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Monday, October 31, 2011

MPCB Part 2

Part 1     Part 1a    

Finally …narrowing things down here.

I don’t like to be traditional nor predictable. Sometimes my thought on putting together an outfit comes totally on how I am feeling at the moment. And if I feel happy – cheerful colors are in order like orange and turquoise. If I feel sad and utterly heart broken – out comes brown and dull gray. Sexy brings out red and dark pinks.

I would expect members to show up in traditional colors such green, red, black, and white. Not too much white because some folks are stuck on “no white after Labor Day”, not me. I wear white when I want to. Of course that would have to coincidently fall on a day that there are no kids around!

Anyways, I went through (not nearly even 1/4) my stash and found a few fabrics. To go with the pattern choices.

Vogue 1208V1208

Three fabric choices for this pattern are:

White poly crinkle White poly crinkle 1This a white poly crinkle that was supposed to have been a white button down blouse that I haven’t gotten around to, yet.

Forest green Poly Forest green poly 1A forest green poly that has been in the stash for YEARS. It looks kind of turquoise-y on my computer but it is a forest green.

Poly crepe Poly crepe 1This one is a silver poly crepe. I love this fabric and it feels very soft. The sheen says Holiday and it is not red nor green.

Butterick 5026

Item image

I like the flowered version although I would not make a flowered dress for the event. I have two fabric choices for this one.

Teal Teal 1This material here is more of a dark teal and feels like it would be a great fit for the dress. It is not too flow-y nor too stiff. I don’t know the content but I do remember this one being a Walmart fabric. 

Silver Paisley Silver Paisley 1I don’t know the content of this one but I bought it from Hancock a hot minute ago. I also bought a royal blue in the same design. Paisley has always been a love of mine.

So, I am going to go do some mandatory house cleaning and hopefully I will have made, yet, another decision.

Until later, Schey.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

MPCB - Part 1a

MPCB Part 1     Part 2
This should actually be Part 2 but I had to go back and revise because I received some great feedback from Virginia’s Daughter, God’s Girl T. She recommended V1208 which I had a choice because of its simplicity.
V1208
She also recommended that I take a look at V1195 and V1196.
1195 and  1196
1195 I had actually considered but couldn’t think of what was in the stash for it. 1196? I couldn’t fathom the thought of looking like a mass door prize. The dress is pretty, it’s just not for me.
She also told me to look at 8766 with specific instructions to NOT look at the dress on the model, instead look at the line drawings. I had actually passed this pattern up a hundred times because the model is in an all over lace dress that reminds me of Lucille Ball. Also, if I wore that dress next to my husband I might have some xplainin’ to do! Lol I did look at the line drawings as instructed and the dress has some very pretty lines.

Line Art
Cute, huh? I think so.
Fast forward: I take a ride out to Hancock and they are out of 1195 and 8766. I have 1208 in the stash. I find
McCall’s 4440 and Butterick 5026 that I can probably substitute for V8766.
M4440          and         Item image
Seeming as though I am moving away from Vogue Designer, I decided I might as well consider other stash patterns. Boy, do I have P-LENTY.
I pulled out:
B5519B5519 B4914B4914 B5314B5314
                             B5385B5385
                        I have two recent purchases:
B5674B5674          and           V1267V1267
See, I am supposed to be narrowing things down and they grew! That is why I named this blog Part 1a because I am back at square 1 the second time.
Ok, this one’s for you, God’s Girl. Gimme some input.
Until a decision, Schey.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Mount Pleasant Christmas Banquet 2011 Pt. 1

