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!

Project 13: The Juliet Tunic

I need to get back on track with this to-do list!  The vacation set me back, and though I've been sewing, I've definitely focused on smaller, (more) instant gratification projects.  I love me some garment sewing, but a broken machine and a 600-mile road trip aren't the most forgiving situations.

However!

We had a crazy storm yesterday that lasted hours.  I think the tornado warnings started around 2:30 and it finally ended when we went to bed right before midnight.  There were flash floods, rotation clouds, warnings, blah blah blah.  After I finished up my work, I decided to get to cutting.  I have a new machine that's barely broken in--okay, side note, it's my mom's machine from 2001, but it's new to me--and I have a stash that just keeps building.  Time to get to work!

So, I bring you...

The Juliet Tunic.

Pattern Description
Empire-waist sleeveless shirt in three lengths; this is the tunic length with a 1/2" hem.

Pattern Sizing
XXS - XL.  I went with medium.

Did it look like the drawing on the envelope when you were done with it?
Yes!  Well, they aren't drawings, the front is a picture of all different variations, but I think it's pretty true to the examples.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
While yes, they are technically easy to follow, they are confusing as hell in formatting.  This is a Serendipity Studio pattern, so there are bazillions of customizations to be made.  However, instead of bulletpointing these instructions (for waist ties, applique, what have you), they're just thrown in there with everything else.  It's a pretty basic pattern, but I pity the fool who chooses this for her first from-pattern garment.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I've decided I hate gathering around the neckline.  I love the effect under the bust, but around the neckline is just horrendous.

Fabric used
Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy...again.  I told you, I'm a crazy person!

Pattern changes or alterations made
Serendipity Studio can get really out there with all the customizations, so I suppose I'm boring for sticking to the basic pattern.  I'm fine with that.  Oh, I used a 7" invisible zipper because I didn't have a 22".  I didn't have an issue with it, though.

Would you sew it again?
Meh.  Maybe!

Conclusion
Sorry for the crappy picture that shows my armhole facing.  I'm bad at this still.

So I promise I am getting back on track.  I have a bunch of fabric in the washers right now, including lining for my Colette Truffle.  That's next, I think.  It's June and I feel like I should be so much further along--gah!

Tuesday

If you read this blog, or just know me in general, you've probably figured out by now that I'm not happy unless I'm making something, whether it's dinner, dessert, a new skirt or a project in InDesign.  I like tangible things, which is probably why I enjoy "stuff"--I have five bookcases full of books, boxes of CDs in storage, and many, many more DVDs than I could ever watch.  Having these things, for whatever reason, also makes me happy--though I know that's an unpopular opinion and makes me materialistic.  Whatever.  I like books.

So I got a bee in my bonnet yesterday to bake.  And sew.  Oh, and work, because I still do that.  And despite the trouble with the bag (sewing through eight layers of fabric and interfacing is not fun), I was happy.  I was home, I was doing my own thing.  Offices tend to suck the life out of me; at home, I actually saw the sun (shocking) and had a little tabby who helped me along the way.

Two Skirts

Because I'm not deviating from my to-do list enough, and one post just won't cut it for a Sunday, I bring you two versions of Simplicity 2226!

Not a Photo Dump

I have a love/hate relationship with social media.  I love judging people by their Facebook pages and Instagram uploads, but I hate seeing blog posts where bloggers just slap a whole bunch of photos I've already seen elsewhere on a new post and call it a day.  Um, do you think I haven't been following your every move?  Of course I've already seen the adorable pictures of your baby--he's adorable, I live for them and hope to one day rival them with my own.  (My children will be so big-headed I will be happy if they fit in the frame.)  So I'm trying to not be a hypocrite, but I'm sorry if you have seen these before.  I'll tell a story with them.