Militarily Inspired Mayhem!

I'm still standing!! Whew! Its so funny how these things take on a life of their own.  Really talented women doing some amazingly creative things with patterns.  I'm so impressed with all of them.  I feel lucky to still be in the running.

Well, it's done and submitted!  WHEW!! This one was really a test.  McCalls 7330 was the second required submission in the Rippin Ain't Easy Sewing Challenge. http://prettygirlssew.com/rae-2016-challenge-2-military-inspired-jumpsuit/

This pattern was a challenge for me in unexpected and expected ways.  First, I do love jumpsuits, but honestly structured ones aren't my favorites. My body (in its currently questionable state) isn't really designed for a structured pattern like this one.  But, since I didn't have access to my favorite model (my daughter) I had no choice but to make it for myself.  What was difficult about this one was that I knew my waist measurements were not where they should be based upon the pattern.  I tried to compensate for that in my cutting.  The problem was there was no real way to adjust the pieces until you put the pants to the bodice.  That's when I realized just how warped my mind is about my current size. At any rate, I spent the next three days trying to get the size right.  I rarely create something that I'm not thrilled with.  I was not thrilled with this one.  But I finished it in enough time to submit it for the contest.  I just hope enough folks will still vote for me to keep me in the contest.  The next two items are really cute and I would love to create my versions of them both. But, if not, my motivation to get back to what I love has been rekindled.  I made this dress Thursday morning before going to work, so I feel ok about it in the end.

McCall's 9175.

This was incredibly quick.  I woke at about 5:00. Started this at 6:00 and was in it and at work at 8:00! I got this fabric at Fine Fabrics in Atlanta and I knew I wanted a dress with cuffs from it. This was totally fun and I love the way the neckline came out.

Still on the Island - Round No. 2

And then there were eight!  So, my last post was about this contest and my earnest desire to make it, at least to the next round with my submission.  I reached out to my friends and family and urged them (actually I was begging but I think I was pretty cool with it!) to vote for me to keep me in the contest.  Well, here I am and as the title to this post suggests, I'M STILL STANDING!! So, if anyone has aimlessly wondered aroung the blogisphere and happened upon my isolated musings, I thank you for the vote.  While, I didn't win (and I'm not sure whether that was most votes or more likes for my version of the garment) I'm in for another round.

So, the next round is afoot.  We have been given our instructions. And our assignment, 

THEME: MILITARY INSPIRED

 I've found my fabric and now the clock is running!  I'm excited about this next challenge and once again, hope I actually finish this in time!  For me that means finding someone who can actually take photos that pass muster.  Ok, here we go

TEN HUT!!

IT'S VOTING TIME!!!!

As I said in my last post, I needed motivation to do again what I love.  I don't know why I fell into a slump (well I kinda do, but it would take too long to explain) but I needed a push.  Well, here it is.  I was invited to the RAE (Rippin Ain't Easy) Sewing Competition.  The 8 amazing women (and me) have submitted our take on one pattern (Vogue 9077) and now it's time to vote.  

TODAY IS THE ONLY DAY TO VOTE! 

VOTING ENDS AT 9:00 p.m.

SO I NEED YOUR VOTES IN ORDER TO STAY IN THE COMPETITION

(CLICK THE LINK BELOW, SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE, I'M BARBARA D. & VOTE!!

www.prettygirlssew.com/rae-2016-challenge

http://prettygirlssew.com/rae-2016-challenge

Win, lose or draw, I have to say, this was fun.  And I am so impressed with all of the versions the ladies created.  I know there are tons of ready to wear clothes out there, and sometimes, it really makes more sense to just go to the store and purchase something, but being able to "make it your own" is so much fun.  I am certainly not as creative as these ladies, but I am inspired by what they have created!  Happy Sewing Sisters!!

A funny thing happened on my way to maintaing my sanity.  Sewing is my passion and until recently how I acquired all of my clothing. But lately, I've felt very unmotivated. I have a series of habits.  For example,  I make a coat each year for my birthday in November.  Well, my birthday coat didn't get made until late December.  And I haven't sewn a single garment since then!

I kept telling myself that I have to get to work, but the motivation just wouldn't show up.  I'm not really certain why, although my personal life is a likely culprit.  As I sat scrolling one night on my cellphone, I ran across a post about a sewing contest.  And wahlah! I thought, that's what I need.  Something that forces me to sew.  Plus I like the challenge of making and submitting something for consideration.  An email and an upload later, I find myself in the Ripping Ain't Easy (don't you just love that title?) contest.  Now, I love winning anyhing.  I never win anything. LOL.  Sew, while I would love to be the victor, I'm ok with just participating.  Having said that, PLEASE don't let me be the first person out of the contest!!  That means the public votes on the best look!  So, please 

Seriously, there are 8 other talented, delightful ladies in this contest and if they are like me, it's the self motivating challenge more than anything else.  (BUT I REALLY DON'T WANT TO BE THE FIRST VOTED OFF THE ISLAND!! 

Sew, the first challenge is this lovely Vogue 9077 Shirtdress.  

I have selected my fabric, cut it out and I'm ready to sew.  I have a few ideas on how to "make it my own" as that is the contest challenge.  I will of course post pictures around the submission deadline, March 10, 2016.

Voting starts MARCH 12, 2016

I'm not ready!