June 20, 2019
FaithStJules

FINDING ME ON INSTAGRAM

IT’S ALL FOR FUN RIGHT?

When I joined Instagram in 2016, I had no idea what I was doing, I was just having fun posting photos of my makes. Little did I know how serious Instagram was, and that there are “guidelines.” But I wasn’t worried about having the perfect Instagram page, I just wanted to share my sewing for fun. Isn’t that the most important thing?

Over time, I have been getting DMs as well as ads on my feed about how to grow Instagram accounts, and a lot of the advice are about taking the right photos, staying on trend, finding your niche and sticking to it, making sure your page is brand friendly, making sure your page tells a story, etc etc. I guess it was not all about having fun, it was also about creating another version of you, so that you will be liked and followed.

I feel that before you take advice on the ins and outs of Instagram, it is important to figure out “Your Why.” For instance, are you on Instagram for fame, hopes of monetizing your account by getting recognized by brands, or just for sharing? Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong reason, but make sure that whatever your reason, you are true to yourself and “Your Why.”

STRESSED AND CONFUSED

At one point after I joined Instagram I felt a lot of pressure to make sure that my photos were just right, to the point where I had my poor husband out for hours going to different locations for perfect lighting to try to get a great shot. It became very stressful, and he was not liking it. There was also someone I met on social media telling me constantly what my page should look like, and I listened because I thought their page was beautiful. They even told me to look at other people’s page to see what mine should look like. I became so overwhelmed, that I forgot why I was on Instagram to begin with, and I was no longer having fun. It felt like Instagram was another job I was not happy doing. Life can already be overwhelming, I didn’t need to add more stress to it.

At one point I thought about shutting down my page. I mean, I just wanted sew and have fun sharing. I had no intentions of trying to brand myself, nor focus more on making what others wanted to see me make, rather than what I wanted to make. I basically became someone I did not recognize, and my page did not look like me. I had to literally separate myself from Instagram and refocus.

One day, while talking to a good friend, she gave me the best life advice. I even give this same advice to my children when it comes to peer pressure at school. She said, “If you find yourself changing to please the world to the point where you don’t recognize who you are anymore, then remove all of the people and things that are making you unrecognizable.” That is just what I did. While on my break I will admit that I missed Instagram. I had met some lovely people in the sewing community, and missed seeing their creations. However, before I came back, I had to figure out my why, and never lose sight of it.

I later came back to Instagram, but with a purpose in mind, to sew and share my love of sewing with all those who wanted to join me on my journey to building a self made wardrobe.

MY WHY

I joined Instagram because I love to sew and share with others, that’s it. I honestly don’t follow trends, I just make what I like. My page is not perfectly curated, because honestly my life and my sewing is not. I truly wear what I make, so sometimes you may see me in a beautiful dress, and sometimes you’ll see me in shorts and a top, but you can guarantee they are all made by me.

There are times I get really cool photos, and there are times when I get a shot in or near my house before I run out. Don’t get me wrong, nice photos show off the details of your make nicely, so I am not saying it is not important to take nice photos for your page. Just make sure that you are not stressing yourself out so much about the perfect location and photo. I have seen some instagrammers with beautiful photos inside their homes in their creation. You don’t have to be in some out of this world location in every photo, unless you are a travel blogger.

INSPIRATION

I am inspired by some fashion bloggers and other sewists on Instagram, but I don’t want my page to look like theirs. Why? Because I am not them, and what works for them may not work for me. If someone takes notice of my page, and a blessing comes from it, then I will be grateful. However, it will be because they like me, and what I represent, and not who I want them to think I am.

THE LESSON

I have learned that Instagram, like any other social media platform is what you make of it. You can have fun with it, you can gain income from it, but most importantly in my book, you can inspire with it. Don’t let it cause you to be someone you are not, because at the end of the day, it’s not the real world, and there is so much life to live off of social media.

My name is Faith, and I LOVE TO SEW!!

thank you guys for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it. Have a wonderful day. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.

