Simplicity 2556 - Seafoam Blue Halter Vest

Simplicity Project Runway #2556



Pattern Description: Misses' vests with front variations…separate patterns included for cup size b, c, d. Inspired by Project Runway.



Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 10.



Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, with the minor change I made!

Were the instructions easy to follow? So easy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern - super cute and so stylish! It will be perfect for my trip to London to add some color to my bland wardrobe! :-)

Fabric Used: I am not sure what kind of fabric it is. I do know that it is a fashion fabric from Hancock Fabrics. :)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't add the buttons, instead I used clasps.

Would you sew it again? Yes.

Would you recommend it to others? Sure!

Conclusion: Stylish vest and so fun to wear! Though I do have to say, that I was a little confused on how to put on a halter vest. ;-)

What I'm Wearing:

White 1/2 sleeve blouse - Old Navy

White Tank - St. John's Bay at JCPenny

Seafoam Blue Halter Vest - Made by me

Brown Plaid Skirt - East 5th at JCPenny

Orange Wrap/Scarf - MERONA from Target

Black Wedges - Xhilaration from Target

Simplicity Fall 2009 Pattern Collection

Simplicity's Fall collection had come out and I'm so excited! As they have come out with some lovely patterns. Wait until you see the costume pattern! :-)

Wardrobe

This cute pattern features a great turtleneck pattern, skirt (you can lengthen it), jacket, vest, and slacks. I am also loving the color palette they chose.

OK, let me say that I LOVE the shade of blue they used for the vest and pants. For this pattern I only really like the jumper.

Tops

Nice basic blouse pattern with variations. I will definitely be picking this one up!

Skirts


A basic skirt pattern with some fun variations.

Jackets & Coats


I just LOVE this coat pattern by Project Runway! My favorite is the middle one in the top row, the green & blue plaid one. It is so cute!

This pattern is for the fashionable girl who likes the current fads. While I am a traditional/classic girl, I do like the blue and hot pink jacket.

Costumes

Sherlock Holmes Coat & Hat pattern. I am totally going to pick this one up, as I'm a HUGE Sherlock Holmes fan!

What ones do you like? Or don't like? You can see the rest of the collection by clicking on the picture below.

Masterpiece Classic Theater

The news is in! The new Emma and Cranford 2 is to be shown on Masterpiece Classic this winter! Hurray!!!! I can't wait!!!

See the news yourself here.

M5525 - Black Plaid Wool Coat

McCall's #5525 View D

Pattern Description: MISSES’ AND WOMEN’S LINED JACKETS, COATS AND BELT: Semi-fitted, lined, double-breasted jacket and coat have collar, lengths and sleeve variations, shoulder pads, princess seams and side front pockets; coats B, D and E have back vent; jackets A, C, coats B, D, E have belt carriers; jacket C, coat E have epaulets with button closure; coat E has pocket flaps with button trim; jacket C, coat E have collar tab; jacket C has front yoke; jacket C, coat E have back buttoned yoke; coats B, E, jacket C have sleeves with button bands; jackets A, C, coats B, D, E have topstitch trim, button closure; jackets A, C and coats D, E have self-tie belt.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 10

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Super Easy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern - super cute and so stylish! It will be perfect for my trip to London - if isn't too warm! :-)

Fabric Used: Vintage lightweight Wool from Hudson's for the outer fabric. I'm thinking the fabric is from the 1970s. I just used a bunch of special occasion fabric scraps for the lining. Makes for a very colorful inside! :-)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't add the buttons! I think it looks fine with out them.

Would you sew it again? Yes.

Would you recommend it to others? Sure!

Conclusion: Stylish Jacket and so fun to wear!

Cost of Project: Free! The wool was given to me and everything else was in my stash.

Week in Feminine Dress - Day 7

Sadly today is the last of WIFD. :-( My outfit for today is modern with a hint of elegance charm. This is my first time wearing these pieces together; I think they work great together! What do you think? I love looking through my clothes to find new combination of outfits.

What I'm Wearing:

Blue Jeans - St. John's Bay from JCPenny
Cream Ruffle Fashion Shirt - CHAPS from Kohls
White Tank - St. John's Bay from JCPenny
Black Wedges - Xhilaration from Target
Peal Necklace - Birthday Present

Week In Feminine Dress - Day 5

An American in London is today's theme! Why might you ask? *giggles* Well, I'm wearing a sailor shirt with a Union Jack Necklace. Want to see pictures? Of course you do!

What I'm Wearing:

White Linen Sailor Shirt - Made by me using a 1950s pattern. So you know, I didn't use a sewing machine, instead I sewed the shirt by hand.

Jean Skirt - Made by me.

Union Jack Necklace - Same as yesterday.

