by Dave | Jul 31, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
I have been drooling over the essential denim dress for quite some time now. Actually I have been hoarding old jeans and denim fabric just to use for this dress. So, today is cutting day! I’m scrambling around, rummaging through all the closets, trying to decide exactly what I can sacrifice for this dress! I have fabric. I just don’t have all the varieties I want to have for this dress. Then, in a container of scraps I found a deconstructed chambray shirt. EUREKA….the perfect piece for the top portion of the dress. It’s lightweight so I won’t feel like I’m frying. The fabric is also a light color. This is a definite plus, I seem to gravitate towards dark colors causing serious lack of variety.
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[envira-gallery slug="1375"]Did I mention this pattern is online? Did I mention it is also FREE? The essential denim dress is my first attempt at using an online pattern for anything. I’m kind of nervous. The pattern doesn’t have seam allowances, so I am purposely cutting it larger than needed. It’s easier to make something smaller than it is to add pieces later hoping for the best!
Sew Different is one of my favorite sites right now. She’s from the UK, that to me is pretty cool because fashion there is so different than run of the mill US clothing. Probably because I don’t live in the UK, so it looks new and exciting to me. Nonetheless, she does a wonderful tutorial on mix and match denim, in case you are afraid to try. Her photos will put you at ease and make you want to try everything she has to offer.
by Dave | Jul 30, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique
Press, press, press, then press some more. It seems like sewing involves more use of the iron than the sewing machine, doesn’t it? I don’t know, some people love using the iron while others skip the pressing steps and wear the finished garment anyway. I remember as a child, my grandmother would set up an ironing board for me. I don’t know if ironing boards still do this, but somehow it was short so I could iron easily. She would set the iron on the lowest setting and I ironed my grandpa’s handkerchiefs all day long. I loved it. Then as I learned to sew she pressed the issue further. “Skipping pressing makes clothes look homemade!” Heaven forbid someone find out she made my clothing. lol
I am a firm believer in pressing as you go. It makes such a difference in how the finished product looks and wears. Seriously, I press so hard you cannot tell there is a seam. My goal when pressing is to make it look like the dress just “happened” pressing is the trick. Megan Nielson is a fan of pressing too. She actually presses her fabric before cutting. I never thought of doing that. But, guess who’s going to start doing it now. Then there are the suggestions of never pressing over pins. Great point! They melt and then I cry! But, I have learned buying pins with glass heads prevents this problem.[envira-gallery id=”1237″]
I learned that pressing is not the same as ironing. Ironing is a method used when moving the iron back and forth over the cloth to remove wrinkles. Pressing is entirely different. to press you must, pick up the iron and then set it down on a different part of the cloth, applying heat to the cloth with pressure. If the fabric is delicate and may scorch, it’s best to use a pressing cloth. Really, any piece of light weight woven fabric will do for this. Most of all, no matter how much you dislike pressing, ENJOY!
by Dave | Jul 30, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
Mad Men may have created an apron frenzy! Think about Betty, always in the kitchen with aprons on she makes everyone want one. Without a television filming in your kitchen, or someone always taking your picture when you are at home who knows if you wear an apron? I think aprons are kind of sexy. You know, like wearing a dress over your yoga pants and tee shirt. 🙂 No one really knows who does and who does not wear aprons. Think about it. This isn’t a topic normally discussed. Lucy Lou 918 began selling aprons in April 2015. The conception is the result of a Facebook conversation. “Karen” also the name of my first offering, announced she was putting the apron on to protect her yoga pants and tee-shirt. Immediately, I realized maybe I should make her an apron. As soon as the idea hit the Facebook page, others began asking about aprons also. Lucy Lou 918’s apron line was born.
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[envira-gallery slug="aprons"]Lucy Lou 918 is a source for Mad Men inspired unique aprons. I’ll offer other styles as my inventory grows. Feel free to email me with your questions and ideas about the aprons. I’m currently working on an order of camouflage aprons. Aprons for every area of your life, not just the kitchen. Think of those school teachers, musicians, artists, gardeners, and men in your life. Lucy Lou 918 can make the perfect apron for your needs.
The inventory is low at the moment but will be increasing quickly. If you do not see your idea pictured, please email me to ask about a customized apron. Be patient while the dust settles. I can’t wait to show you what I have for sale!
by Dave | Jul 29, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
Can you believe it? Christmas is 21 weeks away, that’s 10 paydays for some, or even fewer (5) for others. I don’t work outside the home anymore so I tend to lose track of things like how soon Christmas will be here. I start shopping around now though, just picking up this and that, you know little things I see that would be cool in a stocking? Stockings are a FAVORITE in my family. So, those get filled first and overfilled so some of the things end up getting wrapped as well. Last year was my first ever handmade Christmas. I made everyone blankets. It started out as me making blankets for the grandchildren, but as their parents caught glimpses of them they wanted one too. Then on Christmas, everyone that didn’t get a blanket wanted one of their own. I also made some throw pillows for one of my daughters.
