Just finished packing my baggage

Its first time ever that I haven't focused myself on what to make for Christmas eve. First time ever that I write Christmas cards just for a few  people who really closed to me. Since the aftermath of the storm became visibly horrid and the war in Syria is still going on. I decided not to make a lot of fuss over the holidays. I thought about reflecting and pray everyday for the unfortunate people who could not have a chance to buy themselves a Noche Buena. I have made a  decision to spend what I normally give for presents to a worthy cause. When all the papers are done and its official, I would probably tell more about it.

But now I would like to show what I have been up to lately. Going home to the Philippines means a lot to me. Every time our booking is confirmed, I began buying things and presents so that It would not tighten my budget all at once. My baggage is always to the limit, thanks to the 30 kilo allowance this time. We are flying with Ethad that's why. As always, I don't bring much clothes from here 'cause, clothes are cheaper down there. But sometimes, I wanted to wear house dress just like the old times and because everybody does. (the women) I thought about sewing some for myself, of course  one of the main reason is to show off to my sisters that I can already sew (lol).

This is what we called  "Duster". I'm not really sure but I think it usually should be worn when cleaning or dusting. It has become a natural habbit of the women to wear some kind of dress like this because its comfortable due to the warm temperature. 

And here are what I made out of scraps for some kids in the neighborhood. Its not really easy sewing children's clothes when one is only guessing for their sizes. But I hope to get better ideas next time.

Day 5 sewing for myself

Still busy and working on my projects, pyjama is already hanging in the closet. Machine bag is almost finished, plus a lot more awesome DIY hebbedingetjes I made this week. Have to take some photos tomorrow after class. Here's a small cute in between stitch collections for my albums. Thanks to Sis. Martine for the pattern (Mini Precious moments collection)

Sew along week

Summer is really in full blast. Meaning there's a lot to do outside and time flew very fast without even realizing its the end of the week already. 'have sewn a lot this week while taking day breaks from cross stitching: I started concentrating on children's clothes. As I promised to my friend, I'll be focusing on this next year.

Here is my Sew Along project for Ottobre english group last week:

Using Lana dress pattern from Ottobre design autumn/winter 2010 and Papaya Whip pattern Kids summer collection march 2011

This one is from pinterest sewing ideas

My Eva dress is done

After less than a week of speculating I finally finished my version of Eva dress from Your Style Rocks. As you can see from my previous post, it was not good the first time I tested the pattern in a wollen fabric.

This time I chooses a medium heavy tricot jersey in rustic color. It fits really good in me. Although my additional baggages shows a little more than necessary. Anyway it is my type of style and the color brings the best out of my natural brown color. Long time ago, I wouldn't dare wear such colors, coz I think it made me more darker. But then it suits me really, or (I thought it does). I'll probably wear this on Sunday and test the reaction of my friends. I might add some more photos as well. 

By the way I ditched the yoke this time coz my fabric is a little too heavy already.

T.G.I.F

"Thank God its finished". My test pattern is finished, it doesn't yield a perfect result but then I'm on my way to my greatest challenge of being able to sew something lots of people have perfectly done.  This is what I been upto since 3 o'clock this afternoon. Testing a pattern of Eva dress. Technically I was wrong right from the beginning, downloading a bigger size, which I cannot help it coz even if I buy dresses here in Europe, be it in Holland, Germany or here in Belgium,  it doesn't fit good all the time. Hence the German size of 44 is a lot bigger than size 44 from Burda pattern. But then it also depends on what fabric we are talking about.

Here: I used a light wollen fabric which is not really good for this style. I wasn't able to get the draping right plus I need to add 2 centemeters before adding it. I look so very fat and plumpy. The yoke doesn't look good either. Nevertheless I am positive that if I alter my pattern a little bit and used the right material it should be alright. Not bad for a beginner. I know I still have a lot to learn but the good thing is : I was not so frustrated right away as before when things didn't go well. I didn't expect also that this fabric will turn out good when its sewn into something. Now I have a second challenge which is to salvage it and transform it into a wearable one. Tomorrow is gonna be another day full of surprises and blessings for me. I wish you all the same. Now, I have some ironing works to do. :)

Eva dress challenge

Spent 3 hours trying to figure out a certain pattern but I still am not finished with it. I called it the Eva dress challenge. I fell inlove with it long time ago and since I got free fabric to try spend or waste my time in it, didn't think twice. Thanks to Your style rocks . I'll work on it till I get it right. Its probably the biggest challenge I ever do so far in terms of sewing, so help me God.

Foto from your style rocks

First project in the sewing class

Like I have mentioned last time I have to begin with sewing an apron. This is what I had today (actually started last week). We called it butchers's apron ( slachter's schorts). I made two of this kind, because my cloth is good enough for two pieces of it. I guess I had to give the other away to friends. Next week I am ready to make a dress, one that I promise to make it fabulous this time. Thus, I am giving myself the benefit of the doubt.!

experementing on knip mode design

An acquaintance of mine laugh about my style of clothes every time she sees that I wear something colorful or with flowery designs. Perhaps she thinks that I really knows nothing about fashion or to be exact un-fashionable. Which I don't give a damn. Well I can't blame her because I am really somebody who doesn't bother to go with the trend. I always dress for comfort, as for my style, I AM A FARM GIRL what can you expect. Although I am also very cautious what to wear, when and where and on what time and occasions. Especially weather conditions, whenever its really brrrrrrrrrr.

I saw this design in a knip mode magazine, and I fell inlove with it. So I did tried my best to sew not exactly like it but something with a little bit similarity of so. I am proud to say that my sewing skills is improving day by day. I am sure that I am going to learn it sooner or later. I know I am going to succeed when I set my mind on it. I have to buy a pas pop so I can make easy alteration and nice pictures. see the results of my progress : 

Learning to sew

I was the last three weeks busy with everything and anything all at the same time, typical me. Here is the result a series of what somebody might called a product of my eccentric taste. I said somebody because I know someone who finds my style cheap. But I don't mind, because as I always say: I am not me if I am others. although I am not even sure if I'm gonna wear them all I am happy with my works. I'm pretty sure that there will come a time when I can sew something nice and pretty for somebody else. As for my own, I like to create something colorful, I don't mind if people thinking that I am nuts. The truth is I hate to see young people here in Belgium wearing, black or dark colors, they look 10 years older than their age. But of course these are really cheap fabrics, good enough to throw it away when something goes wrong. Yeah if I cannot really sew it right then I don't have to get too frustrated. I still have a lot to learn yet.

sewing a bolero vest

At last I have found a wikkelvestje pattern that I have seen on somebody. I bought a bolero pattern a week ago but it didn't go wel, I was hoping that I could do better this time.

Thanks to the 'Obamania'

Courtesy of the 'Obamania' and all the exciting TV marathon regarding the inaguration of the new american president, I got a chance to sit before the television longer than I did in the whole year.But I also had more time browsing the mode magazine that I have in possession for quite sometime already. And guess what.... I've found a pattern of a tunic that I have long ago wanted to sew, which i did. And I did sew it in record time. I love tunic's blouses, its my kind of casual ready to go outfit.

Finished product

This is a corduroy A line skirt that I have recently sewed. ideal for between seasons. I can wear it with a leggings in the winter. It is also good with ballerina shoes in the summer.