tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89984296183223568002024-03-12T16:12:13.826-07:00Sarah Bee SewsSarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-4990813328197527222016-04-16T15:37:00.002-07:002016-04-16T15:37:46.611-07:00Heads up! I've moved!Advertising works on me and I've moved over to squarespace!<div>
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You can find all my previous posts and new stuff at <a href="http://sarahbeesews.com/">sarahbeesews.com</a></div>
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Or type sarahbeesews.com into feedly or bloglovin' to keep seeing my projects!</div>
Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-79232924192448537002016-04-06T10:07:00.001-07:002016-04-06T10:12:37.026-07:00Another Nani Iro DressYep. It's another one. This one though, is hands down my favorite fabric ever. It's double gauze, it's floral, it's purple with lots of pink in the print. It's perfect.<div><br></div><div>In fact, I adore this fabric so much that I'm trying my best to get 20 yards of it in a new colorway this year to make bedroom curtains. Crossing my fingers that this doesn't fall through because I have a VISION. I love all the windows and light in my house. But damn. It makes window treatments expensive.</div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z0zlWiDiT4Q/VwVDffBhwSI/AAAAAAAAAvM/OD2oVsWg6XA/I/photo_263569.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div></div><div>So this dress. It's another one that I made last year and am just now blogging. I returned to a tried and true pattern for this one, Simplicity 1873. I think this was version 5, and I've made several more since then. I keep going back to it because I had the bodice fitting so well and it's a simple vehicle for a good print. My latest two versions I ended up taking in pretty significantly at the waist (whoo hoo Weight Watchers!) so I may need to re-muslin at this point.</div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aAGlNTQVa4k/VwVDgEvZ97I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/qnPtAmtxabY/I/photo_787517.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"> </div></div><div>After about a year, I can tell you that this is a well worn, well loved dress. I wanted an easy breezy summer dress, so I skipped the bodice lining. I bound the neck and armholes with self bias strips, which is a bit more casual than the lined bodice in the pattern. I like top stitching so it works out.</div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mgkCFz_Iv-Y/VwVDgrd_KBI/AAAAAAAAAvU/4djiY3KeEDQ/I/photo_404152.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div></div><div>I just adore the skirt on this pattern. It has 5 panels and many pleats, but it's manages to be full without being unflattering. I actually made a skirt using the pattern pieces (just with a straight waistband) last week and it turned out beautifully as well. The shape is much more flattering than a gathered rectangle or box pleated skirt.</div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J6FyJwNoy0Q/VwVDhOQeiJI/AAAAAAAAAvY/u1rfdCxTVz8/I/photo_650141.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div><div>I love this dress and it's probably in my top 3 most loved items of clothing. Actually, when I did the KonMari method on my closet a couple of months ago, this was one of the items that I immediately thought of when I was trying to identify what sparks joy. And it truly, truly does.</div><div><br></div><div>Project: Floral gauze dress</div><div>Pattern: Simplicity 1873</div><div>Fabric: Nani Iro double gauze</div>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-91444008636428752702016-03-28T14:30:00.003-07:002016-03-28T14:36:52.728-07:00Cool for the summerIt's getting hot, y'all.<br />
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We had really, really pleasant weather this winter (sorry, northerners). But it looks like it's over. All of a sudden we're back in the 80s, and I assume the humidity is not far behind. So it's time for me to focus on summer clothes. And like I mentioned on the post about my last Alder, it is the perfect pattern for hot summers.<br />
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I bought this fabric at my favorite fabric store last summer. It's seersucker in a pretty navy with a lovely print of little apples. Although fruit prints are totally in right now, this is actually a vintage fabric. They only had about 1 3/4 yards of this left, and I snapped it up.<br />
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Because of fabric limitations, I knew I was looking at a sleeveless or short sleeved blouse. But I wanted something with a little interest. This fabric deserves it! So I decided to shorten the Alder dress into a top. I also made it a v-neck as I didn't have enough fabric for a collar and stand. I didn't even have enough for pockets! I ended up having to piece the inside yoke together from two pieces and used another fabric for the armhole binding too. This was some serious pattern puzzling.<br />
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I wanted to exaggerate the high-low hem on the Alder a bit. It turned out that I exaggerated it a little TOO much, as I ended up chopping about 4-5 inches off the back once I tried it on. It's still a big difference, but the before was almost costumey.<br />