~Ashley

Week in Feminine Dress - Day 4

Sorry no day three. :-( I simply forgot to take a picture! I barely remembered to do one for today! I was too busy having fun at the State Fair with a bunch of friends. :-) Fun times!



What I'm Wearing:

Blue and Green skirt - St. John Bay from JCPenny's for $3 on the clearance rack
White Tank - St. John Bay from JCPenny's for $4 on sale
White Sleeveless blouse - Karen Scott (I got this shirt years ago!)
Brown Flip Flops - Mossimo Supply Co. from Target $15
Straw Hat - from Wall-mart several years ago
Sea green Purse - Don't remember the brand it's from JCPenny's I paid about $10
Union Jack Necklace - Chain I already had and had received as a gift. The charm I bought at Hancock Fabrics for $2.50 with three other charms.

Wow! Looking at this list, the most expense thing of my outfit is my flip flops! Shocking!


~Ashley

THE Wedding Dress

I headed back to the bridal gown studio on Sunday and was determined to pick out my gown from the three finalists. I knew I had to make a decision fast to ensure that I have the gown I want for Guam. The studio's 100+ styles are rented out on a first- come-first-serve basis. I needed to act quick, or someone else can reserve the one I am about to pick.



My initial favorite was the first one, the simpler, grecian style gown. I happily tried it on again, but was feeling less excited when I looked at it in the mirror. I was surprised myself at my sudden change of feelings about it. I have no idea why it looked less impressive to me the second time around.



I put on the second choice, and was feeling better in it than the first choice. I had to give up on the 3rd choice because someone had reserved it for the days I'll need to take it with me to Guam. The 2ed choice is a nice, clean, shorter gown, but a gown with longer tail will probably be more suited for chapel wedding. So I asked to try on a few more new styles. I did remember to bring my camera with me this time so here're my two new favorites:



The lady assistant was very patient, very helpful.




This is one of 4 more gowns I tried on Sunday. All are longer styles.




Here's another.




Same gown as the one right above.



Ultimately I settled on the strapless, lace & beaded gown that you see of the 2ed photo of this post. What do ya'll say? Which one would be your favorite?

Maid Marian's Wardrobe - A Medieval Fashion Event

I'm so excited! Amanda over on AmandaBeth Online is having a "long weekend" event for everything Maid Marian! When will this great event be? Glad you asked, Friday October 23 through Monday October 26. I know it seems so far away! But it will be here upon us before we know it.

You can read more about the event on Amanda's site, by either clicking on the picture below or on the sidebar.


~Ashley

McCall's Fall Collection

McCall's patterns are slowly becoming a favorite of mine, after Simplicity and their Project Runway Collection. I have gathered together some of my favorite new patterns that have come out for their Fall Collection.

I just have one thing to say before I show my favorites. I wouldn't wear most of these designs with out making some little adjustment for modesty's sake. That said let's see the collection!

Dresses:

Pull-on knit dresses are comfy to wear when you just want to stay at home and curl up with a good book to read. For modesty I would length this pattern several inches, well maybe more then several as the pattern says the dresses are 4" above mid-knee.

The classic sheath dress that is perfect for just about every event. Add either some statement jewelry or a fashion scarf. Maybe a belt for a little waist definition. Or wear it plain if it is make up in the right fabric.


Tops:

A pretty feminine blouse. Wouldn't this look great if you added some pin tucks and lace? Oh, the possibilities with this pattern! Of course, you could always take this pattern to the summer by adding short sleeves.

A pullover tunic, that would probably look best over pants. Though, some tunics look great over skirts, you just have to be very careful on the style of skirt you wear with a tunic. As you could end up with an unflattering look.


Skirts:

I really like view B! It reminds of some skirts I saw in my 1940s and 50s sewing books. This skirt would give one that vintage/modern feel. As fashion repeats its self - just like history.

Jackets:

Once again another piece with that vintage feel. I really like this jacket - its so, let me think, 1940s maybe early 1950s! I need to go study my fashion history. ;-)

What do you like from McCall's Fall Collection? Take a look at the collection yourself, just click on the picture.



Next week I'll feature another pattern company's Fall Collection.

~Ashley

P.S. All of the pictures are click-able.

Week In Feminine Dress - Day 2

On a wonderful board I'm on, we are doing a Week In Feminine Dress. Where we dress femininely through out a whole week and post pictures of our outfits. It is a great way to get ideas of new outfits! ;-)

What I'm Wearing:

Green Blouse - Eddie Bauer
Green Flower print skirt - Homemade for under $5
White Tee-shirt - Jones New York
Black Flats - American Eagle from Payless

~Ashley

Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn

Forth from her land to mine she goes, the island maid the, the Island Rose, Light of hesrt and bright of face, the daughter of a double race. Her Island here, in southern sun shall mourn their Ka'iulani gone, And, I, in her dear banyan's shade, Look vainly for my little maid.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

~Ashley
picture taken by one of my sisters at the Reformation 500.

