Finished Dress: The Coffee Date Dress!

Another Finished project for 2012!

Remember this post? Well I had to wait until I was off this week to even start working on my second "test" dress because work has been insane (late late nights and weekend work took over my life for a few weeks).  But luckily I booked this week off knowing that i'd need some time away from that place and a few days to sew before Ange's wedding!

I had all the pieces for the larger pattern size cut out, and after taking all day Monday to do nothing I started sewing on Tuesday and finished it in just a few hours.  This was the first picture I took after finishing the bodice, and the skirt wasn't really attached yet, I just used the belt to hold it up.

The next few shots are horrible, but at least you can see the full dress. 

Front - I still don't know how to stand to show off the clothes and not look like a goof.  

Modifications from my first test dress: I went up two sizes to a 36, the first size 32 was way to small. Turns out I just didn't measure myself properly (aka at all).  I've learned so much in this process about making clothes and proper measurements and fit.

I also included the ruffle on this dress vs. the previous test dress, and I'm really glad I did, it was super easy and I think it just dresses it up a bit more.

Back - this was before I hand sewed the lining down to the zipper.  The pins are now gone and its looking great. 

I still have to hem the bottom of the skirt.  I think I'm going to bring the bottom up to just above my knee. The other change I made from the pattern was to attach a full bodice lining. (vs. just the facings)  This made a huge difference in the look in my opinion.  In the previous test dress the fabric was so thin that you could see the facings which I really didn't like. Plus although I didn't make any size modifications to the bodice, I think having the extra thickness throughout helped with the fit.  It seriously is the perfect fit up top.

Side View 

A close up view with the ruffle, so glad I included it!

So if you remember this was suppose to be a second "test" dress.  I made it out of some cotton broadcloth that I got at Fabricland for I think $20. However I really love the colour, and minus a few minor issues (the ironing job sucked when i did the darts and there is a slight pintuck in the skirt top) its pretty good.  And I've decided that I'll just wear this one to the wedding, instead of making a whole other dress.

That all said - I did still get Paul to drive me down to the workroom this week to look at fabric and patterns, because this dress has made me want to sew even more.  So because it was only Wed and I still had the rest of the week off, I picked up this pattern. 

And some Quilters linen by Robert Kaufman in a yellow (its actually called Ochre) - which I love!  I'm going to do another post with the progress of this dress - which i'm hoping to have finished today - then I'll be able to have two choices for the wedding! 

Only two days of holidays left :(.  And the sewing to-do list is still pretty long.  Its going to be another late night of sewing and i'm just fine with that !

Spring Top - Shearwater Kaftan

I finished my Spring Top for the Spring Top Sewalong!  Actually I finished it 3 weeks ago before Easter and have wore it several times already.  Life just got in the way (aka: work) and I didn't get it blogged or even uploaded to the flickr site.

But realizing the deadline is tomorrow i'm getting my butt in gear this morning to post.

I LOVE this top.  It turned out almost perfect.  And i'll definitely be wearing it all summer.  Heck I've even been wearing it in the cooler weather with a sweater. It's great for layering and looks good with jeans or shorts and will make a great beach cover up (should we ever go to the beach).

Details:
Pattern: Shearwater Kaftan by makeitperfect
Size: X-small
Fabric: Bought on Etsy (after searching for a long time) A very light/ pale gray Gauze
Buttons: for sleeves bought at the Creative Festival from Len's Mill booth

This top went together really easy and fast.  And I don't know why it sat in my closet all cut out but not started for so long.  I really wish I had a real proper serger for the ends now that its finished.  The fabric is so light that its started to fray really bad on the inside even where I used my pinking shears.

I might have to make a trip to The Workroom to use the serger's there this week to finish it up. But overall i'm super happy with this top.  And another finished project for the year!

On to finishing (or starting) my dress for Angela's wedding. (Good thing I have the week off!)

I interrupt this sewing update...

