Project 18: New Look 6077

This project was intended as a quickie to get me back into my groove.  The shorts of the last two weeks were such a science experiment that I needed something that I could make quickly, without a lot of thinking.  Plus, I had the pattern and fabric for this already, and the only notion needed was a button--not even interfacing.  It seemed easy enough!

Like most younger people, I really love a lot of J. Crew's clothing.  However, like a good portion of younger people, I can only afford J. Crew if I find it at Goodwill.  And honestly, I love finding it at Goodwill, because I used to work at J. Crew and I hate not getting the associate discount anymore.  (If there was one in Silver Spring I'd work there on the weekend.)  A lot of times, when I'm looking for some sewing inspiration, I look there first.  This past spring, I saw these two pictures:

I loved both, of course.  So why not combine them?  I found the fabric at Denver Fabrics during the free shipping sale in June (I only shop there when there's free shipping, otherwise it's outrageous), but the pattern was a little harder to get a hold of.  In all the Big Four pattern makers, I only found one blouse with a yoke that I thought would work.  I was considering hacking Megan Nielsen's Rie dress, because it's maternity, but that was just too expensive and too much work.  I went with New Look 6077, and hoped it worked!

Pattern description

Yoked blouse with two lengths and four sleeve-length options.  This is view D.

Pattern sizing

8-18.  This was originally a 14, but there were many, many alterations made.

Did it look like the drawing on the envelope when you were done with it?

This is view D, which should have some sort of notion along the yoke, but I vetoed it.  Besides that, yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like New Look patterns because they're super cheap and to-the-point.  I disliked the lack of options available, but that isn't the pattern's fault.

Fabric used

Magenta and navy printed cotton lawn from Denver Fabrics.  This fabric gave me the hardest time.  It's super slippery and frays easily.  I mean, it was $4 a yard, what do you want, but good lord it drove me crazy!

Pattern alterations or any design changes made

Let's see!

• I took the sides in by about 1.5".  There was just too much ease, and I really should've cut a 10 or 12.
• After the sleeves were in, I noticed they too were huge.  I took in the sleeves by .5".
• The gathers were too much on the sleeves.  I tacked those bitches down so they'd stop resembling shoulder pads.
• I used French seams as much as I could.

Would you sew it again?

Probably not, just because I had this fabric in mind for this project, and I can't think of another time I'll need it.

Conclusion

Thread loops are tedious!  And pattern companies should really offer different silhouettes.  Do we really need all those dated tops with the butterfly sleeves?  No!

It's been a really busy day, besides that.  I woke up early, caught Mad Men reruns, made a cake--our second anniversary is Tuesday--went to Michael's and finished this shirt.  As soon as I'm done here, I need to make dinner and then stitch something for Wild Olive.  I like productivity but tomorrow's Monday already...

Did you make anything this weekend?

When You Don't Want Sewing to Be an Option

I think everyone gets that I can sew now.  No surprises.  I've also made the choice to not buy very many retail clothes and accessories because I can sew.  I see the money not spent at Target or J. Crew as fabric money and that makes me happy in ways only a little Emoji can explain.  (Too bad I'm not typing this on my iPad.)

But before I bought my sewing machine, I shopped all the time.  No kidding.  My weekends were spent at malls, at Target, at Goodwill--wherever I could find a deal.  I knew when all the sales were scheduled.  I spent a lot of money, but I bought a lot too--I've always been a bargain-hunter, or what my dad calls "cheap."  Now that I sew, all the money I spent on clothes and shoes--there are still clothes in my closet with tags...from two years ago--goes to patterns, fabric, what have you.  I still shop bargains and it's just my nature to research the hell out of something before coming to a conclusion.

Last September, I made an Amy Butler Spice Market tote from Kona and Ruby Star Rising viewmasters.  It became my work bag because it seriously holds everything.  Even after I made the Rebecca bag, I went back to it because it was sturdier and felt like a better carry-all for my 12 hours of commuting and working each day.  But a couple weeks ago, I noticed it had some bleach marks on it (from what, I don't know--I don't know the last time I even touched bleach) and now the fabric has worn away, revealing the interfacing. It's a beautiful look, as I'm sure you can imagine.  Because I don't really want to be mistaken for a homeless woman (with my frizzy hair and worn Toms, it could happen), I need to figure out a new bag situation quickly.

