Have you ever looked at a person, spoken with the person and felt in your spirit that they had something special the world needs to know about?
I attended a speech contest last weekend and had the honor of sitting next to one of the contestants. The minute I laid eyes on her, I felt there was something special about her. It was her smile, and the eyes. As we began to communicate with each other, I became increasingly more interested in knowing more about her.
At some point, during our conversation, before the contest began, I said to myself, “She’s about to win this contest.” Her passion, her heart, and her authenticity about her message was admirable.
Likewise, we all have a message to share with the world. Each person has, within their sphere of influence, someone who needs encouragement, awareness, and support. Our experiences, both good and bad, are not just moments in time. They’re meant to be life teachers, for the sake of helping others. When we can get to the point where we allow our experiences to be used by God in expressing His relentless love, that’s where the abundant life begins.
By the way, she WON the contest!!!
2-PIECE SUIT
Now, let’s talk about this 2-Piece Suit! Hooooney baby!!! OoooWeee!!! Yes, I AM drooling over my own work! Hahaha!!! You know what? It’s okay to be proud of yourself. Every once in a while, I actually scream and say, “Girllll, you better, Girrrrlllll!!! Hahaha!!! Yeah, sometimes humility is absent, but only in the privacy of my own sewing studio. Hahaha!!! Well, maybe I’ve let it slip a few times in public too.
I initially made this suit to wear for the next time I speak, and I still plan to do that. However, I think I’m gonna wear it this Sunday for Mother’s Day. I was planning to make a floral dress to wear on Sunday, but this suit is calling my name.
FABRIC
This beautiful fabric has been sitting in my collection for over two years. I have no idea what it is though. It’s a woven, with a small amount of lycra. I purchased it at the Michael Levine Loft, in Downtown, Los Angeles, where all the fabrics are thrown inside large boxes. You have to rummage through the boxes to find the treasures.
That being said, when I came across this fabric, I bought it because I thought the print was interesting, and there was so much of it. I have enough left over to make a pair of pants or a dress. The fabrics at the Loft are sold at very low cost because they’re usually remnants or discontinued items from the main store.
BLAZER – BUTTERICK 5926
I’ve had Butterick 5926 in my pattern collection for a LONG time. This unlined, notched collar blazer is sized for stretch knits only. Since I used a woven fabric, I went up one size and didn’t make any pattern alterations. The fit is perfect! I LOVE it when I can sew a garment straight from the package.
However, this was my first time sewing a notched collar, and the instructions gave me the blues. I kept reading them over again, and looked for notched collar videos, but nothing I found really helped. Eventually, I figured it out on my own by just trying to make sense of it. I’m still not sure how I actually got it to work. Therefore, I’ll have to sew more notched collars for practice. Because, I really like the pattern, I’m giving it another try. I need to perfect this technique because I LOVE the outcome. Once I master it, I’ll probably make a video tutorial.
The pattern suggests using ribbon for the trim on the collar, but I didn’t really care for that method. Instead, I used purchased, double fold bias binding to wrap the edges of the collar. Although this created bulkiness, it doesn’t take away from the look or feel of the collar in any way. Mitering the notched area with the trim was a bit tricky with the binding being wrapped, but like Tim Gunn would say, I made it work.
SKIRT – BUTTERICK 5466
Butterick 5466 is the same skirt pattern I used for my BROCADE SKIRT. It’s a very easy sew, beginner friendly, with only three pattern pieces (front, back, waistband) for View B. The pattern suggests a hook & eye closure for the waistband, but I used a snap instead. I very rarely use hook & eye closures, because I don’t like them.
Overall, the suit is a winner for me. I plan to separate the two pieces and wear them with other items coming to my DIY wardrobe. The blazer would look awesome with a brown skirt, brown skinny jeans, or a pair of brown, chiffon palazzo pants. So many options for the blazer.