TWEED ALL ABOUT IT

Hi everyone! I hope all is well. I have not always been a big fan of tweed, but I must say that I have been converted, and I hold Pinterest responsible. I saw so many gorgeous tweed looks on Pinterest that I was inspired to create my own modern twist on the tweed trend. I must admit that I was also moved to create a look due to the passing of the late great Karl Lagerfeld, who did wonders when he took over as Creative Director of Chanel’s Haute Couture and RTW line. In my opinion, he modernized Chanel.

I have seen quite a bit of tweed around, and it’s often been in the form of a dress or jacket. However, I wanted to stray from the norm. Therefore, I decided to add my own touch to my tweed design and I used one pattern and beautiful tweed fabric that I purchased from my local fabric warehouse, Fine Fabrics, here in Atlanta, to create two looks. That pattern is New Look 6524.

FIRST LOOK

I wanted to add the button touch to the back. Shout out to my son for picking the buttons.

After creating my top, I decided to make a whole outfit, so I used McCalls 6930, my TNT (tried and true) to create shorts to complete the look. Once I realized there was extra fabric left over, I decided to create shorts for my mini me as well using the same pattern. She was so happy, she loves when we wear mommy and me looks. I sure hope that she still enjoys it once she starts middle school next year 😢 (they grow up so fast). If not, I can create her singular looks that fits her ever changing style.

This look came together in the end, but there were a few changes made before I came to a final decision, which often happens in the planning and creating stage of any project. After trying on the top below, I just did not like the way it looked with the Peplum (it’s so important to constantly try on projects as you sew). I also decided to create gathered sleeves to complete the top.

This was my first idea for the top, but the Peplum was flat and was just overkill in my opinion. I decided to remove it and just keep it simple with the top.

LOOK TWO

For my final look, I decided to create a dress with a cute detail. My inspiration was this very cute dress that I saw on Pinterest. I did not want my dress to look exactly like my inspiration, but I did love the Peplum look on the bottom of the dress.

With this look, I had extra fabric left over, and rather than throwing it to the side, I decided to get creative and make a head wrap with it. I think that it pulled the whole look together.

TWEED TIP

When working with tweed, it is very important that you serge the ends before washing and/or before starting your project. Once you cut out your pattern onto your fabric, make sure that you serge the ends then too. If you do not serge the ends of the fabric it will fray badly and fall apart depending on how long you have it sitting before you complete your project.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog. I hope that it has inspired you to start or continue sewing. That feeling of “I made it,” never goes away no matter how many things you make. Be blessed you guys, and remember to do everything with a purpose and with good intentions. Please like and comment below.

January 7, 2019
FaithStJules

4 comments

PERFECT PLAID

Hi everyone!! I hope all is well with you. I have been sewing like crazy already and the new year just started. I made something that I am so excited to share with you, so continue reading.

The Fabric

I purchased this beautiful plaid wool-like fabric when I went to Jo-Anns to purchase thread, as most sewists are guilty of. You know what I’m talking about. That moment when you go to the store to purchase notions, and walk out with a large bag of fabric. In this case, I am glad I did, because this fabric is such a beautiful find.

Pattern

I have been following Eryn from Style Sew Me for a long time. I used to watch her on YouTube as well, and I love her work. She is so talented and driven. Towards the end of last year she created a cardigan pattern that I fell in love with at first sight called the Madison Cardigan. I made it a few weeks ago, and have worn it more than I’d like to admit 😂😂. Read on to hear my thoughts.

My Cardigan

The pattern was so quick and easy to sew. There are five pieces to this pattern. After cutting, it took me approximately 30 to 40 minutes to sew my cardigan. I did not make any changes to the pattern. I only added bias tape that I made myself for the first time, along the edge. I am definitely planning on sewing this pattern again. I already have plans to sew more for spring and summer using different types of fabrics. I must say that this cardigan made me feel “gone with the wind fabulous.

Thank you guys so very much for taking the time to read my blog. Continue scrolling to see why I am so in love with this pattern.

