tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139861332009-07-09T13:32:17.207-07:00This road trip through garment design and construction is my Journey to Couture. I enjoy the entire process of sewing garments and love to incorporate new techniques and special details into my work. <br><br>Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-6267765978828936532009-07-03T12:49:00.000-07:002009-07-03T13:15:07.570-07:00

I'm excited to get to work on my entry for the RTW & Designer Knock-off Contest 2009 hosted by PR.I have a piece of cotton knit in my stash that is just waiting for the right project. It will be perfect for my interpretation of this beautiful Patio dress. Here are closeups to show the pick stitching and amazing cutouts: I plan on self-drafting the bodice. I will use an BWOF pattern from

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-24951966914046078582009-06-21T22:03:00.000-07:002009-07-03T12:46:51.374-07:00

I have been watching the squash flower each morning and then drop the blooms without setting fruit.Startling to be sure but a quick check with Google educated me on the roles of the male and female flowers and assured me everthing is fine. The male flower spends only one morning in full bloom and always falls off so no worries. One squash plant sends out both male and female flowers but the

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-89986551523809741892009-06-17T09:42:00.000-07:002009-06-17T10:16:46.703-07:00

I joined in on The Great White Shirt Sew-Along today at PR. I realized recently that I have been tracing patterns, altering them and then setting them aside only to trace another. I think I've got stage fright or something, or just afraid to waste fabric. This sew-along will be the perfect remedy!Here are the patterns I have traced and ready to go, I just need to choose which one:Butterick

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-82381152274801165822009-06-09T13:37:00.000-07:002009-06-09T14:43:23.753-07:00

It blows my mind that this dress is made from quilting cotton! If you are interested, you can click the image to view a slideshow of outfits since the inauguration.Such a pretty dress. I'm thinking I could self draft this design myself, at least the bodice and then frankenpattern the skirt. I really like the style.I am intrigued by the fabric as well. It sure is interesting how the designer

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-83428193995971302102009-06-04T13:22:00.000-07:002009-06-04T14:07:58.420-07:00

I'll tell you, over these past 12 months, give or take a few, I've been nothing more than set up, beat up, chewed on and spit out for the dogs to finish off. Quite literally, without going into details, it has been tough. We relocated, moved across country, and I should be happier to be in this beautiful place. But alas, having no luck righting my outlook, and only half-hearted sewing mojo, I

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-53995758875837719272009-02-15T12:27:00.005-08:002009-02-15T12:39:14.826-08:00

I haven't blogged for so long it is silly yet I really need to. I am on the computer all day and dread having to do more computer work to document my sewing. Hence the lack of blogging, but I really should just get over it and write it all down, huh? I'll start fresh today to document for myself, mostly, my latest experiment.Here is my fun discovery with wovens. Let's see if I can explain clearly

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-36369312527146435212008-11-08T12:52:00.005-08:002008-11-08T13:39:43.695-08:00

McCall 2335 -Dragon costume. I used Poly Taffeta from Joann's, fleece, hi-loft batting instead of fiberfill. DS wanted to be Godzilla for Halloween this year so I found this pattern and immediately looked up reviews. I needed to see what I was in for!In all, it was a well drafted pattern with the exception of the arm and leg length. I have one of the tall kids in class but I still had to remove

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-4387219220346996532008-06-06T08:23:00.002-07:002008-11-08T13:41:16.305-08:00

Kwik Sew 3595, View A, Misses' pajamas. View A pull-over top has contrast band at bottom edge, and capri style pants have contrast bands at bottom edges of legs. View B has shorts, and top has shaped hemline with ruffle and button closure on back. Suggested fabrics such as: cotton, cotton types, broadcloth, lawn, batiste, silk, silk like fabrics.The first time I saw this pattern I knew I wanted

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-48514247610517177552008-05-26T11:01:00.005-07:002008-11-08T13:36:35.682-08:00

Burda World of Fashion 08/2007 107 -Jersey Top. Per Burda: Cleverly combine ring-stripe and plain-coloured jersey. OK!!I traced the pattern off this past January, along with 105, and it is waiting for me to do something... anything! I like the look of this top but I'm not crazy about horizontal stripes or long sleeves and that must be keeping me from going forward. I don't want a good tracing

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-40894868542362372462008-05-19T15:22:00.007-07:002008-11-08T13:45:15.386-08:00

Simplicity 4926, Really Cool Fish Costume. OOP. Couldn't get my hands on it, so I had to self-draft this fish. My third grader came home early last week and asked if I could make a fish costume like that cool one on the sewing website. He remembered the dead fish costume Twistedangel made a few Halloweens ago. He had wanted one at the time but completely forgot about it until now. His teacher

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-49399557204298299702008-05-03T16:46:00.002-07:002008-05-03T16:51:43.757-07:00

Simplicity 4020 Kimono Top, View D. This pattern calls for stretch knits only. Fabrics recommended: Lightweight double knit, stretch velvet, two way stretch novelty knit fabrics, stretch lace.I used stashed fabric purchased from EOS called Japanese Geisha print triple mesh. I had about 1 1/4'' yards and it was fun squeezing out this top plus a pair of panties.I traced this off in straight size

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-23503311753583885712008-03-16T22:03:00.009-07:002008-03-17T21:12:57.867-07:00

BWOF 01/2008 116 -Wrap top. Tie-bands wrap twice around the waist. This pattern calls for two-way stretch jersey knits only. I used a cut of .99 onionskin that I purchased from Fabric Mart a few seasons ago. It was meant to be a muslin throw away fabric but it is charming. It is perfect for this pattern.While tracing, I lengthened the tie band extension pattern piece 7'' and experimented with

