I have been so busy

Hi everyone, it has really been a while I know. Boy-o-boy , I have been so busy with packing and unpacking. Did I forget to mension that we just moved to a new home, and it's been so hectic unpacking and arranging stuffs, but I am glad to say I have done the best I can for now.

The most exciting thing is that the basement  almost done, I HAVE A DEDICATED SEWING ROOM.  Yes, a  room for me and me alone, that is the only thing that is keeping me going for now. The room is already painted and I absolutely love the color I chose. I wll definately post some pictures once everything is done.

Another, exciting thing is that I went for a sewing meet-up today, it`s so good and refreshing to meet new people who share your passion .

On the sewing front however, I  haven`t planned anything yet, hopefully when am settled down in my new space there should be some ideas flowing.

 For now sistahs and broders........you all have a wonderful week ................

Aminat

I won KIVA gift Certificate

Recently Gwen had  a give-away price for her 300th post and I was fortunate enough to win the price;  a $50 KIVA gift certificate which  I have already put in good use, I am so happy  that I can help.
Gwen, thanks so much for this opportunity to help those in need.

In case you haven't heard of  KIVA , it's an organisation that lets individual lend  to small enterpreneur in any part of the world. You can read more about them at http://www.kiva.org/  .

So here are the pictures of my loan recipients ...
A 64yr old farmer from Togo and a 48yr old firewood retailer and mother of 8 children from Mali.

I hope to reloan  after the repayment of this first one. It's so exciting and uplifting to help others.

~Aminat

Another dress......

Yes , I made another dress but this time from Khaliah Ali collection ....simplicity 2774. A very simple dress, with empire waist ........

Here is my review.

Fabric: Matte Jersey from Joann.

Pattern Description: Misses or Plus Size Knit Dresses & Tunics;

Pattern Sizing: size 10 – 18. I cut size 14 and graded up to 18 for the skirt

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: I think so and as always with more TLC.....lol.

Were the instructions easy to follow: I followed some of the instructions but I used some other techniques..

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: No alteration to the pattern, but here are some of the things I did differently

First I interfaced the neck band and the facing, and I sew the two together seperately as you would do when making collar.

I folded up the back facing and slip stitched it to the back for a neater finish.

I also added a belt to the dress, because without it the dress will look more like a maternity gown. I finished the hem on my coverstitch machine and serged all the raw edges.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The pattern is very simple to make, I love the empire waitline and the sleeves .

Would you recommend it to others? Yes .

Conclusion: Very lovely dress, I love the fact that I didn't have to do any alteration and the flow of my fabric ..........

~ Aminat

Skirt and unlined jacket (Simplicity 2645)

Quite an age, I miss blogging and everyone. I guess I am fully back now... lol. How has the sewing cyberland been????.............Wonderful as always I guess.......

Okay here is what I have been doing, I made a thread simplicity combo pattern 2645. As you all know with thread patterns there is always different pattern views.....one of the reasons I love this pattern, but mostly I love the fabric I used.

I have had the fabric in my stash for quite a while. The skirt fabric I bought last year for $3.00 a meter from an original price of $22.00 and the jacket fabric I bought for $1.50 a meter also from original price of $22.00. They are both 100% linen......... what a deal hey?

So here is my review:

Fabric: 100% linen fabric from fabricland.

Notion: Invisible zipper, doublebias tape , buttons.... etc. .

Pattern Description: Misses/Miss Petite skirt suit with jacket and skirt variations, this pattern includes seperate pattern pieces for different cup sizes..

Pattern Sizing: size 14 – 22. I cut my usual size 14 for the jacket and size 16 graded up to 18 for the skirt. I cut view B and  E

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?: Yes but with lots of TLC...lol

Were the instructions easy to follow: I followed the instruction for the jacket alone but I used combination of Sandra Betzina and other techniques for the skirt.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I usually have to do some alterations on some patterns.
First, I cut a seperate pattern for the back skirt, this is needed because of my usual wedge alteration. So I made a 1" wedge on the skirt back pattern.
I fully lined the skirt and instead of using lap zipper, used an invisible zipper following SB's method .
I also used petersham instead of the regular fabric waistband
For the jacket, I did my normal princess cut FB alteration and nothing else.
Although I was thinking of fully interfacing the jacket because of the nature of the fabric, but I love it this way............

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I truly love the pattern especially the jacket variations.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, whoever is interested in this type of outfit, the jacket instruction is so simple and very straightforward.

Conclusion: Very nice combo, I am not sure if I will be making the jacket again, but the skirt pattern is definately my TNT .

Jacket inside out showing petersham

              Jacket inside-out

This is all I got for now...more later .  You all have a lovely week..........

~Aminat