To be honest, I'd love to buy something leathery and grown-up.  And this is where my dilemma lies.  Is it bad to buy something when I can very easily make it?  While I wouldn't sew with leather, I have the Spice Market pattern and lord knows I have fabric.  It would also be cheaper to make it.  But do I want that?  I started looking around for a large tote and couldn't find anything I liked for under $50.00.  To be honest, I didn't really want to spend more than $20, but I have to come to terms with the fact that I'm living in a fantasy world.  I also don't like to spend more than $30 on a haircut, which is why I haven't gotten one in over a year, hence the frizziness.  I'm out of touch with how things cost, because I've completely dropped that aspect from my life.

I know this isn't a life or death situation, and it barely qualifies as a problem.  Oh, poor girl, should she use the skills she has or should she spend her money on a purse?  But, if you sew (or knit, or crochet, or whatever), what do you do?  Do you feel bad about buying something when you can make it?  Normally I stick to buying things I either won't or don't want to make, such as underwear and knit tees.  I can make bags.

What should I do?  And if you have any suggestions, where can I find a cheap bag that will hold all my shit?

Project 17: Sewaholic Thurlow Shorts

Sometimes the third time really is the charm.  After last week's horrible, terrible, no good, very bad shorts, I finally found a pattern that works!  Granted, I did make a lot of mistakes while making these, but at the end, I asked myself, are the wearable?  Yes.  Did I learn something?  Yes!  Many things.  So, onto...the Sewaholic Thurlow shorts.

I'd like to apologize in advance for the photos.  It's dreary out and I finished the shorts at 11:15 last night, so natural light just isn't cooperating.

Pattern Description
Shorts and pants with back extension, belt loops, welt pockets and zipper fly.  This is view B, the shorts.

Pattern Sizing
Available in 0-16.  This is a straight size 10, but now that I've tried them on again this morning, I probably could have made a 6 or 8.  These are "fat day" shorts for sure.

Did it look like the drawing on the envelope when you were done with it?
They are definitely shorts, but I didn't make a ribbon belt and I opted for a wide hem instead of a cuff.  I'm not a cuff girl, as much as I sometimes would like to be.

Belly shots are not my classiest moment, but at least my tattoos are hidden.  (Not a joke, I have two tattoos on my hips.)

Were the instructions easy to follow?

No, but I'm totally conflicted about this.  In my last Sewaholic review, I mentioned that one of the things I really liked was the lack of repetitive instructions--I don't need to read how to insert an invisible zipper or finish a seam every time I make something.  I got it.  But given the number of new techniques--welt pockets, fly zipper--I feel like there should have been more detail to the instructions.  While this is a wearable garment, it's far from perfect, and a lot of times I felt lost while reading the directions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked that they fit!  And they don't look terrible--they'll look even better in a smaller size.  And I'm really starting to love Tasia's patterns.  I'm considering the Pendrell blouse next, but I know she has another blouse coming out fairly soon and I'd like to see that first!

Fabric used

Mint green cotton twill and polka dotted lining, both from Denver Fabrics.  I was able to squeeze a size 10 out of 1 1/8 yards of the twill, which is amazing.

Pattern alterations or any design changes made

I opted for the wide hem, like I said.  For the most part, my alterations were complete mistakes--for example, I sewed the waistband incorrectly, and didn't realize until it was too late.  I also cut the fly facing out backwards, so the interfacing is visible.  Whoops!

Wrinkly butt is always a good thing, right?

Would you sew it again?

Probably.  I'm debating on whether or not to use the Viewmasters for it.  That was my original intent, but now I'm wondering if that isn't the greatest idea.

Conclusion

I am so glad I didn't give up on shorts!  However, I'd also like to mention I broke three needles while working on this project.  On a side note, I need to buy some needles.  I also need a serger and room for a serger stat.  I hated zigzagging those seams and they are a hot mess.

So I'm glad I gave it a whirl.  Sorry for the low quality pictures.

Also, check out all the stuff I got this week!

Needless to say, I'm a little broke at the moment!  I also won six yards of Denyse Schmidt's new line Chicopee from Pink Chalk Fabrics.  Woohoo!!

