McCalls Jumper Pattern Review

Today I am reviewing another out of print pattern.  It seems that jumpers and rompers have made their way back in style now! 

Pattern: McCalls 8584 (Out of Print)

Description: Slim fitting dress or jumpsuit - I made view D pictured above

Fabric Used: Light weight cotton I think...

Sizing: The pattern I bought was for sizes 4,6 and 8. I think I cut a size 4 on top and then a size 6 on the bottom.

Instructions: Easy to follow

Changes: I made no changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Basic sewing skills should be fine for this one...

Timing: This can totally be completed in a couple of hours or less

Again, I love jumpers or rompers.  I love the fact that they are back in style even more! Another thing about this pattern that I love is the empire waist.  Empire waist and high waist is very flattering on me and many other women as well.

Until next time....

e

Vintage Out Of Print Simplicity 7705 Pattern Review

Dear DIY Stylists,
OK, first let me start off by apologizing for not having a full length photo of this dress.  Yes, I know it is a sin to post this without proper photography and I don't even have the dress anymore to re-take the photo.  I made this dress a long time ago but I think I want to re-make this one out of a different type of fabric.  I really wanted to post this one because I want everyone to know that you can look great for very little money and sometimes little time!

I bought this pattern at...you guessed it...A THRIFT STORE!!! It was 10 cents! The thrift store is my favorite place to go to shop for vintage sewing patterns.  You take a risk in that the pattern may not have all the pieces included but I can risk a dime! I also saved on the fabric which I purchased at Walmart for about $4!

Pattern: Simplicity 7705 (Out of Print/Vintage)

Description: Wrap dress in 2 lengths - I made this one in the knew length version

Fabric Used: Light weight print - I honestly can't remember what type of fiber...sorry but this is best for light weight cottons, wool and knits.  I think I will try this in a light weight knit next time.

Sizing: The pattern I bought was a size 10; however, this is a wrap dress so you can wrap to fit if you are smaller than the size you find!

Instructions: Easy to follow

Changes: I made no changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Basic sewing skills should be fine for this one...

Timing: This can totally be completed in a couple of hours or less

I received lots of compliments when I first made it.  I love wrap dresses! Thank goodness for DVF for coming up with such a beautiful creation.  I often wore this dress to work with some pumps and I even wore this dress in a family portrait!

I am still amazed that I made this dress for $4.10 a hour of time or so!

Ta Ta for now my lovelies!  I will be back with another DIY style creation...
Much luv
e

Winter Enchantment Hat and Scarf Set

Hello My Family of DIY Fashionistas,

Today I am reviewing another hat and scarf set that I made while I was living in Canada.  It is out of the Better Homes and Gardens Romantic Looks crochet booklet. This pattern is actually for a trio.  There are mittens included in this pattern which I am also working on and will post in a later post.  Now before you see the photos of this set, every time I wear this set in Atlanta, people laugh and ask me if I am cold.  Why else would I be wearing a winter coat with a hat and scarf?! However, I don't get to wear this set that often in Atlanta due to the lack of a severe winters (normally)....

I made this set specifically for the Canadian winters to match my purple and grey plaid long wool coat.  This set definitely works for the Canadian winters!  It only took one time for me to get stuck outside in Canada with my Atlanta winter gear on! I knew I had to make something warmer.

Pattern: Winter Enchantment (Better Homes and Gardens Romantic Looks crochet)

Description: Hat and Scarf set with bobble and post stitches.  The scarf has ruffles.

Yarn Used: Bernat Jiffy in Silver Heather. This is a bulky weight yarn (5) that is 100% soft brushed acrylic. This yarn has the look of mohair but you can actually wash this in the machine, unlike mohair!  The pattern actually calls for a worsted weight yarn.

Sizing: This pattern was only available in one size.  

Instructions: Very easy to follow 

Changes: I did substitute the yarn as I usually do in most cases.  I went with a bulky weight yarn due to the fact that I wanted this set to keep me extremely comfortable in Canada.  I also made the scarf a little longer for versatility with ways to wear it.

