tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47200326254739544122024-03-12T23:38:15.955-07:00Sew&Sew VintageI sew can learn/make/do that!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-63088590918424818032014-09-20T20:19:00.000-07:002014-09-20T20:19:45.295-07:00New BedroomSo, one of the reasons I haven't posted much over the summer is that I have been getting ready for graduate school.I'm the kind of person who hates doing something big under a tight time constraint. So I pretty much spent 2 months of this summer organizing my stuff and getting packed up.<br />
One of the cool things about this, however, is that I am returning to the blog with a new room to show you!<br />
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My wonderful mom drove 6 hours across the state with me to help me move in, clean, and paint. We ended up dividing the work up so that she painted while I cleaned, since we only had a day and a half until she needed to return home.<br />
I had already decided on a color scheme, red and aqua, while I was back home, in part because my bedroom all through high school included red as one of the main colors. So I was able to re-use quite a bit of stuff. Some things that I hadn't seen in years seemed brand new when I took them out and paired them with a few newer items. And, luckily, my landlords were OK with me painting my bedroom, so I was able to update the look by adding a new complimentary color in aqua.<br />
Without further ado are some pictures!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcc9gOBnakwYYrpFS_kHGi-RaYoVkuYL1HFdP9gpVBCEJuEumG-Drfwrct9hNaERsJ6Ic7rrwdNerqCjoHeTfDEwaQ5i_IUpKXagwVJCBYg63lhP1NOG6kfQak7K0_cws92LAreioqm5oD/s1600/20140920_155608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcc9gOBnakwYYrpFS_kHGi-RaYoVkuYL1HFdP9gpVBCEJuEumG-Drfwrct9hNaERsJ6Ic7rrwdNerqCjoHeTfDEwaQ5i_IUpKXagwVJCBYg63lhP1NOG6kfQak7K0_cws92LAreioqm5oD/s1600/20140920_155608.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The view in from my bedroom door.</div>
I already had the red gingham and cherry pillow-shams. I sewed up some additional pillowcases to tie everything together. The two red-and-aqua larger squares are coordinating quilting cottons from Jo Anns, and I was very proud of the way I inserted the zippers. Really, they are my best looking zippers to date. The white flour-sack look smaller squares (you can see on center front) are from some Ikea dish towels. At 75c each towel, I was able to create something that is a very current look for very little money.<br />
I love my little needle felted mushrooms, to the far left, they were previously a gift from my mom. The little flocked deer were Christmas ornaments I found at the Antique Mall in Bellingham.<br />
I found the metal wheeled-kitchen cart at the same antique mall, for a ridiculously low price. I think it was $12, which is a steal since those mid-century enameled carts are a popular item right now. It was originally a light yellow, but it was spray painted red to match the rest of the decor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0QaxnXDZC_ZUQFaKIUv8YIm4tkFVaN4Ow6BosOHjIlmi0VENQUjhD-r1T98uZb76iGds0V3EJHkg3ni2DM35XufWCZaLZacWsY_CljUrMvAhMDShBYDhyvpZD1_ZT86qHgALg8RJysFI/s1600/20140920_154623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0QaxnXDZC_ZUQFaKIUv8YIm4tkFVaN4Ow6BosOHjIlmi0VENQUjhD-r1T98uZb76iGds0V3EJHkg3ni2DM35XufWCZaLZacWsY_CljUrMvAhMDShBYDhyvpZD1_ZT86qHgALg8RJysFI/s1600/20140920_154623.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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View of the closets</div>
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I hung some semi-sheer curtains over the closet openings, since there weren't any doors. They are nice big closets, but that isn't what I want people to notice when they walk into the room. Between the two closets is an ad for Jello from the 1950s (I think.)</div>
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Here's a close-up of that Jello ad. I think it's pretty cute.</div>
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Here is a better view of the handkerchief banner I just put up today. It consists of vintage hankies attached to white bias tape with some mini clothes-pins.</div>
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I repainted the ca 1960's dresser in cream, and spray painted some ceramic knobs in aqua. I brought my record player, since it's such a nice color. The record holder was found at Goodwill. You might notice that the tote-bag hanging on the dresser and the paper lantern in the corner are in a matching pattern. I purchased them both from Blue-Q online.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K-YjNnLqNPZoROx7ho1fjUEJEeIt6KLhSc6QgZd_sb2srovkf-WeRgEoaf0YJPBYpWLCer0-I-hnrfINujDMs6tu_LfT-IzF9g4m5kNMLB2Nbrj0_8HwGTKUPBMBS__VUF3NNYeXftvC/s1600/20140920_154445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K-YjNnLqNPZoROx7ho1fjUEJEeIt6KLhSc6QgZd_sb2srovkf-WeRgEoaf0YJPBYpWLCer0-I-hnrfINujDMs6tu_LfT-IzF9g4m5kNMLB2Nbrj0_8HwGTKUPBMBS__VUF3NNYeXftvC/s1600/20140920_154445.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is my desk/ vanity. I sewed the seat cushion from another Jo Anns quilting fabric. The desk is actually a vanity that I removed the mirror from, because I didn't like how it looked with the mirror. I made the jewelry hanger from an old cupboard door and some white-coated cup-hooks. You can also see a couple of my sewing supplies and a recent issue of Mollie Makes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgOK3iFnyZ1snCraOKJF_z112wKSvUMn41bD-Wf_hEm81dV-KdhaPDZOw186WbLFTG4JcpPFE9QzPAJRhIuZuTUTW_5_PTPjLh3hjGX0eTO9nlZhyphenhyphenf9naBvM4DKdksdj16DwQgn2Rpjva/s1600/20140920_154454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgOK3iFnyZ1snCraOKJF_z112wKSvUMn41bD-Wf_hEm81dV-KdhaPDZOw186WbLFTG4JcpPFE9QzPAJRhIuZuTUTW_5_PTPjLh3hjGX0eTO9nlZhyphenhyphenf9naBvM4DKdksdj16DwQgn2Rpjva/s1600/20140920_154454.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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A close-up of a little file cabinet that was spray painted aqua. The top drawer has my hairdryer and straightener in it. The bottom drawer is for more sewing supplies. Right now I am storing my backpack and a little red-leather valet for my keys etc. on top.</div>
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So that's my new room! I think it looks pretty great now, but I still have some art I would like to put up on the walls soon.</div>
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Until next time!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-1954003456445230532014-06-09T16:28:00.000-07:002014-06-11T15:38:56.902-07:00New Sewing RoomI have been pretty busy for the past month+ with school, work, and getting my room re-organized to facilitate all of my sewing and crafting supplies. I have finally finished up moving, cleaning, and organizing everything... almost. There are still a couple of finishing touches like hanging a shelf on the wall over my sewing table, but I finally have a functional work area again. Which means I can show you some pictures of my sewing/ sitting- room. I also took some pictures of my bedroom, since it is adjoined to the sewing/ sitting- room.<br>
So get ready for some pictures. I still haven't figured out the best way to create photo collages on my chrome-book, so I will have to list them one-by-one:<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLA1L_zYs4XefSl24sm0KTklhl8Y5w6EcUULgzd5V5YGs39tk8H03E6tX-C0fIhxJRovS2pueSjjoycjCJPR3oyQT1CaAGwgU-h49QgvZZfvJUlGQkwa7GPYCDxsAxryn9ozCRv0SK4wgS/s1600/20140609_150935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLA1L_zYs4XefSl24sm0KTklhl8Y5w6EcUULgzd5V5YGs39tk8H03E6tX-C0fIhxJRovS2pueSjjoycjCJPR3oyQT1CaAGwgU-h49QgvZZfvJUlGQkwa7GPYCDxsAxryn9ozCRv0SK4wgS/s1600/20140609_150935.jpg" height="640" width="480"></a></div>
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Here is my sewing table, with my machine in its case. The drawers house my most frequently used supplies, the manual, and notions. To the left is the door into my rooms from the main part of the basement. I put a hook in the back of the door to hang my cutting mat and french-curve ruler. To the right is a nice large filing cabinet I use for storing my fabric stash. This is a great way to organize your fabrics because you can organize based on weight and color. For example, all of my heavy wool fabrics are in the bottom while light weight fabrics such as chiffon are in the top shelf. It also allows you to organize each drawer visually by color, pattern, and texture. This means you can see all of your fabrics at once. The shape and size of the drawers means you can organize the folds standing upright and pull fabrics out without having to dig to the bottom of a pile. This is great because my fabric pretty much filled up a small closet in my old sewing room. Also, since the file cabinet is metal, I was able to use some magnetic spice storage containers for storing remnants of cord and ribbon. I also super glued magnets on to the backs of some thread organizer racks for all of my thread and bobbins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2OO3O-VbZDN58-Xp33WpRr_qzDyjK2bKG2txqGE5DP9sAq-q1E27KCxknwDBGgDHxjEUu8PUrPM3U-PmnJWlRd-_XYWM7TPiQe2ZFeod6hyphenhyphendoJL4EWRGQywaGv2-ACykAO1EGLjLAR7B/s1600/20140609_151111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2OO3O-VbZDN58-Xp33WpRr_qzDyjK2bKG2txqGE5DP9sAq-q1E27KCxknwDBGgDHxjEUu8PUrPM3U-PmnJWlRd-_XYWM7TPiQe2ZFeod6hyphenhyphendoJL4EWRGQywaGv2-ACykAO1EGLjLAR7B/s1600/20140609_151111.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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I need to get some kind of hanger for my ironing board to mount on the wall behind my door. For now it is leaning against the wall. The hutch holds all of my paper crafting supplies, sewing patterns, sewing and craft books, fabric scraps/ remnants, button collection, and office supplies. I had some fun with decorating the top of the hutch. I also keep all of my Mollie Makes magazines and my radio on the hutch!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiio0skat52Wv5aSCd7scWBrDThynpHp-FOP2kXd7Lc9FZRaIhsNrUiaQ5GZ8SAc3BNiMCKf-KKtqHHXiMgj2qNUoa2n1n4nkde0tQ86etAKTwH9wRVqzrZ8_RSn_8SQHbZG4l_gwLXdc2m/s1600/20140609_151212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiio0skat52Wv5aSCd7scWBrDThynpHp-FOP2kXd7Lc9FZRaIhsNrUiaQ5GZ8SAc3BNiMCKf-KKtqHHXiMgj2qNUoa2n1n4nkde0tQ86etAKTwH9wRVqzrZ8_RSn_8SQHbZG4l_gwLXdc2m/s1600/20140609_151212.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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Here is the view from the door into my sewing room from the basement. I also use it as a sitting room to read, do homework, and relax. You can see the spice containers and thread racks on the side of the filing cabinet in the left side of the picture. Next to the couch, I store my books, movies, and magazines in an antique lawyer cabinet. You can also just see into my bedroom through the french-door.