Resolutions

How was everyone’s holiday?  Ours was so quiet, it made me miss the craziness I usually can’t stand.  We did visit my parents in Beaufort the weekend before Christmas, but we didn’t exchange gifts (my parents bought everyone something, and we did stockings) and we were back to work Monday and Wednesday mornings.  As great as no presents sounds, because it’s no-pressure/cheap!, it was boring.  I saw all the pictures of people getting and giving gifts and felt so left out.  Hopefully next year will be back to normal.

Now that Christmas is over, I can think about resolutions.  As you probably remember, last year I created a list of to-dos, a list that changed frequently but always hovered around 35 projects.  (The final count was 29, after being honest with myself about time and money.)  Out of these final 29, I completed 23, as well as over 35 projects not on the official list.  I’m not going to do a retrospective here, because I think the small group who read my blog have seen the projects they want to see and skipped the projects they don’t. 

However, I will say that I loved this project.  Loved it.  I work really well with boundaries and specifics, and until things went off the rails in late spring, branching out to embroidery and eventually quilts, I would pretty much only sew patterns on my list.  I got a lot done fairly quickly, and learned with each project.  I’ve conquered the front fly!  I realized I hate making shorts!  My invisible zippers have become less visible and my buttonholer is well-worn. 

Before we moved, I started thinking, “I really need to gather the 2013 patterns soon.”  Because this year went so well, and because I had a few left over I still wanted to make, I just figured I’d continue this tradition.  But then I realized that my blog had slowly become a checklist.  I was only updating to say “look what I finished!” and ignoring the rest of my life.  I don’t like that.  While I don’t have a super interesting life, I do other things than sit at my sewing machine until it’s time to go to bed.  For readers who don’t sew, those other things might be interesting.  Nick then suggested I make a resolution list of places to eat in our new town.  I considered this for a day or so, and looking back, it would’ve been really easy: we’ve lived here for a month and have already crossed four places off our list.  But that’s cheating, right?

So I guess I’ll just be sincere and actually make resolutions this year.  Not only will it give me something besides sewing to talk about (which is really difficult for me sometimes) but maybe I’ll actually be held accountable for this if I have to report my experiences on my blog. 

Without further delay, here are my plans:

Comment more on blogs and Instagram

I find that I’m very introverted when it comes to this sewing and crafting community.  While I feel very connected to so many women I’ve never met, I don’t ever make an effort to even tell them good job or just say hi or whatever.  It’s no wonder I don’t have a ton of feedback on my posts.  (Blogging, to me, is a sort of karmic experience, and yes, I’m a total asshole for saying that.)  I worry about looking dumb, and I need to banish that.  Blogs exist, for the most part, for feedback: we put it out in order to get something back.  I need to stop being insecure and just say hi.

Buy the nice fabric—Nani Iro, Tana Lawn, silk—while I can afford it.

Not everything can be unrelated to sewing.  I’ve been admiring Liberty and Nani Iro since I started sewing, and still don’t own any of it.  It’s pricy, definitely; living in D.C., making tiny amounts of money, it just wasn’t going to happen.  But now that we’ve changed our lives and lifestyles, I feel like I can splurge a bit and buy a few nice cuts this year.  As much as I’d love to make all my clothing from these fibers, that’s just crazy, so I have to have a sane medium.  I don’t sew with polyester, and try to buy the best I can afford—and because I don’t have kids or large obligations, I can afford these.

Date night once a month, at least.

I know I’ve talked about this in the past.  Nick and I are homebodies and get very comfortable very quickly.  Saturday nights are usually spent sewing (me) and playing video games (Nick), not going out or treating ourselves.  While there’s a certain level of comfort needed to be in a stable relationship, I do want to employ my nice tights and my fun skirts and actually do something with Nick.  I’m very excited to try new restaurants in Charlotte with him, and maybe even expand this to day-dates?  There are plenty of museums, parks, and breakfast spots around here, and I don’t want to limit us.

Invest in sheets, art, and perhaps a new sewing machine?