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I. Love. This. Shirt. This is my favorite thing I've made in a while. Alder is such a fun pattern to sew. I love doing the back yoke, I love turning the corner on the gathered section, I love the button bands. It's just an all around great pattern. I finished this one up on Friday afternoon, and I've worn it 3 times in the last 4 days. So I'd say it's a success!<br />
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Project: Apple Seersucker Alder Blouse<br />
Pattern: Grainline Alder<br />
Fabric: vintage seersucker printSarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-7662956315999921412016-03-25T17:36:00.000-07:002016-04-06T10:09:00.914-07:00Foxy Lady DressIn general, I gravitate toward fit and flare dresses. I just think they suit my lumpy triangular body shape the most. But as soon as I saw the Cashmerette Appleton pattern, I knew I wanted to give it a try. A pattern drafted specifically for plus sizes, with different cup size options? Yes please!<br />
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I was already thinking about purchasing it, and then I saw the kits available on the website. I really loved the one with the black sheer polka dot sleeves. But the fox print seemed more me, and like something I would wear more often. </div>
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Overall, this pattern was simple to sew. I think the only change I made was blending between sizes and using an extra long tie. I just like longer toes so I can make nice bows!</div>
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I did all the construction on my serger and then used a twin needle for around the neckband and hems. I used wonder tape for the first time with this dress and I'm hooked. It makes hemming knits a breeze!</div>
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I was very pleasantly surprised at how good I looked in this silhouette. I think the low cut is really flattering and brings the focus to my face. </div>
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I've since used this pattern to make a Christmas gift for my cousin who is having a baby in a couple of months! It's perfect for a growing belly.</div>
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The only issue I have with this dress is the fabric. When it stretches (and this pattern is designed to stretch over your chest), you can see the white substrate. Not what I want on my boobs. </div>
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I have lost a bit of weight since making this, so it's not as much of an issue. But I would size up if you're using a fabric with similar issues. </div>
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Project: foxy lady dress</div>
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Pattern: Cashmerette Appleton</div>
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Fabric: fox jersey, bought as a kit</div>
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And here's the last and best picture. I hit the button too soon!</div>
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Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-2658055581244724442016-03-11T18:55:00.000-08:002016-03-11T19:11:38.376-08:00Cat Lady DressSome sewers are the type that see a pattern, love it, and look for fabric that will work. I am the opposite. I see fabric, buy it, hoard it, and the search for a pattern that will work. <div><br></div><div>I saw this fabric online and it just called to me. It didn't hurt that it's called Cat Lady (although there are no actual cats involved. Bummer). Within minutes I had a cut of it purchased and on its way to me. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7tEqlgB0O0/VuOI4W4yenI/AAAAAAAAAqg/vjj9l0obG8o/I/photo_286057.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br></div><div>What I loved was the black and white with pops of cobalt. It felt like a very sophisticated take on a floral. It's a rayon, with a great hand, but not terrible to work with. It does fray like a bitch though. </div><div><br></div><div>I paired it with Vogue 1395. This is a new favorite for me. It is a big fabric hog though! I had 3.5 yards of the fabric and it was barely enough. So what takes such a huge amount of fabric?</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QbhM8P27aMA/VuOI4iP0lTI/AAAAAAAAAqk/17FI8aYgsbI/I/photo_171747.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div>It has WINGS!</div><div><br></div><div>Well, it has a back overlay with wing like things that come around to the front and tie. One thing to keep in mind is that the wrong side of the fabric will show when you tie it. So you can either use a fabric that's similar on both sides, or do what I did. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-scUkXMeqh_4/VuOI5L8e22I/AAAAAAAAAqo/bq41PsrBQVI/I/photo_140815.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>I just cut a piece that mirrored the tie, going back far enough that it wouldn't be visible, sewed them right sides together, turned it out, and top stitched. Easy peasy. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l1WsICI9YPk/VuOI5fUAepI/AAAAAAAAAqs/iSWiCwN94_U/I/photo_435815.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>For technique, I used French seams everywhere, added a lot of top stitching, and did a rolled hem on the skirt. The instructions called for double stitching at all the seams for some reason. I figured French seams were a better option. I did like the bias binding and the front bodice construction. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vJO8rbffJzM/VuOI5tvrw9I/AAAAAAAAAqw/9PbMh9RCad4/I/photo_541349.