Hey Loves! It's been a while! A long time! Life has been so busy. I always enjoy the challenge of making myself something a little different for an event. As I made plans to attend the UNCF Birmingham Mayor's Masked Ball, I decided I'd make my dress. It's a combination of a new pattern and a tried and true pattern. I think it turned out well.  I visited JoAnna's for a little inspiration because I didn't have time to wait for items to ship and Simplicity patterns were $0.99. I saw Mimi G's Simplicity 9370. The cut out spoke to me. I decided that the right fabric could make it dressy enough for the event. I found this beautiful fabric in the athletic section in JoAnn. I walked past it 3 times and kept coming back, so I bought it. It was also 20% off.  I made a muslin of S9370 and decided I didn't like the neckline for a formal. So, with very limited time (3 days before the event), I decided to try to incorporate the cut ...

Hey Loves, How many of you have UFOs in your sewing space? Go ahead raise your hand! That project you started but just haven't finished is an unfinished object (UFO).   I don't have many. Those that I have are set aside in zip lock bags.  Last week, I took the plunge, opened one of those forgotten UFOs, & finished it.  This one was pretty cool because I used two remnants from JoAnn. I had to challenge myself to get the right pattern placement to  get the most out of each fabric. It was really easy to sew. The directions were so easy to follow. I like the outcome. The inside is really clean. My only issue was length.  I'd make it longer next time. Here's my mannequin wearing view A of #S8335 without the sleeve ruffle well.  I didn't get any pictures of it when I wore it to work. Here's a link to my pattern review for Simplicity 8335 .  Wh...

Hey Loves! I don't know many people who didn`t try McCall's 6886. The simple fitted sheath was a huge hit. It was easy to make and looked really flattering. I loved it. Well, today, I'm sharing how I reinvented one of my favorite patterns. I hate to admit it but I'm getting older. My body is changing. My style is also changing.  I went from fired and sexy to cute and comfy overnight it seems. Anybody else feel like that? I needed a cute dress for a trip. I pulled out McCall's 6886. I thought that's easy but I want something a little less fitted. Then, I thought well just make it bigger. I love the shape, but need a little more room. So, I cut the view F of the pattern 1 size too big. I added 3/4 length sleeves. It came out perfect. I used a super soft knit from JoAnn Fabrics . Guess what, it's actually on clearance now! It's super comfy. I even received a few compliments.  I felt really good wearing it. Have you gone thro...

Hey Loves! I'm back with another hack with half circle skirts. NL6481 + Bell Sleeves Fabric: Scuba Knit from JoAnn Fabrics Before I go on, let me say that circle skirts are a great tool in customizing basic designs.  Here are few ways I've used them: Peplum on a shirt Flounce on a dress or skirt Bell on a sleeve or pants Ruffle If you don't know how to create a circle skirt, check out these posts: http://heheheplusshe.blogspot.com/2014/02/red-hot-circle-skirt.html?m=1 http://heheheplusshe.blogspot.com/2018/11/diy-boutique-pants.html?m=1 Here, I've added a high low circle skirt to the sleeves of New Look 6481. NL6481 is a separates pattern with a simple top, skirt, blazer, and pants.  The top is perfect for knits and really quick and easy to put together - no dealing with zippers, buttons, or hook and eye.   It's a super simple top. It's amazing how a simple modification makes such a huge difference. You should try it. Until next tim...

Hey Loves! I'm excited to post this custom birthday attire for a blue-tiful lady of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She told me what she wanted. I did my best to deliver. It's self drafted.  She loved it! Here's the sketch: Here's the final product: Isn't she lovely?! Until next time, Smooches! DJ

Hey Loves! I'm excited to share this dress with you.  I tried Creative Kids Couture patterns a few years ago for a kid's blazer .  It turned out great.  So, when I went searching for a plus sized mermaid pattern and CKC popped up in the search, I decided to give it a try.  I was not let down. CKC Patterns Faryn Fabric from Joann Fabrics The entire dress is lined except for the sleeves.  I had to add an extra 3 inches to the end of the dress body.  My friend asked me to make a deep cold shoulder and bell to the sleeves.  I also opted to not add a band to the neckline.  I prefer to just attach the lining at the neckline and understitching the facing to the lining. She loved it.  Her smile shows it. Here's my review: Pattern Description: Women’s and maternity gown, dress and skirt perfect for all occasions such as prom, pageants, costumes, holiday parties, weddings, or work! Faryn’s includes two skirt options including a short ...

Hey Loves! Don't let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. Believe in yourself. Do what you love. And most importantly, be kind to others, even if you don't like them. Stacy London My First Fashion Show Entries We Slay ▪ Dothan, AL I've wanted to do a fashion show for a few years.  I've constantly asked myself who would come.  I've said I don't have time.  I've doubted my ability to come up with enough designs, but my circle kept saying you can do it.  I never did! A couple of weeks back, I was asked to collaborate on a fashion show.  For a second, I said no in my mind.  But my heart spoke up loud and clear and I agreed.  I'm so glad I did. Today, on the first day of fall (the season when all things shed in preparation for new life), 2 of my designs were showcased in a fashion show.  Baby, they shined (literally and figuratively)!  I'm so grateful for the opportunity! Who would have thought 2 AME church girls woul...

Hey Loves! I entered a contest on SewingReview.com . The contests required you to pick a fashion inspiration and sew a less expensive version of the inspiration.  Here's my make: It was inspired by the following items: I sketched my idea. I used my favorite strapless bodice Simplicity 4070 and a simple leggings pattern NewLook 6533 to make the jumpsuit. I self drafted the detachable skirt. Bodice:  Followed the directions from S4070. Bottom: Cut with a medium waist and graded to a large hip. Used full pattern piece without cutting off the waistband. Opened back seam about 5" for zipper. Matched side and back seams with the bodice and attached. Detachable skirt: Cut 3 layers of 96" of tulle. Gathered the tulle to my waist measurement. Attached the tulle to satin ribbon. You can see more of my review of this project on SewingReview.com . I chose a detachable skirt so that I can wear the jumpsuit alone to less formal events. This is ...

Hey Loves! M6754 is a very special pattern to me.  Y'all, it was my very first pattern make!  I was so scared and nervous that I would destroy the fabric and wouldn't be able to follow the directions since I am self taught.   Here's my first review of M6754. Over the years, I've made a few versions of M6754.  Here are a few of them: M6754 bodice with self drafted skirt M6754 peplum top M6754 dress with back cutout M6754 peplum top M6754 Dress with Embroidery Check out those makes. Do you have a pattern your trying to perfect? If so, let me know in the comments. Until next time, Smooches! DJ