God, that would be amazing.  I really dislike my sewing machine and would love to buy a Bernina.  Will that happen?  I don’t know.  Anyway, we desperately need new sheets for our bed.  Ours are very worn (because they’re my favorite) and we lost a set in the move somehow.  I don’t need Irish linen or anything fancy, but it’s been two years since I’ve bought sheets, and about four years since I bought our duvet.  It’s time!  I also want to buy art from Etsy for the house, now that I’m intent on making it a home.  Unlike our Maryland apartment, we like where we live, and I want to make it seem like it.

Try to give more of a shit about your wedding.

Because I honestly could not care less.  We have a date, a photographer, and each other.  Nick wants our parents and Jake and Kali there, which is too much for me, but besides that, I don’t care.  I don’t care about a dress, shoes, flowers, hotel, or anything.  That’s bad!  I shouldn’t feel like this!  I don’t want to turn this into a wedding blog—ew—but I should probably try to put some effort into this.

Visit new and old places.

Living in Charlotte, and being close to family, means more day trips and not saving all of our time off for Christmas.  I fully intend on using it this year!  We’re getting married in Asheville, so that’s a given trip right there, but I want to go back to Charleston and Savannah, and also visit Winston-Salem, Spartanburg, Athens, and maybe other places!

Demolish all credit card debt!

I don’t want to go into specifics, but I don’t have a ton of credit card debt.  However, I hate paying those bills, and I know if we want to buy a house in a couple years, it needs to be low or gone.  I’ve paid off two cards in the past year, and need to pay off the other two in 2013.

Paint those damn Ikea frames already.

I bought really cheap frames in February 2011, with the intention to either paint or cover them in fabric.  Then I bought cute greeting cards to put in them and hang up.  Last December I bought lots of Martha Stewart craft paint to paint them.  And they’ve been sitting in a shopping bag ever since.  I need to paint them, hang them, and buy more!

Finish my quilts!

Three quilt tops are finished and waiting; one is unfinished and waiting.  Time to back, quilt, and bind those suckers!

So that’s it!  Hopefully this will be manageable.  What are some of your resolutions?

Project 23: the Colette Rooibos Dress

You guys!  I'm back in the saddle!  I haven't embroidered in a week and I completed something on my to-do list.  I feel like my old self again!

We're all moved in and we've caught up on all the sleep we lost in November.  The boxes are all put away--there's one left in the bedroom--and we even have a Christmas tree up!  If you've been following me on Squaring Up, you saw my sewing room last week, which is amazing and wonderful and I love it so much.  I don't regret moving here for a second; we're so much happier, we have more room, and we can afford to eat!  Yippee!

Okay, let's get back to business.  It's still 2012, and I'm still working on my New Year's Resolutions.  I don't think I'm going to finish the whole list--unless some miracle drops all the patterns and fabric on my doorstep tomorrow, and that didn't happen with the Minoru jacket--but let's focus on the positive.  I completed another project this week!

I bought my Rooibos pattern and this wool gabardine in summer 2011.  Since then, I've been planning and hemming and hawing over it, too anxious to actually make a cut.  Finally, after organizing my sewing room, I decided to just jump into it!  I had the skillset and I wanted to wear a wool dress before spring came again (which would happen sooner here than in D.C.).  I cut everything out last week and finished it about an hour ago.  Here we go!

Pattern description
Sleeveless dress with collar and defined front pockets

Pattern sizing
0-18.  I cut an 8 for the bodice and a 10 for the skirt (my usual Colette sizes).

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

Funky wool draping

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, and I'm not sure if that was because it's a Colette pattern or because I'm more advanced than I was a year ago, when I first wanted to attempt it.  But everything went smoothly.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

It's the Rooibos dress!  There are a thousand out there, and the inspirational pictures on Flickr just made me want my own more and more.  The lines, fun details, and clear instructions made this a really enjoyable experience.  I really love the front and back necklines as well.

Fabric used

Aubergine wool gabardine from Denver Fabrics for the shell; FreeSpirit Solids in Nugray for the contrast; poly lining from Joann for the skirt lining (yeah, this baby is lined!)

Pattern design changes or alterations made

Besides the sizing, I don't think I changed anything!  I didn't do a blind hem, as is recommended; if I have a blind hem foot, I don't know how to use it, and today wasn't the day to learn!

