My New Favorite Maxi Skirt in Ankara Wax Fabric

                        

I love a good maxi skirt! Don't you love a good maxi skirt? I especially love a African wax print maxi skirt. I have been on the hunt for a new pattern that was beyond the basic gathered skirt with a waistband, button and zipper. I had done it, liked it, but wanted to mix it up. My search brought me to The Lorelai Skirt by Cheryl of Paradiso Designs.

This Paradiso patterns are not like commercial patterns. You cut your size by calculating a formula using your measurements. Because of this, you can be make all sizes including plus sizes. The Lorelai skirt can be made 3 styles, maxi, midi & sport. The maxi length has 2 options, with or without a patchwork or contrast inset. You can choose to add pockets or not. 

Because this is not your typical pattern, you may be intimidated by the format of the instructions. My trick was to print them, choose my option and highlight my steps and illustrations. Once you identify your choice from the others, you will be able to follow the steps with no problem.

                          

This skirt feels really amazing! The wide elastic waistband is worn low on the hips and is close-fitting before widening at the gathered lower skirt.  

                                

The skirt back mimics the front skimming the body.

                        

The sides of the skirt feature super sexy yet, discrete slits up both sides. The placement reveals just enough leg and nothing more even with a gust of wind.

                             

  

I always feel confident wearing what I make. Taking a piece of fabric and transforming it into something wonderful is thrilling. The combination of cut of this unique pattern, my choice of bold fabric, and styling makes me feel particularly Badass! I have been on a duo making kick lately and plan to make another soon. If you want to feel Badass too, I suggest you get this pattern. You have to provide the big ass Afro, sunnies, attitude and 1960's filter yourself though.

                            

Side Note: I will be at the Quilt Market October 29-31  and the Quilt Festival  November 3-6, 2017. I will be helping with Paradiso Designs and The Tunic Bible (CT Publishing) as well as enjoying the show. If you see me, please come up and say hello.

  

                           

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

My Fun New Purchases From Quilt Festival

So, I am still riding my excitement from The Houston International Quilt Festival. 

I met some really great people and bought some fun things. I took the suggestion of blog reader Tina and went to the Qt Studio booth of her friend Wendy. Wendy is a fabric dye artist. She uses various techniques to achieve vibrant colors in her prints.

I loved EVERYTHING in her booth! I was exercising discretion in my spending, but I did hear this overdyed piece calling my name. At first, I thought it was dyed and block printed. It is apparently a floral print fabric that is dyed over to produce this final look. I had my mind blown; what a wonderful way to transform existing fabric.

In the same vein as fabric manipulation, I was really excited to try my hand at block printing. I almost took a class, but it conflicted with my schedule. I went to the Colouricious booth and got an awesome hands-on demo on block printing from Jamie Malden. 

Jamie Malden 

She was a fount of knowledge and was so generous with her time and expertise.

I cannot wait to get stamping! I have lots of fabric paint, but did not want to get started on the wrong foot with printing. I bought this starter paint set from Pro Chem Paints. They are the kind Jamie used and I liked the feel of the paint when dry.  

Next up! I was introduced to Paradiso Designs and the lead designer Cheryl Kuezek, She is so cool! I was drawn to the lovely dresses on display. 

Boho Frock

I was tired and ready to leave the festival before stopping at her booth. When I stopped and chatted, I was immediately invigorated talking with her about her designs! I love her style and vibe and cannot wait to sew up these patterns!  I will blog about these in detail once I get to making so stay tuned. 

Okashi Courier Bag

 On the day "Little Miss" joined me, she chose a pattern for us to work on together. She likes the closed lids of the eyes and the lace.

"Little Miss" has a hard time parting with too small clothes, especially if I made it. I think this pattern may be a good one to use scraps of those garments to make. That way she can hold onto them in a new way. 

Last but not least. I got a little something fun for me! 

I grab one of these sewing themed charms every year I go and could not resist these two this year!

I really stretched myself this Festival. I took classes, sought out new people to meet,  and tried new techniques. All of with was worth it! I am so glad I went. Next year promises to be more wonderful and I cannot wait!

Happy Sewing,
Bianca