Then of course the skirt can be worn with a multitude of tops for all seasons. For winter, I can’t wait to rock it with a brown turtleneck, brown tights and boots. In the future, I’m sure I’ll add blazers and cardigans, in many colors, to my wardrobe that will look amazing with the skirt.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms! May your special day be blessed abundantly with peace of mind and love in your hearts. I look forward to going to church and relaxing on the sofa with my favorite snack foods and a movie. At least that’s what I have planned. Hahaha!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
What I don’t understand is why Butterick and all the other pattern makers do not offer the same patterns to women who over a size 26 plus size. Does that mean we don’t want to look good too. Far to long you been catering to a image of what woman that is small framed. It’s time for change wake up butterick.
I really LOVE the suit. You have really inspired me. That will be my next sewing project.
Girl….you look awesome in your DIY suit. I’m beginner with sewing clothes so I’ll definitely watch your how-to videos for tips….
Thank you
You look lovely..great job on the suit.
Thank you
Hi
The suit is beautiful
Thank you, Nancy
The suit is gorgeous and so are you! You’re inside beauty radiates and the presence of God in you comes through even in the pictures!! No humility needed in your sewing abilities, God has given you an amazing talent and you’re using it to the fullest!!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Absolutely stunning
Do you think you can do a song along for this out
Smiles are attracting and contagious! Your Smile and GOD fearing Spirit is what attracted me to your site. With that said, where can I find your Baby Lock teaching videos and updated YouTube videos? Want to start learning how to sew my own clothes. Like this AWESOME suit. Keep Praising GOD. I LVE how HE keeps BLESSING you!!!
Simply gorgeous you are. What a stunning dress suit. You are very talented.
Thank you Melissa
Giiirrrllllll is right. Anita, your work is Neiman Marcus worthy!!!
OooWee!!! Come on! YES!
Just Stunning!! You are such an inspiration to me since I’m learning how to sew clothes for myself. I enjoy your narratives about how and why you sew a particular outfit. Happy Mother’s Day, Anita!!
Awww, so happy to hav you on board G!
Oh Anita, that looks fabulous girl.
I am loving it. HappyMothers day to you too.
Thank you Sherron!
Thank You Anita! You look wonderful. And may God Bless you to enjoy a Happy Mothers Day!
Thank you Dara!
beautiful as always! great job!
happy mother’s day
Thanks Marilyn!
STUN-NING! Love the print. Love the outfit. Love the accessorizing. You rock this (although I think you pretty much rock all of your clothes!)
Thank you Jean! I love it too!
WOW, WOW ,WOW! Stunning!
Thank you Cheryl!
You look fabulous. I want to make this outfit. You’re the best!
Thanks Cora! Do it! You’ll love it.
Love it! You look fabulous! Thanks for the inspiration. Happy Mothers Day!
Thanks Kate and you’re very welcome.
Wow! You should be drooling over this suit. I am always amazed at how you are so good at fitting your clothing. You definitely have a God given talent and you use it well. Your style is so sophisticated and pure. I love it. You are a beautiful woman and your love of God shines through you. Happy Mother’s Day to you. Oh yes you know a thing or two about wearing hats.
Thank you so much Carolyn! You made me smile with this beautiful comment.
I Love the fabric and the suit. What view is the blazer?
Thank you Marilyn! The blazer is View A.
Oh my gosh! Anita, you look so pretty and sophisticated in this outfit. Wish I could be as talented as you are. Keep it coming cause you are simply the best.
Hey Lise! Thank you so much! Just keep sewing. The more we sew, the better we become at it.
One word….FABULOUS. Just fabulous.
Thank you Sherry
I can see why you are proud of the blazer and skirt. They are fabulous!!!
Thank you Dawn
That is one sharp suit. What a great use of the print too!
Thanks Dei! I’m so glad I finally used this fabric.
Fabulous!!
Thank you, Karen!
Hi Anita, beautiful material. You are wearing that outfit. I was just looking at my email & noticed that I had not received any emails from & today I was happy to see your blog. Forgive me, but I try to refer your blog to several people. Just today in class, I mentioned you. Continue to use the gift & talents that The Lord has blessed you with. You are really an encouragement!! Thanks?
Thank you so much for your support, Ros! Makes my heart happy.
I am drooling along with you over the suit. It is STUNNING!! You look amazing.
I’m looking forward to watching a video on how you wrapped the collar and lapels with the binding tape.
God bless and Happy Mother’s Day.
