Miss Celie’s Pants

November 2009
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I Hope You’ll Forgive Me…

Posted by missceliespants on November 20, 2009

First, I hope you’ll forgive me for not having more photos of pants and Marji’s visit. Marji and I made three muslins and I have to sew up the fourth one still. It was an amazing few days with her and she’s really encapsulated my thoughts on the internet and sewing on her blog. My hair is straight over there. I got a haircut while Marji was here and the stylist gave me a blow out and used a hot comb. It lasted a day with the fog. It just grew and grew and grew. By midafternoon I was wearing a hat. It’s now back to normal

Second, I hope you’ll forgive me because I’m a little hard headed at times. I’m usually a good advice taker, but I really got it stuck in my head to make the ginger cookies (ducks). Are we still cool? I am overwhelmed by the suggestions for different baked goods and deeply appreciative. But, I just got an idea in my head and couldn’t let it go.

My camera is MIA, so a camera phone shot it as.

Anna, my co-worker has never baked a cookie in her life. We started at 8:30 p.m. and wrapped up aroune 1:00 a.m. These suckers sold like hotcakes. I don’t know that they were *jealous*, but squeals of joy were heard. And, I won’t lie to you. The first couple of batches did *not* look like this. You were NOT kidding. This ish is HARD.

I hope you guys have a great weekend planned. Tonight, I’m seeing Precious with my roommate. We wanted to see Twilight, but all the 15 year olds bought the tickets already

Tomorrow some ballet and on Sunday, if you can believe it, I’m going to the gun range with a friend. I always said I’d shoot a gun when they came in pink. He found one.

Posted in Life | 18 Comments »

She’s Here! She’s Here!

Posted by Miss Celie on November 16, 2009

Yesterday, I picked up my express package from St. Louis, one Marji of Fiber Arts Afloat! When I pulled up the BWI Airport, I honestly exclaimed, “You’re so pretty and tall!” Truthfully, I’m 5 ft 5.5 inches. My hair gives me an extra 2. She’s staying with me until heading to NYC on Wednesday.

This is tonight after dinner. I’m totally fascinated that we have about the same figure. Which means she has most of my fit issues figured out (evil grin). What’s funny, is Marji and I became friends through blogging and the internet two years ago. I honestly didn’t know that we would ever meet IRL (In Real Life).

While I had to go to work half the day, Marji spent her time in my sewing studio (*after* organizing it. I’m not kidding. I walked down there and stared for a minute trying to figure out why I could see the basement floor. ) we still managed to take measurements to work on my pants sloper. After I got home this evening, I took her to A Fabric Place, also home to Michael’s Fabrics.

I’m going to sew up the pant muslin tomorrow and draft my Bunka bodice sloper. It’s impossible to have a Marji and *not* get help with fitting. Seriously, can you imagine? I’m going to have to make something delicious for dinner to say thanks!

So, when you next hear from me, some detailed steps and photos of the pant fitting process! It was like a full class! You can read Marji’s post here.

Posted in Design School, Life | 27 Comments »

What does a grown woman wear to ballet class?

Posted by Miss Celie on November 14, 2009

Thank you for all the suggestions for my office bake sale! My co-worker and I are still going through the recipes to figure out what we can make — and make well for Friday. I will definitely keep you posted! But, pretty celophane, ribbon and tags have all been ordered.

Are you ready to be a part of my online therapy session? LOL. Growing up, I very begrudgingly took 12 years of piano lessons when all I really wanted to do was dance, sew, take pictures and do theater. I can now play Sweet Hour of Prayer from memory. And if VERY hard pressed can play for song service at church if there aren’t more than two flats or sharps. That’s about it. I showed little-to-no promise in that arena and my parents finally let me quit my freshman year of high school.

But, I’ve always wanted to dance. I’ll devour every bad movie about dance. It started with Dirty Dancing as a kid and continued with Centerstage, Step it Up (1 and 2), The Way She Move– you tell me there’s dancing and I’ll see it. I almost put my back out last year showing off the Single Ladies dance.

So, last Saturday I started an adult ballet class. Partly because I stopped working out this year and it shows. But, mostly because I wanna DANCE (insert jazz hands)! It’s my second week and I lurv it! I feel like I’m finally doing something I’ve always wanted to do for myself.