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-2753084781359462582008-03-02T18:56:00.005-08:002008-03-02T19:03:25.291-08:00

I am sad to find out that BWOF doesn't qualify for the wardrobe portion of the Timmel SWAP. But that's OK... here is yet another revision!It is actually easier on me to change out the pants, shorts and skirt for McCall's wardrobe 5397. There aren't any cute details like topstitching or pockets. I kinda feel like I'm cheating! I did leave the BWOF jacket and wrap, of course. That jacket is just

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-34734636934209411772008-03-02T15:46:00.007-08:002008-03-02T19:04:18.054-08:00

I am finally starting on my Spring SWAP. This is my first revision and I am delighted to share it with you. I have changed the wardrobe pieces and made a few other pattern changes. Hopefully using three pieces from the same section in January 2008 BWOF, City Styles, will satisfy the Timmel SWAP wardrobe requirement. I am thinking I'll sew the dress as well.Speaking of, I still haven't made a

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-87453345648347567082008-02-18T08:26:00.006-08:002008-11-08T13:38:32.953-08:00

I am so inspired by all of the reviews on PatternReview.com for various garments made from the Burda World of Fashion January 2008 issue. Take a peek at the gallery! I found a copy on eBay and received it last week. I think I will change my SWAP to include the wrap knit top and possibly one pair of pants. Eventually.I'm not so hot on the SWAP sewing right now. I've had too many things going on

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-33323335224169440872008-01-30T08:41:00.000-08:002008-01-30T20:21:06.352-08:00

Wow! I think this will help me solve the problem I'm having on the mohair coat collar. Undercollars Part One - Cut by The Secret PocketThe major problem is the under collar pattern piece. The under collar is cut from the same pattern piece as the collar. Unfortunately, I ran out of mohair. Not knowing what to substitute I cut an under collar out of a piece of fleece. This doesn't seem "right" but

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-43529315442327948932008-01-27T14:10:00.000-08:002008-01-27T14:45:17.375-08:00

I'm stuck on a number of issues on my projects. I'm having trouble with the mohair coat collar, zipper construction on the chinos (even though I've done it before... I'm just not figuring it out this time) and I looked at the dress but just don't know what to do. Plus I haven't found the reader card so I'll replace it soon. I'm somewhat discouraged so I'm taking a break.I did run across an

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-89220175929357062482008-01-24T11:45:00.000-08:002008-01-24T11:54:57.326-08:00

Today I decided to revisit a few UFOs sitting in my sewing area. First, there is the mohair coat which only needs the collar attached and hemming. I'll write this one up first because I've already taken a bunch of photos of the underlining technique I used. It will be a nice coat if I figure out the collar.Next, a pair of HotPatterns Weekender Bootcut Chinos which are already cut out. I need to

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-41369066844532365272008-01-23T20:37:00.000-08:002008-01-23T21:28:10.478-08:00

Woo Hoo! Where are you little mojo??This has been a week of one misfortune after another. Get ready for my oh so very sad boo hoo story.I am concentrating on pulling together some winter appropriate basics because I am soooo in need of clothing. I traced off Vogue 8151 in size E (both views) and proceeded to cut into the fabric I received from Ann. I had correctly guessed when her 1000th order

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-67432816496031820982008-01-12T23:52:00.000-08:002008-01-12T23:56:45.816-08:00

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-56165991526142041482008-01-10T21:19:00.000-08:002008-01-10T21:50:09.326-08:00

Vogue 8151 View B -Pullover tops with set in sleeves and call for Lightweight Wool Jersey, Cotton Knits and Interlock. I chose panne velvet.This is the pattern that makes me happy, then mad, then happy, then mad. I am going to figure it out once and for all this year because it is a good fit but just needs more tweaking! I've made 5 versions of it that I can think of but never posted any

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-41899073078428232382008-01-08T20:37:00.000-08:002008-01-10T20:25:13.958-08:00

I think I am off to a great start on my wardrobe makeover. I am still cleaning out my closet, brutally surveying each item for wearability as I go. I have found quite a few things I forgot I owned. Of course, there were a few items that I couldn't bring myself to give up but I was tough overall.Reasons not to toss:1) Sentimental = 4 garments2) Want to eventually copy and reproduce = 12 garments3)

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-60165309434285259762008-01-04T08:24:00.000-08:002008-01-04T08:57:25.207-08:00

Well, today I realized that I need to do something and quick. Looking down at myself (hence my faded yoga pant selection this morning) I can accurately state that these sad, too short, drawstringless Burdas need to be replaced pronto. What a terrible revelation! The general state of my personal style is sloppy at best. I'm a wreck. Laura Bennett's slippery slope statement accurately describes *me

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-51564821958563870112008-01-01T16:27:00.000-08:002008-01-10T20:47:08.755-08:00

Someone recently mentioned the importance of recording progress and setting new goals periodically. In the spirit of new beginnings, here are my thoughts on this first day of 2008.My 2007 accomplishments included celebrating 10 years in business, quite a bit more sewing than the year prior and scooting the last little one off to Kindergarten. It was quite an adjustment to have the house to myself

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13986133.post-88953693840864815142007-11-10T22:31:00.000-08:002007-11-16T08:43:52.434-08:00

These panels were easy to sew and advanced my windows one step closer to the beautiful couture inspired bedroom I picture in my head. My creative process sure didn't save me time or money but I adore the final outcome.I found a thin cotton blend batiste on sale in the home dec section at Joann and purchased 3 yards of white, brought it home and proceeded to cut it straight down the middle to

Leora Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12548230276546612012noreply@blogger.com8