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV4zDGzywMNZs-8oyH3x2xwl1cwzUtuzzXVqw2jxjI_Q0v-oXRMJuKImT6FStlh1kbXos8VaPYKo8a9Gu2JwI9YHGMehvtfMdPhP8jwpEfNj-UKa3YXddJKAcpuQuunAyNLhb3KasVHB0/s1600/20140609_151353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV4zDGzywMNZs-8oyH3x2xwl1cwzUtuzzXVqw2jxjI_Q0v-oXRMJuKImT6FStlh1kbXos8VaPYKo8a9Gu2JwI9YHGMehvtfMdPhP8jwpEfNj-UKa3YXddJKAcpuQuunAyNLhb3KasVHB0/s1600/20140609_151353.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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Here is a better view of the transition from my sewing room in to my bedroom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LlyaZYMPBxMPO4RFj_2XKZrFCBfGQEnIyLmc0PR59cQs8eBWHj_02XG2aQjmDMJySSWKIKZ8CEHblYDcEwFUQyXNJcKbKkRZyTAEq37inJnbD4yvHyRvKAEc-hlMUhNpXOLsZfDr0zoE/s1600/20140609_151336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LlyaZYMPBxMPO4RFj_2XKZrFCBfGQEnIyLmc0PR59cQs8eBWHj_02XG2aQjmDMJySSWKIKZ8CEHblYDcEwFUQyXNJcKbKkRZyTAEq37inJnbD4yvHyRvKAEc-hlMUhNpXOLsZfDr0zoE/s1600/20140609_151336.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here you are looking in from the doorway between the sewing room and bedroom. I love to blend looks from different time periods in decorating. Such as my antique brass bed and a more modern color scheme in the bedding. The shelf on the back wall displays a collection of Northwest beach themed items, many found on family vacations over the years. I also like to use the theme of vintage-travel in my decor, because I think it is a great way to blend different looks and items.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnDR3oPZSDFWvHKW99sJBGUiHVZb_7T82MzpY-aPT9WxwVZRlGFZYNquy8lyrV0JEZ6MDXI-iHqS_fKcKySogcgJZf3gqqieYIwv4W51rtgxwB7m00C5rHZyGtHdtdlbCQ9wjqmtXvTAq/s1600/20140609_151428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnDR3oPZSDFWvHKW99sJBGUiHVZb_7T82MzpY-aPT9WxwVZRlGFZYNquy8lyrV0JEZ6MDXI-iHqS_fKcKySogcgJZf3gqqieYIwv4W51rtgxwB7m00C5rHZyGtHdtdlbCQ9wjqmtXvTAq/s1600/20140609_151428.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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My vanity is both pretty and practical. Living in an old house with just one bathroom, it is essential to have a personal space for grooming and storing toiletries. You may also have noticed that I have many poster prints on my walls. Poster prints with a color scheme relevant to the rest of the room are an inexpensive way to make a space look really cohesive.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsfbqaaKC8T4W0v6KxypnQ8nK88zYBwufwTHAfUmk4nFJdAcSPhxKXy8aitzPJEIKtD7k8mg86sgU_QhVcNRnHu_zm-Fgvfxrnsj1qN3I6AUp4nNSkwWpnxqXaJsYQ5fDumGYGhrZhIBQ/s1600/20140609_151444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsfbqaaKC8T4W0v6KxypnQ8nK88zYBwufwTHAfUmk4nFJdAcSPhxKXy8aitzPJEIKtD7k8mg86sgU_QhVcNRnHu_zm-Fgvfxrnsj1qN3I6AUp4nNSkwWpnxqXaJsYQ5fDumGYGhrZhIBQ/s1600/20140609_151444.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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This little cupboard was just the right size to fit in between my two closet doors. The tray on top displays my perfumes. Inside I store some of my bulkier cosmetic and toilette items.</div>
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This armoire stores my handbags, scarves, and other fashion accessories, in addition to things like phone chargers and luggage. </div>
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Once again, this dresser is a piece that fit perfectly in the space I wanted to place it. On top of the dresser are my record player and records. Above is my collection of vintage and vintage-inspired hats. On the wall to the right is a promotional poster of Pacific Northwest Ballet's <i>Sleeping Beauty</i> ca. 2010. I love to go to the the ballet, and promo-posters are both a wonderful souvenir and decorative object. You may also have noticed my poster from PNB's <i>Giselle</i> ca. 2011 in my sewing room on the common wall to my bedroom.</div>
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So that quickly turned into a "home-tour." </div>
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<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-79664920015232569842014-04-22T14:47:00.002-07:002014-04-22T14:47:56.216-07:00Prophecy FulfilledThe stars have aligned. The universe is in opposition to me completing a project to submit for the <a href="http://luckylucille.com/2014/03/sew-for-victory-2-0/" target="_blank">Sew For Victory challenge</a>. Or so it seems to me.<br />
I began this past weekend determined to complete my Sew For Victory dress in time to wear to church and brunch on Easter. Unfortunately, things did not work out that way.<br />
I worked for about 5 hours on Saturday, grading the pattern up to my waist measurement. I drew largely from <a href="http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2012/06/pattern-grading-101-part-two/" target="_blank">this post</a> on pattern grading at Casey's Elegant Musings. I was very careful as I expanded at two vertical points on each of the front<br />
However, as I was pressed for time I graded directly on to my fabric. This seemed to work out just fine as I used my French-curve ruler to connect the gaps and maintain the garment shaping. Then I moved on to sewing and pressing in the darts, and attaching the front and back pieces. At this point I tried on the bodice, just to make sure it fit.<br />
It. Was. Awful.<br />
The bodice fit just fine at the waist. However it was massive from the bust up. At the shoulders it looked like I was swimming in an ugly chef's jacket.<br />
I realized my mistake. I am probably one of the most severely pear shaped women around. Across the board, whether off-the-rack or pattern sizing, my proportions are such that if I buy/ make something to fit in the waist, it will not fit at all in the bust, and vice-versa.<br />
I did not know how to integrate grading a pattern up at the waist then down at the bust. And frankly, at 5:48pm Saturday night, with my fabric already cut, I didn't see any way to remedy the issue at this point.<br />
So, I knew I had to admit defeat. I would not be wearing a new me-made dress for Easter.<br />
Furthermore, I am moving all of my sewing and crafting materials out of the spare room in our basement this week in order to accommodate for my brother to move home. Meaning I will not have the time or space to figure out a solution and move forward before the 30th, when submissions are due. At least all of my things are looking kind of cute as I move them in to my room. I have a "bedroom suite" of a bedroom and small parlor in the basement across from the spare room. So my parlor will now serve the dual purpose of a sewing room as well.<br />
I did have a nice Easter, spending some time with my family, in spite of my grading fiasco.<br />
My little sister looked very nice in the dress I made her for the Mad Men challenge. Of course I forgot to take a picture, but she told me that all of her friends at church were asking her where she got her dress. So I temporarily felt a little bit better about my sewing skills again.<br />
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Do you have any tips on fitting a bodice for a pronounced pear-shape figure?<br />
Have you ever experienced the trails of botched fitting?<br />
Do share...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-31954576497170173612014-04-17T12:00:00.000-07:002014-04-17T12:00:18.562-07:00Spring, Spring, Spring!I'm not sure how many will get the post title reference to the song in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwa89n7lb_g" target="_blank">Seven Brides for Seven Brothers</a>, but it is finally spring in Washington. Which means one or two days of sunshine, followed by at least a week straight of rain and cloudy skies. Like most people who have lived through many a Northwest Winter, Spring still feels like a change in 4 ways:<br />
1. The sun is setting closer to 8 pm than 4 pm, and rising by 6 am instead of 8:30 am. The extended hours of daylight, even when filtered by clouds and rain, are having a positive effect on my sleep cycle.<br />
2. The local flora and fauna are blooming and making themselves busy with life. Many of us are enjoying flowers and planting vegetables.<br />
3. The temperatures are rising ever so slightly. The difference between a high 30's and low 50's average might sound like very little to people from warmer climes. For us it means there is no risk of overnight frost or (knock on wood) snow. Additionally, rain is a lot easier to bear when its 48* as it falls instead of 34*. That's the difference between a bulky winter coat and a light, hooded jacket. which brings me to the fourth way Spring changes things in the Northwest.<br />
4. Fashion. Okay, okay. So everything you've heard about the Northwest being a very casual and somewhat homogeneous fashion setting is pretty much true.Yes, it seems that we are an eternal sea of jeans, flannel, fleece zip-ups, Hunter boots and Chuck Taylors as gray-green and enshrouding as the waters of the Puget Sound. However, you do tend to see more bright spots/ variance in the warmer months.<br />
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This week I visited the Tulip Festival in Skagit County with my mom and youngest sister. I usually go every other year. We enjoyed lunch in La Conner, then visited some formal gardens and the tulip fields. We were lucky to have some nice sunny weather.<br />
I'm looking forward to Easter this Sunday. Obviously it is the <i>most </i>important observance and foundational aspect of my faith to remember celebrate each year. In addition, I always feel that while the scientific beginning of spring is the equinox on March 20th, the cultural beginning of spring is Easter. Mostly because I believe that this is a day when we come together, regardless of religious affiliation, and celebrate the season.We acknowledge the symbols of youth, new life, and rebirth in eggs, bunnies, flowers and the like, celebrating their simultaneous beauty and brevity. I feel that we as a culture have lost touch with these kinds of communal traditions as we have transitioned from agriculture and manufacturing to an economy entirely based on the consumption of goods for which we take no part in the process of production. The few chances we have to celebrate as a community, while they have become increasingly commercialized, are important to maintain and hopefully to re-appropriate.<br />
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<a alt="Sew For Victory" href="http://luckylucille.com/2014/03/sew-for-victory-2-0" target="_blank">