Part 1a     Part 2

     This is the first time I will attend my church’s Christmas banquet. Last year, I purchased a ticket and didn’t go because my husband was out of town. This year I am going because I hear of the good fellowship and fun everyone had. I had to be sure of the attire because I was told it was on the lines of ballroom dressy. Screeech! No way! I am not the ballroom- dress-drag-to-the-floor type of gal. I can not see myself in this:
V8729     Vogue 8729
Nor can I consider the fishtail-Jennifer Hudson-and-Beyonce-in-Dream Girls-look. So these dresses are out as well:
V2931Vogue 2931V8190Vogue 8190
So, I had to verify the dress codes. The attire is dressy. Now I can take that in many different ways. A dress that I would normally wear? But this a special event and therefore warrants special wear. These are out:
V1271Vogue 1271V1242Vogue 1242
I thought of a pant suit but that didn’t settle with me well, either. Here’s what I looked at but then scratched it too:
V2779
                                    Vogue 2779
     Notice the trend? I know I want a Vogue and I know I want it to be a Designer Vogue. So, what will I decide? That is where each of you come in. I need help deciding and I need to do it NOW for the banquet is Dec 3rd and Hancock’s sale goes off Sunday. This will give me enough time to actually fit and get it right. Here are my choices:
V11551155 by Guy Laroche
I have a black looks-like-a-shantung for this one. I have this one lower end of the choices because it looks like a skirt and top but is actually a dress and I love the lines.
V12081208 by Tom and Linda Platt
If all else fails I would choose this one because it seems very simple. But I think it may be too simple. The only thing that draws me to this dress are the tie shoulder and hem. Nothing special.
V28992899 by Guy Laroche
I love Guy’s designs. I would like to do this one, too. I lurve Erica's turn out. If I do make this one I can only pray that mine turns out this fabulous! I do have a black fabric for this. I would also have to worry about a cover up for the back. Just imagine what would be said because my back actually out but sometimes things get misconstrued to ‘my but was out’. You know how it goes.  
V12181218 by Donna Karan
I started cutting this pattern out so long ago…and there where I stopped. The pattern is cut out. I have some white knit for this one but it is not Spandex as the pattern calls for. I also have a black knit. I wish I had a red. Maybe I can do a bolero for a jacket in case I get a chill? Though the event is inside, I still somehow be the only one freezing. :/
So, you tell me what you think. Since it’s the weekend, I will make it my business to get photos of the potential fabrics. Everything is coming form the stash unless I may need a lining, zip, button…stuff like that.
Until a decision, Schey

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Think Pink in 2011

A contribute to all the Women who have had the unfortunate battle of facing breast cancer. Many women of all races have been diagnosed with the terrible, ugly, and devastating, trying-to-bring-us-females-down devil.

We should be educated on this ugly wanna-be tyrannical potential destroyer of life. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too.

So, for a special contribute to our strong women who have fought this battle and either beat it or lost the fight, I decided to enter the Think Pink contest over at Pattern Review. This link takes you to the discussion for Think Pink. This link takes you to the photo gallery of all the entries. You won’t see me being prolific at all in the discussion because I wanted to finish my entry before I made a vow to enter. However, I followed the discussion by the other participants and lurkers and enjoyed the conversation.

I decided to make two patterns that have been collecting dust in the stash. They are Simplicity 2364 and Vogue 8697. I needed something quick and easy because of time constraints.

Decisions 1 

While I settled on the decision to make this very pretty and very figure flattering envelope style top, I thought this is such a great top that would help wash away any negative self-identity that a breast cancer patient may have. This type of top looks good with 1, 2, or no breast! Believe me, it is just that sexy.

There are a few words that are used to describe breast cancer that we should become familiar with.

1. Carcinoma - This is a term used to describe a cancer that begins in the lining layer (epithelial cells) of organs like the breast. Nearly all breast cancers are carcinomas (either ductal carcinomas or lobular carcinomas).

2. Adenocarcinoma - An adenocarcinoma is a type of carcinoma that starts in glandular tissue (tissue that makes and secretes a substance). The ducts and lobules of the breast are glandular tissue (they make breast milk), so cancers starting in these areas are often called adenocarcinomas.