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div>I also loved this little gathered detail on the back bodice. Overall this is a great dress with some fun details. I can see myself making it again and again. I'm going to see if I can figure out a way to make it with a single layer back so it doesn't take quite so much fabric. </div><div><br></div><div>I lined the skirt with some black China silk. It feels very luxurious. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HaOag6jqdFM/VuOI6BXJB9I/AAAAAAAAAq0/sRyycQTP1kY/I/photo_982258.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>My only complaint is the length. I'll add an inch or two next time I make it. But I do love a dress that shows off my tattoos. </div><div><br></div><div>And I'll leave you with this last and best picture. The true Cat Lady picture. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KU3MkTNqO-s/VuOI6bcWcdI/AAAAAAAAAq4/rJLkSfoSvzU/I/photo_719365.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div></div><div><br></div><div>Project: Cat Lady Dress</div><div>Pattern: Vogue 1395</div><div>Fabric: Cat Lady Rayon</div>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-47671570524343303982016-03-06T11:28:00.000-08:002016-03-06T11:42:43.206-08:00P-JamsI feel like all families have a nickname for pajamas. Jammie's, PJs, hammers. But I've fallen into using P-Jams. It's like a rap name for pajamas.<div><br></div><div>I made these last spring sometime. Finally a post about them. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hQgtwLJWnrI/VtyIClM1aiI/AAAAAAAAAok/wxe6D-9Xt84/I/photo_5762.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>The top is a modified Archer. This was a mistake, because a stand collar isn't the best design for sleeping. It is adorable though. The shorts are a copy of some old navy shorts that were falling apart. They're not the most flattering, but they're insanely comfy. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p4S3rRIdI3o/VtyIEo7ZxgI/AAAAAAAAAoo/1glYqDHznBQ/I/photo_127665.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div> </div><div>My cat was probably doing something funny. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i42a6qhbhQU/VtyIJuaG5cI/AAAAAAAAAos/KxNmdHhXuow/I/photo_592269.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>I didn't want to do horizontal stripes on the yoke here, but the pleat was perfectly placed to let me still match the stripes. </div><div><br></div><div>This fabric was from mood, and originally intended to be a dress. But it wrinkles like crazy (as you can see), and it is so soft and cool that I just wanted to sleep in it. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_bzHEKSi--c/VtyIMPgEjgI/AAAAAAAAAow/ovMYGuPK8Gg/I/photo_671830.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>Project: stripe shortie pajamas</div><div>Fabric: stripe cotton from mood</div><div>Pattern: Grainline Archer/ruboff</div><div>Notions: just buttons and elastic</div><div><br></div><div>I have plans for a LOT more pajamas coming up. Mostly tank styles probably, but I might return to this style and try to find a good pattern for a classic pajama top.</div><div> <br></div><br><br> <br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-34298256492087147912016-03-06T11:01:00.000-08:002016-03-06T11:15:43.722-08:00Favorite FavoriteHi, I'm Sarah, and I'm a double gauze addict. <div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOQcjUidPsE/VtyB0lgmP6I/AAAAAAAAAn0/ivppqFQSy-A/I/photo_11338.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>It is just the perfect fabric for our hot Louisiana summers. And what do you get when you combine a favorite fabric with a favorite pattern? A favorite dress. </div><div><br></div><div>This is a modified Grainline Alder dress, with the vee neck and no pockets. It's an easy modification thanks to the great tutorial on the website. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1aQFAMPhRqA/VtyB1yKWGvI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Qx3UfYGRJmk/I/photo_776558.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>Now, I know that this simple shape without a collar and very little detail can remind you of those pictures of people living in the Dust Bowl. It's utilitarian. But combined with his bright polka dot I think it works. The simple, easy shape is what makes it perfect for summer. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OdqD_x7O2HQ/VtyB2pAxKoI/AAAAAAAAAn8/WcO_CFjI3Fo/I/photo_733321.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div>This dress is simple, but I adore it. Now that I sew, I feel like the enjoyment I had in making someone affects how I feel about it. I really put effort into the finishes on this one, and the pride I have in the finished product just feels great when I wear it. </div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ADZgmmyVP0o/VtyB3FbU1kI/AAAAAAAAAoA/kf2WjoTN_ls/I/photo_235215.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> I have some newly purchased double gauze from the Nani Iro spring line, and I'm considering making another one of these. Why mess with perfection, right?</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E1xKx9aQh3U/VtyB3e0Td8I/AAAAAAAAAoE/4mAiT3vt3Vw/I/photo_147902.