My biggest dilema going in was what in the world was I going to wear? The London Ballet-trained instructor insisted on a leotard and strongly suggested pink tights. After consulting with Leslie (she of the amazing ballet legs), she reminded me that nothing shows cellulite more than pink tights and I promptly bought the black ones! I also had to cover my rear end which cannot be constrained by a leotard. I didn’t have time to whip up a skirt. But, H&M’s tiered tutu to the rescue. And so to answer the question of what does a 30 something wear to ballet class… Voila:

Yes. I’m clearly rocking the drunkface. But, I was on the phone when my friend snapped it for me. Then, the room filled with lithe 15-year-olds and I wasn’t going to take my photo again in front of them and their gazelle-like legs and skinny thighs.

When I signed up for the class, the instructor asked me what my goals were. Others in the class said ‘to go on point’ or ‘to perform in a recital’. I told her blunty, ‘I want dancer’s legs.’ He reply, ‘That’s going to be up to you’. So, I’m registered through December with the next session starting in January. I’ve now got the Jalie pattern for leotard and skirt in my cart on PatternReveiw.com. I’ll probably do one with sleeves next time as I feel a little swimsuity in this. But, trust. There’s always going to be a fun tutu on the bottom. I swear half the fun of this class is coming up with the outfits!

Ahhh, and I haven’t been keeping up with my nail polish photos. The weather’s crappy and I like to take pictures outside. But, I’ll throw this one out. It’s China Glaze Cords with China Glaze Techno layered on top. Both can be found at Head2ToeBeauty.com:

And so you understand the glittery goodness, here it is blurred:

Ok. Toodles for now. I’m meeting a friend for drinks this afternoon and need to clean, clean clean because Marji from Fiber Arts Afloat flies in tomorrow! Tres cool, right? She’s visiting for a few days. The list of things I have for us her to work on is boundless. Sloper, pants fit, new measurement, SWAP. The mind truly reels.

Posted in Uncategorized | 48 Comments »

I want to make them jealous

Posted by Miss Celie on November 12, 2009

Alright kids. Next Friday we’re having a bake sale at work. I got no less than three emails about it. There’s this prevailing theory at the office that I’m some kind of Martha Stewart because I make my own clothes and understand this crazy website called Etsy. But, the truth is, I am not much of a baker. And, based on what I’ve read online, neither is Martha. But, quite frankly, I will continue to front this image as long as I can.

So, I need your help. I want to bake something that will will visually leave them in awe. Please, point me to something that will be so pretty, and so cute that people will talk about me from now until Christmas.

Yes, it’s petty and shallow — but I don’t care.

I was thinking this:

Gingerbread Snowflakes -- Martha Stewart.

Yes. I succomed and bought the 7 inch cookie cutter before it sold out in 2005. It has since been a paper weight, a Christmas ornament and lost and then found. This has a lot of visual appeal, but, will it make them jealous?

My other thought was some kind of incredible cupcake. People love cupcakes right?

Hi Top Cupcake from Martha Stewart

I don’t even like chocholate and I want to make this.

But, that’s the extent of my ideas. If you’ve got a sure-bet, super cute, make their jaws drop and their wallets open up baked good recipe, please, let me know.

** All images from MarthaStewart.com

Posted in Life | 44 Comments »

Bunka Garment Design Textbooks Are Amazing.

Posted by Miss Celie on November 5, 2009

You may have gathered from this blog that I have a love of all things international. Through much hard work and calculation, I have struck up a unique relationship with my counterpart in Japan. So unique, that when Trena went to Tokyo, my counterpart actually took her shopping — and we’ve never met!

At anyrate, when this week’s delegation came to Baltimore for three days, with them came four of the five English language Bunka Fashion College textbooks. Ginevra first tipped me off that they were coming and Christina let me know they were out. Oh, BTW, Bunka is pronounce Boon-ka. These look small in the photo, but they are 8×11 size (really A4, but whatev).

I am going to do my best not to gush too hard here. But, I am BEYOND excited about these books. Mostly, because they only cost me $100 for the four. They are selling in the states for $44 each. These are definitely text books. But, what I like about them as textbooks is that they, wait for it, ACTUALLY TEACH SEWING. See that below? Those are directions on how to sew a skirt, where to add lining, how to sew lining, how to cut it out, ways to pretreat, suggested fabrics for garments, places for interfacing, etc.

