FITTING AND PATTERN ALTERATION

Last year, I took a class on fitting and pattern alteration. At first, I wasn't too excited about taking it because 1. It was in the summertime, 2. My kids are out of school in the summertime and 3. It was in the summertime! Nah, it was mostly because I thought I already knew how to alter patterns. As the class progressed, I quickly realized I didn't know it all and that there is always more to learn. In class we talked about figure types, lines, shapes, pattern making, grading, husbands/boyfriends and of course how to alter patterns.  

In the end, it was a class I loved and enjoyed so much that I ended up doing way more alterations than I was required to do. It was fun!

Anyway, just thought you sewists out there would be interested in this fitting and pattern alteration book we used (and I still use). It's extremely helpful to have in your sewing library, especially when making clothes for other people. There are 80 plus alterations in this book with clear and easy to follow diagrams on how to alter bodices, sleeves, skirts and pants. The good thing is, I've tested all of them and I know for sure they work. Pretty darn awesome!

THIS & THAT

Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have already seen these photos. You can totally ignore this post if you want. I promise, I'll understand... For those who don't, here are some of my favorite day-to-day moments I've captured. 

The first one is of me at Nathan's baseball practice, snacking on one of my favorite things in the world, sunflower seeds (nice and salty, yum!). The second is a pair of unfinished trousers I rediscovered in my sewing room (I obviously need to tidy up more often). The third is the wrap skirt I was so eager and determined to make (read post on sewing inspiration here). The fourth is of our funny dog Kodi, at work with Ben (Kodi likes to sit and watch me drive away). The fifth is of the dotted pillow that Brooke made (her first sewing project). The sixth is of The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook. There's a killer clam chowder recipe in there! At the Tsuchiya's, the question of the day is always, "What's for dinner?" and the answer is usually, "Hmmm, I don't know. Hand me a cookbook!"

What's been up with you?

@maycieafterfive on Instagram

PATTERN LINE UPDATE

Hola! I just wanted to give you guys a quick update on the pattern line. I'm sewing up more samples all this week and pretty much all next week too. I'll be sewing like a mad Mad MAD woman! I have about 1 more round (I hope) of sample sewing after this, then it's off to tweaking my instructions booklet. Not sure if I've mentioned it before, but I'm giving birth to adorable triplets in the spring. No, no, no... not to babies, to my patterns silly. 

GET OUT OF MY HEAD

Late night window shopping on the web may have gotten me in some trouble. You see, I have a weakness for sunglasses. I came across these while innocently browsing the 80s Purple website. They're classic, but slightly off. Exactly the way I like 'em! While busy pinning so many cat eye ones (to save and drool over later), I kept coming back to these. Hopefully I'll forget about them by tomorrow morning. Hopefully...

TAUPE CIRCLE DRESS

Is it really 2013? Wasn't I just in high school not too long ago??? Ehhh, sure Maycie, sure... Actually, January reminds me that I only have five more months left in my 20s. Five more months y'all! Time flies doesn't it? What?! Did I just say, "time flies doesn't it?" I really am departing my 20s (boohoohoo). For now, I'll spare you guys the whole, "Oh my freaking god, I'm turning 30" story. For now at least... 

2013 is gonna be the B.O.M.B (that's the old 90s teen coming out)! I just know it. I don't usually make new years resolutions or anything like that, but I promised myself I would use my camera more this year. That's the closest I'll get to a new years resolution, I guess. I'd really love to capture more of the everyday moments I have with my family. Also, I'd love to actually have those photos printed out and in photo albums, like a much more organized normal person would. Does anybody do that anymore? Do you keep photos on your computer or disks like I do? Ben always gets on my butt about backing up my computer files. He's the hard drive police around these parts (thanks hon!). 

Now, let's move on to a much more important topic, like this taupe circle dress I have on. I made it last month for a friend's birthday dinner. You can see another view of this dress here. I used a wool blend fabric, fully lined it, and installed an invisible zipper in the center back. I really enjoyed making it and I especially enjoy twirling in it too. It's definitely the most princess-y piece in my closet. I played it down with my Zara leather jacket, black tights, and my old Steve Madden wedges. Ooh... I can't wait for spring and summer to come! I know for sure I'll be making this dress in an assortment of other fabrics. Florals and brightly colored ones galore! I see a lot more twirling in my future. Beware!

What are your plans this year? Is there anything specific you'd like to cross off your 2013 must-do and/or must-make list?

DOTTED TROUSERS

Between my holiday shopping, the kid's activities, sewing, and business planning, I feel like life has gotten a lot busier. At the the same time though, life could not be any better. Having a bazillion errands to run everyday keeps  me on my toes. One of the weekly things I look forward to, is taking my son, Nathan, to drum lessons. He's progressing quickly, so that makes my heart smile... Plus! He loves it, so that makes my heart want to run a marathon. Listening to him play makes me sooooo happy, just in case you didn't get the point. 

The dotted trousers I have on is one of my most recent sewing projects. I've had that dotted cotton fabric in my stash for I dunno, a couple years. I've never been much of a polka dot girl, but I thought, life is too short. Why not?! Worn here with an H&M fuzzy sweater, Aldo heels, and Asos bag. 

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SEWING SPACES

This year, I'm giving myself the gift of new sewing tables. As I always do, I turned to Pinterest  for inspiration. I found these beautiful workspaces that can easily be turned into fully functional sewing spaces. Oh gosh, I think I may be in trouble...I might just replace everything. 

You can find more workspaces here.