3. Carcinoma in situ - This term is used for an early stage of cancer, when it is confined to the layer of cells where it began. In breast cancer, in situ means that the cancer cells remain confined to ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ). The cells have not grown into (invaded) deeper tissues in the breast or spread to other organs in the body. Carcinoma in situ of the breast is sometimes referred to as non-invasive or pre-invasive breast cancer because it may develop into an invasive breast cancer if left untreated.

4. Invasive (infiltrating) carcinoma - An invasive cancer is one that has already grown beyond the layer of cells where it started (as opposed to carcinoma in situ). Most breast cancers are invasive carcinomas — either invasive ductal carcinoma or invasive lobular carcinoma.

5. Sarcoma - Sarcomas are cancers that start in connective tissues such as muscle tissue, fat tissue, or blood vessels. Sarcomas of the breast are rare.

Here is the review for the top: Simplicity 2364 

Almost Done Front                          Almost Done Back

Almost Done Side

Pattern description: Misses’ Knit Tops. I would add: with two neck lines 1. Envelope  and 2. One-shouldered. Four sleeve variations: 1. sleeveless, 2. cap, 3. three-quarter, and 4. flutter. I made view A.

Sizing: 6 through 14 and 14 through 22. I cut the 14. I think I lost more weight than I initially thought because this was way too big.

Did it look like the photo or drawing on the envelope when you were done with it? Why, yes. I do believe so in a strange kind of way. Since I had a fit issue across the chest and didn’t quite know how to fix it. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were pretty simple. Nothing to grip or complain about.

What did I particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Well, I liked it because of the necklines. A woman always looks very nice and sexy in envelope style tops. To me this is hands down. For the other versions I did not make, I like the flutter sleeve and the one shoulder looks. My dislikes didn’t come until after I made blind adjustments and the top was done. I think this pattern either runs a bit on the huge side or my fabric had terrible stretch return – and it has good return but maybe not enough for this style.

Fabric used: I used a very pretty rib knit Pink in one light, Coral in another, and peach in, yet, another light. I bought it over a year ago from Hancock Fabrics when I visited my sister in NC. It was $2.95 a yard. It was supposed to have been a tank dress but that never happened.

Pattern alterations or any design changes: Hmmm, After I put the top’s front, back, and arm pieces together and tried it on, it fit like it was two sizes too big. I went in and sewn almost two inches on both sides. It was still big. I also took in another 1/2 in on each side from the under arm to the hem starting a zero and ending back at zero. I done a 1/2 hem also. For the part that makes the ‘cape’ of the top, I did not do a center seam. Instead, I just overlapped what would have been the center seam allowance and cut on the fold.

Would I sew it again? Would I recommend it? Well, let me say this. I made Vogue's top that is identical to this one twice. One for two of my sisters. Well, I made one for myself and it was claimed before I could wear it and I coached the other. (I didn’t get a chance to take any photos of those two.) I will continue to make the Vogue top for this style. I MIGHT try it again to see if it was me, the fabric used, or the pattern. I can not say that I recommend it because I am not fully content with it. Others who have made this same pattern may have other views. You can check them out right here and make an informed decision for yourself.

Breast 1

The normal breast

To understand breast cancer, it helps to have some basic knowledge about the normal structure of the breasts, shown in the diagram.

The female breast is made up mainly of lobules (milk-producing glands), ducts (tiny tubes that carry the milk from the lobules to the nipple), and stroma (fatty tissue and connective tissue surrounding the ducts and lobules, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels). Most breast cancers begin in the cells that line the ducts (ductal cancers). Some begin in the cells that line the lobules (lobular cancers), while a small number start in other tissues.

The skirt was chosen because, for one, it has been in the stash since it came out and I wanted to do a new pattern, that was a skirt, and seemed to be pretty easy. You can’t go wrong with a high-waist pencil skirt.

Here is that review: Vogue 8697

Almost Complete Front                         Almost Complete Back

Almost Complete Side

Pattern description: This is one of Vogue’s Options patterns for Misses’ and Misses’ Petite Skirt: Semi-fitted, tapered, lined skirts with shaped waistband, princess seams, back slit, topstitched trim and back zipper. I would say, what a sexy and very attractive skirt that would look great in any material!