Yes, home sewers have sewing books that teach you this, but I can tell you that my garment design textbook (which cost $100) DOES NOT tell you *how* to sew.

There is a GREAT deal of information on fit and drafting. Ways to alter your sloper (including for bust) and EXTENSIVE instructions on drafting one. There is a four page glossary on the little symbols and markings that are used on the Mrs. Stylebook / Japanese drafting patterns

I’m also enjoying reading about the history of garments

And this is all just in ONE BOOK.

Of course, there are things I don’t like. First, according to their charts I’m like the LARGEST size possible. After spending four days with six Japanese women, I would agree. I am huge.

But, what’s interesting about their sizing charts, is they take AGE into consideration. Now, call me crazy, but I suspect I won’t age like a Japanese woman. But, I do like to know that they take that into consideration in their drafts.

The other thing I don’t like, so many new products for me to track down! Mostly a few rulers like the D-curve (which looks like my #6), the reduction ruler, thier sleeve pressing ham (I like that it’s shaped more like an arm than my sleeve roll), and pressing horse.

I am resisting their pressing ham, pressing board, handy mat, crossarm and Yukiwari — our tailoring board. Hmm, but I cannot resist the needle board. It might be good I can’t find it on their website. Or this bobbin holder.

Someone I know is going back to Japan in March. My plan is to save up, do a huge order and pay the $50 extra luggaage fee on Al Nippon Air!

So, to sum up, if you can find at least the first book, Fundamentals of Garment Design, I think it it well worth the money if you are interested in fit and working with the Japanese patterns. If you are interested in drafting on your own, then I would get the remainder. The last, Coats and Capes, comes out in December. And, if you are thinking of ordering from Amazon.com Japan and saving some money. shipping is almost $50 for the four.

Posted in Design School, Fashion, Tools and Notions, sewing | Tagged: bunka, Japanese, MSB | 24 Comments »

I’m busy at work / Happy Halloween

Posted by Miss Celie on October 31, 2009

blah, blah, blah. Two weeks of of my backside being the top photo on my blog is long enough.

Last night, my friend and I attended a fundraiser / costume party for the Greek Hero’s exhibit at the Walters Art Museum.

I went as a Greek goddess. The dress is a J. Crew wedding gown that I bought from another friend this summer for $75 after she got married. She even threw in the shoes. She wasn’t going to wear it again and you never know when you’ll need a dress.

Today I send off a delegation from Odessa, Ukraine that’s been here for a week and tomorrow pick up a delegation from Japan that we’ll be hosting until Wednesday. After working three solid weekends I am taking this Thursday and Friday off. I would say I’d do some sewing, but I have a house guest coming that we all know but have never met IRL and I need to prepare for her! All to be revealed in due time

Posted in Fashion, Life | 16 Comments »

Jeans Muslin

Posted by Miss Celie on October 18, 2009

I’ve wanted to make jeans for at least two years now. In 2008, I bought two awesome cuts of stretch denim at PR Weekend in Los Angeles. In 2009 at PR Weekend Portland, I tried on Emilie’s size V Jalie Stretch Jeans and *knew* I had to make jeans before the year was over. So, this weekend I took a crack at the size W. I apologize now for the quality of the photos.

In general, I love how they make my rear look. And, quite frankly. I still cannot believe that I’ve made a pair of jeans.

I don’t love how they make my thighs look. Or rather, I don’t like how my legs make the jeans look. I think a less clingy / straighter leg could be more flattering on me.

** Warning. Unflattering rear shot. Wonky topstitching, bad swayback adjustment and stretched out waistband and yoke. But, man, do I LOVE my pockets! :

And as I type you now after three hours of wear — the waist is all kinds of stretched out. This straight waistband is cut on the bias. If I were to make these again with a straight waistband, I would cut it on the straight of grain. And, despite taking out a good two inches, I still need a major swayback adjustment. So, a curved waistband just makes more sense for me.

And, ugh. I have this on all my RTW jeans. I’ve already emailed Marji to see why she thinks I’m getting the whiskers / fold. I suspect it’s a muscular thigh issue.

So, I’ve got the back yoke altered for the swayback and will draft a curved (vs straight) waistband this week so I’ll be ready for the class. I’m also going to get some non-stretch denim to try a few of the other jeans patterns I have.