Have you tried the Thurlow shorts yet?  Are you angry that I showed my belly and my butt in one post?  Let me have it, folks, I can handle your rage.

Squaring Up

Remember when I talked about quilting on Monday?  If not, I feel kind of bad for you, that was two days ago.  Get it together.  Anyway, I had mentioned on Twitter over the weekend that I had plans to make quilts before Christmas, and did that make me crazy?  My friend Ariel saw it and mentioned that she, too, had been wanting to make a quilt, and what did I think of creating a virtual bee for support?  We currently live on different continents, so virtual it was!  I loved the idea and soon we were planning and scheming.

I guess this is what happens when you have two highly-motivated women in charge, but we've started a blog and have plans to turn it into a community for modern quilters who need some support.  We're both beginners but we have a lot of moxie and determination, and we want to succeed.  Personally, I think with those traits, you can't lose.

Oh, what's the blog's address?  Right: http://www.squaringup.blogspot.com.  Right now, it's pretty sad and bare, but we are planning for more!  Our first official post should be up Friday, but in the mean time, we're getting things in gear.  If you get a Twitter follow from us, don't be surprised!  And feel free to join in; as we're moving along, we'll need guest posters to feature their projects or plans, and we'd be delighted if you'd volunteer!

We have big plans for this blog, so join us!

Patchworking

I'm moving on with my life since those shorts.  They kind of put a damper on my sewing for the weekend, but they're now in the past.  And PS, I'm going to try the Sewaholic Thurlow pattern, I think.  They look like they're more my style, with a lower waist and back pockets (a flat butt's best friend).  I haven't ordered it yet, but I'm considering it.

Anyway, I read a lot of Amanda's blog this weekend, going through the archives and looking at pictures.  I love her blog, if only for the visual inspiration.  She lives a very pared-down lifestyle, has an awesome stash, runs her own business and just is pretty cool in general.  I wish we were friends (virtual or real-life) because I really admire her.  But, of course, now all I want to do is embroider and patchwork.  She cross-stitches, which is something I haven't done since middle school (and I don't think I ever finished a project) but her patchwork is just so damn inspiring I can barely stand it.

I couldn't get off the ground with any experimental patchwork yesterday, so instead I spent hours and hours looking at quilts online.  I have three planned for Christmas gifts, but is that being ambitious?  Wait, I'm a pretty ambitious sewer, right?  So it's okay.  Anyway, here's some inspiration I found around the internet yesterday:

Thimble Blossoms' Dilly Dally, Merry and Swoon patterns are gorgeous and fresh, and we need some stockings anyway.

Jeni B.'s Patchwork Picnic quilt looks super easy...but almost too easy.

However, her Plus quilt is something I'm dying to make for Nicholas for Christmas.  We're only exchanging one gift this year, and I kind of want to make him a quilt in his favorite colors (eggplant, charcoal, white and black).

I'm also thinking of spending lots of money and buying some Medocino to make my mom a quilt for Christmas.  We're going no-frills this year--normally Christmas is lots of money and lots of presents--so I'd like to give her something meaningful and something handmade.  I've found a few FQ sets that won't break the bank, but I'll need more than that.  Does anyone have a resource besides Etsy and eBay?

What do you all think?  Are you a quilter?  What would you recommend for a beginner who likes a challenge?

A Tale of Two Shorts

Wow, admitting defeat is hard.  Admitting it with unflattering shorts is even harder.

This is a story of 24 hours, two shorts patterns, and lots of aqua twill.

I bought the Iris shorts recently and was looking forward to making them, especially because there have been lots of cute versions on Flickr and, well, I give in to peer pressure easily (see the Wiksten patterns for reference).  I had a gift card and decided to just go for it!  I've had some Lisette twill sitting around since March 2011 that would make a perfect wearable muslin, and in the meantime, I'd order the last two yards of Melody Miller Viewmasters anywhere and mint green twill to make for two versions.  I'd be adorable and I'd wear them to Savannah in August.  What would I wear with them?  That was seriously my biggest concern.  I hadn't even attempted the pattern yet and I was worried about coordination.  (Don't tell me you don't do that.)

How the mighty have fallen.