Sizes: 4 through 18 and I cut the 12.

Did it look like the photo or depicted drawing on the envelope? Yes, indeed. Although I am not slim like the model nor as tall, I believe it looks pretty darn close to it.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Oh boy, yes! Just make sure you have your waistband pieces numbered and put together correctly. The photos are also helpful.

What did I like or dislike about the pattern? I love the shape and the kind of piecing to put it together. It makes an interesting waistband. I have no dislikes.

Fabric used: I used another great find from Hancock Fabrics on the same visit to NC for $3.95 a yard. So, it was a stash too.

Pattern alterations or design changes: First, I did not line the skirt. Second, I did not top-stitch any seam. Third, I added a small braided trim that was bought for another project. I put those in the horizontal side seam in the front and back. Now these seams I did top-stitch. At first, I was not going to add the lined waistband because I had issues with something just not lining up. However, I trimmed the extra fabric, made the facing piece as a whole by tracing the fashion side, and added the allowance. Last, I added a black bias to the facing bottom for a little contrast that only I would know about.

Shaped Waistband      Bias Trim and Plain Facing

Piping

Would I sew it again? Do I recommend? Oh, yes, I want to definitely sew this number again. I see this in denim, corduroy, and suede…. Yes, I recommend this pattern to the highest power. And if this skirt has potential to make me look like this, I am even more in tuned to making it! Lol

Types of breast cancers: There are several types of breast cancer, but some of them are quite rare. In some cases a single breast tumor can be a combination of these types or be a mixture of invasive and in situ cancer.

Ductal carcinoma in situ - Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; also known as intraductal carcinoma) is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. DCIS means that the cancer cells are inside the ducts but have not spread through the walls of the ducts into the surrounding breast tissue. About 1 in 5 new breast cancer cases will be DCIS. Nearly all women diagnosed at this early stage of breast cancer can be cured. A mammogram is often the best way to find DCIS early.

Lobular carcinoma in situ - This is not a true cancer, and is discussed in the section “What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

Invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma - This is the most common type of breast cancer. Invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC) starts in a milk passage (duct) of the breast, breaks through the wall of the duct, and grows into the fatty tissue of the breast. At this point, it may be able to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. About 8 of 10 invasive breast cancers are infiltrating ductal carcinomas.

Invasive (or infiltrating) lobular carcinoma - Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules). Like IDC, it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. About 1 in 10 invasive breast cancers is an ILC. Invasive lobular carcinoma may be harder to detect by a mammogram than invasive ductal carcinoma.

BCA on Aloe Front                    BCA on Aloe Back

Breast Cancer Front                       Breast Cancer Back

While I was trying to see how nice was to look in my new ensemble, my Sister asked me what shoes I was going to wear with it. 0_o. Ummm, good question. So I ran to the closet to see what I had on hand and these are what I sent her:

Shoe Choices FrontandShoe Choices Side

Don’t mind the black pair in the background. They have been disabled. I broke the heel while walking in Wal-Mart.

My shoes are my new Chinese Laundry Whistle pump.

All previous information taken from: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-what-is-breast-cancer

One more note on breast cancer. I want to put it out there that we can perform our own breast self-exam. There are five steps to doing this. When I started about two years ago, I noticed that performing the self exam in the shower worked best. 

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

Here's what you should look for:

  • Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
  • Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

  • Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
  • A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
  • Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling

Breast Self-Exam - Step 1

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Breast Self-Exam - Steps 2 and 3

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).

Breast Self-Exam - Step 4

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

Breast Self-Exam - Step 5

I hope you enjoyed this special review contributed to ALL breast cancer patients. Be blessed and stay informed. Education is the key.

Previous information taken from Breast Cancer.Org @ http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp

Breast Cancer Front 1

Until later Schey.