I love the flowiness

January 4, 2019
FaithStJules

no comments

CLOSET FABRIC CHALLENGE

Hey you guys!!! I am so glad to announce my first challenge!! The CLOSET FABRIC CHALLENGE!!

Do you have clothing in your closet that you can’t bring yourself to get rid of for sentimental reasons or because you love the fabric? Well, that is me. Hello everyone, My name is Faith, and I am a sentimental hoarder.

The dress that I am wearing in the photo above is my bridesmaid dress from my brother’s wedding over 12 years ago. I know that I won’t wear it anywhere else, but the fabric is so gorgeous, and I looooove the bodice. I have this dress and a few other items in my closet that I can’t get myself to give away. I either hold on to it because of sentimental reasons or because I love the fabric. Do you guys have this problem? Well, I have a solution. Join my #closetfabric challenge on Instagram!!

WHAT TO DO

1.) Find one item of clothing or more and upcycle it into something else. It doesn’t have to be clothing, just something you know you will wear or use.

2.) Follow me on Instagram, and post photos of your before and after on Instagram from January 18th to the 31st and tag me @faithstjules using the hashtag #closetfabric.

3.) Have fun and get creative.

At the end challenge, I randomly select a winner to win a $25 Visa gift card. You can use it to purchase new patterns, fabric, or whatever, it’s a Visa, you can use it anywhere. Also, I will be revealing what I created out of this dress on the 31st. Yay!!! Let’s get to cleaning out that closet and start creating.

November 18, 2018
FaithStJules

2 comments

GREAT JEANS

Hi everyone, or as we say in Georgia, hey ya’ll! When Tammy and Nicole of D&H Fabrics chose me as one of the bloggers for their first ever blogger’s tour, I was ecstatic! I also knew that I wanted to take this opportunity to make something that I’ve never created before, due to fear of failure. I wanted to make jeans pants.

The Fabric

As soon as I entered the D&H website I was so in love with the selection, that I could not just choose one fabric to use for my project. I chose the cone mills slub indigo denim and the cozy cloud sweater knit. If you’re going to make jeans, why not make a top to go with it right? The denim fabric is so sturdy and comfortable. I could tell right away that this fabric was made to last. The sweater knit is so soft and cozy (now I understand the name) that I must order more to make jammies.

The Pattern
I am a big fan of Megan Nielsen’s patterns, so of course I had to use her Ash jeans pattern. For my top, I used my go to t-shirt pattern, Jalie pattern, 2805.

The Jeans
I must admit that I had no idea what I was up for when creating my jeans. Constructing the jeans was not the difficult part, the topstitching would be the Magnito to my Professor X (Marvel comic fan). However, I pushed through, and I must say that I am pretty happy about the outcome, considering that this was my first time making jeans.

The Top

The top was a very easy make, and I love it so much, that I’ve already washed and worn it three times since I made it a week ago. I must say that the sweater knit fabric is such great quality that even after so many washes in such a short time, it holds its color and texture very well.

I am grateful to Tammy and Nicole for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful journey. Through this, I have discovered wonderful sewists and amazing fabrics. I look forward to creating more projects with their amazing fabrics.

November 7, 2018
FaithStJules

no comments

GOLDEN VELVET

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. I am all smiles right now because it is fall 🍁, and it is my favorite time of year. I love watching the leaves change from green to reds and oranges. I love decorating the outside and inside of my home with pumpkins and fall decors, but most of all, I look forward to fall because I get to pull out all of my velvet clothing and make new ones for this year. Today I am going to share my new me made outfit with you, as well as include a few photos of my favorite velvet garments that I have created so far, so keep on reading.

For my first look, I used two different patterns to create a full outfit. The first pattern that I used to make my top is the new fall pattern from McCalls Pattern company, M7836. For my pants, I used Simplicity 1283 by Mimi G.

My Review

Fabric Used: I used a gold metallic velvet fabric from Promenade Fabrics.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy to follow. Both pieces were easy to make as well, I finished both in under an hour (not including cutting the pattern pieces).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did not make any alterations nor modifications, it was perfect as is.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely use both patterns again. I have already used Simplicity 1283 to make several pants.