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>One last picture because it cracks me up. <br> </div>Project: polka dot dress</div><div>Fabric: Nani Iro double gauze</div><div>Pattern: Grainline Alder</div><div>Notions: I used bias tape to finish the neckline and encase some seams. Not a requirement. You'll need buttons and bread of course. </div><div>Skills: some fun shirt making techniques, buttonholes</div><div> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-82025718391875944332016-03-06T09:51:00.000-08:002016-03-06T10:05:33.681-08:00hello thereHas it really been over a year since I last posted? That seems crazy, but it looks like it's true. So, what happened? I bought a house, moved, got a new job that takes up way more time and effort than my old one...I also live in a much cooler city now and I tend to leave my house on the weekends!<div><br></div><div>But I've been sewing. A lot actually! One of my recent purchases was a teeny tripod and a Bluetooth remote for my phone. So I've decided that when I make a new item and take photos, I'm going to take pictures of a few old ones so I can post about them. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll probably never be a regular blogger, but I do like sharing my stuff. And I'd like to start doing that again. So, here goes! Let's blog. </div>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-71275544759642416102014-11-04T06:58:00.000-08:002014-11-04T06:58:03.361-08:00Close, but no cigarI actually made this shirt a while ago, in late March. I just haven't photographed most of my newer stuff because I don't have a full length mirror in my new apartment. I need to remedy that soon!<br />
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It was my first time using this pattern (Colette Sencha), and I was excited about it. I loved the way the sleeves were constructed and loved the button back (although I didn't take any pictures of it, because I am the worst).<br />
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I also love the fabric. It's an adorable print of books on bookshelves, and the colors are so pretty.<br />
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But I am almost positive this was the first and only time I wore this shirt.<br />
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Why? Well, I think there are two reasons.<br />
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First, I don't wear a lot of pants in the warmer months. When I did, it was at my Houston office, which is more formal and I just don't think this shirt would be a good match for that environment. So I got out of the habit and then haven't picked it back up since pants weather started again. And this shirt is not really suited to being tucked into skirts.<br />
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But mostly, it's a bad fabric/pattern match. We all have them. It sucks.<br />
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Looking at the pictures, this is really not that bad. But it's a quilting cotton (and not one of those soft, gauzy ones), and that pattern is really better suited for something with some drape. It makes it a little less comfy/easier to wear, and it's just not something I reach for in the mornings.</div>
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Also, RIP bright ass red sweater and shoes. I have my replacement red flats on today and they are NOT AS GOOD. I will never forgive J Crew for discontinuing the Cece flats.</div>
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So, I do like the little tie at the front (but again, not suited for this fabric). And I like the button back, especially with the big mustard yellow buttons I used. But I haven't made another version of this shirt, so I think this discouraged me in a big way. Hate it when that happens.</div>
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It's so weird to look at these pictures from so long ago. My hair is so short! And I thought it was loooong then. And this is also before I got my amazing, amazing iron so that hem is annoying me. I should have steamed it, dammit! And also, you know, because I don't own that house anymore.</div>
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But maybe I'll give this one another shot. I'll see if I can figure something out for tomorrow.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Project: Library blouse</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Pattern: Colette Sencha</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Fabric: A quilting cotton, I don't remember where it was from.</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Notions: thread, interfacing, buttons</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Skills involved: blind hem, buttons/buttonholes, tucks</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Changes made: None that I remember</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Fuckups: Fabric/pattern match failure :(</span></div>
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<br />Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-18180625366631812782014-10-15T12:53:00.001-07:002014-10-15T12:53:51.743-07:00The dressTHE dress.<br />
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The only thing I've loved more than this dress is my wedding gown. And maybe my Fryes.<br />
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I had a wedding to go to in June and needed a new dress. And of course I wanted to make it. And I knew I wanted it to be special.<br />
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I really waffled on whether to buy this fabric or not. It was the most expensive fabric I'd ever bought, and I needed quite a bit of it. But the oversized polka dots and the color were just so me. Perfect. So love won out, and I bought the last few yards Mood had.<br />
