Stripes!

I have never sewn stripes before. I don't have a walking foot presser foot. I swear I lined the stripes up perfectly! Multiple times! ARRG.

Almost finished 2...

Need to add buttons, and a pocket, but its wearable!

Countdown to birthday dinner - dress still incomplete

I struggled so much with the first collar that i had to make another one. I think I'm going to go out to dinner with the dress missing the butt. It's like a 1/4 birthday suit.


No one will know from the front, but it's a party in the back.

Front button hole closure section

Possibly too hard to see in these little photos, but here might be able to see that I completed the front button hole closure section, sans button holes and buttons. This was very difficult. It took two hours. Hopefully next time it won't take so long. I haven't made any dresses with buttons before so it took some creative thinking, and also because the instructions were so confusing. Other than the collar, the bodice is mostly complete.

Nan's Dress - Darts and Pleats

Today, I marked, measured, and sewed the pleats and darts to the dress who's pattern was gifted to me by my grandmother. The dress is now called, "Nan's Dress." (I call my grandmother Nan.)

Above you can see that I'm in the process of fitting it to my tired dressform. She's on her last "pole" (since she doesn't have legs) these days. I'm considering making her into home decor, but I can't afford a new dressform at this time, so she'll have to make do for now. I feel bad saying that... but its not like she's a person... it's weird because she's in the shape of one! Like when you aren't paying attention in a store and you almost bump into a mannequin and say, "Excuse me."

The middle back pleat isn't as precise as I would have liked, but no one is going to know, I suppose, unless they stare at it. I haven't ironed down the darts or the pleats yet because I made marks for them with washable fabric marker, however, its possible if you iron over the water soluble marker, it will become permanent.

Here is the back pleat and a dart. It's beginning to look a lot like a 50's housewife's dress. Cute!
I think I might slash off some more of the skirt, as it's still looking a bit long for my taste. I'm not a mini skirt lover, but I do like the look of just above the knee for skirts.

The fabric is "mod green pod" which is in some way related to Robert Kaufmann. I only know this because it states just that on the selvage. It is an all organic cotton, and if you're wondering if organic fabric is more expensive - like organic foods, it is. If only someone would create an incentive for buying organic... hmmm

My Grandmother Gifted Me This Pattern

Hello! So I'm starting a vintage pattern that my grandmother found for me at the antique shop next door to her real estate agency in Western Maine, near Sugarloaf mountain. I found the pattern layout to be very unhelpful, due to the fact that the print on my fabric runs like stripes in one direction. I had to rework the layout, which took about an hour and a half.

Here you can see that I have a helpful pattern weight, perfect for keeping me from being able to sell my creations to those with allergies. Thanks, Orchid!

At this point, I needed two pattern weights.

If only I had a giant craft room with a huge cutting table. As much as I love them, no cats would be allowed in there!

I cut the pieces out in about a half hour, with my new Gingher dressmaker's shears! On sale for half off! They're definitely worth it. If you're thinking about upgrading a pair of fabric scissors, go for the Ginghers. Use a Joann's coupon if they aren't on sale or within reason. They have an app now with coupons for both android and iphone. Amazon sometimes has good deals, too.


Dave and I are going to get ready for dinner and a movie, nice to do on a Sunday night. I'll add some more updates once I have more done!

Holy Crap!

http://sewretro.blogspot.com/

Awesome!!

Haircut

I'm going to cut my hair short. I'm sick of it being so blah. Don't let the picture on the right fool you, that was taken right after i got my hair done. Its not even curly in real life.

I'm thinking of something mod, feminine, and cool. I want to avoid the super butch look. Not that it doesn't suit other ladies, but it's not what I'm feeling for myself.

I hope my hair dresser can help! I've made a little "collage" of digital haircuts. Let me know if you like any!

Silk dress update and storage

I decided on the Cynthia Rowley pattern with the sleeves for the silk dress. I ordered the pattern... it was supposed to show up in my mailbox today, but it didn't. I'm a little disappointed and hope that it shows up soon. I'd like to get working on it.

Today I bought a bunch of storage bins for my fabric and scraps. Hopefully it will ensure that my workspace (ie entire apartment) is a little cleaner and more organized. Obviously all of the storage bins and drawers I bought are turquoise... as it is my favorite color. I made sure that the bins were light resistant as I don't want the colors to fade.

Contract Inquiry! Woo!

So, a friend of mine has inquired about my sewing and craft skills to make curtains for his new apartment! I'm so excited! This would be my first contract as a craftsperson. I sure hope it works out!

I should get looking at color schemes and upholstery weight fabrics! And what about lining and grommets and weighting? This could be good!

I'm thinking.... circus theme. Pretty good, right?



Obviously kidding!!