I’m a seamstress. If I’m staring at you, I’m not being rude. I’m trying to figure out the design of your clothes, type of fabric used, and if I can refashion it!
Today, I watched several videos on sewing with a rolling hem foot. This “foot” attachment actually rolls the fabric so it’s stitched down. Didn’t look too hard. But as you can see, I’m going to need more practice.
I’m glad I know how to do a “rolling hem” without this piece. (wink)
Until the next practice, enjoy learning!
Erica
The invitation for the 2017 GIRLFRIENDS’ GATHERING read: “Pick a color – red, yellow, green, purple, orange, brown, blue, etc. and wear it (from head to toe), and become one of the many “colored girls”. How exciting! Especially since I love color.
The birthday dinner theme “For Colored Girls” was inspired by Ntozake Shange’s 1975 original choreopoem for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf. The only difference is the party host added several more shades like gold, lavender, black, white, pink, turquoise, denim, etc.
As soon as I saw denim, I knew that was the color choice for me.
The birthday dinner experience was just that, an experience. A room full of women- age 90 to 20, smiles, laughter, music, tears, dancing, conversation, poems, pictures, and love. For my sewing readers, followers, friends and those just curious, I used McCall’s pattern 7543. See pattern review below.
Pattern Photo:
Misses’ Off-the-Shoulder Tops, Tunic and Dress.
Pattern Sizing: Small View D
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Loved the simplicity of this pattern.
Fabric Used: Lightweight denim.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I used the short sleeves from View A and shortened the dress hem (View D) by 2.5″. I used the Small size at top and under arms. According to the pattern, finished product at the bust, waist, and hips measured 36″, 39″, 42″. Since my waist and hips measure 2 inches more, I added 1/2 inch from the Small line on sides for fit.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will sew it again. Instead of the additional 1/2″, I think I’ll make the adjustment from 5/8 to 2/8 in the seam allowance. Will probably add basic side-seam pockets instead of the recommended patch pockets. I highly recommend to others.
Conclusion: This is a great pattern for beginners and experts alike. Just in time for spring and summer.
Happy Sewing!
Erica
**Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”**
In support of the 4th annual Back to School Youth Explosion, I was able to create prayer cloths. Prayer cloths are used to cover individuals when they come to the altar.
PJA is Patrick J. Austin Ministries, which is a 501 (c)(3) certified outreach and evangelistic ministry. Use this link for more information on this ministry and the summer event. For inspiration and encouragement, be sure to connect on Facebook and/or Twitter.
For prayer requests, speaking or singing engagements, email pjaministries1@gmail.com
Blessings to all,
Erica
It’s been crazy and busy, but I haven’t forgotten the rest of the robes. Here you will find more robes sewn for the ordination. The pictures below capture a black cassock just like the one in my previous blog.
I cannot take credit for all the work completed during this project. The robe below was created by my sewing friend.
Only the robes on the left and the middle were sewn for this event.
For more information or consultation for a robe, please leave a comment here or email me at royalthreads@live.com
As always, enjoy your journey. ~Erica
This summer I was blessed with the opportunity to make the clergy attire for an ordination ceremony. This was one of my largest and most challenging projects to date. Nevertheless, I think everything turned out exceptionally well. Here’s the cassock.
The attire also required a surplice which is worn over the cassock. This garment was self drafted.
The pictures below show more of the detail in the cassock. I used fabric with a celestial print for the collar, sleeve and vest. The vest is worn over the surplice.
Here are pictures of the client wearing the robe and accessory garments.
Next blog will feature the other robes from this event. Be sure to subscribe to make sure you get the latest from me. Leave me a comment to let me know what you think.
Enjoy your journey ~ Erica
I finally made something for me!
I want to soak up the last rays from this beautiful Florida sun before the cool Fall weather rolls in. Here’s my shirred sundress which took me about an hour to make on Sunday. I purchased my fabric on clearance from JoAnn’s Fabrics. I found it here on Amazon and on eBay. Here’s a Simplicity tutorial for the single seam sundress. My finished dress turned out really cute. 🙂
And it’s so comfortable.
Another wardrobe upgrade complete. And with this FL weather, I’m sure to get a couple more wears out of it. Let me know what you think.
Until the next upgrade, enjoy your journey,
~ Erica
**Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”**
I’ve gotten really good at hemming jeans. My friend/client has two boys. One is short, so his jeans are always too long. The other is tall, so his jeans are often purchased longer and need to be hemmed as well. We’ve been at this for a while now and she’s got the fitting technique down to a science. From day one, I asked her to have her boys try on the jeans inside out. That’s right – inside out. It’s an easy way for her to mark the length. And one less step for me in the hemming process. For demonstration purposes, here’s a picture using a pair of hubby’s jeans.
Since her jeans will be altered, I can take her placement and press in a crease for the new hem. Next, I’ll measure an inch from the crease and cut off the excess.
I’ll fold up a half inch and fold up again before I take them to the machine.
Here’s the hem in a most recent pair:
Feel free to share some of your techniques for hemming.
Enjoy and happy sewing!
~Erica~