Conclusion: I love both patterns, and I am very happy with the outcome. What I love most is that I was able to use two patterns to create a beautiful and luxurious outfit that I can also wear separately with different garments.

I absolutely love velvet, it’s soft, warm, and beautiful to look at. I have already created a few velvet pieces this season. Please continue scrolling to see my favorite velvet garments that I created. Thank you guys so much for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it.

“Dare to love yourself
as if you were a rainbow
with gold at both ends.

–Author: Poet Aberjhani

August 27, 2018
FaithStJules

no comments

Gingham and Sneakers

Hey you guy!! I know it’s been a while since I blogged, but it has been a very busy summer. We took a 10 day cruise vacation, the kids had sports, and I also home school them during the summer to prepare them for the new school year. However, with all of that on my plate, I did manage to get quite a bit of sewing in, which I will share on a future summer round up blog post. Today, I have come baring gifts of plaid. I found a beautiful plaid fabric at Joann’s Fabric, and when the associate at the cutting counter told me that it was on sale for $4. 99 a yard, I had to get it. As soon as I saw the fabric, I knew exactly what I wanted to make with it.

The first look that I created comes from @McCall Pattern Company early fall collections, M7813.

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I absolutely love the style and the easy sewing of the skirt pattern. I am already making plans to make other versions for fall. I felt fun and comfortable in this skirt. I styled it my way with my favorite pair of Guess sneakers and I also threw on my favorite leather jacket with it to give it a fall look.

Paired it with a blue bodysuit that I made using McCalls 7606, and heels to dress it up a bit.

As you can see, I was really feeling quite confident in this ensemble, especially this cool hat that my husband actually gave me the idea to wear with the outfit. I must say, he has a good eye, because the hat pulled the whole look together. Below is a video review that I created of M7813

Sewing Project #2

The next look that I created with this fabric was a mashup between two of my favorite patterns, M7783 and V9100. I used V9100 for the skirt portion of the dress, and I shortened the length about 5 1/2″ so that it would be my desired length for the dress. For the lining of the flounce sleeve, instead of cutting four of the pattern piece out of the fabric, I cut two of the fabric and two of the solid navy blue lining that I used. I used a solid blue lining for the flounce sleeves to give it a little contrast. I used M7783 as the bodice, but I lengthened it by three inches, because the pattern was created as a cropped top.

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I taped the pattern piece to white craft paper and adjusted the length by three inches. If I decide to use the pattern as intended, all I will have to do is cut the bottom piece and tape it back to the top portion.

At first, I was only going to make a top with M7783 view C, but then as I was getting ready to lay out the fabric to cut, I realized that I would have quite a bit of fabric left over, so I decided to turn the top into a dress. I absolutely love how everything came together once it was completed. I absolutely love modifying patterns as making my own look with it.

I also paired the dress with sneakers to give it a more casual fun look. Now I’m picnic in the park ready, I just need to go grab Toto and my picnic basket.

Thank you guys so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. I hope that my content is enjoyable and you continue to come back. Please give me your thoughts in the comment section below. Have a wonderful and blessed day.

May 21, 2018
FaithStJules

4 comments

Mommy Makes It

Hi everyone!! I hope all is well with you. It has been a while since I created a blog post, but life has been so busy with work, life, and everything in between. If you all have been following my blog long, you know that my daughter is the reason that I started sewing. She loves fashion, but I am very careful that she expresses herself with fashion while still looking age appropriate. One of my favorite things to do is sew mommy and me looks for my her and I, and sometimes, my son gets in on the fun. I truly treasure these moments, because I know that one day, they will grow up, and may not want to dress alike any more, at least I know for a fact that my son will not. However, as of right now, they love when I make their clothes. When asked by others where they got their clothing, they would proudly say, “my mommy makes it.” Seeing them so proud to wear what I make in a time when so many are label driven, makes me feel wonderful and accomplished.