Black & White Polka-Dot Dress

OK, let me warn you! I'm in love with polka-dots!!! I always have since I was little and liked Minnie Mouse. But, sadly I never had a dress with polka-dots till this year when I have three! :-) But this one is the best, as it reminds you of Minnie Mouse, but in black instead of red.

Simplicity's Project Runway Line #2588

Pattern Description: Misses Dress with neckline and skirt variations.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 10
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Super Easy!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love this pattern, super cute and stylish! It will be perfect for my trip to London!
Fabric Used: Cotton quilter fabric from Joann's.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the dress 7 inches. If let as is the dress would be above my knee (I'm 5' 8").
Would you sew it again? Yes.
Would you recommend it to others? Sure, it’s so cute.
Conclusion: Cute dress and so fun to wear!

What I'm wearing with the dress:

Reversible Black and Brown Belt from JCPenny - $9 on clearence

Black Wedges from Target - $20

~Ashley

Welcome!

My goal for Bramblewood Fashion is to talk about various subjects. Those subjects maybe from my latest sewing project, to a review of the latest book I've read, or updates on the latest period drama. Perhaps I'll tempt you with my latest cooking too! :-)

~Ashley

Typhoon Morakot

Exactly one week ago, I and many city residents ducked into the malls and movie theaters amid pouring rain brought on by Typhoon Morakot. Little did we know that the typhoon would leave a trail full of so much damage and casualty when it passed. The toll is Taiwan's heaviest in more than 50 years. Most of the damage was located in more remote, mountainous regions. Officals have put the toatl number of casualty at 500, with 120 confirmed death and 380 feared lost in mudslides. My prayers to all the families affected.




Dress: from our very own Ganguro Fashion Store

Dumpling Tote: local boutique

Ivory Wedge Sandals: gift from hubby

Necklaces: Mom's

Ruffles and Florals

Those harem pants are put away for now.....

Going back to dresses while Summer is still around.



Floral Chiffon Mini Dress: local boutique

White Layering Cami: local online store

Ivory Wedge Sandals: gift from hubby

One Shoulder Love

Outfit post at last! This is my weekend outfit for visits to bridal studios. Sorry you're seeing the same gray harem trousers again, but I totally love these right now! I tucked in the Black Diamond Sewn-on Tunic Mini Dress and wore it as a one shoulder top. How do you like the look?



Top (a tunic tucked in): local boutique

Gray Harem Trousers: local boutique

Ivory Wedge Sandals: gift from hubby

Countdown to Guam

Wedding Gown -

Thanks to all your comments and inputs on the wedding gown! It seems many of you are leaning towards the first choice for its sophisticated simplicity. I will go back to the bridal studio to try on all three gowns again and make a final decision. Whichever dress I pick will still need to be altered to fit me. I might take the opportunity to ask for other adjustments to the dress.



Flight, Wedding Date -

We will be leaving for Guam on Sep 05 if all goes according to plan. We will have the chapel wedding on Labor Day, Sep 07. So stay tuned for photos of Guam.



Bridal Hair & Makeup -

This is definitely the part I feel I'm most unprepared for. We will have a local stylist for the wedding, but our time with her before heading to the chapel will be short. I've been advised to bring photos of bridal hair and makeup looks I like with me to Guam. I am nearly clueless about what makeup look I want. I know I'd like my hair up, with lots of volume. Can any of you offer tips, or send me photos of bridal looks that you think would work for me?



Shoes -

I thought I am supposed to decide on the dress first before starting the hunt for a pair of matchy heels. I'm also clueless on the shoes. I think something that will give me at least a three-inches boost for sure.



Btw, here is a file photo of our chosen venue (click to enlarge):

Wedding Gown

Hubby and I are going to have a chapel wedding in Guam next month. I've been taking time planning lately, thus the lack of new posts up here. Over the weekend, we went searching for my wedding gown, amid a windy, rainy typhoon when most people chose to stay indoor. This being my frist time in a wedding gown, and my tendency to be overly picky with anything to do with clothing, I really hope to find a gown that will make me think "This is it! This is the one!". We visited 3 bridal studios and tried on 16 different gowns. And I've narrowed my choices to 3. Wish I hadn't forgotten to take photos myself trying on different gowns. Hmm.. but I'll still give you a glimps of the gowns by posting file photos from one of the bridal studioss' site. These are the list of final three: (What do you guys say? Which one should I take to Guam for my chapel wedding?)



Click on the photos for larger view of these three gowns.