Hey Y'all! I'm Salinda. Welcome to my little piece of the South. I'm a sewing instructor and the seamstress behind PersonaliTy Children's Clothes. I'm crazy in love with my hubby and Momma to 2 spunky swimmers! I'm addicted to Sonic Cokes, my New Orleans Saints, and Jesus!
Some Chapter Headings: The Red Carpet Questionnaire My Ten “Dress-Sexy” Commandments The Four Steps to Sexy The Fitting Rooms: 1-12
I liked:
The math I could use to determine my shape. (Much more analytical than just looking at my silhouette.)
The “Conceal and Reveal Exercise” (pages 23, 24)
Good definitions of “Skinny fabrics and cuts” (pages 50-51). Now I know what to look for when shopping for fabrics and patterns.
Mr. Bayou’s method of complimenting your assets before telling you what to hide and how to hide it.
The comprehensive list of the types of dresses, tops, skirts, pants & jeans, coats & jackets, jewelry & accessories, and shoes that each type should wear and not wear.
Three perfect options for each size and shape (casual, career, and formal).
A fashion must-have for each size and shape (mine’s a peplum jacket–guess what new pattern I’m looking for…)
The most awesome glossary at the end of the book. It includes the definition and line drawing of 100+ styles of shirts, dresses, pants, skirts, jackets, accessories and shoes!
My dislikes:
Only the first 67 pages applied to me. Then, only 4 more out of the remaining 230+. Of course, to make an entire book about 1 body type would mean that he would have to write 11 other books about the other body types…
It wasn’t quite as precise as the “math and science” suggest. I actually fall into 1 of 2 categories depending on the day of the week.
Conclusion: Okay. I confess. This isn’t a sewing book. But, since I am still trying to figure out my style–and I want to make clothes that flatter me–then, this qualifies as a sewing reference book to me. I read this book just before a huge snoop shopping trip. Since I knew Mr. Bayou’s recommendations, I could try on styles to see what I really liked and what I didn’t. Now I have a good idea of the next few pieces I’d like to make.
Would I buy it for myself? Okay, another confession, my sister actually bought this book. And during the 3 hour trip to the beach, we identified all our body types and recommendations. Definitely got our (her) money’s worth!
Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Yet again, it’s not a sewing book. However, if you are a beginner at garment sewing for yourself and you don’t know where to start, this might work.
How to Sew Leather, Suede, Fur by Phyllis W. Schwebke and Margaret B. Krohn Published in 1974 ISBN: 0-02-011930-5
Some Chapter Headings: Leather-Then and Now Making a Leather or Suede Garment Selecting Furs and Patterns What About Mink?
I liked:
The plain and simple instructions.
The “clean” explanation of the preparation of leather and suede.
The list of types of skins and their common uses.
Specific instructions about which needle to use and how to find the correct machine stitch for sewing with skins.
Instructions for recycling (restyling) old fur garments
My dislikes:
Not any really. The book appears to deliver on its title.
Conclusion: While this book isn’t cute or trendy, I think it serves its purpose right well. If you are ready to tackle a garment of skins, check this one out before you cut.
Would I buy it for myself? Probably not. If I decide to remake an old fur or tackle a genuine leather garment, I’ll just check it out again.
Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Not a beginner’s book.
We went blueberry picking yesterday. I was able to snap a few pictures before the natives got too restless (10 minutes into it!). The haul: Watching the sorting:
The 3rd little blond is a friend from kindergarten and a neighbor.
We ended up with 4 full quart-sized bags. That’s plenty for this crowd.
Several weeks ago, the Little Man discovered some frog buttons at the local fabric shop. This led to jubilant exclamations over frog appliques, frog fabric, frogs in general. I let him pick out a fabric and opted for the frog applique in a $9.99 grab bag (50 appliques and I have a 6 year-old designed diva). Here are the results:
The top and shorts are Simplicity 5537 (OOP, I think.).
I cut a size 4 in both. The only changes I made to the pattern were:
The pattern called for contrast flaps on the shirt pocket, contrast bands on the sleeves, and a contrasting collar. I chose to leave those off because my green was “just” the wrong color.
I interfaced my pockets on both the shirt and shorts with a very lightweight interfacing. That always seems to make my patch pockets look so much nicer.
Here’s a close-up of the pocket:
The shorts include cargo pockets. I didn’t have any twill tape, but I discovered some very well aged bias tape in my stash that worked for the tab. Here’s a close-up:
And of course, the frog applique…I just fused it, then outline stitched it onto a store bought tee.
And last, but not least, I picked up this piece during our beach trip. I’m thinking the LM needs some boxers.
And the frog buttons? Well, they didn’t get used at all. Oh well.
Cram several thousand people under 100+ pop up tents, throw in hundreds of swimmers under the age of 10 and lots of heat and humidity and what do you get–the city swim meet!
Here’s an idea of the crowd…And of course, you must occupy the said swimmers (wet, slimy with sunscreen, and tattooed with race, heat and lane numbers):And when it’s finally their turn… You have to have a great cheerleader!
I’m really proud of the Big Girl. She earned her 2nd fastest freestyle time (37.something seconds) and her fastest backstroke ever (33.37 or so…)!
Home of Needles, Nuts, and Bolts Sewing Classes and Personality Children's Clohtes
The haul:
I cut a size 4 in both. The only changes I made to the pattern were:
The shorts include cargo pockets. I didn’t have any twill tape, but I discovered some very well aged bias tape in my stash that worked for the tab. Here’s a close-up:
And of course, the frog applique…I just fused it, then outline stitched it onto a store bought tee.
And of course, you must occupy the said swimmers (wet, slimy with sunscreen, and tattooed with race, heat and lane numbers):
And when it’s finally their turn…