Level of Difficulty: Better Homes and Gardens rates this as easy.

Timing: I would say this project took me a little longer than most as I made it longer and there is quite a bit of ruffles you have to create when you make it a little longer!  Because I was in between other projects, I would say it took me about a week to complete.

I love this hat and scarf overall because of the romantic look of the ruffles and bobbles. I feel like it is somewhere between Victorian and avant-garde winter wear. I know it seems like a bit much for winters in the South but let me tell you it was what I needed for Northern white winters! On top of that it is also beautiful.  


Until next time....

Art Major Beret and Cowl

In honor of all the winter mess we have been getting all over the US (and Canada), my next few posts will be dedicated winter wear!  Besides the crowns I make and sell, I think I mentioned in a previous post that I also get a lot of requests for sets...hat/scarf or hat/scarf/mittens.  I made the Art Major Beret & Cowl when I first moved to Toronto to match my red coat.  I like to make a matching hat and scarf set to match my winter coats!  This pattern was featured in Crochet Today! in the September/October 2011 edition.

Pattern: Art Major Beret & Cowl (Crochet Today! September/October 2011)

Description: Ribbed Beret with matching buttoned cowl

Yarn Used: Red Heart Soft in Wine, Honey, Wheat, Toast & Paprika! This is a worsted weight yarn that is 100% super soft acrylic. I used the exact yarn the pattern called for on this project.

Sizing: This pattern was only available in one size.  You can adjust the buttons on the cowls but you can also add on or subtract the number of rows in the beret to get the perfect fit.

Instructions: Very easy to follow 

Changes: No changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Crochet Today! rates this as easy and it certainly was!

Timing: It took me a couple of hours while watching some good Canadian shows!

I get so many compliments when I wear this set in the winter.  My mom raves about this set every time she sees it!  It is my most worn set at the moment as I choose to wear my red pea coat most often being that it is a short coat with a hood....yeah I know little red riding hood.  What can I say? I love fairy tales and the Brothers Grimm!   


Until we meet again my fellow fashionistas....

Custom Designed Halter Top & Hobo Bag

I love to come up with new designs and custom sets.  Long ago when I first started crocheting, I designed an uncommon set.  Typically you see hat and scarf sets, sweaters and legwarmer sets...things of that nature.  I have a somewhat bohemian style at times.  It's the hippie in me, I supposed!  I love halter tops and I love hobo bags so I thought, why not put the two together?

You will not believe this but, the yarn I used for this project came from a thrift store.  My mom will pick up yarn when she is at the thrift store if she sees it and brings it home for me.  It's great to have parents that support your artistry!  

For those who are wondering, my hair is styled in 2 strand twists and I promise to post some blogs on my natural hair styling as I get many questions about how I care for my hair.  I also make some of my own products for my hair.  I am also an artist.  I do tattoo artwork and yes, that is my own design in the photo.  Please visit my art blog here!

The Diva Set

Today I want to share one of my custom made items.  A lot of my customers like to purchase sets from me.  This one is a hat and scarf set that I created.    I call it the Diva Set.

The hat is double stranded crocheted and wide brimmed.  The scarf is extra long and skinny.  Perfect for the Diva in you!  If anyone is interested in a set like this, it could be purchases from my etsy shop online at SMH Studios & Designs.  You can also order it custom made from me directly. 

Ta-Ta for now my lovelies!

My Hottest Sellers....Crowns

Hello my fellow fashionistas!

I just wanted to share with you all today my most popular accessory...my soul crowns.  Anything I put on my head is called a crown and everything I do - I put my heart and soul into and this is where the name is derived. 

The most popular crown: basic ball cap in Camouflage (my very own custom design)

The Cadet Crown - The flipped bill is sick, right?!

 

The Righteous Rasta is most popular with those who have long hair...and of course, Rastas!

