Croco Knit Skirt and Crop Top

Well folks this epic fail is a close runner up to the Cheetah Coat debacle.  I found this glorious Croco Textured fabric at:  JoAnn’s and walked around the store with the entire bolt for 60 minutes.  I had convinced myself that this was going to be my best project….”ever”.

I needed the perfect skirt pattern and chose Vogue: V8928.  I also decided that having the entire skirt in the Croco fabric would be overkill and I didn’t look like a fool.  So I went with Croco in the front and a Ponte knit in the back. 

I have plenty hips and butt so I needed to modify the pattern so that it would fit correctly.  I didn’t want to go for a total pencil skirt but still wanted a nice fit.  Guess What?????  The  dang skirt required a lining.  Ya’ll know me and lining in certain situations just don’t get along.  I took the plunge anyway and went for it.  I mean – if I don’t keep trying I’ll never get it right.  Sigh……the skirt came together very nicely until I started struggling with the underlining stitches .   The underlining stitch keeps everything together.  Have you ever had a skirt or dress with lining and it was always bunching up or peeking out from under the garment.  Well if you do it “right” the fabric won’t roll and you won’t have the problem.  Yes – I can even explain what it is and why you need it.  The other issue with the skirt was the split.  I knew that without modification my hips and butt would pull the split and I would not be able to sit down without flashing everybody.   #BadKitty

In hindsight I should have went ahead a made it a pencil skirt – At least it would have certainly looked better from behind.

I made the Crop Top using Simplicity: 1283.  I used a 4 way stretch fashion knit from: JoAnn’s.  I specifically wanted enough stretch so that I could simply pull the top over my head versus adding a zipper.  It came out perfect.  I added a black Motorcycle Jacket to complete the look which I found at Macy’s after Christmas Sale.  I’ve had the pink Motorcycle Jacket for ever….I don’t remember where I got it from…sorry.

Well enough explaining…I’ll let the pics do the talking.

Ugh….well that’s all folks.  I am so disappointed with the outcome but I will not be defeated.  I’m going to tame a textured faux animal print fabric and wear it till the cows come home.  #Can’tStopNow

Thanks for stopping by.

Venita

 

Animal Print Faux Wrap Dress

This is a work worthy dress for the 9 to 5’ers.  I used a sumptuous stretch sweater knit that I picked up from  click here: JoAnn’s Fabrics.  I bought this in the store not on-line. The feel of this fabric incredible and the muted animal print is a stand out.

The pattern is Vogue click here:  V8825  I modified the sleeves on the pattern because they overwhelmed the dress.  I felt like I was directing the choir every time I raised my arms.  So I made 3/4 sleeves which worked perfectly for me.  

It was cold outside so I found a winter white swing jacket that I had purchased years ago and it was perfect for the pics. I checked the label and I ordered it from a Newport News catalog years ago.  I don’t know if they are still in business….I tried looking up their website and couldn’t find anything.   For a similar look click:  Here

I added nude pumps from DSW.  I’ve had mine for a while but these are pretty close click: Here

Dang it….my ankles are ashy.  I told you it was cold outside.  I don’t photo shop so what you see….is what I am. #SendLotion

Well gotta get back to sewing and I think I owe you one more recipe from my meal prep and it’s on it’s way.

Thanks for stopping by.

Venita Elaine

 

Gurr….Animals

It was love the moment I saw this faux fur fabric.   I needed a luxurious coat in my life and this was going to be the one.  It’s Vogue pattern:  V8930  and was easy to make but my choice of fabric turned the project into a “fluster cluck”.

The  fabric is faux fur on one side and slippery nylon on the other. That means that the fabric slips and slides while sewing no matter how many pins you use.  The pattern also calls for a bagged lining so between the fabric slipping and the lining dipping….I dropped the “F” bomb at least 2 dozen times.

Leopard Coat

The coat was finished and it looked beautiful on the dress form.  I thought to myself…..”girl you got this”.   However, when I tried it on I looked like I bagged “7” baby cheetahs cubs and threw them on my back.  Mister said I looked like a scene from “Coming to America.”   All I needed was a cheetah head….. Remember King Jaffe Joffer.

King Jaffe Joffer

Sooooo guess what I did?  I poured myself a glass of wine, grabbed my seam ripper and went to town. I took the whole thing apart because that’s how I roll. I’m going to modify the pattern and hope to show you the new look next week.

If you check out the “About Me” link on my blog you know that I am not perfect.  I make mistakes and I will happily share them with you.

Hope I made you laugh…I sure did.

Venita