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I have of course waited until the last minute to get anything started for the Sew for Victory challenge at Lucky Lucille. And I was hoping to get something done in time to wear to church and brunch on Easter Sunday. As a result I have decided I will make a dress instead of the blouse and two skirts I had planned. I am still going to use Simplicity 1590, which is a 1940's reprint, for the bodice. Instead of the peplum indicated on the blouse design, I will attach a simple 1940's style dirndl skirt.<br />
I'm aiming for something like this:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The collar on this dress is a great detail. The cap-sleeve of the dress on the left is very similar to Simplicity 1590. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue floral pattern of the dress on the left reminded me of the fabric I am using.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the flutter sleeve on the dress on the left. I don't want to take the time to figure out how to add this in but will keep it in mind for future projects. I feel like the shape of the skirt in this drawing is closest to what I will be doing. I also like the self belt on all three of these pattern drawings, but I am not sure I will be able to find the materials for making a fabric belt in time.</td></tr>
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So I have three days to make that dress before Easter, if I'm going to be able to wear it for that. Hopefully I will be able to get it done on time. </div>
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Is anyone else wearing handmade for Easter? Comment and link if so.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-6648662906600611592014-03-28T15:39:00.001-07:002014-03-28T15:39:06.176-07:00The Cool Lilly: Mad Men Challenge 3 DressI know everyone has been waiting patiently to see all of the Mad Men inspired fashions generated by Julia's <a href="http://www.juliabobbin.com/2014/02/mad-men-challenge-3-you-in.html" target="_blank">Mad Men Challenge 3</a>, like I have. So here it is, with as much fanfare and pomp as can be expected of me at this time (only a little)... My submission for Mad Men Challenge 3: The Cool Lilly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pZAaZbnqYj_9__N858XISdWcPPMqjFN4rRWartTjnJC6VfHymFoO2Gq1Bqa8WUAcFPFcl6nOsQy9FFW-i2ijM-rcHHCI61W_PrgMX-Lk1E79dD82sae8XYaipJd0F06ai4qx5zGuu3_w/s1600/hanna+dress+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pZAaZbnqYj_9__N858XISdWcPPMqjFN4rRWartTjnJC6VfHymFoO2Gq1Bqa8WUAcFPFcl6nOsQy9FFW-i2ijM-rcHHCI61W_PrgMX-Lk1E79dD82sae8XYaipJd0F06ai4qx5zGuu3_w/s1600/hanna+dress+1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I've named this dress The Cool Lilly because it was inspired by the famous Lilly Pulitzer shift dresses which became so popular during the 1960s. The dress I made is a simple, 60s style shift dress in a bold print. However unlike the famous Lilly, which takes its own inspiration from the warm tones of citrus fruits and juices, my fabric is in a cool colorway of light blues and greens. Hence The Cool Lilly.<br />
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I actually didn't have a specific Mad Men look that I took inspiration from, but this is definitely a look which is iconic to that era. I always associate Jackie Kennedy and country clubs with this look. Coincidentally, Lilly Pulitzer and Jaqueline Kennedy, née Bouvier, were schoolmates.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackie Kennedy wearing a Lilly Pulitzer dress in Palm Beach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilly Pulitzer at one of her shops 1962.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still of Betty wearing a large-scale-floral shift dress, Mad Men.<br />
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For the dress I used Simplicity 1609. It is a reprint of a 1960s Jiffy pattern. The construction was pretty easy, and I probably spent a total of 5 hours across a couple days including ironing, cutting, and construction. This was my first time to do facings on a sleeveless dress, and I really like how it looks. The fabric I used was a decor weight cotton woven, so it was perfect for a pattern that used facings instead of a lining.<br />
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I eliminated the center front seam, instead cutting it on the fold, because I didn't want to interrupt the print. I didn't remember to subtract the seam allowance, so there was a little extra fabric in the neckline and I had to do some light gathers to make up for it. I actually think its a nice effect.<br />
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I ended up having my friend Hanna model it for me at work. I had made the dress for my little sister, but she is out of town until Sunday for her spring break.--Oh, children, still having an actual spring break with no obligations. You know not the value of such things.-- So Hanna graciously agreed to try on this dress and pose for a couple pictures. Thank you Hanna!<br />
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So that's it. I cant wait to see the reveal of everyone else's dresses/ outfits on <a href="http://www.juliabobbin.com/" target="_blank">JuliaBobbin</a> next week!<br />
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<a href="http://www.juliabobbin.com/2014/02/mad-men-challenge-3-you-in.html" target="_blank" title="Julia Bobbin - Mad Men Challenge III"><img alt="Julia Bobbin - Mad Men Challenge III" src="http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx160/JuliaBobbin/JuliaBobbinMM3_zpsa913cf16.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-42031245665689565942014-03-25T16:37:00.002-07:002014-03-25T16:37:53.156-07:00Update on Mad Men ChallengeJust checking in on to show my progress on the sewing challenge.<br />
I will do a more detailed post once I have finished the zipper and hem, as well as post some pictures of my sister modeling it.<br />
I will say that my brother was over when I had Molly try on the dress, and he didn't even know why I was making the dress. The first thing he said was "That looks like a Mad Men dress. Like a 60's dress."<br />
Then I had to explain the reason I was making the dress :)<br />
So here is a picture of the dress so far!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-42160914510122625852014-03-21T14:15:00.001-07:002014-03-22T12:54:06.993-07:00Sew For Victory Sewing ChallengeIt looks like I am going to spend a chunk of my spring break sewing for a couple of blog challenges. I have previously posted about the dress I am making my sister for the Mad Men Challenge at Julia Bobbin.<br />
Now I am considering participating in <a href="http://luckylucille.com/2014/03/sew-for-victory-2-0/" target="_blank">Sew for Victory over at Lucky Lucille</a>. I initially found out about this sewing challenge last year a couple days before it ended, and I was pretty sad that I didn't get to participate.<br />
So this year when I saw the initial posting about a second round of Sew for Victory, I was excited at the prospect of participating.<br />
I decided that in the spirit of the "Make Do and Mend" spirit of a 1940's sew along, I would try and use fabric and patterns existing in my stash, and try not to buy anything new for this project, apart from a couple notions if necessary.<br />
I have already narrowed it down to some separates, with a 1940s Simplicity blouse pattern as the center.<br />
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<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0230/3315/products/SIMPLICITY_1590_40S.png?v=1374372103" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0230/3315/products/SIMPLICITY_1590_40S.png?v=1374372103" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This blouse features cap sleeves (hooray for me, sleeves I won't have to be afraid of), a button front, and a peplum. I have decided to do view A, with the scoop neckline to save a little time and in anticipation of warmer weather. </div>
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I am also planning on making a pencil skirt to go with the blouse. Although I don't have a vintage pattern for this, I still think that a pencil skirt is an iconically 40's silhoutte, especially when paired with a tailored jacket or blouse with a peplum. I have a couple of different pencil skirt patterns in my collection:</div>
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<a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1541/1541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1541/1541.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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Simplicity 1541 has princess seaming on the front and two panels on the back with a centered vent. I'm really not sure how historically accurate the shaped seaming on the front would be. However, I think that the princess seams are potentially flattering, which would probably make me more likely to wear it as a non-vintage item as well.</div>
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<a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/mccall/3830/3830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/mccall/3830/3830.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
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This McCalls skirt pattern features multiple lengths. It is also the most simple design with a single panel front and two panel back with centered vent. It also has no waistband. I have made this skirt before and having no waistband definitely speeds up the process. That being said, I usually prefer to wear garments with a defined waistband, mostly for comfort but also for the appearance.</div>
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<a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/2475/2475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/2475/2475.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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Simplicity 2475 has 3 panels in the front and back as well as 2 back kick-pleats. The cover photo shows the skirt worn pretty low on the waist, almost at the hip, which would not be authentic. However, a quick image search showed that it can be worn closer to the natural waist.</div>
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I think I am trying to decide between the two Simplicity patterns for the pencil skirt.</div>
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Finally, I am thinking of making a simple dirndl/ gathered skirt in the same fabric as the blouse in order to wear them together for the look of a dress. This wouldn't require a pattern, and I have reviewed multiple tutorials for making a gathered skirt to make sure I will be able to do it.</div>