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It's no longer available, but the fabric was a gorgeous silk satin from one of Carolina Herrera's resort collections a couple of years ago. It was on sale for $40/yard and I just decided to grab it. Thankfully, it wasn't a $150 mistake, because it was GORGEOUS<br />
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I used my old favorite, Simplicity 1823. I knew the pleated sleeves and voluminous skirt would look great in this super structured fabric. I scooped both the neckline and back a lot lower though. What, I like to show some boob when I'm dressed up? I also fully lined it with a black silk habotai, because I'm so fancy.<br />
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All in, I'd say I spent about $200. And it was 100% worth it, hands down.<br />
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Not often someone yells at me on the streets to tell me how cute my dress is!<br />
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I felt really adorable and beautiful in it. I've been able to wear it twice (both times to weddings), and I could definitely see wearing it again in the future to a fancy party. It's lovely.<br />
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Right now, it crumpled and wrinkled from a return trip from Wisconsin in my suitcase, but I can steam it if I need to.<br />
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I would take pictures of the innards, but again, crumpled in my closet. I bound all the skirt seams and the waistband, encased the zipper within the lining, etc. It is awesome.<br />
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Side note: I think I sewed this in May. Wore it in June and September. I have a lot of catching up to do.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Project: Navy a-line skirt</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Pattern: <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/ginger" style="color: #eebf06; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">S</a>implicity 1873 by Cynthia Rowley</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Fabric: Carolina Herrera silk satin twill omgomgomg</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Notions: thread, lining, invisible zipper</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Skills involved: Placing a zipper, regular stuff such as darts and pleating</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Changes made: Scooped neckline and back</span><br style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" /><span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Fuckups: I attempted pattern matching across the back, but failed. Too much to do it across the zipper.</span>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-24562321856865927522014-10-15T12:10:00.000-07:002014-10-15T12:10:57.752-07:00HiYeah, I haven't posted in months.<br />
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I've been working a lot, traveling, plus I moved, so I get a pass. Selling our house was quite an interruption to my sewing time. But now we have an apartment with a dedicated sewing area, and my fabric stockpile is bigger than ever (retail therapy, anyone?)<br />
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But it's funny that my last post was talking about summer clothes and now I'm going to talk about fall. I actually did make almost all of the things I mentioned in my summer wardrobe post, so I'm calling that a win.<br />
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So, fall. Again, I know that I need more basics and solids. I still wear a lot of prints (wearing my alligator shirt as I type), but winter means layers, and I need to mix some solids in there.<br />
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A few things have changed about my sewing habits. You may notice a startling lack of novelty prints (only 3???). My wardrobe is close to reaching peak novelty print, plus I think these generally work better on dresses and skirts, which I'm not sure in need of.<br />
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I'm also sewing a lot more knits. I bought the Colette Guide to Sewing knits and jumped on the bandwagon. Made a couple of Monetas and got hooked.<br />
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And also, my pattern preferences have changed immensely. I'm more into simple, modern shapes and have basically started to focus on finding TNT patterns that I can alter if I want (My two favorites are Grainline Scout and Simplicity 2215 and 1873).<br />
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So here's my fabric plan for fall.<br />
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Top, L to R:<br />
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1. A black and white buffalo plaid shirting that will become a loose, boxy woven tee with cuffed sleeves (Grainline Scout)<br />
2. A motorcycle print cotton jersey destined for t-shirt-dom (Grainline Scout)<br />
3. A wide striped knit fabric that was set to be a Scout t-shirt (already made, worn it 4 times in 2 weeks) (Grainline Scout SEE A PATTERN HERE??)<br />
4. I'm a chemical engineer, so I absolutely HAD TO HAVE this fabric. It's going to be a little v-neck dress with buttons down the back. It's cut and will be my next project (Simplicity 2215)<br />