Thank you, Livia
Anita,
You are wearing that suit!? The fit, fabric, and color is complimentary. You’ve done it again! Good for you.
Thank you so much Caroll
Well Bless your mighty heart! Anita!…JOB WELL DONE!…AGAIN!!!!! (If you could see my face right now! Justa cheezin!)?
All I can say is you are slayin that look & I love it!!! Can’t wait to finish these prom dresses so I can get back to sewing for me!!! Excited about your next project!
Hey Teresa! Thank you so much! OooWee! I gotta give it to you ladies who sew for proms and weddings. That takes a special talent to be able to help make such a special day more memorable.
Gorgeous suit, gorgeous work and you look AMAZING.
Thank you Marly!
OMGOSH your suit is just amazing and you look stunning wearing it, I love the fabric what a find at Micheal Levine’s it is so much fun so shop there.
I have been following your blog for about a year now and you have inspired me through your sewing and your Godly manner, thank you!
I just want to thank you for sharing your thoughts, heart and sewing projects I look forward to your blogs in my in-box surprising me with whatever you make.
Have a blessed week and happy Mothers Day!
JeriLynn
Hi Jerilynn! Thank you so much for being a part of my community. I really love what I do, and happy to be finding my way back into the groove.
How could you not be proud . Lol!.. that fabric is awesome and quite stunning with your complexion.. I love it!
Thank you so much Sandra! I stopped wearing earth tones for years because I thought they washed me out. I recently started adding them back into my wardrobe. What was I thinking? I LOVE brown.
Well well my dear Anita Morris, you look fabulous in that suit and the best part about it,is that you made it yourself. That’s a plus in itself. The fabric looks beautiful. You go girl friend. I look forward to seeing your creations. Happy Happy Mother’s Day to you. Our Mother’s Day has already gone in March. Take care of yourself and enjoy every minute of it. Dinny
.
Thank you so much Dinny! I hope your Mother’s Day was fabulous.
Everything you sew is beautiful, but you truly shine in this outfit…even more than usual! Also, thank your for your encouraging words in your introduction. Your generousity, optimism and strength inspire me as much as your sewing does.
Thank you so much Misha! My heart’s desire really is to inspire as much as I’m inspired by others.
Absolutely beautiful Ms. Anita. Love the fabric and pattern choice as well, please share your video tutorial once you have it as many of us new sewers struggle with the notch collar.
Thank you Karon! Okay, I’m excited to master the skill then share.
Your suit is beautiful, and I know you will look wonderful in it, or as separates. I look forward to a tutorial on a knotched collar.
Thank you Cynthia! Stay tuned.
Beautiful outifit! I have a question. How did you know that it was going to fit? Did you measure the pattern pieces and compare to your measurements? I think blazers are coming back. This looks great!
Hi Helen! I use the finished measurements printed on the pattern pieces to determine which size to cut. Measuring the pattern pieces is best practice because sometimes the measurements are actually off.
After measuring the pieces, I determine if the amount of ease is sufficient for the desired fit.
I love blazers.
Happy Mother’s Day everyone!!! All I can say is BU–T–FO!!!
Thanks Peggy! Hahaha!
Anita, you have outdone yourself on this suit. It is fabulous and you look fabulous girl! A very high-end look. I am 68 years old, have been sewing for 58 years, and I have never made a notched collar jacket because I could not figure it out. If at some point you had the time to make a tutorial, I would be very grateful!
Thank you so much, Barbara! I really want to share a tutorial with you. As soon as I get it figured out.
Anita, this 2-piece suit is RoCkInG. It looks sooooo good on you. I love the fabric. What a wonderful choice you made. Thank you for the inspiration I always get from you and your work. God Bless.
Thank you Doris! God bless you too.
Sometimes nobody has to tell you how good you look- you just know it and rock it. Beautiful. Happy mother’s day.
That’s right Pam!
Fantastic Job! You look STUNNING!!!!!!! Such a beautiful fit. Looking forward to your tutorial
Thank you NY Gal!
I love this 2 piece suit as well as your ideas to separate the pieces to wear with other items. You are such an inspiration and beautiful as always 🙂
Thank you Latonya!