So we are going to the sunny (we hope!) south for a quick break from winter yea!!!  What's my first thought when we go away?  What am I going to wear of course!? 

We booked the trip on Tuesday night and on Wednesday I made a pair of knit capri leggings (not pictured) I had the pattern already made, on Sunday I had made a pair for the gym, so I knew they would fit it was just a matter of cutting and sewing.  With my new cover stitch machine the work is cut down exponentially, it took 30 minutes from start to finish! 

On Thursday I felt I needed a couple of new tops so I proceeded to find fabric in my "stash" that were earmarked for such a project and started to cut them both out at the same time.  By working on them concurrently I managed to finish them very quickly especially when one considers I had multiple interruptions for the daily grind, phone calls, emails etc!  Top number 1 just squeaked out of the 1 metre of fabric, good job it was very wide! 

Found the fabric used for the boyfriend shirt quite by accident, forgot I had it, does this happen to anyone else?  Anyway I got inspired so I pulled out the pattern and did a quick placement, only 1.2 M of this fabric!  Got the components on the fabric with almost 1 cm seam allowance, yup this will do, I cut the shirt out at 3:00 pm on Friday.  As my students know the yoke should have been cut out with the stripes going horizontally, didn't have enough fabric for that so I matched the lines and cut it out vertically, didn't even have enough fabric for the armhole facings!  I'm particularly happy with the collar on this shirt, the special interfacing actually worked to fuse to the fabric! 
Today I'm packing finally!  I have 3 new tops and two new leggings to bring with me the total cost being the cost of 2 zippers and some elastic!  Can't beat that!!!

Hello all I'm happy to say the outline for the weekend drafting retreats has been finalized and posted on the home page complete with tuition, description and outcomes. 
This program is for anyone who wants to learn pattern drafting quickly in a classroom setting of only FOUR students!  This is the best learning, small enough for individual attention but large enough for a variety of body shapes and fit issues.  I really hope students take advantage of the program, if you come from a distance and need assistance for accommodations and meals please ask I will be happy to assist.  The classes are run from my studio located in my home which is in the country so a car is advisable for transportation, there is a regional airport near by with commuter flights out of Billy Bishop airport in Toronto if anyone has to fly in or Go Train/bus station in Barrie might be another option. How cool is it to be able to make your own pattern that fit?!  Below is an example of a bodice front and back block complete with armhole adjustments for the sleeve, I can tell you it's very cool! 
For more details please click here

Welcome to 2018 may it bring good things only to everyone. 

This year I am trying something new, weekend intensive classes tentatively starting end of January.  The classes will be on a monthly basis to make it easier for students who have to travel.  I am currently looking into accommodation choices for students, waiting to hear back from some people before I can post anything concrete in this regard. 

Currently I have 2 students who are interested in the weekend classes, one from Ottawa and one from Woodbridge if there is anyone who has been thinking about starting this is a great way to start, there is room of 2 more students in this group.   The classes will be held at my studio in my home so warm and cozy in these very wintry days! 

The objective is to expedite and facilitate learning for students by being in a live class with others to compare body issues with so students learn from each other, it really is the best way to learn.  In my classes there are no dress forms we work on real bodies making it a very realistic approach to pattern drafting and garment construction.
 
The tentative start dates are January 27 and 28 starting with the bodice front and back using personal measurements, students will learn how to draft a basic block and add shaping in the first weekend!  Yes folks in one weekend you will have a pattern that fits your body for a sheath top/dress, seems impossible but believe me it's not only possible but very realistic using the Le Grand Chic method of pattern drafting.  If there is anyone who is interested please contact me through the contact page or email mcalautti@rogers.com . 

Happy 2018 to all!  It's about time I got back to work!  It seems the Holidays are not much of a holiday they are marathon cooking and cleaning days!  It's all good this is what the grandkids will remember when they are my age, hopefully they will be memories! 
This year I decided to make some bomber jackets for the girls with sequins that "flip" to show one colour on one side and another colour on the other side, apparently they are all the rage! (I'm a better sewer than photographer!)
They got a kick out of the fact their initials spell "GAS"!