or a skirt just won’t work! I hope you try making some of these of your own and share your photos with me. ENJOY!
by Dave | Sep 24, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Studio
Sewing studio organization is the hardest thing for me. Not the organizing, the keeping it that way! I know I am not alone. I wonder how many days it takes for people to get their studio picture perfect to post? I’ve been working on mine about three days now. I smelled something so I’ve washed all my fabric! I have been clearing out what cannot or will not be used. It’s a chore, but I’ll be in paradise when it’s complete. I’m going to work hard at keeping my studio camera ready![envira-gallery id="2011"]
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Because when I was writing this my lab looked like this.[envira-gallery id="2013"]
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I’ve stumbled upon some great tips:
- Wall organization for new projects, works in progress and completed.
- I found an entire series about studio appearance here.
- One blog, said do not keep scraps. When you are finished, throw them away. This is probably the best idea ever. I have totes full of leftovers. Recently I deep cleaned and cleared out a few large garbage bags full of these scraps. I’m sorry, it was a while back so I can’t link the blog.
- Take inventory of all fabric and patterns. WOW! What a timesaver.
- I saw a meme once that said I have so much fabric I need a librarian to keep it in order. This is no joke! It’s amazing how fast things accumulate!
These are the things I do personally:
- I use huge totes, the plastic containers with lids, for 1/4yard and more scraps. I place them in zip lock baggies inside the tote for better organization.
- I do not like to have my fabric on display, I feel it gets dusty and needs to be washed. All fabric is stored in cabinets, containers, and closets.
- I have a container with drawers next to my sewing machine. I use this space for fabric I’m most likely to use next.
- My sewing tables have drawers as well. I use those for emergency items!
- the pattern you are working on
- notions
- trim
- bobbins
- seam rippers
- lace (because I love it so much I want it close to me)
- I have a wish list design wall for inspiration.
- If I’m going to make something using a pattern, I cut out all the pieces at once and discard the blank parts. This keeps patterns small enough not to have to fight to make the pattern fit back into the envelope when you are finished using it.
After a little more work, my lab is coming together nicely. Check my Photo Journal for more presentable photos. ENJOY!
![Photo Journal Fall Fashion]()
by Dave | Sep 21, 2015 | Lucy's Photo Journal
So, I thought it would be a great idea to start a photo journal. If there is a topic you are looking for, you can come here, click on the photo and find the blog post. Kinda like a little index of Lucy’s Photos. Since we are on the topic of fall fashion, I thought I would start there.
Top Ten For Fall 2015 according to Harper’s Bazaar [envira-gallery id=”1868″] this collection of photos are so amazing! I love the artwork as well as the message.
The same magazine recommends these as well from the top, my favorite comfy style and in tones I don’t usually wear. My daughter introduced me to these tones and I can’t get enough.
These earrings are great, you know for those bad hair days? Ponytails or buns would showcase them nicely.
This is one of my favorite color combinations for fall. It’s very fresh and looks well with most skin tones.
by Dave | Sep 9, 2015 | Blog, Fashion, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab
[envira-gallery id=”3519″]Guess what? There is something new at Lucy’s Lab, you can now, follow my blog with Bloglovin! Oh my goodness, I am so excited to show you something NEW at Lucy’s Lab! [envira-gallery id="1960"]
[envira-gallery slug="1960"]Also, I’ve been gathering photos from fashion magazines and have created a photo journal. I love it! It’s a great way to skim and not have to scroll through a blog post to find some pictures to inspire you! Eventually I hope to have a lot more inspirations and tutorials for more of the clothing for fall. I’ve already described to you how to make a vest in this post [envira-gallery id="1696"]
[envira-gallery slug="fur-vest"] Personally, I cut out all the photos in the magazines that inspire me. So far I’ve destroyed one magazine and have two more magazines to go. Anyway, then I get out scissors, glue, and cardboard. Yes, I pretend I’m in grade school again! I make a collage of the things I like. Kind of a “to do” list for myself. Eventually I look through the fabrics I have and compare them to what I have on my collage. At this point I’m racking my brain thinking of how I can use the fabric. It happens, in time. I feel so wonderful wearing what everyone else wants, even better, they can’t find it in the stores even if they try.
Isn’t that why we all sew? To be unique and different? They say blue and emerald green are going to be a color combination this year. I’m stoked to find that out the same day I purchased some blue paisley for pants. I don’t wear much blue and was really fretting about what I was going to do. You know, what goes with blue? Grey and black are always safe, oh and of course another of my least favorites, red. LOL….see how my problem was growing? I hope you ENJOY the change of seasons.
by Dave | Sep 6, 2015 | Blog, Fashion, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Reviews
I know not everyone gets super duper excited like I do, but this is a real holiday to me. September fashion mag season, the colors, the shapes, the looks, the accessories, the trends in make up, hair, shoes, it’s there! Right THERE in 700 pages! Fashion at it’s best….make it or break it time. Growing up that’s how it was. Fashion was dictated by the September fashion mag season. My grandma and I would always buy VOGUE magazine. We looked, page after page at color combinations, shapes, trends, textures, everything! This is so important for a seamstress. I can flip through this magazine, which by the way is not the one mentioned above. I subscribed to BAZAAR this year and probably will purchase at least one of the other issues. I could pick anything I wanted out of the magazine! We would then go shopping for fabric and notions. My sweet, talented grandma would make me the latest trends! I can’t wait to do this for myself! This is a blog to keep an eye on for inspiration.
What do you, my wonderful, glorious, fashion loving readers get out of this? A review, a short, a pictorial of what I took away from my first flip through the magazine.[envira-gallery id="1696"]
[envira-gallery slug="fur-vest"]
My ultimate favorite from the entire magazine. We can all own a fur vest this season. Faux fur is on sale right now at several retail and online stores. The pattern for this is basically a kimono without sleeves. You need two rectangles the same size. Cut one of them down the middle, all the way, this is the front of your vest. Put right sides together. Sew shoulder seams. Sew side seams. Then proudly wear it as much as possible. This blog has a pictorial if you need one. I am so ready to buy my purple fur and make my vest. You don’t like vests? Guess what? Fur scarves are huge this year! If you can cut the fur to the size you like best, you too can have a trendy fur scarf. Isn’t sewing wonderful?
I’m tempted to leave you here….mouth drooling wondering what else is in that magazine. But, I can’t I have to share a little more….right? [envira-gallery id="1713"]
[envira-gallery slug="not-in-mag"]This isn’t in the magazine! LOL
Too many lists of top ten by different people are in this issue. Light pink is a thing this season. I’m extremely happy. I think this is a color anyone can wear. According to the magazine, the well spent dollar is on black and white.
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