... so I can finish reading the last few chapters of this:

I'm obsessed. I finished the first book the weekend the movie came out and I made Paul go and see it with me that night at 11pm.  (I think the book was far better, although part of me wants to run out and see the movie again!)

Then I read the 2nd book in less than a week, and I never do that!  On Sunday soon as I put down book #2 I made Paul drive with me to Indigo to get #3.  (I didn't listen when he just told me to buy all 3 at once)

I'm loving them.  In fact I've been waiting all day to sit and finish the last few chapters but I'm delaying it so I can hold on to the characters just a little bit longer.  Do you very feel super sad when you finish a really good book like you could just keep living through there exciting lives?  

I saw this on pinterest a while ago and its so true about these books.  I'm not even finished yet, and I'm already sad to not know what happens to the rest of their lives. 

Anywho, off I go to bed to finish, cause I just can't wait any longer.  I must know how it all ends. 

But I did finish my top for the Spring Top Sewalong on Saturday (a March finished project).  And I promise to blog about it this week and enter it in the contest! 

Spring Top Sewalong!

2012 Goal: Sew More.  Part of that goal is to try and sew more clothing for myself.  Cool stuff, not cheesy "looks like its home made" stuff.

So along with sewing a dress for Angela & Thomas's wedding, I'm going to work at finishing up and making a few other projects for myself.  And perfect timing Made by Rae posted her "Spring Top Sewalong" for 2012 today!

I've been following her blog for a while now and have read and voted the last few years in the Spring Top sewalong - and although I thought about entering last year I never did.  This year I fully intend on finishing and entering a top.

In fact you can submit something that you have previously started but not finished.  Rules are you must have finished your top after March 1st 2012.  (no issues here, since its totally not finished)

I'm going to finish up (my almost started) Shearwater Kaftan summer top. I fell in love with this pattern last year  and searched for the perfect fabric.  Finding this great pale grey stone gauze fabric from etsy seller UniqueShiny.

Image borrowed from makeitperfect and Photograph courtesy of Fiona Harding Photography

But to date I've only got as far as cutting out all the pieces and sewing the the hem around the neck.  Time to pull it out and finish it.  And I really have been wanting to finish this for a while now.  In fact I had originally planned to finish it last year in time for Rhett's First birthday and Steph's baby shower which were both towards the end of last summer.  I always have such ambitious plans that never come to fruition.

But this is the time.  Maybe I'll even go and get started right now. You can start uploading pics for the Spring Top sewalong as early as Monday.  And there is a contest portion, although you don't have to be part of that you can just sew a top for the fun of it if you want!  Check out the site if your interested - I've posted a button with the link on my sidebar!

Making a Dress - Attempt #1

So this past week after looking at lots of patterns online I decided that instead of making my own pattern (right away) I was going to try out this pattern as it was written first.

Since my luck with clothes to this point hasn't been overly successful I still knew that I was going to need to make a "test" dress first. On Friday we headed up to Paul's Moms to spend the night and I brought my new tiny serger, since I knew she would be interested in seeing it.  Paul said I should also bring my sewing.  So I packed my dress pattern and some cheap broadcloth in case we had a chance to work on it.

Singer Tiny Serger - Bought of Kijiji For $30!

We were only going to spend Friday night and come home on Saturday night since it was my birthday but Paul's mom was excited to help out with sewing so we decided to stay until today.

Yesterday we set out to put the pattern together and sew the "test" dress.  I also decided to attempt to "serge" all the edges.  This was definitely the longest part as the tiny serger is "finicky". So as I worked on serging all the pieces, Paul's mom started the assembly of he bodice.  I learned some really good tips from her - she has made several dresses and clothes before.

So here is what we learned.  I am not a 32 petite. LOL  I measured myself before hand and I thought I was "close enough" to the original pattern size.  Ummm when making clothes, close enough does not cut it. The bodice is about 4 inches too small at the sides/ back. Luckily we found the pattern in "multi-sizes" online so i'm going to have to start all over again this weekend.