Would you sew it again?
I'd love to!  Maybe in something brighter for spring.  I think the wool is great but I'd like something I can wear in warm weather. This is definitely a winter dress.

Conclusion

I'm so happy I finally took the plunge!  I inserted piping for the first time with this dress, and added a little rhinestone button at the collar for some fanciness.  I think this will look great with a cardigan or even a turtleneck under it--I have a bunch from Target that have three-quarter sleeves.  I rocked the jumper in first grade; I think I can do it again.

Piping!

The only thing is...I haven't finished the seams!  I really need a serger, but I'm wondering if pinking won't cut it and I'll need to bind these seams.  What do you think?  How would you finish them?

I'd also like to note that this dress was sewn while watching the first season of the Mary Tyler Moore show on Hulu.  I truly believe that if more young girls watched this instead of the Disney channel, there'd be way fewer hoebags out there.

Yay!  It feels so good to be back.

Project 22: The Colette Sencha blouse

Two for two on my fall sewing goals!  Woo!  Unfortunately, something tells me I'll miss my Minoru jacket deadline, but you know what?  I'm going to stay optimistic and hope that the fabric and pattern land on my doorstep this month.  I've stopped buying fabric for the time being because I want an iPhone November 1 (when I'm eligible for an upgrade) and I don't want to eat ketchup packets because I can't afford real food.  So far, I'm doing okay.  I went to Joann's today (and saved crazy amounts of money) and didn't come home with a single cut of fabric.  However, I came home with thread, stabilizer, batting, and rotary blades instead.  This may not excite you, but damn, it gets me all wound up!

Okay, on to the pattern review.  But first, a question: if you haven't made a Sencha yet, well, why not?

Pattern description
Button-back blouse with cap sleeves and waist tucks

Pattern sizing
0-18.  This is a 6, as the size 8 (my usual Colette top size) would've been too loose.

Did it look like the drawing on the envelope when you were done with it?
Yes! (I always consider that a success.)

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Oh my gosh, yes.  This shirt went from start to finish in about 2.5 hours.  I bought buttons today--that was the only thing holding me back from completing it Friday night.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

As happy as I am with the outcome, and the fact that it was a quick sew, I do have a couple things I'd alter:

• When I have it on (see below), there's a lot of extra fabric between my armpits and my bust.  I'm going to guess this is because I have such narrow shoulders.  I should look into working on that.
• It's very short!  I have a short torso and normally everything is too long on me, but I'll need a camisole under this to wear it to work.

I can't wait until I have a house where I can actually take pictures of myself.  This is BS.  Also this photo makes me look so hippy.

Fabric used

Woven in Poppy from Lotta Jansdotter's Bella line.  I originally bought this with a Macaron in mind, but I really like it as a Sencha.

Pattern design changes or alterations made

Very minor ones: I didn't catchstitch the inside of the sleeves or the back placket.  For the back, I decided the buttonholes and buttons would keep the placket in place, and on the sleeves, I topstitched the edges.

Would you sew it again?

I might!  I'd like to try the other necklines, with the tucks or the tie.  Maybe in a fancier fabric, though.

Conclusion

I think this is a great fall blouse!  Yay orange!

Yesterday we had big plans to go to a pig roast in Palmyra celebrating the new By Hand magazine.  Well, that failed after we sat in traffic on I-95 for what seemed like forever.  Please tell me why we live in a region with rush hour on the weekend.  Okay, turn around, get back on I-95 north--we decided to head to Sur La Table and Total Wine, and then up to Frederick to check out the area.  Neither of us had been, except to drive through on our way to Ohio.  It's such a pretty drive up I-270: once you're in Frederick County, the mountains come into view, and at this time of year everything is red, yellow and orange.

Downtown Frederick is a cute area with a sweet downtown.  I mean, first you have to drive through the ghetto to get there, but once you're there, you're fine.  We stopped in a record store and walked through the main strip, and tried to get dinner at Brewer's Alley but they had other ideas: our wait was over twice as long as they originally estimated and when we told them we were leaving, they weren't the most sympathetic.  By that point, I had been hungry for five hours, so we drowned our hunger sorrows in Five Guys.  Thank god for French fries.