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[envira-gallery slug="broken-arms"]Oh, I think I forgot to mention, one week into December, I broke both my arms. Take this as a lesson you do not have to learn. Plan, buy, make Christmas presents early. Sewing with two broken arms was not easy! There are lots of places online for shopping Lucy Lou 918 [envira-gallery id="1289"]
[envira-gallery slug="lucylou918-collage"] is a great place for handmade jewelry, aprons, throw pillows, and custom orders. J and T Creations has all your Rock and Roll needs. This girl is amazing! Even if you think you don’t like her style, check it out. I promise someone on your list will need something she has to offer. The Happy Nest has everything else. Seriously, her shop has something for every single person on your Christmas list. Her items are not handmade, so if you feel weird about giving handmade items as presents, be sure to visit her!
If you are Christmas shopping, sitting by the pool, or making something for yourself, ENJOY!
by Dave | Jul 29, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique
Vintage irons make me so happy! I remember them as a child. My grandmother had several with and without cords. I also remember being told pressing is the most important part of sewing. Nothing, in my opinion, compares to a vintage iron. They are heavy, get super hot, super fast, and look cool. 🙂
Saturday, I was driving through my neighborhood and stumbled upon an ESTATE SALE. Not one of those where the people come in and price everything and have their yellow signs everywhere. Those prices are generally too high to bring me happiness. This estate sale was operated by the family members. They were so kind and helpful. I walked in and immediately found my true love. A vintage ironing board! [envira-gallery id="1241"]
[envira-gallery slug="ironing-board"]Is it just me or do they make these things today too flimsy to even use for fear of them bending under pressure? Okay, LOVE it, want it, need it, and it’s half price! So, the ironing board sold for half of $15 that was marked on it. I found lots of other wonderful things there as well, I’ll wait and share those later.
I purchased the new love of my life, a Sunbeam steam iron. The iron is so special, it has the date written inside of the box, “December 25, 1962.” [envira-gallery id="1237"]
[envira-gallery slug="vintage-iron"]It works amazingly well. Of course, since the hubby does not sew, I had to explain to him how important this iron is to my life. How the weight of the iron helps set the seam. This was not an easy concept to explain. Thankfully I was wearing a color blocked dress I made. I pointed out where the two colors met. I told him, when the fabric is properly pressed, the two colors appear as one piece of fabric. I guess he understood that, he nodded. lol
When I came home I had to research the vintage irons, to make sure I was not just an emotional nut. Okay, I may be but there is validity to my love of vintage irons. Ebay explains it pretty well.
Reasons to LOVE and desire a Vintage Iron
. Made in the USA – back when that meant something.
. Heavy, which helps get the wrinkles out
. Put out a lot of heat
. Solid irons that are well-build, all metal
. Last decades
by Dave | Jul 23, 2015 | Blog, Capsule, Fashion, Lucy's Sewing Lab
It’s late, your friends are waiting, you are stressed as hell, your wardrobe is lacking! PANIC! Panic, freak out, cry, plan to be better at this whole dressing myself thing later. Later?The capsule did not work. I didn’t have time. I couldn’t stay focused on a palette that was supposed to be for me, the style wasn’t exactly me, and I’m more creative than all that. This is the anti-capsule! Capsule Snapsule!! Okay, one LAST night out wearing less than stellar clothing. Vow to fix that wardrobe problem! This is not a capsule fix. This is real life, mixing, matching, and looking fab sewing it yourself.
A client called me, in the exact situation above! I know this person pretty well. She loves leopard print, black, maroon, lace, and FUN! Okay, so here we go anyone can make those colors work together. PLUS, they work in all seasons.
Here’s what I did:
- Maroon maxi
- White lace Kimono
- Light leopard shorts
- Black mermaid maxi
- Dark Leopard midi circle skirt
- Black Kimono
- Floral top
The pieces work like this:
BOTTOM + TOP + ACCESSORIES = FAB
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Using these two charts you can get a head start. Everything matches/coordinates/whatever going both down and diagonal. So basically, without even trying very hard and using easy patterns you have an incredible wardrobe!
by Dave | Jul 22, 2015 | Blog
There are so many things to know before even Jo-Ann or Hancock Fabric’s. It’s a daunting task, really! I remember walking into that first fabric store shopping for…..I don’t even know…just touching the fabric. Feeling it, thinking what the piece of fabric could become. WOW! I love the way this one feels. I pull the bolt down and notice a SHOCKING price tag! How can anyone afford to sew at these prices? If I purchase cotton spandex with a four way stretch to make leggings the fabric alone will cost more than buying a pair off the rack at most discount stores! Right? Possibly, if you do not plan the visits and get on all the mailing, text, and email lists for sale and coupon notifications.
Jo-Ann’s and Hancock Fabric are two of the big boys on the front. Fabric store shopping with these two can be a joy. Number one, they both accept each others coupons! This is absolutely wonderful. I have a Joann’s closer to me than Hancock, the price matching comes in really handy for me. The only downside is selections of fabric; both quality and quantity. Both companies send out mailers, email, and text messages with coupons and latest sales. Right now, Hancock Fabric is offering a five dollar coupon for signing up on their email list.