These shorts were a mess.  A mess!

So major props to my phone for producing such crappy pictures, but I wanted to send these to my mom before I made a final decision.  These were left unhemmed, because, by the time the yoke facing was in, I knew I was in trouble.  The instructions were easy, but something was wrong.  Things weren't looking great.  I have wrinkles everywhere and my butt is even wider and flatter than usual.  

I would also like to note that these are supposed to be worn about an inch below your natural waist.  These came exactly to my waist.  I have a very short torso, so high waists aren't my friend at all.  The cute vintage look isn't for me.  When I buy shorts retail (I prefer Old Navy, just btw) I buy a size larger to wear them even lower just so I look a little more like a normal person than I am.

Okay, so I chalked this up to a learning experience and decided to salvage the zipper and move on with my life.  I still have two (very expensive) yards of Viewmasters and the mint green twill, which I bought exactly enough of for the Iris shorts.  What to do?  I knew Simplicity patterns were on sale at JoAnn this weekend, and chose the Lisette Souvenir shorts (S1879) because they also have a pretty big Flickr presence.  They were a quick cut-out and this time I decided to go true muslin and baste the whole thing together, not interfacing or even cutting facings until I knew what I was in for.

Well.  These weren't good either.  I'd even say they are worse.

I basted the side seam together where the zipper would go in case I needed to adjust when I was putting them on.  I didn't even bother with a zipper in the muslin.

What the hell is going on with these shorts?  They also sit too high on my waist and there's about a yard of extra fabric in the crotch but not enough in the waist?  Also, if it was possible to make my wide butt look about three feet longer, well, these accomplished it.  God, that's just bad.

The fun thing about basting is that you can be the Incredible Hulk and rip your clothes off:

And then your cat wonders if that's a new pile she can sleep on.

So what should I do, everyone?  Stick to retail?  That's where I'm leaning right now.  I do need some ideas for 1 1/8 yards of mint green twill and 1 yard of polka dot lining that would have looked so cute with it--any good skirts that will work with that?  I wish there was enough for a Beignet...

Also, I would like to note that I don't wear all aqua outfits everyday.  I just happened to be a crayon yesterday and today.  The two days I take pictures of myself, of course.

Lately Links

Am I the worst post-titler or what?  It's not like I ever link to anything else on this site, but I wanted to share a few things I found around the internet this week (probably while I was waiting on emails or eating my lunch.  Right.).

• Eating Chicken, Solving Problems, On Dinner: A Love Story: I think everyone here knows I cook at least six nights a week (sometimes Nick cooks when we have fried chicken or pizza, but it's mostly me), and this article sums up why it's so important to me that we eat at home every night.  Besides the fact that we can't afford to eat out more than once a week, and besides the fact that we get four meals out of one dinner (we are also both religious lunch-takers--I haven't bought lunch since March), it makes me feel good to know that we're eating well and I know what we're eating, because we're young and we need to be healthy.  Yeah, I'm exhausted most nights, but the hour it takes me to make the food we eat is worth it.
• Paunnett's Hazel dress: I will admit that I didn't like the Hazel or the Lily dress when they first came out, but seeing some of the versions on Flickr has made me reconsider (I still wouldn't wear them myself, though).  Anna is awesome and this dress is gorgeous.  And I totally agree with her--it hurts my heart a little to cut into really nice/expensive/sentimental fabric, but it's fabric, and that's why we have it!
• DIY Glitter Collar on Refinery29: I probably need to make this, right?
• Just a Dash's Smoked Gouda and Sharp Cheddar Mac and Cheese: I found this on Pinterest and am adding it to the calendar.  I love to make macaroni and cheese (there's something about a bechamel sauce that is so comforting to me) and this recipe looks great.  We tried Mark Bittman's this week and I was less than thrilled with it.  Don't get me wrong, it's mac and cheese so it's good, but it still wasn't great.
• Vintage Bee Fabric on Etsy: Before I found out the Colette Patterns Macaron dress contest was only for fabric from Hart's Fabrics (lame, I couldn't find anything I liked well enough to buy for it, so I guess I'm out), this fabric was giving me some mad inspiration.
• And finally, my mom bought me a self-healing mat because she said I sounded pitiful about not having one.  I cut some Iris shorts out last night and only sliced my finger once!  Go me.