The Tam - an enclosed version of the Righteous Rasta

 

By far, my soul crowns were the most ordered item from my shop and still is.  They are my number one request.  I have to say that I am more than elated about this as I am often called the queen of accessories!

Feel free to ask me about my favorite patterns for head gear or about my own custom designed crowns.  As always, I usually have some crowns for sale in my shop on etsy!  Visit SMH Studios & Designs Shop here.

Until next time my fashionable friends...

Dawta Halter Top Pattern Review

I love to crochet halter tops for the summer.  If you live in the South, then you can appreciate funky summer wear as much I do!  Amongst the vast collection of patterns and pattern books I own is Fly Tops & Funky Flavas (Get Your Crochet On!) by Afya Ibomu.  I love this pattern book.  I bought this one a long time ago when I was just getting the hang of crocheting more than just the granny square.  Someone would always compliment me on the items I wore out of this book and soon people were asking me to sell them items I make out of this book!

Today I am reviewing the Dawta Halter pattern included in this book. 

Pattern: Dawta (Fly Tops & Funky Flavas (Get Your Crochet On!) by Afya Ibomu)

Description: Backless Halter

Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver in Coffee and forgive me but I cannot think of the other color! This is a worsted weight yarn that is 100% super soft acrylic. The pattern simply calls for worsted weight yarn in two different colors.

Sizing: I made this in a small. This pattern is available in in sizes S-1X

Instructions: Very easy to follow

Changes: No changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Afya rates this as "Some Skills" which means Intermediate skill level.

Timing: I can crochet this one in a few hours while watching TV but of course...I have been crocheting for a while now!

Overall I love this halter...it is casual yet sexy at the same time.  I love to rock this on warm summer night with cut offs or even with jeans closer to fall here in the South.  I usually have a few halter tops that I made with me along on a trip to the beach!

If you are not a "hooker" like me...no worries! People still commission me to make items they see on my blog or facebook page.  This halter is listed on my Etsy page if you are interested in purchasing some items there.  Buy this top here!

Until we meet again my fellow fashionistas....

Vogue Pattern 2091 Review

Hello again my fellow fashionistas!

I want to review this awesome Donna Karan pattern.  I actually made this dress back maybe about 8 years ago.  Unfortunately that means it is out of print.  So sorry!  Back then I was just making clothes for myself and exploring the possibilities of selling my creations.  I needed a comfortable black dress that could be either dressed up or down preferably in a knit fabric.  I came across this pattern at JoAnn's.

Sorry I do not have a back view of this dress!

I wore the dress to a party along with a shrug that I also crocheted. 

Pattern: v2091 Donna Karan for Vogue (view B)

Description: Pullover tapered dress; mid-knee with right side pleats and close fitting cap sleeves.

Fabric Used: Light weight black knit fabric

Sizing: I cut a size 12 here.  I found Donna Karan patterns to run way small! I wore a size 4 in these pictures but I cut a size 12 in this pattern. 

Instructions: Easy to follow

Changes: I made no changes at all.

Level of Difficulty: I would say that this was a pretty easy pattern to follow. You may need intermediate skills for the pleating.

Timing: This can totally be completed in a couple of hours.

I think this is a great pattern.  The dress was super sexy and well as comfortable.  I got lots of compliments on this one.  I paired it with a black Nine West purse and black Via Spiga Boots (purchased at TJ Maxx).  I also paired this with a crocheted multi-way shrug that I made as well.  I will provide a post on that creation as well!

Annie Hall Sweater

This project is from the September/October 2011 edition of Crochet Today.  As you can probably guess from my previous blogs, I am very much into everything vintage.  I especially love this sweater because it reminds me of a 70s style preppy cardigan. 

This is the original photo from the magazine

 

 

Pattern: Annie Hall Sweater (September/October 2011 edition of Crochet Today)

Description: Casual wrap sweater inspired by 70s fashion icon Annie Hall.