5. This print will become a drapey cardigan, I think. Possibly a regular cardigan. But definitely cardigan bound. (self-drafted/rectangle with sleeves<br />
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Middle, L to R<br />
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1. Gorgeous deep purple wool remnant that will have trangle cutouts at the neck and sleeve (Scout, again)<br />
2. Red wool suiting, going to be a t-shirt with a loose, breezy back (Scout, with full back adjustment, But seriously folks, this is my favorite pattern.)<br />
3. I already used part of this, but I think I have enough left to do a little button front peplum (Grainline Alder, shortened)<br />
4. This bright yellow knit is going to be some sort of cardigan I think. I may banish it to pajamas. Pattern TBD<br />
5. Navy canvas, because my next big undertaking will be a waxed cotton rain jacket (I'm waxing it myself after it's sewn) (Colette Albion I think)<br />
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Bottom, L to R<br />
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1. Amazing soft wool that I found in the remnant section, going to be a jumper with a pleated skirt (Simplicity 2215)<br />
2. Ivory and black slub knit, already made into a t-shirt that I wear like every third day<br />
3. Vintage Hmong batik fabric. Used it (along with a leather hide) to make a gorgeous bag. I fucking love this thing. (Senna Tote)<br />
4. One of the first fabrics I bought when I got started. Going to use my tried and true skirt to make this one. (not really a pattern)<br />
5. Cobalt blue buffalo plaid flannel. Destined to be a loose-ish button down shirt (Grainline Archer)<br />
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So, a few words on winter. I live in New Orleans. Winter is a relative term. Short sleeve shirts, sleeveless dresses, and unlined canvas jackets are probably more spring material for some of you guys. But it's mid October and it will be in the mid-80s today, so we just have different needs.<br />
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But: 15 garments!!! What?<br />
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I'm SO into sewing right now, because I had to take a 3 month hiatus while we were in the process of moving. I don't think this will be a problem. And I even left off some pajama/lounge stuff and my Christmas sewing. I get to dedicate basically a whole day to sewing every week, plus a few hours when I want, so I can be productive.<br />
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I've made 3 garments and probably the most work intensive project on the list (the bag) in the last two weeks. So I think I can knock most of these out before the new year!<br />
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Soon: posts on all the shit I made while I was gone and never took pictures of. Up first: Carolina Herrera. Silk. Polka dots.<br />
<br />Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-19194404286143191272014-04-04T07:21:00.003-07:002014-04-04T07:54:21.383-07:00Try, try againThis is one of a few projects that I made before our trip but never got around to writing about. All of my computer time in the weeks leading up to the trip were spent researching weather, backpacks, tours, and if I would want to barf at the thought of eating Scottish food (I didn't. Actually the food was pretty great, except the seafood wasn't nearly as good as it was hyped up to be. Says the girl from Louisiana, I know).<br />
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So, after hating my first attempt at this pattern, mostly die to the weirdness of the fabric, I decided to try again with something more structured and less clingy. I decided on a cotton twill, and found this pretty navy at High Fashion Fabrics in Houston.<br />
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Side note: if you're in the Houston area, I love this place. My home base in Houston is completely on the other side of the city (Energy Corridor) but I make the trip often, because it's so worth it. They have every type of apparel fabric you could want, and their prices are fair, in my opinion. Plus their selection of zippers, thread, and buttons is pretty great.<br />
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ANYWAY, this twill was great. I don't remember how much it was but it wasn't expensive. Under $10/yard and I used two yards. I love the color, definitely a navy but not too dark or black.<br />
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I added pockets, but I think I'll remove them next time. Just not necessary and they add bulk. I also need to take this in a tiny bit at the hips, but I think it's a really great basic.<br />
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Side note: sweater is from J. Crew last season. It was a gift from my mom and I'm crazy about it.<br />
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Close up of the waistband (and the cat hair)<br />
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Although I cut this on the straight gran, I used the waistband from version three. I didn't want the shaped waistband, although I may try that next time.<br />
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I hemmed it with yellow grosgrain ribbon. These little details are one of my favorite things about home made clothes. I also used an old blouse for the pockets so there is a fun little print in there (it's a pretty floral with blues and purples).<br />