For this mommy and me look, I used New Look 6487 for my daughter’s dress, but I did a few modifications such as adding a zipper to the front instead of buttons, and adding ruffles to the bottom to make it a bit more unique to her taste.

I created a few pieces for myself out of the fabric that I used. The first thing that I created is a spring jacket using M7730 view A from McCalls Pattern Company. I did not make any modifications with this look, because it is one of those patterns that is beautiful just the way it is. I also made shorts using M6930 view A. I have made these shorts a few times. I also made a ruffle shorts DIY with this pattern. I have a tutorial up on my YouTube channel. I also have a sleeve tutorial on M7730 on my channel as well.

People always tell parents to enjoy their kids, because the days are long, but the years are short. I must agree, because my little girl whom I was just holding in my arms feeding what seems like yesterday, just turned ten and I find myself wondering where the years went. My son will be taller than me by his tenth birthday, and I have been investing in more heels for this occasion. I feel blessed to watch them grow, and I pray for the world that they are growing up in everyday. However, I will continue to enjoy everyday, and hope that they remain long, and I will take more opportunities to share many more mommy and me moments with them while I can. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I hope you all have a blessed and joyful day.

continue scrolling down for more photos. I also added a photo of our me made looks that I created for Mother’s Day at the end.

MOTHER’S DAY EXTRA

For Mother’s Day, I created a shirt for my sun using Simplicity S8180 view A, I modified S1453 view A and turned it into a peplum top for my daughter. I also modified Megan Nielsen’s Matilda Dress pattern and turned the bodice into a cropped spring jacket for myself. I will be doing a YouTube tutorial on this at a later date, so subscribe to my channel to stay on top of new uploads.

March 3, 2018
FaithStJules

4 comments

Day and Night Dress Challenge

Hi everyone!! I hope that you are all doing well. Today I am going to talk about two dress that I made for a “Day and Night Dress Challenge,” that I participated in for the first time this year. This challenge was created by the awesome Elizabeth of elizabethmadethis.com. This year’s theme is coffee and cocktails, which is perfect, because that’s often times how my friends and I get together when we get a moment from our busy lives to get girl’s time in. We either meet for coffee or cocktails.

Coffee With Friends Dress

For this dress, I modified Simplicity 8136

As you can see, it was designed by Mimi G as a peplum top. I lengthened the people portion of the top and turned it into a dress. I must say that I was completely pleased with the outcome. I couldn’t stop twirling in it.

Cocktail Dress

For this dress I used a pattern that I consider my T.N.T (tried and true) pattern, McCalls 6886

I sewed view A. The only modification that I made was to shorten the dress a little so that it would fit my 5’3″ frame. This is by far one of my favorite patterns, because I can use it as a foundation to create other designs such as any t-shirt or dress design that I can imagine. It’s also very quick to sew.

Thank you guys for checking out my blog. Please take a moment to check out elizabethmadethis.com for more info. on this challenge. There is still time for you to participate. Have a great day you guys.

February 18, 2018
FaithStJules

2 comments

Father-Daughter Dance 2018

Hello everyone!! Happy Saturday!! The time has come again, for the father-daughter dance. This year, the theme is Paris, which made my daughter so very excited, because all she ever talks about is being a famous pastry chef in Paris. Even her room is Paris themed.

Being the little fashionista that she is, my daughter sent me on a mission to make her a dress for the dance as I do every year, except this year she sent a picture from Pinterest for me to use as inspiration for her dress.

I decided that I would make her dress by doing a pattern hack. I used Burda Kids 9379 for the bodice. I did however, draft my own sleeves because I wanted to create a long sleeve puffed sleeve for the dress.

I also used Mccalls 7112 for the tulle skirt of the dress.

The dress turned out beautifully, and she was so happy with the finished project, which made me happy as well. Now, off to the dance she goes with the first man she ever loved, her daddy. Her dad told her that she was beautiful and that he was proud to escort her to the dance, and that made my heart so happy to see them have moments like this.