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As for fabrics:</div>
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For the blouse and matching gathered skirt I am thinking of using some Ralph Lauren sheets that my mom bought ages ago. The pattern is a light blue background with pink and yellow roses. It reminded me of a print that would have been used in a 1940's tea dress.Plus, how 40s is it to re-purpose textiles for another use?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/015/0/5553434/il_fullxfull.432709917_6g3g.jpg?ref=l2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/015/0/5553434/il_fullxfull.432709917_6g3g.jpg?ref=l2" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the same pattern, but the background in this image is reading as more green than blue.</td></tr>
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For the pencil skirt I have some navy blue ponte du roma that I think would work great. It would make the skirt practical for fall, winter, and spring... and much of summer in Washington really :)</div>
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Does anyone else have some spring projects they are getting started on?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-32499514536003483752014-03-21T12:07:00.000-07:002014-03-21T12:07:55.844-07:00Mad Men Sewing ChallengeAs many of you may know, Julia over at http://www.juliabobbin.com/ hosts a Mad Men themed sewing challenge every year before the new season of Mad Men airs.<br />
As someone who really enjoys mid-century fashion, I thought I would participate this year.<br />
I decided I wanted to make a dress for my little sister. She and I looked over some possible pattern options, and we both decided on Simplicity 1609, a 1960's re-issue of a Jiffy shift dress.<br />
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<a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1609/1609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/simplicity/1609/1609.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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The pattern has neckline options for a scalloped peter-pan collar, a bow, or a plain round neckline with facings. My sister decided she wants the collared option.<br />
I have pretty much narrowed the fabric selections down to a navy cotton-linen blend with mild stretch, or a large scale paisley in a light blue and green colorway. Both of these are in my stash and wouldn't require any further shopping.<br />
My sister is fine with either of these two options, although she originally said she wanted a solid yellow dress. When I let her know that I was hoping to use existing fabric and spend a minimal amount on the project, she said that whatever I selected was fine with her.<br />
I am leaning toward the paisley print because it feels a little more spring-y than navy, However, I am unsure whether a large scale patterned fabric would compete with the more delicate detail of the collar. In addition, the paisley is a decor weight, so I'm wondering if it will be hard to match weights between the dress and the collar.<br />
I'm planning on getting started this weekend. I'm interested to see how it comes together since the claim is that it should only take a "Jiffy" and is "Simple to sew using 2 main pattern pieces."<br />
Is anyone else making something for the challenge? You can head on over to Julia Bobbin by clicking on the button in the sidebar if you're interested in what it's all about.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-44153249499720317342014-03-18T19:35:00.002-07:002014-03-20T20:58:12.010-07:00Little Fleece Coat for a PupI actually made this little doggie coat a little over a month ago and never posted about it.<br />
I know, all you people who are shaking their heads right now. "Who puts clothes on their dog?" I used to think the same way you did. That was until my family got a small dog.<br />
We had a medium sized French Bassett hound named Lucy during my growing up years. A hound dog, especially a sedentary breed such as the Bassett, is not the kind of dog you would think of needing to put clothes on. Lucy had a thick, almost oily water resistant double coat, as many hunting breeds do. Plus, Bassetts spend a majority of their time sleeping, and don't need much exercise to regulate their metabolism, so there wasn't as much need for added warmth for going on walks.<br />
More recently, as we had to become used to the needs of our Yorkshire terrier Sprinkles, I have come to understand the utilitarian necessity of a warm jacket for some breeds. Many small dogs just don't have the body fat to stay warm on their own when outdoors. In addition, Yorkies don't have a thick double coat like many larger breeds do, and in fact have fine hair instead of coarse fur. So in order for little Sprinkles to stay warm during a wet-and-windy Washington winter walk (Alliteration! KA-BLAM![Who else remembers the show "Ka-Blam!"?]) she really does need a coat. Anyone who has ever tried to shop for a decently warm dog coat has, like me, experienced some serious sticker-shock. I decided I would just make one myself.<br />
Enter Butterick 4885:<br />
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<a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/butterick/4885/4885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/butterick/4885/4885.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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This pattern has a variety of cute, tailored features in a range of sizes. Most importantly, the pattern includes an option for a hood.</div>
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I finally decided to sew it up in a low pile fleece, and doubled it up by using the same as the lining.</div>
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I selected view C, minus the pockets and substituting the hood from version B instead of the fold-back collar.</div>
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Here is the result:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K729zTyuvFeXoT61oWUtoGXoepAt-AIovv0aWCQTRk_RgexER32zPv0WhEt2FxDqfNX6fuQ9hH7cOcH2LdnMlr1tTJlcD1twFCwuXg2qiMhWoBc5hldH2oXvm0z4HWSY2xE2qX8Cp3qn/s1600/20140106_173131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5K729zTyuvFeXoT61oWUtoGXoepAt-AIovv0aWCQTRk_RgexER32zPv0WhEt2FxDqfNX6fuQ9hH7cOcH2LdnMlr1tTJlcD1twFCwuXg2qiMhWoBc5hldH2oXvm0z4HWSY2xE2qX8Cp3qn/s1600/20140106_173131.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdLcHmvRGsggMLL3nqJZ1sf6x8RFlr2stfqXIdyCSoQL-DednYM4I1WGu5LzkPHifAV5fBDxy5xeDA2WV2K_gOlLL0tEzfLBPAD0w_WJaGbFyRYol-oixyIXceiBuAJKdFBodAZszo1tg/s1600/20140106_173034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdLcHmvRGsggMLL3nqJZ1sf6x8RFlr2stfqXIdyCSoQL-DednYM4I1WGu5LzkPHifAV5fBDxy5xeDA2WV2K_gOlLL0tEzfLBPAD0w_WJaGbFyRYol-oixyIXceiBuAJKdFBodAZszo1tg/s1600/20140106_173034.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The hood ended up a little big. In fact, it totally covers up Sprinkles head when it is up, so, yeah, not useable. However, it looks really cute and overall the coat is nice and warm. I would make it again, with some adjustments to the hood.</div>
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What do you think? Have you ever sewn anything for a pet?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-76276614047624925742014-03-04T17:02:00.000-08:002014-03-04T17:02:23.960-08:00T-Shirt Recycled to Pillow TutorialI recently revisited a recycled-materials project I have done in the past.<br />
For this project I turned an embellished girl's t-shirt into a decorative pillowcase. My younger sister is at that pre-teen/ early teen age when girls just grow and grow like weeds. She is also at the transition from very cute girl's clothes to, in my opinion, more generic teen clothing. As a result she is outgrowing some barely used, nice quality clothes.<br />
While I am a big believer in handing things on to acquaintances or charity-shops, sometimes there are items that are just to unique or delightful to let go of. In this case it was some embellished t-shirts from Gap- girl.<br />
My sister actually asked me to make these shirts into decorative pillow cases for her bed, since they matched her "Paris Shopping Girl" themed room. I knew I could do it because I had done another one for her last year. And this time I actually remembered to take pictures of the process, so I will outline the process as a tutorial in case anyone else has had the same dilemma of not wanting to throw out cute t-shirts.<br />
You will need:<br />
Embellished cotton jersey t-shirt<br />
Thread (color should be in the same intensity, ie pink tee+ white thread, not black)<br />
Scissors or rotary cutter<br />
Ruler<br />
Pins<br />
Pillow insert (depending on size of shirt)<br />
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<b>Step One</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g_kxM5Ghsgd1UYizZiBe8MVG7Dr_Spc9SOuei2iR4ff10B0OegiGZ5TuAyBugeQz9E9vHQa-ThH3UraZZQbMD14M3hMCUBZkkpgjW4P8yAjW8Rv4CEWzr-ff3j5WrtZCSvZhANgDEtyS/s1600/20140214_172656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3g_kxM5Ghsgd1UYizZiBe8MVG7Dr_Spc9SOuei2iR4ff10B0OegiGZ5TuAyBugeQz9E9vHQa-ThH3UraZZQbMD14M3hMCUBZkkpgjW4P8yAjW8Rv4CEWzr-ff3j5WrtZCSvZhANgDEtyS/s1600/20140214_172656.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Make sure your t-shirts are clean and wrinkle free. I don't usually iron knit shirts. Instead I hand them on hangers straight out of the washer and let gravity do the work for me.<br />