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I was happy to have this second chance at a good pattern. It kind of erased my frustration at the first attempt.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Project: Navy a-line skirt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Pattern: <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/ginger" target="_blank">Colette Ginger</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Fabric: Heavy navy cotton twill</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Notions: thread, interfacing, invisible zipper</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Skills involved: Placing a zipper. There is a really cool technique for finishing the zipper that is explained will in the instructions too!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Changes made: Used a straight waistband instead of shaped.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Fuckups: None that I can remember</span><br />
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And a final note: RIP red leather flats. I shouldn't have pushed you so hard on the cobblestone streets of Belfast. You were a good friend to me....Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-12006478756615879472014-04-02T08:37:00.000-07:002014-04-02T15:11:11.635-07:00My spring/summer capsule wardrobeSo here it is, the culmination of the <a href="http://sarahbeesews.blogspot.com/2014/03/being-my-wardrobe-architect.html" target="_blank">Wardrobe Architect</a>. A capsule collection of clothes that fit my style, my needs, and that I can reach for again and again.<br>
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I ended up with what was a fairly long list, so we may not see all of these pieces this season. But when it comes to needs, wants, and budgets, I think this is a really good compromise.<br>
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So, for spring, I chose a few silhouettes to keep in mind. full skirts, slimmer skirts, cardigans, skinny pants, and blousey tops were all featured. And ballet flats with every outfit. Which is fitting since I have about a bazillion of them.<br>
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So I made a list of each item, how many I had (and love wearing) and how many I would need to have a mixable wardrobe.<br>
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In the end I decided on my needs<br>
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<ul>
<li>3 blousey tops with short or mid length sleeves</li>
<li>2 full skirted dresses</li>
<li>2 slimmer dresses</li>
<li>1 easy knit dress</li>
<li>2 full skirts</li>
<li>1 slimmer skirt</li>
<li>1 knit blazer</li>
<li>1 terry sweatshirt</li>
</ul>
<div>
So, make or buy? The only thing on the list I'm buying is the blazer, because I'm not confident enough in my skills yet to try a structured knit. I actually already bought it, and really love it.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Next, color.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
I thought a lot about this one, and tried not to just go with my first instincts. I thought about the colors I've been wearing a lot, the fabrics that I've bought and love, and what is flattering on me. And this is what I came up with.</div>
<div>
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<div>
<br></div>
<br>
It's arranged with bolder colors at the tops, nearly neutrals in the middle, and neutrals at the bottom. At first this image gave me a little pause. Shouldn't I be choosing crazy bright colors? It's spring! But this is colorful without being over the top, and I think entirely mixable/matchable. I'm also including cream/white even thought it's not shown here. <br>
<br>
So from here, I was able to plan specific pieces. 12 pieces to make (and one already bought) that I think will really work for me.<br>
<br>
So back to the list above<br>
<ul>
<li>3 blousey tops with short or mid length sleeves</li>
<ul>
<li>A loose fitting tee shirt in blush colored silk</li>
<li>A silk georgette blouse with a neck tie in ochre</li>
<li>a short sleeved blouse with peter pan collar in a charcoal and white stripe</li>
</ul>
<li>2 full skirted dresses</li>
<ul>
<li>A white seersucker dress with tiny embroidered crabs in a poppy red</li>
<li>An eyelet dress, color TBD but would love it to be poppy or coral</li>
</ul>
<li>2 slimmer dresses</li>
<ul>
<li>Button front sleeveless dress in a cat print - aubergine with pink and poppy accents</li>
<li>A shirtdress (I think) in a different cat print - very light putty and white</li>
</ul>
<li>1 easy knit dress</li>
<ul>
<li>Black knit dress with a full skirt and elbow length sleeves</li>
</ul>
<li>2 full skirts</li>
<ul>
<li>pleated flowy skirt in a dark olive silk georgette</li>
<li>print skirt in black and gold - done!</li>
</ul>
<li>1 slimmer skirt</li>
<ul>
<li>Slim skirt in a bright coral floral</li>
</ul>
<li>1 knit blazer</li>
<ul>
<li>black and white striped blazer - bought!</li>
</ul>
<li>1 terry sweatshirt</li>
<ul>
<li>cream terrycloth sweatshirt for lounging</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