What's been on your mind lately?

Gift Frenzy

I've been on a gift spree lately!  Nothing too big, but I've stitched up a few small things in the past week:

My friend Kelby moved to Chicago last month and I thought she needed a little housewarming present.  I traced a "k" onto some Washi (I swear, I've gotten more out of those half-yards than anything else...) and just did a quick satin stitch.  As you can see, my framing work could be better, but it was the first time I've ever framed an embroidered piece.  Also, I'm not sure it needs two rows of stitches, but I guess that's the seamstress in me.

Speaking of Washi, my good friend Dawn recently got promoted (we worked together at Bath and Body Works while I was in college and she's been with me through thick and thin).  She's also taking her first mini-vacation in ages (to Savannah!  Lucky gal) and I thought she needed to celebrate!  I made her the large style A Perfect Zip Bag.  I also stitched a small initial on the inside.

I cannot tell you how much I love these bags.  Such good presents.

Finally, my friend Rhonda sent me a fun rainbow metal zipper, and to thank her, I stitched up a sign for her store. I ended up freehanding the type, which is pretty obvious, but it just wasn't working with the marker or a pencil.  I need to pick up a hoop to frame this and then it'll be on its way.

I finally sent out these gifts on Tuesday, so hopefully no one peeked and spoiled the surprise!

I've also decided to make my brother a t-shirt quilt for Christmas.  Has anyone tried this before?  I have a basic idea of what I need to do, but I've never sewn knits before and don't have a serger.  Help would be awesome.

Project 15: Sewaholic Cambie dress

This heat is making me incredibly unproductive.  I just want to lay around and nap, only waking to eat something really unhealthy just because.  It's supposed to cool down to the 80s this week, which is awesome, because maybe it'll give me the kick needed to get some stuff done.

Alright, I started off a post with the weather, this is a great sign.

Yesterday I started sewing the Sewaholic Cambie dress, aka everyone's new favorite pattern.  I couldn't find a bad review of this pattern anywhere!  Of course that made me wonder if I'll be the only person in the world who has a problem with it.  Just like the Tova, it would be my luck.  Fortunately, that wasn't the case, and I'm pretty happy with it.  I'd like to know when I'll start realizing full dresses don't look great on my body, but whatever, y'all can deal with it. 

The cross-eyed wonder

Pattern Description

Two versions of a sweetheart-neckline dress: one with a straight skirt and one with a full skirt.  This is view B, the full skirt.

Pattern Sizing

Available in 0-16.  This is a straight size 10, no adjustments.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope once you were done with it?

Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Very!  This was my first Sewaholic pattern so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I figured everyone loves Tasia's patterns for a reason, right?  Also, she had a great tutorial on her blog to explain how to insert the lining--that was really helpful!

This dress used almost an entire spool of thread.  I bought this yesterday because I didn't have any thread that matched.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I loved that the instructions were succinct and assumed you knew how to insert a zipper, etc., already--I don't need an explanation each time!  I loved the online resources available.  Also, this is my first sweetheart neckline and definitely won't be my last!

Fabric used

Royal blue dotted Swiss and light blue cotton batiste, both from Denver Fabrics

Pattern alterations or any changes you made

No alterations to the pattern, but I decided to make both dresses (lining and shell) in tandem.  I don't like having the extra pattern pieces floating around if it isn't necessary.

Would you sew it again?

Yes!  I want to go through my stash and see if I have enough fabric to make view A.

Conclusion

I now understand why everyone loves this pattern.

So the only problem I have is that I don't know where to wear this.  Is it work appropriate?  I feel like it'd be great for a wedding shower or baby shower, but I don't attend either of those...hmm.  And then part of me wants to just wear it while riding a bike or going on a picnic, which poses another problem--I don't own a bike and don't have anywhere to picnic.  Where do you think I should wear it?

Two More 2209s

Remember back in January when I said I probably wouldn't make the Lisette Passport dress (Simplicity 2209) again, because I don't like to repeat patterns?  So much for that.