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<b>Step Two</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ra2hQRXFAYNNGodPU8eZ61qWpdhtAqZh9z6cmGz52G4vREfxqdnmKJPOvoMqMARhfoRI-G6C5L6rnfa-jQ3hKW_pp4oaM-8ITdkHx5HvKRK425VGKLhdAgRRFx09gM1iBaGqVYzwU-dl/s1600/20140214_172828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ra2hQRXFAYNNGodPU8eZ61qWpdhtAqZh9z6cmGz52G4vREfxqdnmKJPOvoMqMARhfoRI-G6C5L6rnfa-jQ3hKW_pp4oaM-8ITdkHx5HvKRK425VGKLhdAgRRFx09gM1iBaGqVYzwU-dl/s1600/20140214_172828.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5hkRATY1D-umDWVuIvxicIQ2bWgMniIdXH9tMkJ87MjMbsRaRQywfSLYb2Dupbijl9D1uOMqRKxtPHaIcXOOJnguBaLKk9s3y2kIL1VOJf8IbR5bEUH489CaKwgjezQhYAXk5PKGEgpJ/s1600/20140214_173001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5hkRATY1D-umDWVuIvxicIQ2bWgMniIdXH9tMkJ87MjMbsRaRQywfSLYb2Dupbijl9D1uOMqRKxtPHaIcXOOJnguBaLKk9s3y2kIL1VOJf8IbR5bEUH489CaKwgjezQhYAXk5PKGEgpJ/s1600/20140214_173001.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Turn the shirts inside out and lay flat with the embellished side facing up toward you. Use a ruler to make a straight line continuing in the line of the side seam over the sleeves to the top of the shirt. Trace the line with seamstress' chalk/ pen and cut along the line. If you are using a rotary cutter you can just line it up on the ruler and cut. Note: You will have to include the armhole seam inside your cutting line. The last time I did this project it was with a raglan-sleeveless tee, and that had a little bit smoother finished look. But it will be fine in the end if your pillow is big enough to stretch out the fabric a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy-tDmheYISw8qKlUNn1hyUzMYO2cEtSMlk_X0FvR8NJ1Jnf84ssQOex7EeRlW4gyF2qGVoraYy6aFNwziQdkxFgXVTaPvq1azpb8OuptZoxvEMAtJbWV3-LDWKw9MFRi55pP1HQlYYOQ/s1600/20140214_214436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy-tDmheYISw8qKlUNn1hyUzMYO2cEtSMlk_X0FvR8NJ1Jnf84ssQOex7EeRlW4gyF2qGVoraYy6aFNwziQdkxFgXVTaPvq1azpb8OuptZoxvEMAtJbWV3-LDWKw9MFRi55pP1HQlYYOQ/s1600/20140214_214436.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Repeat this process with the top of the shirt. You will want to line your ruler up just below the neck opening to guarantee that you don't lose any of the image/ embellishment to the sewing and turn-out process. It will also make for a centered image on the front of the pillow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu0Q5bfLd_ubDhmMH1vzD2ujTm0ItQGCDzQBlp3j1_TDxU0_ZSXe2s45sD8j1B9y_wdMs8a-P3NndAQDWnbk8X-XXBrkEQ9tR3igyzTQtMpU08x9IuODRhkDKdPDCr93TRFd_xMPcqMJo/s1600/20140214_214634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu0Q5bfLd_ubDhmMH1vzD2ujTm0ItQGCDzQBlp3j1_TDxU0_ZSXe2s45sD8j1B9y_wdMs8a-P3NndAQDWnbk8X-XXBrkEQ9tR3igyzTQtMpU08x9IuODRhkDKdPDCr93TRFd_xMPcqMJo/s1600/20140214_214634.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurYd-dTMrF1eWpxLa8yR9BGgY_AmL0bMT8DRkCmw73_ANA8gQrwjNYTN7NIRU1J5NyWaL1noLQKlz7tIKNdgG7slG4Tcaq_tOHSAZx0nluhfrRw7Z4DtV0pcpdTc87e69VDWOwN4xFUrv/s1600/20140214_214821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurYd-dTMrF1eWpxLa8yR9BGgY_AmL0bMT8DRkCmw73_ANA8gQrwjNYTN7NIRU1J5NyWaL1noLQKlz7tIKNdgG7slG4Tcaq_tOHSAZx0nluhfrRw7Z4DtV0pcpdTc87e69VDWOwN4xFUrv/s1600/20140214_214821.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Step Three</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ-2kpQ3P08n1Kw6pRDV_ObaELZWnbC0-mrtGbodbFzU5E2qVMtTRnQjOfNxz7CdaZCphloYmTGdgnYaj1iqObeGFyghyh5yrRHlNrXiyI1TWPNjR53Q-LKND_mQaZcdg9HWZ1Ud3noRz/s1600/20140214_215449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQ-2kpQ3P08n1Kw6pRDV_ObaELZWnbC0-mrtGbodbFzU5E2qVMtTRnQjOfNxz7CdaZCphloYmTGdgnYaj1iqObeGFyghyh5yrRHlNrXiyI1TWPNjR53Q-LKND_mQaZcdg9HWZ1Ud3noRz/s1600/20140214_215449.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pin along your raw edges and sew a straight stitch from the side-opening up to the top, then the top edge, then the other side edge. I haven't sew with knits much, so all I can say is that you may want to make sure that the thread tension is decreased slightly to prevent puckering. Otherwise, I just set it up like I was sewing a straight stitch on a woven fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rk03iEkneHkgkkSc5wRALMk0snidU9gukcSZeph3trrpNkvlJ73Xbxy5U876z1EYS9uRp4ukGY-I3sUnFydLF5Bgepm4byIgQu59f2X4wC51vEp-_kd-vwP8IBuI-lPaAnsv41etl-tX/s1600/20140214_220203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rk03iEkneHkgkkSc5wRALMk0snidU9gukcSZeph3trrpNkvlJ73Xbxy5U876z1EYS9uRp4ukGY-I3sUnFydLF5Bgepm4byIgQu59f2X4wC51vEp-_kd-vwP8IBuI-lPaAnsv41etl-tX/s1600/20140214_220203.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNDZg5rAm3cF4SlBc_61th36_Xe7TXVTGt7IxBAA1SSEft2nmFSZbORNfozN4l0rwGpzLkHx32V9BvSFQb2MFYvLEh9zPmrvptpPil_bHh6lELUoRQRAnXUoQHnbP8zQDEY4qJ8z34zoL/s1600/20140214_220135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNDZg5rAm3cF4SlBc_61th36_Xe7TXVTGt7IxBAA1SSEft2nmFSZbORNfozN4l0rwGpzLkHx32V9BvSFQb2MFYvLEh9zPmrvptpPil_bHh6lELUoRQRAnXUoQHnbP8zQDEY4qJ8z34zoL/s1600/20140214_220135.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Not being well versed in knits, I also don't have a serger. So, since this was meant to be a quick-and-easy project I just sewed a straight stitch first, then went back over with a zig-zag stitch to create kind of a faux serged edge. You can see it before I trimmed the seam allowance in the picture on the right.<br />
<br />
Step Four<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj8GFepCrsiTDjyKnfXj17DPhRMT9_tJPwz8TVxbWD2LVUFvtdB6uboHmJIr-hC30StcXglY8Ge-ZppfKTnRPB40YOui1btcjbGKXnTCGcjAGckg_jdvhTJVePM9gLiwTJAOf6AQjqH0a/s1600/20140214_220233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpj8GFepCrsiTDjyKnfXj17DPhRMT9_tJPwz8TVxbWD2LVUFvtdB6uboHmJIr-hC30StcXglY8Ge-ZppfKTnRPB40YOui1btcjbGKXnTCGcjAGckg_jdvhTJVePM9gLiwTJAOf6AQjqH0a/s1600/20140214_220233.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Turn inside out and insert your pillow. I used the inexpensive pillow insert brand from Jo Ann Fabrics, and those work just fine for a decorative pillow. In this case, and last time, I used an 18" square. This worked for a girl's medium shirt the first time and a girl's x-large shirt this time. Any larger and I would say you probably want to use a 20" square just to be sure that it will stretch the fabric enough to keep the image or embellishment smooth. Also, if you have poly-filling and don't want to go out and buy a pillow insert, you could sew most of the bottom edge, leaving a 5 in gap in the center,fill up your pillow case, then sew the last of the bottom edge closed by hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zseJsiadsTgH_nYfuW2FL5jyndaELhNirOC2OBZOGwuJoWfZ4X_nErIJr8YqNNrVb4LzAlbQKCwoh_tr9EmH8_G7tdHOx4sezxa7_MoinlPDxfK_ThyZlrDa0HpzZhoC2ll1R6v-yG66/s1600/20140214_220343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zseJsiadsTgH_nYfuW2FL5jyndaELhNirOC2OBZOGwuJoWfZ4X_nErIJr8YqNNrVb4LzAlbQKCwoh_tr9EmH8_G7tdHOx4sezxa7_MoinlPDxfK_ThyZlrDa0HpzZhoC2ll1R6v-yG66/s1600/20140214_220343.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>And there you have it!</b></div>
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A great way to re-purpose a cute tee that you'd rather not give away.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Have you ever used a fashion item to re-purpose as a decor item?</div>
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Or maybe the reverse?</div>
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Let me know in the comments.</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-35578873499687153472013-07-10T10:18:00.001-07:002013-07-10T10:18:11.462-07:00Body Image, Clothes Sewing, and ElitismOne of the reasons I decided to learn how to sew garments was due to my feelings about body image. Specifically, I feel that the mass media and mass market do not allow for the reality and variety of body types in the RTW clothes that they sell.<br />
I just finished reading a post by <a href="http://www.ohhhlulu.com/2013/07/a-bit-about-body-image-and-im-having.html">Ohhh Lulu </a>about body image in regards to self-sewn lingerie and negative commenting on the internet. The article addresses how we need to stop judging each others bodies so harshly and vocally. While I agree with the spirit of what the author is trying to say, this does not address the root of negative rhetoric regarding body image in our culture.<br />
What most people don't realize is that the hegemonically "perfect" body, which many aspire to but no one can achieve, is driven by elitism. When you really consider what the "best" bodies consist of, you realize that the "bad" bodies are really "poor" bodies.<br />
For example, most people do not find a body wracked by malnutrition, abuse, and disease to be attractive. This is not only because this body looks unhealthy and possibly close to death, but also because it it obvious that the body does not have access to the resources reserved for the elite.<br />
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of obese bodies, also considered unattractive, are from backgrounds of poverty as well. In fact, that the greatest indicator of obesity in the first world is poverty. In America, the poor deal with excessive stress, known to be a trigger for weight gain, as well as working irregular and/or long hours, have little leisure time apart from that which must be spent sleeping or maintaing their person-and-household, have little to no vacation time, and few benefits such as healthcare. They often work in stressful, demeaning, and unsafe environments, for little recognition and low pay. As a result, they have little money to spend on food, and focus on cheap, quick, "filling" foods which are high in calories but low in nutritional value.<br />
Finally, the elite structures of society send messages to these people with "bad bodies" through media, the true opiate of the masses, to make them feel ugly and unaccepted. This can lead to depression, feelings of inefficacy, and complacency which insure that individuals are focused on their inner turmoil and personal flaws instead of joining with their peers and affecting change.<br />
So yes, we do need to stop judging each other and using mean language against each other. But more importantly, we need to stop judging ourselves and focusing on ourselves. When we focus instead on the world as a whole, we can be more effective in serving each other and God.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-45447245502759866482013-06-12T18:16:00.000-07:002013-07-10T10:22:48.560-07:00A Little Tip: Reviving a Squashed Hat<br />
I ordered a cute
synth-straw boater hat from an e-bay China based seller. It came
quickly, but flat-packed in an envelope. (Of course, I didn't think to take a 'before' picture.) It was pretty squashed, looking
more like a fisherman's floppy hat than a pert boater.<br />
But I had anticipated this, and was ready to steam it back to its prim-shaped glory.<br />
All it took was:<br />
<ul>
<li> an iron</li>
<li> water</li>
<li> some brown packing paper</li>
<li> a 6 in small round cake-pan</li>
<li> spray-starch (optional.)</li>
</ul>
I
folded and wrapped the brown paper around the cake pan and stuffed it
into the crown so it was nice and tight.<br />
Then I set it on my ironing
board and went to town! I puffed steam onto the hat on the wool setting,
then turned it down to synthetic to iron the brim, crown, and top back
into shape.<br />
I made sure to keep the iron moving quickly the whole time
to avoid singeing whatever the hat is made of (probably paper or
polypropylene).<br />
I had to go over it a couple times, but it looked great
once I was done.<br />
I let the hat sit on the ironing board to cool and dry,
then applied a coat of spray-canned starch to help it hold its shape.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RTpO2mExtkwiFMJ57eQ2FfK-IIDWIZl9Z_cyyN7UW-IlX_v73Tu_zd3PFARx0njZo_rNBTlNS0CvggfUl9cMc7HwDZq5zo8Lc7ZjQlEvq0ATOgXLDQpmdQyn1o8jOUTsa30v7NW0ozmz/s1600/straw+boater+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RTpO2mExtkwiFMJ57eQ2FfK-IIDWIZl9Z_cyyN7UW-IlX_v73Tu_zd3PFARx0njZo_rNBTlNS0CvggfUl9cMc7HwDZq5zo8Lc7ZjQlEvq0ATOgXLDQpmdQyn1o8jOUTsa30v7NW0ozmz/s1600/straw+boater+hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forgive the over-brightness. My phone camera isn't great, but this hat is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It looks great! I'm sure I will be posting pics of me wearing it this summer!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-22268357373956547982013-06-11T13:46:00.000-07:002013-06-12T18:08:40.006-07:00Summer Sewing ScheduleHello!<br />