But it was a good first attempt.  I wasn't sure of the style before we started, but I think it will look nice. I like the way the top is fitting and with a little sweater and possibly a belt it should look great for the weddings we have this year.

Adjustments that i'm going to make on the 2nd attempt will be to make a fully lined bodice.  The pattern just has the bodice facings lined, but I going to fully line the whole thing to prevent it from being see-through if i chose a light weight fabric.  I'm also going to make the skirt a bit longer and hem it to just above my knee i think. I think i'm also going to leave the ruffle off, but i'm not sure yet. I think its going to depend on what I choose for my final fabric choice.

So my next step is to try and get to fabric land some time this week to pick up some more broadcloth for attempt number two. By the time I get to making the actual dress i'll be a pro at this pattern!

To sew or not to sew

I'm going to *attempt* to make my own dress.

I've been sewing for a long time (self-taught), however I will be the first one to admit that sewing clothing has not been something I've excelled at.  In fact the very few things I have made, I rarely wear.

I do love the school house tunic pattern, and until about 20 minutes ago when I put it on, I thought the size and fit was good.  However, my choice of fabric was so way off that I never wear it. In fact I just changed out of my pj's for the first time all day to put it on to take a few pics since I realized I didn't have any of it completely finished. 

But this shirt is not what I came to blog about.  Its about trying new things.  And i'm going to attempt to make a dress for my cousin's wedding in May. 

Now I've found a few patterns that I like, however I'm *contemplating* making my own pattern.  This is a crazy idea cause I've never made my own pattern before and I'm not good at math.  I think I'd be better to adjust a pattern to myself but even that is taking a risk.  Specially for a dress that I have to wear out in public and my entire family will see. 

My biggest fear is picking a style that works for my body and will fit well. I think the most frustrating part of sewing clothing for myself is that it never seems to work out the way I envisioned and I never know how to fix it once its done. 

Enough of that, lets get to the details, here are some of patterns that I've been thinking about.

This first dress that I've been thinking of modifying is actually a kids dress, but I think it could be adjusted to look a little more adult-like.

Photo from The Cottage home

Although I like that style I'm worried that since it is a kids dress, I might just look a well a kid. I really like this next dress pattern, but it might be a bit to simple for a dress to wear to a wedding. 

Photo from Sewing in no Mans Land

And this last one I just found tonight, it's a free pattern I found on Burda Style and could be fancy enough for the wedding, but simple enough to throw together. I'm not 100% sold on the ruffle, but it could be cute. 

Photo from Kylie Burrowes on Burda Style

So given all of these are free patterns, i'm thinking that I could make a few copies out of broadcloth and give them or at least one of them a test try first to see if the fit and style are right.  I'm also going to look at a few books at Indigo on my lunch break tomorrow to see if I can find anything on adjusting patterns could be something good to have on hand.

Ultimately If I had time in my crazy life, had extra money, or lets face it was smart enough I'd just go take the pattern making class at The Workroom and learn the proper way to do this. But part of me thinks learning on my own and figuring this out will be much more satisfying then just reading a pattern or someone teaching  me.  

Wish me luck.

241 Tote

One of my 2012 goals is to sew more.

So far I'm not doing so bad.  Along with my Figure 8 Scarf I finished this "late" Christmas gift for my best friend Steph in the second week of January. (and that is when I actually started writing this post)

I've been looking at this pattern for a while and have seen a lot of great bags posted to pinterest lately. So when I read that someone loved it for holding sippy cuts and bottles I knew it would make a great everyday bag for Steph. (because she just had a baby and will be needing to lug bottles and sippy cups, she doesn't use them herself)

The pattern was easy to follow and I think the hardest part is choosing fabrics, cause you get to pick so many! The pattern is also written with two different versions.  One with pockets (which I choose) and one with two side zippers which I'm definitely going to try out at some point. 

The Main Fabric is from the Good Folks line from Anna Maria Horner, I've had it in my stash for a while waiting for something to showcase the main panel, and this was perfect.  I paired it with some Kona Navy and some grey that I had in my stash.