Today has been busy: besides the aforementioned trip to Joann's, I also went grocery shopping and have been baking like a crazy person all afternoon.  I have a potluck tomorrow at work and offered to bring the desserts.  See below: doughnut cake (thanks to my oven being uneven, it got a bit too brown) (also I don't have a cake tester, which explains the knife mark!) and chai tea cookies, and I just pulled some pumpkin bread out of the oven.  Isn't fall the best?

Have a good week, everyone.  Hopefully I won't be a stranger as much soon!

Project 21: The Serendipity Studio Sabrina Tunic

I followed through on something!  Woohoo!!  My fall sewing goals didn't fall through the cracks (yet) and I completed my first project ahead of schedule!

Granted, this isn't the most exciting project.  It's pretty basic.  But sometimes a girl needs basic.

Pattern Description
Boatneck tunic with zipper closure in three lengths.  This is the shortest length.

Pattern sizing
XXS-XXL.  I made a medium.  Because I am medium.

Did it look like the drawing on the envelope when you were done with it?
Well, not as insane.  That woman puts a hell of a lot of quilting cottons together.  I just stuck to one, because that's about my level of interest.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Honestly?  I didn't read them.  I've made enough tops in my time; I know to sew the facings, make the darts, sew the bodice to the skirt, insert the zipper, sew the shoulders and side seams, attach facings, and then hem.  I got this.

What did you particularly like or dislike about this pattern?
It was easy.  I didn't have to think about it much.  However, the facings are awful.  I don't know why they're drafted so small, but this is true for all Serendipity patterns I've used.  I should know by now to just finish with bias tape, because the facings are such a giant pain in the ass.

Fabric used
Scattered Sand in Warm Grey from Lotta Jansdotter's "Bella."  I pre-ordered a bunch of prints in August and I knew this would make a great top.

Pattern design changes or alterations made
I left off all the options: no waist band, no ties, no ruffles.  I also used a 7-9" zipper instead of a 20".  I've found that just having the bodice open is more than enough for me.

Would you sew it again?
Maybe, but I'd remember to change the facings to bias tape.

Conclusion
I love polka dots and this will look cute with a cardigan and jeans.

So what's everyone been up to?  I'm currently researching wedding photographers.  While we aren't having a wedding, our parents and Jake and Kali will be there to eat pizza with us in celebration, and I'd like someone to take a few pictures.  Trying to explain the cost to Nick is impossible: while, yes, the photographer is going to cost more than the rest of the celebration combined, this day happens once, so once it's gone, we can't get pictures again.  I'm pulling for my favorite, who I'm insanely excited to work with, but he wants to see more pricing before we settle.  Men.

What are you sewing this weekend?  It's going to be a gorgeous one here in DC--enjoy it!

Fall Sewing - For Real

Almost two months ago I laid out my plans for fall sewing.  I hate to say it, but wow, I was naive!  I also hadn't yet started quilting, or I was in the very early stages of my newest obsession.  I believe we've seen the effects since that new hobby took off: I'm spending less time here and more time on Squaring Up, I've finished three full-sized quilt tops and three mini quilts, and my clothing plans are falling apart--quickly.

This is an attempt to put things back into perspective.

Of the four patterns I listed in August's post, I've made two, and I've blogged them.  Okay, so that's not terrible.  But when I look at my project goal page, I see a lot missing.  I've come to accept that there are quite a few patterns that will never get made, and I think that's fine and, in fact, normal.  What seamstress doesn't buy patterns and then just file them away?  But there are a lot of garments I want to make, and I simply need to get my priorities straight.  Hopefully, that won't be too difficult.  Though I have another quilt I'd like to make, I am not on a deadline for it.  We also aren't exchanging family Christmas presents this year (Nick and I are still exchanging, though), so any handmade presents have dropped off my radar.

So, let's see if we can get a plan for this.

1. Colette Rooibos

I don't actually know what my problem is here.  I've been flirting with this pattern for well over a year and just can't seem to seal the deal.  I have the shell and lining fabrics, so all I'd need is a zipper and maybe some piping.  This is something I just need to do.  I'm going to put a deadline of Thanksgiving on this.

