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!

Big Ol' Fail

Let's talk about failure.  I've seen a lot of it lately.

Sometimes I wonder if I bring this onto myself by diving head-first into so many projects--at any given time, I have at least one embroidery project and one sewing project going simultaneously, but more often than not, I have even more.  My attention is always very divided, and I think that's just how I work; I have to multi-task at my day job, so I'm used to splitting my time and priorities and making sure everything gets done on time.  While there's usually no deadline for my personal projects, I get bored if they linger too long.

Naturally, because I'm a bit all over the place, so is my work.  However, I can normally hide that or just push through so I don't have as many challenges.  I'm not saying my work is perfect; the opposite is true, because my thread and bobbin rarely match at the end of a project, my invisible zippers never align at the top, and my buttonholes are a crazy-ass mess.  But I can hide things with a pretty fabric or a cardigan thrown over and no one notices.

This past weekend, however, the fails started rolling in, and apparently, they're sticking around for a while.

I cut out a ton of the Michelle Patterns Basic Wallets a couple months ago.  I could use a fat quarter for each and the only notion besides thread and interfacing was some magnetic snaps.  I thought it sounded great and easy and I'd be able to sell them quickly.

I finally sat down to make these Friday afternoon.  I used a heavyweight fusible interfacing, I Googled how to insert the magnetic snaps, and I was off.  Except they all look like shit.

Those are just a few of the ones I made.  As you can see, a couple are wonky and none have wonderful topstitching.  I'm guessing this is because I used a magnetic snap instead of Velcro, which I thought would be a great substitute but apparently not.  So now I'm sitting on all these crappy little wallets that will never sell.  What a waste of fabric!

I also have been trying to work through my stash, so I set out to cut two Simplicity 2209s from a couple prints I've had.  I've made this dress before, I think the fit is great, and it works really well for the office.  I cut out the first one from a Denyse Schmidt Hope Valley print--a navy basketweave which will translate well with tights and a sweater in the winter.  I also have been itching to use my Anna Maria Horner Summer Totem print I picked up from Cinnamon's in Jacksonville last Christmas.  It's so summery and bright--I was afraid the print would be too much, but I got a lot of support on Instagram, so I stopped hesitating and just did it.  I laid everything out twice, making sure I'd be able to fit both bodice pieces and both skirt pieces (I could finish the bodice with bias tape if I needed to).  I still don't know what happened, but when it came time to cut the skirts, this was in my way:

Kind of a crap picture, but I was over it.  That's the top of the front bodice, taking about four inches of room off the skirt fabric.  Well, that's just fantastic.  It was already a tight squeeze, and being a one-way directional, this just wasn't going to happen.

Do I scrap it or keep going?  I couldn't decide.  I think I spent 30 minutes folding and re-folding, moving the pieces around, shortening the skirt--just trying to make it work.  It wasn't happening.  My plan had failed and I felt like an idiot. 

In the end, I ordered another yard from Hawthorne Threads--that should be enough for one of the skirt pieces and I'll cut the other one out of the messed up fabric.  

It's just so frustrating to have high hopes and big plans and see them crash right in front of you.  I'm certainly no stranger to this kind of heartbreak, but it's still disappointing each and every time.  You always think you've learned!

How do you deal with your failures?  And is that too harsh of a word?  I wanted to use "challenges" but let's keep it real, folks.

Project 1: Simplicity 2209

Alright y'all, the New Year's Resolutions are rolling in.

This afternoon I completed Simplicity 2209, the Lisette Passport dress, which I cut out in July.  Yeah, six months ago. Why?  Because I'm ridiculous.

I wish I was one of those bloggers who had a great scene in which to pose.  My dining room is the worst.

Pattern Description
The pattern includes pieces for a dress and a jacket both.  This is a sleeveless dress with bodice and skirt, front and back darts.

Pattern Sizing
It's a big 4--sizes 6-22 are available.  This is a size 14/8.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Sure!  My darts aren't as noticeable, but I blame that on my fabric pattern.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes...to a point.  The zipper was insanely confusing.  It's a lapped zipper and it's the last step, before hemming.  The illustration was not helpful, and there were no details on whether this should be done right sides together or what.  That step could use some help!

Lapped zipper

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that it's a Liesl & Co., and I like the basic design--this is something I could see myself wearing because it's not super trendy.  I also liked the unique darts on the front of the bodice.

Fabric Used
Laura Gunn Magnolia Branch, from the collection Magnolia Lane.  I bought it because I was yearning for the South last spring.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made
The bodice has 1/2-inch seam allowances instead of 5/8-inch.  I needed some breathing room there.

Darts on the front of bodice

Would you sew it again?

Probably not, just because I tend to not repeat patterns for myself.  I had originally wanted to make the jacket as well but I'm feeling less inclined to do that now, for some reason.

Conclusion

It's a nice dress!  I'm excited to wear it this spring and summer; the cotton will be super breathable and it'll look cute with a cardigan.

French seams in the dress!

And, finally...

Check out that mileage!