Marica Mitchell

Fashion Challenge 5 – Week 1 – A Blank Slate (here) As a sewist who hates to create non-wearable muslin, when I first received my package with 2 yards of it, I wasn’t quite sure what this white muslin was for.  At first, I thought they will probably give us a challenge to create a muslim of a pattern and then use another fabric for the final project.  When I read the challenge “A BLANK slate” I envisioned endless possibilities but one must be creative to bring it to life. I envisioned 2 different looks but the cotton would NOT work based on the style. At first, I wanted to make a skirt lined with tulle but felt it would have been way too easy and would not take me out of my comfort level. I have made mainly skirts for almost 3 years and have mastered it.  I went to the drawing board, pinterest, magazines, window shopping and browsed photos of some of my favorite fashion icons including former first lady Michelle Obama.  I spent a day in limbo but after sleeping on it, the year of the drama ruffle sleeves came to mind.  After a day of planning, I knew exactly what I wanted to create.  I wanted to create a fashionable piece that I can wear to classy dinner with a rock star or an event at New York fashion week. I wanted to bring out my creative juices and opted to use a 1 shoulder as my base or bodice and add drama to it.  The pattern that I chose was Simplicity 8386 View B as I wanted a fitted look.  I opted to use a piece of white jersey knit that matched perfectly with the muslin fabric. This took strategic planning as I wanted the front to be appealing and eye catching and HAD to create a true muslin with some other cotton fabric from my stash to determine the length and placement of the ruffle. The peplum bottom was so much easier than the ruffles as I had a deeper understanding of making self-drafted circle skirt. I opted for mid hip and made a full circle skirt with a finished length of 13 inches.  I first started out with the TUBE base with a one shoulder strap and wanted to see how it would look.  For some reason, it did not bring out the statement of the ruffles the way I wanted it to fall. Again, I went back to the drawing board and I tested it on a different top and found that the asymmetrical worked out perfect. Bottom Layer Ruffle I drafted the ruffle pattern to get the right length to cover the shoulder area and leaving an opening for the armpit. I lucked out with my first attempt of 5 inches which sat well on the dress form. I first pinned the paper pattern on my dress form and tried different technique to create the ruffle.  I played with it for at least 15 minutes until it was positioned correctly.   My first attempt was to use one single layer of pellon light to mid weight and 1 layer of fabric, I did NOT get the effect that I envisioned and I then decided to add another layer of pellon and double the fabric for the bottom layer. Top Layer Ruffle I wanted it to be more lightweight to fall perfectly in place with the bottom so I decided on a single layer of fabric on each side and used the flower leftover lining from the peplum lining as my top layer.  I knew at first it would work as the single layer of interface would have been perfect for the fall.  I was amazed the minute I pinned it and definitely will be making another one or something similar for my next Diner En Blanc (all white event) The Finish – Designer techniques I ensured that I had a super clean finish by using my bias tape hem on the top layer rather than the serger.  I went into a few top designer stores and checked out their stitching techniques before finishing my garment.  I noticed that lining in most designer garments are common and wanted to make sure that my ruffles and peplum were lined. I am truly happy with the way it turned out and will be taking more fashion risks during this Challenge and with my upcoming Fall Projects.  Little did I know that “a blank slate” white garment can come to life as simple as it may look with a little bit of sleeve drama.  I love the entire piece and the detachable peplum was just  icing on the cake as I can wear the top without it. I will have multiple use and may use the peplum to jazz up a boring bodycon dress in the future.  I plan to wear this again and again and can’t wait to make the black. If you need any assistance, feel free to shoot me an email at marica.mitchell@gmail.com or leave a comment below.  I will be more than happy to assist. Thanks for stopping by and ONE LOVE! #DIY

“I love the idea of embracing your curves and loving yourself while expressing it through fashion.” – Hayley Hasselhoff Its Monday and I am super excited about the finish of this Kimono made using Butterick 6176 (here). Even though cutting and sewing with the sheer chiffon fabric was a challenge, I AM amazed by the finish results. This fabric I found at a local fabric store caught my eyes the minute I walked in but was a headache to cut. After I was done cutting, I noticed I had some mis-cuts as the fabric shifted and I had to cut a smaller size. I literally threw it in my dump pile on last Tuesday  and opted to work my magic this weekend while I was kid free. Little did I know how perfect the smaller size down would drape.  I started with the medium and ended up cutting a small to fix the zig zag cuts. I had to pin everytime I stitched to avoid the fabric from slipping.  This allowed me to be extra careful and to have a polished finish. Now as for the added detail! I am loving how the bias tape detail added a little spunk to it.  I opted for a double stitch to give it a more polished look.  This will definitely be one of the go to pieces for the transition to fall. Look 1: Kimono styled with skinny jeans High waist skinny denim (old): NY and Company Tank: Forever 21 Clutch DIY Look 2: Kimono styled with a classic pencil skirt and tee I surely couldn’t wait to rock it to work today! DIY Pencil Skirt using Mimi G tutorial (Scuba Knit fabric) Tee – Old Navy Shoes: Zara (old) I will be rocking this Kimono again this Labor Day weekend and will share my other 2 looks on the beach rocking it with shorts and a pencil dress. I am SUPER EXCITED about this week as it will be my first challenge for the Fabric Mart challenge. Don’t forget to come back to check it out. Also, if you missed the article published in Sunday’s Outlook Section of the Jamaica Gleaner “Let It BE”, take a minute to read! (HERE) I promise that you won’t be disappointed.  IT’S A great  READ!!! Thanks for stopping by and ONE LOVE! #DIY #Fashion

“Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you’re a lady.” Oh how I feel like a flower garden where the bees would collide and the bugs reside.  At first, when I received my package with this fabric, I felt a bit disappointed as I didn’t realize how vibrant and powering the colors were.  Little did I know that after making the dress and getting so many positive feedback at work, I started a love affair with the dress. The Italian rayon jersey fabric (Product #: 316507) used to make this garden dress came from Mood Fabrics (here). I wanted to make a few work dresses using McCall Pattern 7561 and decided to give this pattern a try with a last summer dress make.  This was a quick and easy sew  as you will only use 3 – 4 pattern pieces for pretty much most of the view. I am not a fan of visible POCKETS, so I do NOT plan to add any to the other views that I plan to create.  The only adjustment that I made was to the bodice as the fabric used had enough stretch to cut a size smaller.  On top, I did cut the SMALL and still made a few adjustments to hug my upper body.  On the bottom, I kept the MEDIUM to have a more flirty and full look.   I have a few scuba knit fabric that is oh so perfect for this pattern and plan to make at least one before the end of the year. EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE This summer, my passion for sewing elevated and I took on a risk to enter a Fashion Challenge with Fabric Mart (Announcement here). Honestly, I submitted with reservations but figured NO ENTRY, NO CHANCE.  I was so ecstatic when I received the email on Thursday stating that I was selected.  I will be showing off my skills along side with 5 other talented ladies.  One of the ladies who motivated me to ENTER CONTEST has also been selected and I am truly humbled.  I am NO longer fearing the unknown and will TRY my best not to disappoint you. This challenge will allow me to grow even if I do NOT win!  I am ready to share with the WORLD my creativity that I have locked up for years and will motivate or even challenge a few of my readers and followers too. Thanks for stopping by and as always, I APPRECIATE each and every one of you.  I am truly humbled by the kind words, comments that you all share daily through DMs, comments or a message. ONE LOVE and stay tune for more information on how you can either sew along or VOTE!!

The year 2017 has been one of overcoming fear, seeking God's purpose for my life, opening up to love again, and embarking and accepting the big '40'. I have had mixed emotions about embracing this new phase in my life. Eight months is almost over, and I vow to embrace the rest of the year trying to balance motherhood, career, and a purpose-driven life, which can be overwhelming at times. Click here to read

“Beautiful Things Happen One Stitch at a Time” I made a commitment this summer to cut at least one commercial pattern each week and to modify it base on my sense of style.  I always wanted an extra wide leg culotte pants to rock before the summer ends and came across McCall 7131. I wanted my culotte a bit more wider so I decided to cut a size 16 and add an extra set of pleats in the front.  In addition, I decided to adjust the waistband to 14 and it still was at least 2 inches more than my waist measurement and I had too much room and had to cut an inch off each side .  Next time, I will definitely cut the 12/14 and make a few slight adjustments to the pattern. This was an easy sew but the waistband was a bit challenging as I am not use to the technique as stated in the pattern.  I plan to make this again probably in a pants the next time around and stick the technique that I know. Fabric choice: Rayon from Rosa Fabrics (here) Shoes: Steve Madden (here) (on sale for $20) bought mine for $25 Top: Old (The Limited – at least 8 years ago) Thanks for stopping by and remember to follow me on my other social media pages at arielle_diva and overdriveafter30 on Instagram. ONE LOVE!!! #DIY