Yarn Used: Caron's Simply Soft Tweed Yarn in Dark Sage (You may be able to find this online but quantities are limited) This is a worsted weight yarn that is 96% super soft acrylic and 4% rayon. I loved the green tweed look. It can be substituted with any other worsted weight yarn such as Caron's simply soft. The pattern calls for SMC Northern Worsted which is a 100% acrylic yarn.

Sizing: I believe I made this in a large.  This pattern is available in in sizes S-2X.

Instructions: I would say this pattern was very easy to follow.  I had no issues completing this project.

Changes: I only substituted the yarn...I do that a lot!

Level of Difficulty: Crochet Today rates this one as "Intermediate" skill level.

Timing: It took me a few weeks to complete this sweater.

This is my go-to sweater for that vintage preppy look.  I can see myself running through the streets of New York to a meeting in this one! I love to pair it with jeans or stylish khakis.  I would definitely recommend this pattern to other fashion lovers and crocheters alike!

Until next time...

Big Bow Cardigan

I am a huge fan of publications such as Interweave Crochet and Crochet Today.  I often find myself quickly skimming through the pages for inspiration or looking through them for clothing patterns to make for myself.  When I saw this pattern on the cover of the Winter 2008 edition of this magazine, I knew exactly which yarn I had in my arsenal with which to crochet this cardigan.

This is the cover of the Winter 2008 edition of Interweave Crochet

This is my version of the Big Bow Cardigan

The buttons are a unique find at your local Hobby Lobby.  They were on clearance!

Pattern: Big Bow Cardigan (winter 2008 edition of Interweave Crochet)

Description: Cardigan with built in scarf that extends from the collar.  Asymmetrical closure.

Yarn Used: Caron's Simply Soft Eco Yarn in Natural (You may be able to find this online but quantities are limited)  This is a worsted weight yarn that is 80% super soft acrylic and 20% specialty fibers made from recycled plastic bottles! I love this yarn because I feel like I am saving the planet while creating something beautiful.  It can be substituted with any other worsted weight yarn such as Caron's simply soft.  The pattern calls for Naturally Naturelle Aran 10 Ply which is a wool yarn.

Sizing: I believe I made this to fit bust circumference of 41". This pattern is available in plus size as well!

Instructions: Interweave rates this one as "Some concentration required".  This was pretty simple for me just mostly counting your stitches.

Changes: I only substituted for an awesome eco friendly yarn!

Level of Difficulty: Very simple stitches and pattern very easy to follow.

Timing: It took me a few weeks to make this due to the many other projects I have going on all at once.

Overall, I love this cardigan and I get many compliments on it each time I wear it.  The photo was taken recently but I made the sweater a few years back so unfortunately the fit is not where I want it to be but this is nothing a few inches off my waist and in my bust can't fix!  I love the scarf and it actually has a key hole to allow for versatility for tying the scarf.

*Styling notes: Jeans (PZI), Lipstick (Rebel by MAC), Headband (Ardene's), Hair (Just my natural wash n go)

Evening wear circa 1998

I designed both of my high school prom dresses as a teenager.  I would sketch them out and enlist my aunt to help me make my vision a reality.  I knew nothing about pattern making, neither did my aunt.  However, she did teach me how I can alter a pattern.  We would shop together for a pattern that matched my sketch the best.  I would then spend time at her house and together we would make my prom dress.  Below is a sketch of my second prom dress that I designed for my high school senior prom.

Senior Prom evening gown sketch

 I was very fond of what I called "Slash Fashion".  This is basically what I called garments that appeared to have pieces missing.  I designed the gown to have one shoulder strap with a keyhole int he front.


Back View of evening gown sketch

 In the back of the dress I intended for the shoulder strap to separate into two straps in order to anchor the dress on both the right and left bringing back symmetry to the gown.  Below is how the dress actually turned out....

Unfortunately, my aunt and I could not get the keyhole worked into this pattern...

 Still, the dress turned out beautifully....

We also had to alter the back of the dress to make it wearable once we started the project.  However, for a teenager without formal design education this is a great attempt at creating from a sketch using a pattern.