I made two more dresses, one from an Anna Maria Horner print and the other from a Denyse Schmidt print.  The AMH version really had me worried--was the print too busy?  Would I look like a crazy person?  Would it scream "homemade"?  In the end, I think it turned out well.  It's really nice for summer.

The Denyse Schmidt version was actually the first one I cut out, but I had some issues along the way.  First, it should have been done last week, but I melted a zipper (yeah, yikes) and G Street was closed all weekend due to the storm.  I also had problems with the zipper, once I got one in (found a white one in my stash--it worked!).  Apparently I measured the seam allowance wrong, because I put it on yesterday to make sure it fit and it was a royal effing mess.  It was so tight I could feel my ribs through the fabric!  It was a mess.  So this morning I ripped it out, basted it back in at a different seam allowance, and finished it up.  I'm more excited to wear this dress in the fall, with a cardigan, tights and boots.  It's 102 degrees here today, so fall is on my mind.

Now I'm at a standstill with my sewing.  I'd like to sew a pair of Iris shorts (a wearable muslin, hopefully), but I need interfacing.  I also wanted to sew Simplicity 1801, but I need interfacing and a zipper for that as well.  There are a bunch of random projects that need just one more thing--a hoop to frame an embroidery gift, a zipper to finish a bag, what have you.  And I have no money, which makes buying these items difficult!  Hopefully this weekend things will change and I'll be ultra-productive.

Also, we have some new puppies at the house:

Until we're out of this dumpy little apartment, these will be the only dogs allowed.  Wah wah.  Oh well, Eleanor is happy about that, I'm sure!

Cabin Fever

So maybe you heard about the storm that hit DC last week...or maybe you haven't!  If you haven't, consider yourself in the majority; my parents didn't know about it until I texted them at 5 AM Saturday to say we were without power and it was 100 degrees in our apartment.  For whatever reason, it wasn't really widespread news, despite over a million people in the area without power and heat indices in the 100s.  Because we're so close to a Metro station, we only lost power for about 24 hours, and lost internet for 48.  It definitely could've been worse, but the stress from the storm, losing groceries and being hot and cranky nearly tore us apart.  (Yes, I am that delicate.  I'm not proud of it.)

A side effect is that nearly everything in the area is closed due to power outages.  I went to four different grocery stores yesterday, finding the first two were open with limited groceries (only boxed foods, which isn't what I normally cook) and the last two fulfilling only about 90% of my grocery list.  Thankfully Target has been taking care of most of my needs, but they don't carry craft supplies, besides scrapbooking.  No hate to the scrapbookers (I love pretty pens as much as the next gal), but why nothing else?  They can't get some DMC floss on the shelves?  Michael's and G Street have both been closed since Saturday and it's killing me.  I need zippers, floss, thread, and hoops--and I have nowhere to buy them!  Cabin fever can usually be cured with some crafts, but you have to have the supplies!

I'm hoping everything will be up and running by tomorrow, because I can feel time ticking away.  Have I mentioned I'm impatient?  Well, I'm not proud of that either, but that's just who I am.  In the meantime, here are some things I've been thinking about lately, in lieu of actually doing anything:

• Miniature Rhino - I've loved the Zodiac embroidery kits since before I was back into embroidery, but now I really want one.  I just started reading her blog and can't wait for the book to come out this fall!  The coverage of Renegade Brooklyn really makes me want to start focusing on my Etsy business more, offering custom items or little things people might like more than baby clothes.  Inspiration abounds in this blog!
• This fabic: . I bought two yards from Denver Fabrics last week and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.  It reminds me of the J. Crew fabric featured this past spring, which was navy and coral but had the fun heart print.  I'm trying to find a shirt pattern to use with this--I'd like something with a yoke, three-quarter sleeves and a simple neckline.  
• Disney!  I haven't been in almost two years (weird for a Floridian, displaced as she may be) but Jake and I have been reminiscing a lot lately about it.  I really miss it.  I'm definitely someone who hangs onto memories and I wish Disney would bring back the rides of my childhood: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the original Tiki Hut, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.  The day they close the Hall of Presidents will be the saddest day of my life.
• Soft-serve ice cream - do you know how hard it is to find decent ice cream around here?  I guess I'll settle for an IceDream cone at Chick-Fil-A, but I'd love a cherry dip.

What have you been up to lately?