I definitely love the outside pockets on this bag, they are great for holding a water bottle or your keys.  I also put a pocket inside as well as a magnetic snap closure. 

Overall its a great tote bag, and I'm hoping Steph will get a lot of use out of it for either lugging around baby stuff for Ben, or just a great overall bag for herself.

First Finished Project of the Year

Okay I started this post over a week ago.  Luckily I've been more successful at my sewing goals for the year then blogging.

This year, we actually had a lot of time off at Christmas, but we were away for most of it, visiting with family. While we were away I caught a nasty bug (it wouldn't really be Christmas, if my sister, mom or I weren't sick), and I was still feeling like crap when we got home.

So even though we were home with nothing to do for a good 3 days, no real sewing got done.  But I started feeling much better by New Years, and on January 1st & 2nd I dove right into a new project for myself.

My sister got me an Anna Maria Horner Figure 8 Scarf Kit for Christmas, I'd been contemplating buying a kit for a while, just to try out the velveteen and voile to be honest. It's wonderful, my favourite is the velveteen for sure, it's so soft and cozy.  

The project is a quick one (or should be if you read through all the instructions first). Definitely should learn to listen to what the pattern says, like when it says "square up and make sure all sides are even" just do it, don't pretend like you know what your doing.

The fact that I have never sewed with either of these fabrics should have been the first clue that I should have been extra careful. I did read a few reviews that said lots of pins were necessary, but I didn't believe it at first.  After ripping the whole thing apart one and a half times, I've learned my lesson.  That voile is slippery.

But eventually I figured it out, I was a bit worried about the hand sewing, but it turned out really nice.

However its not getting much use.  Its just sooo big.  I did some searching and found I wasn't the only one that found it to be a bigger fit.  On Fresh Lemons she talks about making the scarf only 13" wide by 72" long for a thinner scarf that would be easier to manage.

This picture was from my #project365, and although it doesn't look so crazy here, its actually taking over my whole neck!

So I think I might end up taking this apart again with my seam ripper and cutting the width down.  I really love the fabric and I don't want this to be something that just sits in the closet looking pretty!

Either way, happy to have finished something so quickly in the new year!  Here's to a year of great sewing!

February Crafty Review

Okay, a little less crafty this month, only two finished projects - although lots started/ worked on this month.

It was a short month and we were gone 3 out of the 4 weeks (for at least one of the two days) which after running around and cleaning, and resting, didn't leave much time for being crafty.  However the Olympics were on and we spent almost the entire time watching - and when paul didn't want to watch, I was watching in the sewing room, while cutting out fabric for projects.

I finished cutting all the blocks for my Wild Things quilt, yet I have not sewed one block together, maybe this weekend..lol 

I also figured out all sorts of baby and wedding projects organized my stash, bought some more fabric (some totally necessary, some not).

I did however make this little football for Keon as a sorta birthday/ superbowl gift.  I think he is a bit young to get the hang of it yet, but seemed to enjoy it. 

I also finished that secret project I was working on, but can't show yet, cause you just never know who reads these things.

Hopefully March will be slightly more productive.  However its been a ruff start, I've been coughing almost non-stop since Saturday - the bronchitis seems to be back. Oh Joy.

Accomplished Sunday

After a very busy week, I spent most of yesterday relaxing.  Well actually we spent all afternoon running around, and then I spent the rest of the afternoon/ evening napping. And although I had high hopes of getting lots of sewing done, I spent a lot of time searching things on line and planning out projects.

But I had big plans for today.  I got up at a reasonable hour, cleaned the kitchen, made some banana bread, watched some Olympics, cleaned the kitchen again, did some more looking at websites and projects, cleaned the sewing room. Took a nap, worked on a secret project, watched some more Olympics.  Made dinner, cleaned the kitchen again.  Watched the middle of the Hockey Game, watched the end of Amazing Race, and all of Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters.