It has been awhile since I have blogged... for a couple reasons.<br />
The main reason is that I have been stalled on my Gatsby blouse. Obviously I had tackled a project that is a little bit beyond my current skill level. I am picking away at it now, even though the Gatsby Challenge deadline has passed. However, I think I will post the completed outfit on the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dressingdownton/">Dressing Downton Flikr group</a>. The blouse and skirt were really more inspired by that aesthetic anyways.<br />
In other news, I have decided to create a summer sewing schedule. Most of these items have the outside goal of being completed before I go on our annual family beach vacation in the third week of August. But obviously they will be useful for the rest of the summer as well. Here is my schedule month-to-month:<br />
<b>June:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Finish blouse for Dressing Downton outfit (<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-7753-misses-tops.aspx">Simplicity 1779</a> view D)</li>
<li>Finish plaid-top Traveler dress (UFO from last summer/ <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/patterns/traveler">Lisette Traveler dress</a> view C )</li>
<li>Yellow gingham circle skirt (using <a href="http://pattythesnugbug.com/2011/circle-skirt-calculator-for-the-drafting-of-full-half-and-34-skirts-with-bonus-grading-worksheet/">The Snugbug circle skirt tutorial</a>)</li>
<li>Chambray sleeveless dress (from <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/patterns/passport">Lisette Passport dress</a> view A)</li>
</ul>
<b>July:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Border-print full skirt (using <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2009/08/sew-full-gathered-skirt-part-one-make.html">Gertie's full-gathered skirt tutorial</a>)</li>
<li>Swiss-dot sweetheart blouse (from bodice of <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-4461-special-occasion.aspx#t-2">Simplicity 2442</a> view B)</li>
<li>Chambray button-down shirt (from <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/patterns/traveler">Lisette Traveler dress</a> view C)</li>
<li>Chambray full skirt (using <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2009/08/sew-full-gathered-skirt-part-one-make.html">Gertie's full-gathered skirt tutorial</a> and wide waistband from another skirt)</li>
<li>Re-fashion pink trousers to scalloped shorts (pants=too much pink!)</li>
<li>Re-fashion black sailor pants to shorts, maybe replace buttons for contrast (pants= don't notice sailor button detail)</li>
</ul>
<b>August:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Plaid summer jacket (from <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/patterns/passport">Lisette Passport jacket </a> view D)</li>
<li>Riley Blake <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/125870259/geekly-chic-glasses-four-colors-prints">Lavender Glasses print</a> dress (from <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/patterns/passport">Lisette Passport dress</a> view A)</li>
<li>Aqua pencil skirt (<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-4470-misses-skirts.aspx">Simplicity 2451</a> view C but below-knee)</li>
</ul>
Looking over my list I think "Wow, that's a lot of chambray!" But really, it's a great warm weather neutral. It's basically like a very light-weight denim, so when I consider how many days a week I wear jeans, it doesn't seem so excessive.<br />
I hope I can keep up a steady pace and get all these done by the time we go on vacation!<br />
<br />
Do you like to make a schedule of projects you hope to complete in the coming months?<br />
Are there any summer sewing projects you are excited about? <br />
<br />
<br />Have a great Tuesday!<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">...Amber</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-61309268750637432662013-05-01T18:49:00.001-07:002013-05-01T18:49:50.451-07:00Zipper and TragedyWhile working on my skirt for the Great Gatsby Sewing Challenge on Sunday I came across some difficulty in the zipper department.<br />
I <strike>am making</strike> have made the skirt in a nice medium weight poly/ wool blend coating in an eggplant purple color. When I got to the zipper step, I tried to be a good girl and go by the pattern instructions and sew the zipper from the right-side of the skirt. However, with the thickness of the wool and the bias-tap seam binding, I had to start over twice when I had a thread snag after the initial few stitches across the base of the zipper. I think it was the weight in combination with the dark color of the fabric that was making things hard.<br />
I stood up to unpick the snags in front of my ironing board and when I turned to sit back down in front of my sewing machine I tripped over my iron cord THROWING MY IRON TO THE FLOOR!<br />
Now, our sewing room is in the basement, so this was a fall to wood over concrete floors. As I looked in disbelief at my iron, now laying in a puddle of water on the floor, I was sure that my it was totally broken and would never even turn on!<br />
This was even more sad, because I had bought the iron, a Rowenta, at a great mark down, almost 60% off since it was a floor model at Target. I knew I would never be able to replace it for the $36 I had originally spent.<br />
When I looked it over I could hear a rattling behind the bottom of the faceplate. It turned back on and it seemed to heat properly, but any water I attempted to pour into the steam reservoir quickly leaked out of the base of the iron.<br />
OH NO! I thought, I CAN'T DO ANY DECENT FINISH WORK WITHOUT A GOOD STEAM IRON!<br />
I sat down and finished my zipper. From the inside this time, with a piece of 1/2 inch tape over the zipper seam as a guide. It came out perfect, looking great from front and back.<br />
When my mom came home and came in to check on my progress, I told her about my iron tragedy, and how I wouldn't be able to finish my project, let alone future projects without a good functioning iron, and I didn't know how I was going to come up with the money for a new iron.<br />
Luckily, she said that she would help me out by buying it for me so I could stretch the purchase out between two paychecks. Yeah mom!<br />
And I was only set back by one day, because she was able to take me shopping on Monday night.<br />
I got another Rowenta for $89 (eek!). I know you don't have to pay that much for a good iron, but I didn't want to have to order from Amazon and wait a week for my iron only to find that mine had been damaged in transit. I don't shop at Wal-Mart for moral reasons, so the brands they carry there were out. I didn't want to buy one at Jo Ann's, since I know their appliances are usually pricey unless they have a sale on them. So I went with what had worked for me last time and bought a Rowenta at Target. I also got a new ironing board so I could have one with the iron holding rack at the end and not risk another one falling and dieing.<br />
I finished up the skirt on Tuesday and it looks pretty good if I do say so.<br />
My camera batteries were dead or I would have uploaded a picture.<br />
I will have to remedy that.<br />
Next up, I will start on my blouse. Wish me luck on the sleeves!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-25798183871386689252013-04-17T19:27:00.001-07:002013-04-17T19:27:48.181-07:00Mood Board: What's Inspiring MeI haven't posted in a couple days and I thought I would check in and share a few things that are inspiring me right now.<br />
1. Yesterday I watched the film <span lang="fr"><i><b>La Fille du puisatier: The Well Digger's Daughter (2011)</b>. </i>The film takes place just before the onset of WWII and is set and shot in Provence.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/i/2012/07/17/review-well-diggers-daughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/i/2012/07/17/review-well-diggers-daughter.jpg" /></a><span lang="fr">The plot centers around a rural laborer Pascal, widower and father of six daughters, and his eldest daughter Patricia whom he idolizes. At its center it is a story about the dichotomy between love and honor. The film was visually pleasing, as the majority of the film takes place outdoors in beautiful rural Provence among streams and hills and orchards and simple but elegant masonry buildings. </span><br />
<span lang="fr">With six daughters playing prominently in this story, there were plenty of simple, light, floral, 1930's dresses in this film as well.</span><br />
<span lang="fr"><br />
</span> <span lang="fr"><br />
</span> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/192x/e6/45/13/e64513c65683ec02f08a3672d52ca5a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/192x/e6/45/13/e64513c65683ec02f08a3672d52ca5a6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seychelles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="fr">2. <a href="http://seychellesfootwear.com/">Seychelles Footwear</a>, <a href="http://www.baitfootwear.com/">BAIT Footwear</a>, and <a href="http://www.mysaltwatersandals.com/">Saltwater Sandals</a>- All of these are available in some adorable summer shades and vintage styling. I am currently stalking all 3 online for sales and dreaming of being able to wear them in warmer weather.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ys2fWUClwZXb-QrLiLwgE-KQ93l_ThCqv_309Uob6U7dw97aUnaNmnhfQtHt2T7FMejKltPet8SMnFWxGpmb_RCcMf4tcCUeNqfQjBNP_fUmUNcqlPlT99z28fR9mW2EAZHOrYA5lWk/s1600/Untitled-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Ys2fWUClwZXb-QrLiLwgE-KQ93l_ThCqv_309Uob6U7dw97aUnaNmnhfQtHt2T7FMejKltPet8SMnFWxGpmb_RCcMf4tcCUeNqfQjBNP_fUmUNcqlPlT99z28fR9mW2EAZHOrYA5lWk/s320/Untitled-1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B.A.I.T. Footwear</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span><br />
<span lang="fr"><br />
</span> <span lang="fr"><br />