2. Serendipity Studio Sabrina Tunic

Wow, there is a lot going on in that picture.  Wow.  Anyway, this is another project that I have no excuse for.  I bought some Bella with this tunic in mind, and it's been sitting--unwashed, however--since before we went to Beaufort.  This top will take me maybe an afternoon to complete.  I give it a deadline of next Sunday.

3. Sewaholic Minorou Jacket

This is a new addition to my sewing goals.  When it debuted last year, I felt very "meh," because the line drawing looks like a weird puffer jacket or something.  I have one of those, and I love it, but I most definitely don't want to make one.  However, now that a million people on Flickr have made it, I want to make one too.  If we do get to move back south this winter, this is the perfect weight for most of the fall and winter: a few days need a heavy coat, but lined canvas will cut the chill pretty effectively.  I'm giving this a deadline of Halloween.

4. Colette Sencha blouse

I bought this before we went to Beaufort with intentions to make something for the Beer Fest.  Well, obviously that didn't happen, but I still got a good deal on the pattern.  I'm a bit torn on what to make this with.  On one hand, I have some Flea Market Fancy that I've been saving for a blouse, and version 1 would be adorable.  On the other...more Flea Market Fancy, Emily?  It's a good thing you've got a ring on your finger, because most men would be scared.  I'm giving this a deadline of October 15.

5. Oliver + S Jump Rope dress

Obviously, this isn't for me.  It really isn't for anyone, but it's a cute dress.  I have view B in mind, which has front pockets and a tab collar, but no tie.  I bought the last of Aneela Hoey's puppies from my LQS in August, and this would be cute in it, maybe with some red chevron as an accent.  This isn't high priority, so I'll give this until December 1.

6. Oliver + S Hopscotch Skirt

Again, this isn't for me, nor do I have anything in mind for it.  I'm mostly interested in those pockets--I love the shape and think they'd be great to adapt for something for me, but first I'd have to learn how to make them!  This is getting a priority of December 15.

7. Colette Patterns Macaron

I'm not gonna lie: I'm a bit terrified of this dress.  I've heard about fitting issues and I struggle with the fabric choice.  I don't even have fabric waiting for this because I've been so nervous!  I'm open to suggestions, if anyone has an idea.  I'll give this a deadline of November 15, but that's flexible.

Two patterns--Sewaholic Alma and Sew Liberated Ashland--are nice but I don't know that I'll have time for them, or really even a need.  I don't own them yet, and it seems that, the longer I wait, the less I want to follow through, at least at this time.

Finally, all those Simplicity patterns at the end of the list--1880, 1873, 1885, 1872, 1877--are so off my radar right now that I don't even want to deal with them.  I bought them last winter, thinking they'd all be great for spring.  And guess what?  Nothing was made!  So forget it, I say.  I'm tempted to delete them, even.  I feel like that's cheating, but if they aren't going to get made, they're unnecessary.

What do you think--is this doable?  Sorry the post was so long, but I needed to get everything out so my mind could organize and plan.  My friend told me about teuxdeux.com last week, so I might set up a to-do list there in order to meet all my goals.

Project 20: Colette Beignet skirt

Phew, it's been a fun weekend!  I'm definitely not ready to go back to work tomorrow, but I'm feeling good about this week, y'all.  Let's put that positive energy out there, okay?

I didn't plan on making the Beignet next, but yesterday was Quilters Take Manhattan in New York (duh) and I wanted something new to wear.  Something that would make my $6 Target tank much more fashionable.  I know that sounds impossible, because how could that become even better?, but regardless, I love a challenge.  The Beignet has been on my to-do list forever but I've always been really nervous about it.  I'm so short-waisted, and definitely not thin, that I thought it would look dumpy.  I've seen some versions that make me question the maker's cognitive skills, and I didn't want that.

Okay, okay, I'll get into the review, so you can find out what I really thought!

Action shot!

Pattern Description

High-waisted paneled skirt with twelve front buttons as the closure

Pattern Sizing

0-18.  This is a 10, but I think I could've cut an 8 in the waist and graded for the hips.