Posted in sewing | Tagged: Jalie, Jeans | 40 Comments »

Travel Fabric

Posted by Miss Celie on October 13, 2009

Dude, I totally got furloughed on Friday (with another seven more days to come). Which combined with Monday’s holiday, gave me a four day weekend! So, blessed that I still have a job in this crappy economy, I spent the weekend up and down I-95 visiting my sewing friends. First stop was an hour south to DC to see Trena after work on Thursday. Saturday morning we drove the three hours up to Philly for Jomar and Karen. Sunday morning Karen and I headed two hours to Carolyn (you’ll recognize me in the first photo because I’m talking. I am always talking) in Jersey. Carolyn will always be able to get me to visit as she’s just one exit away from the Crate and Barrel outlet. After dropping Karen back off in Philly, I headed another 1.5 hours back home to Baltimore. I *love* the east coast!

So, what do you do in a weekend like that?

Today, I show you the Jomar knits:

All just three dollars a yard. But, more than I ever thought I would leave with. And, one (the yellow and gray) that both Trena and I couldn’t resist. Goodness. It’s like I don’t believe in solids.

Second, the wovens. This is a combo of gifted fabrics, Crate and Barrel Marmikko prints and local fabric store buys from the last few weeks.

L to R: Malaysia print from Trena, Orange and Blue crossweave shirting from Guss Woolens, orange and white stretch seersucker from Guss Woolens, Japanese owl print from Trena, wool woven from Guss Woolens, Merrimeko bedroom curtain fabric, Merrimekko kitchen curtain fabric.

Yikes.

While in Philly, Karen allowed me to adopt Vivian. Like in most adoptions, I’ll probably rename her. Right now, I’m leaning to Waverly.

She’ll be great for taking photos and a step back from my work. And, it lets me show you the new bra I’m working on:

Please pay no attention to the mismatched bra cups. I love that all my knit scraps can now go in the bra making bag. This is a true muslin as I’m sizing up one cup based on my last bra experiment.

Posted in Travel, sewing | 22 Comments »

An Expensive Muslin

Posted by Miss Celie on October 12, 2009

There are no words for how badly I would like to have the two new Hot Patterns. I desperately HEART this bag and the dress is just too cute for words. But, I own 10 of their patterns (Um, Trudy and Jeremy. You might want to leave me off the mailing list the next time you do a buy-one-get-one-free) and have only made up one (albeit twice). So, I told myself if I whipped through a few this fall I was totally entitled to buy the new ones!

Where did that dressform come from? It was from my whirlwind weekend to DC, Philly and Jersey. But, more on that tomorrow. I made up the Portobello Road Shearling Coat. I’m calling it my expensive muslin. I bought this fabric from FabricMart and it was not love at first sight. I decided to use this for muslining this coat after Trudy e-mailed me special to make sure I used a thick fleece weight fabric for my muslin. And, if I had made it in the size that the pattern *says* I am, would have likely been all but perfect. But, noooooo. I thought I knew more than the pattern and went TWO sizes smaller. Sigh.

I’ll be honest, I did not and do not know how the collar is supposed to assemble. And, I didn’t spend a great deal of time on it because I knew this was my expensive muslin. Other than changes for my body, I must recommend that you perhaps go with a 3/8 vs 5/8 seams allowance. Why? Because I think the sherpa showing is a touch thick. I would also recommend you remove ease from the sleeve cap. I had to take out two inches (below) to get the sleeves on this pile of fuzzy vinyl to ease in. And, for my fabric, I found the cut of the back skirt too ‘full’ and would straighten out the curve in the back seam.

Am I going to make it up soon? Sadly, no. I have a piece of fabric that is perfect and gorgeous (denim backed sherpa from PR Portland 2009) but I’m still holding out hope that it’ll still become a motorcycle jacket. But, I totally think this counts towards me being able to buy the new Hot Patterns.

Posted in sewing | Tagged: coat, faux leather, hot patterns, shearling | 10 Comments »

Hispanic Heritage Month!

Posted by Miss Celie on October 6, 2009

I have a really great job. This year I helped plan for a celebration of Hispanic Heritage month. I had an idea to use various hats from Latin America in a display. We were able to collect about 15 different hats from about 10 countries including Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Peru and Mexico. They are on display in a gallery in City Hall.

Each station has a flag, photo of someone wearing the hat and a description of materials or what part of the country the hat was from or more information on it’s origins.