</span> <span lang="fr">3. <b>Dwarf-Hotot Bunnies</b>- This dwarf breed of rabbits look like they have eyeliner on, which gives their eyes a cartoonishly large quality.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZAjk63vGPrzYZsVb0ewBPiecP1-J91F8kFWVfCsAVrFCVKASrZh7VLHYe7g5MCiBbhlJaDaQtIZ4gKmAERQOW-SX7d6gfsVeDA0p4q13d5ob9aiHk3LFN51dAQ3_C_odgdx8GcZgIr4N/s1600/Baby+Bunnie+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZAjk63vGPrzYZsVb0ewBPiecP1-J91F8kFWVfCsAVrFCVKASrZh7VLHYe7g5MCiBbhlJaDaQtIZ4gKmAERQOW-SX7d6gfsVeDA0p4q13d5ob9aiHk3LFN51dAQ3_C_odgdx8GcZgIr4N/s320/Baby+Bunnie+Pic.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>4. <b>1930's Storybook Print Fabric</b>- These 30's feedsack fabric inspired prints just say spring to me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/00668201105230531530935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://siterepository.s3.amazonaws.com/00668201105230531530935.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/ItemImages/Large/wf360843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/ItemImages/Large/wf360843.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bellarosequilts.danemcoweb.com/media/images/productimage-picture-storybook-vii-30611-6-windham-fabrics-1145_jpg_150x150_q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://bellarosequilts.danemcoweb.com/media/images/productimage-picture-storybook-vii-30611-6-windham-fabrics-1145_jpg_150x150_q85.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>5. Vintage Perfume Ads- I love vintage advertisements from before photographs were the most common type of image in advertisement, especially ads from the art-nouveau and art-deco eras. Perfume ads always seem to be the most whimsical and feminine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.atticpaper.com/prodimages/081111small/vioviolet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.atticpaper.com/prodimages/081111small/vioviolet.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn101.iofferphoto.com/img/item/833/827/16/o_6RgZSYVfSyYEvJS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://cdn101.iofferphoto.com/img/item/833/827/16/o_6RgZSYVfSyYEvJS.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rodeo.net/fiftyscents/files/2012/03/m221987245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://rodeo.net/fiftyscents/files/2012/03/m221987245.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.playle.com/pictures/WHIMZY917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://www.playle.com/pictures/WHIMZY917.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADqEV_Qodo5gK2ZqdSfLtpiHq79QWkwXnNedqaxZneBpHWv_RlSAN_4NFPfOzW6yK_s2Z3iNv8I3i2t3sXxPzyKILd08_oNtFYR3iYvrPTAQ5Eq7D7Ub_EW0eZFdaHn6Scc-HsB8b6YyD/s1600/forvil+5+perfume+ad+1920s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADqEV_Qodo5gK2ZqdSfLtpiHq79QWkwXnNedqaxZneBpHWv_RlSAN_4NFPfOzW6yK_s2Z3iNv8I3i2t3sXxPzyKILd08_oNtFYR3iYvrPTAQ5Eq7D7Ub_EW0eZFdaHn6Scc-HsB8b6YyD/s400/forvil+5+perfume+ad+1920s.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.enjoyart.com/library/art_genres/art_deco/large/parfums_djemil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.enjoyart.com/library/art_genres/art_deco/large/parfums_djemil.jpg" width="230" /> </a> </div>These last two are some nice mood-inspiration for the <a href="http://misscrayolacreepy.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-great-gatsby-sewing-challenge.html">Gatsby Sewing Challenge</a>!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-35934610550347264522013-04-12T09:33:00.000-07:002013-04-12T09:33:04.191-07:00The Great Gatsby Sewing Challenge: Patterns and Fabric ChoicesAfter my post yesterday I considered a little more about what type of garment/s I wanted to sew for <a href="http://misscrayolacreepy.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-great-gatsby-sewing-challenge.html">The Great Gatsby Sewing Challenge</a>. As I said, being a full figured lady the thought of making a gamine, dropped waist flapper-style dress is pretty much a joke to me. Also, living in a post-feminist (kind-of) world today I realize that subduing the female form into pre-pubescent boyhood is not the best way to empower women.<br />
I did start thinking about all the things that were brought to our modern world of fashion in the 1920's.<br />
The step-in dress, one which didn't require assistance from servants or family members to get dressed, not only revolutionized the fashion world and ease of movement for women, it also assisted in delineating the separation between classes made apparent by costume. The step-in dress often had only a few buttons on the front-bodice, making it the link between the fitted shirtwaists of the Edwardian era and the shirt-dress of the 1940's which is still a fashion staple today.<br />
And of course the little-black-dress assisted in this process too, as there was not as much variance or visibility of fabric quality in evening wear in the inky-shades and simple shapes.<br />
As for my challenge project, I always gravitate toward day wear when selecting vintage styles because of their ability to mesh with a more modern aesthetic. Also, at my current skill level it is much easier to work primarily with natural woven fabrics, so that would indicate day wear as well. Then, back to my dread of the dropped-waist, I had decided on focusing at the very beginning or very end of the decade. I finally decided that some 1920's inspired separates would be best.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhORuVVFqWpsCMaBBEr28OXdVRDUaNem7PIAEbMRxDsCIytYU6_RCX5rxFTfIwslBDLA4QYEDj8HhDIpvLPsdYVJjfHqqznu13jzxVE-WzC6UaOP6qVkyWOteT57PGykFxAYO_K9_8ZXvkSNZhz3JvbaWapV_kWnQ3R3rWw9Qnw=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhORuVVFqWpsCMaBBEr28OXdVRDUaNem7PIAEbMRxDsCIytYU6_RCX5rxFTfIwslBDLA4QYEDj8HhDIpvLPsdYVJjfHqqznu13jzxVE-WzC6UaOP6qVkyWOteT57PGykFxAYO_K9_8ZXvkSNZhz3JvbaWapV_kWnQ3R3rWw9Qnw=" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day wear can be made in easy to sew fabrics, such as this skirt <br />which appears to be in a cotton or linen woven.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIserysnaHdCFkYwXkdib1lMAJxutCoQKjTV39WhnX6iFnI2cbWhVAGXccyUzDTRuuR1VKGQpxpHuGu1iNoaOwlgfo7lwZJWWPl1rbSoXaSJKKOOHKh2rKRakz5CQXAo3kpQ-AJOlXss0/s1600/4164352186_39413586c1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIserysnaHdCFkYwXkdib1lMAJxutCoQKjTV39WhnX6iFnI2cbWhVAGXccyUzDTRuuR1VKGQpxpHuGu1iNoaOwlgfo7lwZJWWPl1rbSoXaSJKKOOHKh2rKRakz5CQXAo3kpQ-AJOlXss0/s1600/4164352186_39413586c1_o.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These separates allow a natural waistline to be visible, <br />although the hip is still emphasized by sashes and banding.<br /></td></tr>
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I chose to use McCalls 3830, which is a straight-skirt with multiple length options.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhyqqn7EL-t56K2N5V_7jYJzoe9c9dGy5979wsSkYJqcuaixlB0GQjF0NtCNOWt_aD3ZBFjEtyWTC4VxooN25e_zIKParWNrxDPa3R4iNapqt1avccuyKujB-E-XZcK3e-CzywqHQsvpGHmu4Ulhm4loZnHgKWjX_I8wPPmNgG9UF3z4V0=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhyqqn7EL-t56K2N5V_7jYJzoe9c9dGy5979wsSkYJqcuaixlB0GQjF0NtCNOWt_aD3ZBFjEtyWTC4VxooN25e_zIKParWNrxDPa3R4iNapqt1avccuyKujB-E-XZcK3e-CzywqHQsvpGHmu4Ulhm4loZnHgKWjX_I8wPPmNgG9UF3z4V0=" width="254" /></a> </div>
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I will be making version B, which is a mid calf length that I felt hearkened to the early 1920's. The techniques needed to make this skirt are all familiar to me, such as making darts and inserting a zipper. I considered trying to change the closures to something more period appropriate, but ultimately decided that I would put all the learning in with the blouse.</div>
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For the blouse I decided on Simplicity 1779, which I already had in my stash. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhwFj_IGxFwNnnToo6Hzt65PA5DGNIJA-AnsLsXjosRvuN3p0C9kUXUnnBKdWe81HQ4ra9p0hbW_PbMyJ7ip-qrE-9mUoA1Ia3gF0XvzLM8o3Y_pXc7lF05jdw5pmOWVn0aZrNEXn8dbmv8k7xE_6uHKhZR1OK3Ed-vKjeMTUKz0Djkf-xkpIEd=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhwFj_IGxFwNnnToo6Hzt65PA5DGNIJA-AnsLsXjosRvuN3p0C9kUXUnnBKdWe81HQ4ra9p0hbW_PbMyJ7ip-qrE-9mUoA1Ia3gF0XvzLM8o3Y_pXc7lF05jdw5pmOWVn0aZrNEXn8dbmv8k7xE_6uHKhZR1OK3Ed-vKjeMTUKz0Djkf-xkpIEd=" width="222" /></a></div>
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The blouse has multiple sleeve and collar options. I decided on the long sleeves and the flat collar, but I may add in the bow- tie as well. I will definitely have to learn on this one, as I haven't done sleeves before and find them pretty scary for some reason. I also haven't done buttons or button-holes before, but I think that must be pretty straightforward.</div>
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I know I want to use a lilac colored lightweight woven fabric with a contrasting white collar on the blouse in tribute to my favorite dress from the Downton Abbey series.</div>
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I haven't quite decided on the skirt fabric yet. I have it down to 3 options.</div>
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1. An aqua textured <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">bouclé</span></span> lightweight coating I have in my stash, which I may want to keep for its original intended use for a jacket.</div>
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2. A wool blend ribbed medium weight coating in dark purple.</div>
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3. A wool blend smooth-finish medium weight suiting in navy.</div>
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I'm leaning toward the latter two options. What do you think?</div>
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While I was reading around the sewing-blogs looking for inspiration, I came across <a href="http://misscrayolacreepy.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-great-gatsby-sewing-challenge.html">The Great Gatsby Sewing Challenge</a> over on Miss Crayola Creepy. Now, being a curvy pear-shaped lady I am no fan of the dropped-waist and shapeless torso associated with Flapper Era fashions. My eye-for-vintage usually gravitates to the va-voom curves of the late 1940's through early 1960's. But as a modern lady I can appreciate what the 1920's did to try to free women from both the corset and the confines of gendered and socioeconomic elitism. The introduction of sportswear, the slip-on dress, and the use of knit fabrics all contributed to the breakdown of both gender and economic power structures during this period.</div>
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As I was reading the guidelines for the challenge, I saw that Erin referred to jazz-era styles seen on the tv shows <i>Boardwalk Empire</i> and <i>Downton Abbey</i> for participants who wanted a little more inspiration. </div>
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Any time I think of the fashions on <i>Downton Abbey</i>, the first thing I consider is the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlwiththestarspangledheart/6704232099/">beautiful purple dress</a> worn by Lady Sybil in season one. Of course this dress is a classic Edwardian shirtwaist-dress, but I think that it may be possible to take inspiration from it and bring it up to a 1919-1920 era style. And that shade of purple is apparently my best color. <i>And</i> the challenge will allow me to finish right in time for lilac season!</div>