I'd say it was a decent day.  Its going to be a busy week ahead.  I NEED to go to knitting on Thursday night, its been week's since I've been there.  And we are planning to have dinner with Mom and Dad on Friday before they leave for Dominican on Saturday.  Then off to Ripley Saturday morning.  And that doesn't even say anything about work. 

A little glimpse of a secret sewing project I'm working on:

I should have gone to bed over an hour ago.  Heading there now. 

January Crafty Review

Okay goal was to finish one crafty project a month - check.  Actually this month I'm an over-achiever.

Completed projects:

- 1 chunky hat for me (started in December, but finished 1st week of Jan, please ignore ridiculous looking smile on my face)

- 1 chunky ponytail hat for a friend going to the Olympics! 

- 1 fabric yarn basket for my knitting swap pal

- 1 pair of silky mitts (started eons ago, but finally finished up)

I also started a new project tonight hopefully to be finished by end of Feb, if not middle of March.  It's the Wild Thing quilt by Thimble Blossoms.  And already loving the way the blocks are going to look.  I'm using 2 charm packs of blossom by Urban Chicks for Moda.  I'm hoping the squares go together quickly. 

Alrighty, making a tea and heading to bed.

Crafting Catch Up

Alrighty, here we go - weeks of crafty goodness rolled up into one giant post!

Okay, so 3 weeks ago pauly and I took a week off (oh how i love holidays)  We started our holiday heading to Michigan to visit with paul's uncle.  We car pooled with his brother and sister in law - we had a great 3 days filled of mostly shopping! Got some great deals, and spent over an hour in Joanne's Fabrics - it was wonderful.

Once we got home, I had many crafty projects I wanted to work on.  #1 on the list though was a quilt for Dave and Erin's Wedding for November 21st.  Problem, we were away Monday and Tuesday, which left me 3 days to finish.   Good thing I do my best work under pressure and under deadlines.

I took pictures as I went along, and created this mosaic to showcase.   From piecing to pinning, to quilting to binding and the whole thing in a very clean living room.

I was so happy with the finished project - definitely one of my best.  I kinda didn't want to give it away. Luckly i'm working on one two for myself. :) And Dave and Erin loved it (I kinda made them open it before we left the wedding, cause I really wanted to see their reaction - I think they really liked it)

Do you wanna see the ones for me? I'll just assume you are saying yes.

This is going to be a lap quilt for cuddling on the couch.  I bought it as a kit last year at the creative festival - it was called mint chocolate chip.  The back is this velor-like green with brown polkadot fabric.

And this is my Christmas quilt.  I never thought I'd make a holiday quilt - I thought its a lot of time and effort for something that's only out on display for a few weeks, maybe months.  But this was just too easy, one big panel and two boarders.  I've been hung up all week on how to actually quilt it, tomorrow night I'm going to pin it and then just go with  the flow.  I have a few ideas, I think it will come to how I'm feeling at the moment. And to be honest, whatever is fastest, cause I really want to start using it this week!

Okay, on top of these 3 quilts, I made mom a quick little santa for her birthday (we had a surprise party for her last weekend) It was really quilt project - another kit from the creative festival - I really just glued all the pieces onto a wooden brush.

I also spent last Friday and Saturday baking cakes for the party.  It was not as pretty as I had hoped, and paul did the detail work, but it was yummy.

I've also been sewing Christmas gifts, which will remain a secret until i'm finished/ they are given, as you never know who is reading your secrets. ;o)

I think that brings us up to speed. It's been a busy weekend, shopping on Friday, 2 year olds birthday and hanging out with good friends on Saturday.  Slow cooker chili, brunch with my parents, finished up almost all of my Christmas shopping, baked 4 dozen cookies (okay i actually only baked 2 dozen, but the other 2 dozen are in the fridge, ready to be baked this week), did 2 loads of laundry, and I'm wrapping up the night watch my favourite sunday night shows (and oh what a GOOD night of TV) and blogging a massive post.

I think its time to shower and go to bed!