“The quickest road to success is to possess an attitude toward failure of ‘no fear”Author Unknown! At times, social media mask us with false illusions of not accepting failures, that we must always strive to be perfect in order to gain success. When we do make mis-steps, we sometimes dwell on them, selectively editing out the mistakes and mishaps in our lives and only sharing how successful we are. The quote “Failure is not an option,” is what we strive for but is it a reality? How will you grow, learn and elevate yourself without failing. I have had my shares of failures in life. Without going into detail, I have had failed relationships, failed jobs, failed projects, failed at the simplest things such as learning to drive. I look back now and realize that these failures propelled me to growth, out of darkness and becoming a better ME.  I can’t forget the very moment when I quit, yes QUIT about 4 times in 1 school year as a middle school math teacher because I failed at managing my classroom in one of the toughest school in Florida. I had so many challenges learning to filter my mouth and forgetting that these children have no life experiences. They came from all walks of life with baggage; struggles and the only place safe for some were the school.  My principal at the time who I credit to this day for my success in the profession of teaching, sat me down and shared some of her deepest thoughts about growth and failure and as to why I should not fail myself by quitting. I thought she was crazy as she just wanted me there and now looking back at my successes in Education, I credit all the failures I encountered in the most challenging situations. Today I am growing each day in my profession as an Educator from the failures and missed opportunities. My scores are the top 2 years in a row in the city I teach. Moreover, I have had 2 years of success with my Summer Math Academy and I credit my failures in the classroom to the successes over the last 2 years. (Sharing my successes based on my failures later in an article) I have learned from a simple sewing project that the only way I can grow and elevate my skills is to fail. I am sharing my story today to encourage someone who may have had failures that seems unbearable. Don’t give up, take it as a set up for success and learn from your mistakes. If Usain Bolt did not get his final gold after winning 9 golds, you will realize that it’s sometimes life is not always about winning. Quoted directly from an article that resonated with me all week long, “Keep failure in perspective. Mr. Bolt is a legend. He wanted to win his last race but coming third did not detract from his legendary status.  If your unit or department has a failure it does not mean that it is a failure! Accept the failure as part of life.” (Read entire article here). In closing, my sewing projects that fail will be called my growth projects. My losses will set me up for successes, my struggles will guide me to victory so today be encouraged to learn from failures.  Think about this quote “If you are afraid to fail, you will keep failing forever,” and always remember failure is an OPTION if it helps you grow. Thanks for stopping!! ONE LOVE! #DIY

Easy Breezy Tie Strap Top using Simplicity Pattern 8386 View C When it comes to easy, quick sewing projects, I am all for it.  When I came across this Simplicity pattern a few months ago- S8386, I knew there were endless modifications with all 3 views.  I quickly attempted VIEW C using a Muslim jersey knit and loved it.  This top can be modified to create a flirty dress, fun jumpsuit or even a body con midi dress (as seen here made by Erica Bunker). Here are the modifications made to create the tie strap: Made 4 straps (2 inches wide and 22 inches long) and followed the same steps required for the pattern to add the shoulder piece. Added an inch to the length of the bodice. Fabric Used: Jersey knit found at a local fabric store. I love this top –  both the original (as seen below) and  the modified version with the tie straps. Do you want to learn how to make it?  Check out Brittanyjjones tutorial on Youtube here. Don’t forget to check out the video of the shoot before you go. Thanks for stopping by and stay tune for more pattern reviews on the blog.  ONE LOVE!! #DIY

Life begins at “40” The classy woman stands tall with confidence. She has everything to flaunt and chooses not to show it. The older I get, the more conservative I have become. Turning “40” has been the epitome of greatness in creating breathtaking classy pieces.  I want to share with others through my sewing journey, that you can still be sexy, stand tall with grace and class.  I found this amazing fabric in DC with Feesewcrafty (an amazing seamstress) and I fell in love.  I knew I wanted to create a vintage style look that embodied “The Classy Woman.” The pattern I chose to create the top is the Retro Pattern from the 60s Butterick B6318. I fell in love with this pattern a year ago and because I feared to cut patterns, I decided not to make the dress. I will no longer allow fear to cripple me and plan to cut at least 2 commercial patterns each month and post at least one review. Modifications to the bodice top pattern: Removed zipper Added 1 inch to length of bodice to either wear as a crop top or tucked in Used bias tape to create loops in back Used 3 color palettes from fabric to create the amazing tie straps in the back Skirt: Self drafted pleated skirt Waistband 3 inches I plan to wear this to a Women’s Empowerment Brunch in September and will be making the full dress soon. I am back to regular blogging programming  and will be making a few enhancements  and updates to the blog.  I can’t wait to share with the world how awesome  “40” can be. Thanks so much for all the support throughout the years. Look out this month for an amazing giveaway. #DIY

Spring Into Summer With A Few DIYS Summer is finally here, and I am ecstatic to create handmade masterpieces which will include classic floral palazzo pants, cold shoulder flounce top using bold statement colours. This sure will add a little flair and adventure to my summer wardrobe, whether done in ruffles, off-shoulders, funky sleeves or trending summer colours. From bright orange to pinks, to florals to solids - these looks will brighten someone's day at a barbecue, beach party, family vacation or even a date night. Click here to read

If heaven had a courier service, I would give my life to send today's Sunday Gleaner to you. Today we celebrate Father's Day, in a week we celebrate the six-year anniversary of your death, and five days later we would have celebrated your birthday. Click here to read more

Today, Mother's Day, we celebrate the strength, courage and love that mothers give every day. I have so much respect for the work that all women and mothers around the world do. It is beyond me how mothers manage to do so much for their family so effortlessly. Click here to read more

Many strong women have impacted my life, and today I celebrate three who, through their spirit, faith and leadership abilities, inspire me to impact other women and girls in a positive way. International Women's Day (March 8), is a time to reflect on the progress women around the globe have made, and on this day I will celebrate their acts of bravery and perseverance, and how they have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. Click here to read more