Hancock Fabric sends out mailers which are also viewable online for a period of three weeks at a time. Joann’s does the same although the mailer covers two weeks. I usually pull out a calendar and make notes about sales I do not want to miss and the specific dates. Smart phones….what a lifesaver….a little alarm on sale day can really make a difference. [envira-gallery id=”1215″] These coupons are good for 20 days! When you also consider Joann’s will honor them as well, that is a huge savings! Joann’s is having one of my personal favorite promotions [envira-gallery id=”1218″]. I love stocking up on Red Tag fabric for my wearable muslins.
Hancock Fabric offers the online $5 coupon. Joann’s club offers even more benefits. [envira-gallery id=”1221″] A word of advice, no matter where you find yourself shopping, read the fine print on the coupons! No one wants to miss out on a bargain! I always ask if there are any other discounts I missed. Both stores allow use of more than one coupon per sale. ENJOY!
by Dave | Jul 18, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
Fabric buying is an art. We all know this much is true. After the first fabric purchase that left you hating your machine, your fabric, your pattern, your life, we vowed to change. To learn more about fabric, textiles, hand, give, stretch, body, oh so much to know about fabric. Sadly so much cannot be learned on the internet or in books. Good ole trial and error lead to making fabric buying online or in store successful! I’ve blogged about this before. I’ll blog about it tomorrow too. This fabric buying blog deserves a series. I believe many need this information. I know when I started into the wonderful/ not so wonderful world of fabric I needed all the information and help out there!
My number one complaint is always and will always be, the PRICE! Yeah, I am a penny pincher and love seeing my money go as far as it can. With fabric, it’s more than just a game of odds, it’s a studied, planned out, adventure. Pack the most product into my measly dollars as humanly possible. This is usually the moment I pull out the local store weekly ads, the online stores I frequent, and get down to the nitty gritty with pricing. I realize sometimes inexpensive fabric really fares well against competition sometimes. I’ve also found the reverse to be true.
One of my first considerations on deciding which retailer shall receive my money is past experiences. I’ve ordered from places online and will never order from them again. It’s not even about their product. I never saw it. They order took to long to ship. Are you listening retailers? TIME is so important to us! Timely order processing and shipping are our top priorities.
Next I look at shipping and coupons/discounts. I refuse to pay shipping unless it’s something I think I may die without. Then I make sure to purchase enough fabric that the shipping is less than 50 cents per yard. Coupons for local stores are HUGE! Bigger than big…the deciding factor of staying home to shop or venturing out into 100+ degree heat. If I’m leaving my house……DEALS better be plenty!
More than deals though, I want to ENJOY! Stay tuned, more on this topic tomorrow. I’ve barely gotten started. ENJOY yourself.
by Dave | Jul 16, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
It’s no surprise American’s celebrate July 4 as our Independence Day. Not working on my sewing blog is a surprise! I’ll leave the details of my sewing blog surprise up to your own creativity. I wasn’t expecting a blogcation, but surprises are always nice! 🙂 I’m trying to get this page in order. I think some gremlins took over for a bit while I was out. This blogging is no joke! haha 🙂 Sometimes things work, and other times no matter how much you want something to work for your blog. It. just. does. not. work!
Since my blog is not even six months old yet, I’m allowing myself some leeway in the development process. I’m hoping this is a theme I’ll stick to awhile. It seems as though no matter what I choose a few days later it’s all wonky not working with this plugin or that plugin. It could make a sane person crazy. Plus, not only do I blog, I have this real life, you know? One can’t just sit there and blog all day can they? Can they? Oh! I can’t! I have pretty things to sew. I’ve been branching out a bit while away and making all sorts of little pretties to show later.
I’ll catch you all up more later, until then ENJOY!
by Dave | Jul 2, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
[envira-gallery id="3522"]You know, the hardest thing to find in the Summer is cool Summer clothes that you like to wear. It’s hot. I’m cranky. Honestly, I would rather not get dressed at all. But,I found two patterns that make getting dressed a little less stressful. Butterick 5753 and Simplicity 1165 paired together make a pretty awesome ensemble.
Butterick 5753 has become one of my favorite tops to make this Summer. It’s one of those cool Summer tops you are always glad you have. Kinda funny, the coolness comes from the arms. HaHa The sleeves are pretty much wide open under your arm. But, the top of the sleeve drapes so well, no one would ever know. I made it out of a slinky knit fabric in black. WONDERFUL! I promise you, I sewed this baby up in less than an hour. Really, there’s only two seams on each side. The shoulder seams and the seam connecting the front to the back. [envira-gallery id="1046"]
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My favorite pants to pair this with is Simplicity 1165. I have made about three pair of pants and two pair of shorts using this pattern. I get compliments every single time. The back pockets really add interest and prevent them from looking like your grandma’s elastic waist pants. Additionally there are front pockets which help the overall look also. I use the Dritz Braided Elastic in one inch for the waistband. It’s stiff enough to keep them from looking like elasticized pants. Plus, when I make the pants, I crop them at the ankle. It gives it an Audrey Hepburn feel. Others have reviewed the pants and loved them as well. [envira-gallery id="1050"]
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I love what she did with the shorts pattern to give them the 70’s vibe. See? Pretty variations on how to make this pattern to fit you and your style.
ENJOY!