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As I have been perusing 1920's fashion plates online, I have pretty much decided that I will either do a shirt-dress from very early in the decade, before the waistline dropped to the hip, or do separates from the very end of the decade, in which the separation of skirt and blouse allowed a natural waist to be visible again. I think that either of these options could be styled with hair, make-up, and accessories to read as a jazz-era outfit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgT4QVtW83mMB3VEu3kXh9CNCHfextUV3cs4ZoV2Vz9iFaL0tk4N04kedBGD7dtUQJb_n9ew9yB7e0BIMeKCLc64D9aUcaswHr46dn0zOrkA8ELTaojGEnCMYY3ICcvjsjz4A-3ukgWJ2ZrLgNPZVegxGITBnr6Naxr-fwdgfVHjI1Ubwoxjr5CvWtLrXI=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgT4QVtW83mMB3VEu3kXh9CNCHfextUV3cs4ZoV2Vz9iFaL0tk4N04kedBGD7dtUQJb_n9ew9yB7e0BIMeKCLc64D9aUcaswHr46dn0zOrkA8ELTaojGEnCMYY3ICcvjsjz4A-3ukgWJ2ZrLgNPZVegxGITBnr6Naxr-fwdgfVHjI1Ubwoxjr5CvWtLrXI=" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1919 Shirt-dress. could raise hem to mid calf for a bolder flapper feel.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjR_ZSr4N4maJ9qctD5VvOGRh1B8n1EkFeo_sMAJxoqXIlmQSCcJLFJ1OK-Fv8uEq41eFA5WIe-bC6oQP1Dpx29X4EfNExkzJO0mxXYdCV9uu2W4BnoN-b39hglWex3iKElp6sIapCfytWcScEjrEHWff7BYP-BxtmI4DgOO_FGHw=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjR_ZSr4N4maJ9qctD5VvOGRh1B8n1EkFeo_sMAJxoqXIlmQSCcJLFJ1OK-Fv8uEq41eFA5WIe-bC6oQP1Dpx29X4EfNExkzJO0mxXYdCV9uu2W4BnoN-b39hglWex3iKElp6sIapCfytWcScEjrEHWff7BYP-BxtmI4DgOO_FGHw=" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1929 Sportswear Separates. The waist line had moved back above the hips by this time.</td></tr>
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What do you think?</div>
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<h3>
As someone who is just starting out, I know how daunting this world can be.
Even with the very little knowledge I have acquired, I now have an arsenal of
sewing jargon that amazes my non-sewing friends. Here are 4 tools that helped
me acquire the necessary knowledge to begin sewing:</h3>
<br />
<b>1. Books-</b> I checked out a few books from my local library that helped me. I
looked for books about sewing that stated they were at the beginner level. The
three that I found most helpful were "The Complete Idiot's Guide to
Sewing"by Missy Shepler and Rebecca Brent, "The Burdastyle Sewing
Handbook" by Nora Abousteit and Allison Kelly, and "Fabric by Fabric:
One Yard Wonders" by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins. The latter two I
ended up buying because I felt that they were going to continue being useful to
me as my skill level grew. All included step-by-step instructions with the assumption that you had never even plugged-in a sewing machine before.<br />
<i>"The Complete Idiot's Guide to
Sewing"</i> If you haven't used a <i>Complete Idiots Guide</i> book before, you can find titles on a wide variety of topics and should go look at them now. This edition follows the usual format of the series. Don't be put off by the inclusion of <i>idiot </i>in the title title. I didn't find that the authors talked down to the readers in any way. The book is written in an exhaustive style, making sure to explain and define every new concept or term that the reader may come across. It does include some simple projects as well as an introduction to technique for both hand and machine sewing. However, I felt that most of the projects they included were a bit dull. This may be in some part due to the plain gray-scale photographs that accompanied, but all in all this book was an excellent resource for a new sewist.<br />
<i>"The Burdastyle Sewing
Handbook"</i> If you are a visual learner, like me, then you will love this spiral bound book. It introduces the tools and language of garment sewing in a slightly less comprehensive manner than the Idiots Guide, but still assumes that the reader is new to the topics. It also includes beautiful full color illustrations and photos of tools and projects. The included projects and patterns, which make up the majority of the book, are stylish and relevant and range in difficulty from beginner to advanced focusing mainly on machine-sewing techniques. The most unique feature of this book is that with each pattern and set of instructions is a variation by a member of the Burdastyle online community. It is really helpful to see how much simple variations in fabric type, color, and embellishment can completely change the look of a garment.<br />
<i>"Fabric by Fabric:
One Yard Wonders" </i>If you are looking for a set of projects which will allow you to spend little money on fabric and materials as you are learning to sew, this is the book for you. All of the projects in this book require one yard or less of fabric to make. The book is organized by fabric type, and offers insight into working with different fabric types as well as outlining what kinds of fabrics are best for different applications. Once again, this book is great for the visually oriented learner with both photos and step-by-step illustrations for each project. The projects focus on machine sewing, with some limited hand sewing as well.<br />
<b>2. The Internet</b>- The internet is obviously an excellent resource for the beginning sewist. An added benefit is the continuous dialogue between website managers, bloggers, and readers. The content of sites such as <i><a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/">Burdastyle</a> </i>and <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/index.php"><i>Sew-Mama-Sew</i></a> are largely user generated, and therefore set up in basic language that should be accessible to most new sewists. For example, I found the <i>Sew-Mama-Sew</i> post about non-serger <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2008/05/seam-finishes-simplified/">seam finishes</a> to be extremely helpful, as are the many youtube videos on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=read+a+sewing+pattern&oq=read+a+sewing+pattern&gs_l=youtube.3..0i5.3077.6592.0.6820.21.21.0.0.0.0.90.1227.21.21.0...0.0...1ac.1.6MVMKKqsXEc">how to read a sewing pattern</a>. Furthermore, the blogosphere is full of sewing information directed toward any number of interest specific areas. I spend hours skimming blogs dedicated to sewing vintage style clothing. And don't forget to read the comments too, there can be valuable tips in that dialogue.<br />
<b>3. Classes</b>- In my experience, there are two kinds of sewing classes available project-specific or general instruction. A project-specific class has a predetermined curriculum involving the whole class completing a project or projects together as a group. A general instruction class briefly introduces whatever the instructor or institution deems the basics, then lets each student pick their own project to complete within the frame of the class. I have attended both types, and in my opinion the project-specific class is more helpful to the beginning sewist. The general instruction class tends to be a larger classroom setting, and usually through a school type entity with classes lasting for multiple sessions. In my case it was a high-school sewing class that lasted for a full semester. The variability of a dozen or more students each picking a different project means that the instructor has less ability to help each individual student. In a project-specific class, everyone is working on the same project, so the instructor can assist each student more efficiently because they are already familiar with the project, and they can address the answer to the whole class incase anyone else needs the same help. That's just my opinion though. The other benefit of a project specific class is that they are often only one or two sessions, which will limit the cost. I was lucky enough to be able to take a single session class with my local sewing machine supplier through a Groupon deal. The class met for one 2-hour session in which we each made a tote bag. There were about 8 students to one instructor, so there was still plenty of ability for students to get one-on-one help and to work at a slightly different pace. The fact that they picked a project that can be completed in the course of a couple hours definitely helped my confidence.<br />
<b>4. Beginner Sewing Patterns</b>- I find that sewing with envelope/ printed patterns is a bit easier for the beginning sewist. And there are a lot of options specifically for beginners. Most of the major pattern suppliers list the level of experience needed on their patterns. Some have lines that are meant to be learning tools. For example, one of the first garments I made was from a <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5917-learn-to-sew-misses-skirt.aspx">Simplicity Learn-to-Sew skirt pattern</a>. These patterns often list what new material you will learn right on the front of the envelope. However its also a good idea to look at the instructions and line drawings inside the envelope to asses the level of difficulty specific to your existing knowledge. Also, look for pattern sales at your local craft and fabric supplier. Many large supply stores have a rotating pattern sale schedule allowing you to buy patterns at as little as $1 each. At regular price these patterns can be anywhere from $5 to $15 each!<br />
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Alright! I hope that you will be able to use these resources to build more confidence in your ability to learn to sew! Good luck<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4720032625473954412.post-7166498386524749422013-04-10T16:56:00.001-07:002013-04-22T16:03:18.860-07:00My first post!<h3>
<i><b>Hello, and welcome!</b></i></h3>
This is my first post on this blog, so if its a little unsteady just bear with me...<br />
In fact, you're going to just have to bear with me a lot of the time throughout this blog because I am very much a novice at sewing in general and garment construction specifically....<br />
That also means if you are new to the world of fashion sewing, I will try my best to make things as accessible and un-intimidating as possible.<br />
In addition, I also like to try my hand at a variety of no-sew or non sewing related crafts and household projects. And I love to cook, so I may share the occasional recipe as well.<br />
Hope you enjoy!<br />
Amber <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/7155277/?claim=fzzt57wbhhe">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17159585552950475068noreply@blogger.com0