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

Yep!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Surprisingly, yes.  For an intermediate pattern, I was thrilled that it went so quickly.  I suppose it was rated that for the lining and buttons, but neither of those are new to me, so it was easier than I expected.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Hmm...I love the lining.  It looks so great inside.  Besides that, I felt pretty even-keel toward everything.  Nothing was frustrating, but I also didn't make stupid mistakes because I wasn't paying attention, which happens when things are too easy.

Another action shot!  This is one of my favorite Denyse Schmidt quilts.

Fabric used

The shell is wool corduroy from Denver Fabrics.  I bought it last fall when I planned on making a lot of skirts.  I love it as a skirt, but it was a beast to work with: it frayed, shed, and linted (is that a verb?) everywhere.  What a mess.  The lining is just poly lining from JoAnn's-nothing special there.

Pattern alterations or design changes made

I left off the belt loops and the belt.  This comes up way too high for me to tuck anything in, so a belt was unnecessary.

Would you sew it again?

I'm not sure!  Maybe something fun in twill for the summer would be cute, and I did like the cut, but the waist is just so high!

Conclusion

I like it!  I'm looking forward to wearing it with tights when it gets a bit chillier.

We had a great time in New York Saturday, and it made me forget all about my sewing machine pissing me off on Friday night.  I met Denyse Schmidt and just about died--I'm sure I made a fool of myself.  Liesl Gibson sat behind us and I regret not saying hi, but I feel bad approaching these "celebrities" (to us), you know?  Also, my blood sugar had bottomed out and all I wanted was some cookies before I flipped a table.

I'm going to have my full recap of the event on Squaring Up tomorrow morning, if you're interested!  Next month, we're venturing to Palmyra, Virginia, for a fall festival and By Hand magazine launch party (and pig roast!  Mmm).  After that, who knows!

How was your weekend?  What'd you sew?? 

Project 19: Simplicity 1779, and a New Look

Before I jump into my latest project, I wanted to talk about the new look of things around here.  I was dealing with some itching to change things last week, so I went for it!  It isn't perfect, but I like how it looks for now.  I think some things need to be tweaked, but I'm not a graphic designer, nor do I know anything about anything.  I considered (for about five minutes) learning CSS to change some stuff, but that was a little too ambitious, and I'm a little too exhausted.

Onto the pattern!

Do you realize we're more than halfway through August and I haven't completed a resolution project yet?  That's unacceptable, in my opinion.  Granted, the resolutions are dwindling down, but that's no excuse, especially because I've had this fabric--specifically for this project--since June.

According to Pinterest, thirty-three weeks ago I pinned this shirt onto my Sewing Inspiration board:

From Anthropologie, so I'm sure it cost a million jillion dollars and was bad quality.  At the time, I thought it could be a modified Colette Jasmine, but I never got around to it and just let it sit on my board forever.

In June, Denver Fabrics was having another great sale, so I picked up some cotton lawn.  Considering it's about $4 a yard, it's pretty good quality: silky, it doesn't fray excessively, and if I make a mistake I don't fret as much.  I remembered this blouse and decided to buy the supplies, even if I didn't have the pattern.

Then Simplicity released 1779 for fall and I thought it was cute enough and close enough to give it a whirl.  So this is my version.

Pattern Description

Button-down blouse with various collar styles and sleeve lengths.  This is view C.

Pattern sizing

True to Big 4, this is available in 6-22.  I made a 14.

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

Yes, I believe so.  The drawing had better lighting--stupid rainy days messing up my photos.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, there were just a ton of them--39 steps total!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the range of styles available in one pattern, and I like the more modern fit.  So many button-downs available in patterns are made like they're only for old women.

Fabric used

Aqua and navy cotton lawn from Denver Fabrics

Pattern alterations or any design changes made

Not a lot!  I did use a 1/2" seam allowance through the body.  But that was it!

Would you sew it again?

Yes!  I'm loving the Liberty quilting fabrics, so if I could make view A in one of those, I think it'd look great.

Conclusion

Don't wait for a rainy day to take pictures.  Ugh!

So while it isn't identical, it's close enough for me.  I hope my Colette Sencha arrives this week, because I'd like to make that in time for the Savannah Craft Brew Fest at the end of the month.  And then I really need to focus on fall sewing--Beignet, here I come!

What'd you sew this weekend?

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?

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.

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.