Silverlinings Originals

February Budget 'Cuse My French I broke the bloody hell out of the bank!! It has taken me a few extra weeks to get my budget post up for February because I knew I busted the bank wide open...I just wasn't ready to share yet! LOL I couldn't really be mad at myself though.  Even though I have set myself to stay on budget, some things just can't be helped. As every knows sewing IS an EXPENSIVE career or hobby in my case.  It is also an investment.  So with that said I will show you how I busted the month of February, but it was a one time purchase! February 4, 2015 Walmart: Pack of Sharp Sewing Needles = $1.27 February 6, 2015 Joann Fabrics: (7) McCalls Patterns = $13.93 (1) Simplicity Pattern = $3.99 (1) Vogue Pattern = $4.99 3 yd of Knit Fabric = $10.77 3 yd of Knit Fabric = $8.98 (2) Spools of Thread = $4.27 2 ¼  Cheetah Print Fleece = $17.04 February 9, 2015 Walmart: Serger = $190.53 February 13, 2015 Wa...

January Budget I Made It!! At the beginning of this new year I decided that I was going to put myself on a sewing budget. You can read that blog post (HERE) .  I had come to the realization that I was spending a good amount of money on my sewing hobby. I would say half of the time it was being spent on things I needed and the other half of the time it was on things that I didn't really need at the time and my eyes were just too big! In my personal opinion putting myself on the budget and making myself stick to it helped out a lot.  I was surprised at the amount of self control that I have when I put my mind to it. It forced me to work out of my stash and actually look at the notions that I already have and not buy anymore. Here is what I bought for the month of January with the total and money saved staying on a $100 budget. (It helps when you buy on sale!!) January 2, 2015 Joann Fabrics: (2) Spools of 250 yd Thread = $3.28 Vogue P...

New Year Sewing Budget So again, I really didn't plan on having any resolutions because I would have a hard time keeping them.  I know last year a lot of people participated in the Sewing Diet in which they did not buy any unnecessary RTW (ready to wear) clothing and either sewed or upcycled their clothing. That challenge didn't do much for me because I only shop about a few times a year and not for expensive things.  I have some jeans, shirts, sweaters and scrubs that I have been wearing for 6+ years and still look good and in style.  What I did notice last year is that I spent lots of $$$$$$$ on fabric and tools of the trade.  Like any hobby it can get a little pricey just with fabric alone!!  Now in my defense for last year, I spent a lot of money basically for start up.  Having to buy a new reliable sewing machine that can grow with me as I hone my sewing skills can break the bank itself let alone buy all the supplies that you need. (Pa...

                        Hello blogging world.  This past weekend I traveled to the Garment / Fashion District in New York City!! Now I have been to New York a few times, but this was the first time I was traveling specifically for the Garment District.  It is only about a 1hr 50min train ride for me. It goes even faster when you take a cat nap!                      All Aboard!!!! I ended up having to take the 10:25 AM train because I missed the 9:46 AM by 2 minutes!!! The traffic on the highway that day was insane!!                                 This is the Garment District Kiosk.  It is located between 7th Ave and 39th Street.  When I went the kiosk was closed!! There was a sign on the door that said it was closed and to find information on their web...

DIY -- Simplicity Pattern 1367 -- View A (Jo-Ann Fabric Pattern # S0563) I finally got around to using the fabric that I purchase from fabric.com a few months ago. I liked it so much when I saw it, I just bought 2 yards without really having an idea in mind.  If you are a follower of my blog you probably saw this fabric in my fabric haul 3 posting. The fabric is Kaufman Laguna Stretch Jersey Knit Chevron Emerald .   I love when you only have to cut a few pieces instead of 10-12!!  I bought just enough to do this project.  I think at first I did want to make a maxi dress.  Because I didn't have a pattern to go off of when I purchased it, that idea was scraped really quick.  That's what happens with impulse buys on your lunch break at work.  This was a quick and easy sew.  Just sew up the side seams leaving how ever many inches you want for your side slit un-sewn.  I had in my stash left over black spande...

After much internet research, price comparison, and nerves....I decided to by myself a new sewing machine. I decided I was going to say its a 3mth early birthday present to myself!! I work hard enough I deserve it!! There is nothing wrong with my other Brother machine, I just wanted a machine that I can grow with as I learn more and do more! So I figure this was a good enough upgrade in my opinion! Does anyone have this machine? Is there anything I should know or pointers you have on it? I would love to hear everything and anything about it. Still scared to take it out the box! Lol Until Next Time! ✌️ Stephanie

Tomorrow is the last day to use about four 50% coupons on any regular-priced item! That does included a single cut of by the yard item!  I've used them now two days in a row between the ones that I cut out of the flyer and the ones that I received in my email! It definitely helped!  Already working on a new project with one yard of fabric using the coupon!  Until Next Time ✌️ Stephanie

*Fabric haul* Part 3 Fabric.com I am completely addicted to fabric now. I have joined the club with people that go shopping for clothes as a therapeutic way to get over anger, sadness or frustrations among other reasons. I am also part of the club with people that say if you see it now you better get it because it may not be there next time!! While at work one day during a lunch break I decided to browse Fabric.com   (there is no such thing as browse BTW) and see what type of sales they had going on. My package has arrived!!  Click on the name of the fabrics to find out more information from Fabric.com . Charmeuse Satin Mod Dot Blush/Silver The dress I plan on making with this will be so cute!  An APRN I work with suggested adding a black belt or sash to break up the polka dots.  Just the thought of how I WANT it to turn out makes me happy! LOL  Kaufman Laguna Stretch Jersey Knit Chevron Emerald I have a couple of patterns I ...

I was on the hunt for new sewing book that was not too complicated for me to understand as well as being update to this century's style of clothing. I went to my local Barnes and Noble book store and came across Buffi's Dress Design . In three days I went front to back with this book.  I found it very easy to follow and well written.  I like that it has a yardage guide/fabric conversion chart for the amount of fabric you'll need for a project based on the width of the fabric you purchased.  It has illustrations on how to cut your pattern pieces.  That being said, it does come with Sloper Pieces in the back of the book to make the garments just like the One Yard Wonders books. I am pretty impressed with some of the styles that are in this book. There are some style dresses that I did not care for too much, but I think that is for every book as well as patterns you overlook in stores.  Three different fabric materials that I have listed in my fab...