So, that's a lot of colors/prints. But when I put them together, I think it really works. This combination feels very "me." So I think this exercise was definitely a success. Now I just have to put this into practice!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG8Mqropxy8prtjYVeQFOKWGU_btAbpbrV3CN3gwopp5qUN-g0S4k6J3kjdZ_bpXemnMtQsJodPnZzQHgKqmd8-frHOtuoSDAtYvIUzhqT-QTeYTx2lw1llNBP5BtDQ0dgZ7RXXinirBk/s640/blogger-image-536739002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvG8Mqropxy8prtjYVeQFOKWGU_btAbpbrV3CN3gwopp5qUN-g0S4k6J3kjdZ_bpXemnMtQsJodPnZzQHgKqmd8-frHOtuoSDAtYvIUzhqT-QTeYTx2lw1llNBP5BtDQ0dgZ7RXXinirBk/s640/blogger-image-536739002.jpg"></a></div></div><br>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-75381421036796150742014-04-01T11:13:00.001-07:002014-04-01T11:20:34.091-07:00Crazy cat ladyI'm steadily knocking off items from modcloth like it's my job. This is the third garment I've made in a few months that is almost identical to something on their site. The quirky prints in classic silhouettes is just right up my alley, so it makes sense. But when something is so simple to make (like a dirndl), I just can't resist.<br />
<br />
So, apart from the spinster part, I am quickly approaching the definition of a crazy cat lady. I'm obsessed with my cats. These are my babies, and I love them so much. I even have a tattoo of one of my cats (who we lost about a year ago and dude, still not even close to over it).<br />
<br />
So, when I saw <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/skirts/pretty-as-a-purr-trait-skirt" target="_blank">this skirt </a>on modcloth, I knew it wasn't optional. I had to have it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/56/d7/79/56d779c286e8f8adca3df05f27eff175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/56/d7/79/56d779c286e8f8adca3df05f27eff175.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
But $60 for a novelty print skirt seemed... excessive. And I am really trying hard not to make unnecessary clothing purchases right now. But I wondered if I could find the fabric, and I suspected it was quilting cotton.<br />
<br />
Low and behold, I found it. I think I googled cat frame quilting cotton. I found it at Hart's Fabric and bought two yards. This all went down about midweek last week, and I got the fabric delivered to me on Friday or Saturday. Super quick!<br />
<br />
I washed it Sunday morning (along with some other cat themed fabric I'm psyched about) just so it would be ready when the mood struck. And the mood struck that evening around 5, so I just went with it.<br />
<br />
I'm actually in the middle of another project, a silk crepe Colette Zinnia. I am really happy with how it's turning out, but I still have to attach the waistband (and hem!) and the instructions have me stumped. I feel like the hard part should be over, even the zipper is done, but I'm just at a loss. So Sunday afternoon I decided to put it aside and take my mind off it for a few days. Googling tells me this is a problem for a lot of people. I may just put the waistband in the way I usually do it and skip the confusing instructions.<br />
<br />
ANYWAY. After I gave up on that skirt I still wanted to make one, so I set about making something quick. And what's the quickest, easiest garment to make? A dirndl.<br />
<br />
Three rectangles and just a few seams. It's perfect and cute. This fabric was even easier because I could use the cats as reference when cutting.<br />
<br />
And dude, I LOVE how it turned out. I think this skirt is the most "my style" thing I've made.<br />
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<br />
<br />
And an advantage mine has over the $60 version? No partial cats.<br />
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<br />
No cat left behind (excepting the waistband).<br />
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I'm just butt crazy in love with this outfit. I thought about wearing a bright red sweater but I thought that might be a little TOO Claudia Kishi.<br />
<br />
Side note about this project. After one too many replacements, I finally broke down and bought a legit invisible zipper foot. Do it. Do it now. It is so much better than those little multi-machine plastic pieces of shit you can get at Joann's. I've used it twice and marveled at how easy it was.<br />
<br />
See also: Clover marking tools. Every Dritz thing I've bought (tracing paper, pencils, and markers) has been shit. Just go with Clover and save yourself the money.<br />
<br />
So, the details<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Project: Cat portrait skirt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Pattern: None, just a n easy dirndl.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Fabric: <a href="http://www.hartsfabric.com/cats-frames-cotton-black-75072.html" target="_blank">Cats in Frames from Hart Fabric</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Notions: thread, interfacing, invisible zipper (I just shortened one I already had, hence a black skirt with a lavender zipper!), hook and bar or a large-ish button.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Skills involved: Geez, this one is so simple. Almost none. Gathering and putting in a zipper? And if you were really worried about the zipper you could do an elastic waist.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Changes made: N/A. Actually I was planning to do a button closure but changed my mind at the last minute.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Fuckups: None! The perks of not working with a pattern I guess</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">BRB, scouring modcloth for another piece to copy.</span>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-80421725955254988912014-03-27T10:13:00.000-07:002014-04-01T11:13:51.325-07:00Being my Wardrobe ArchitectAnyone else been following the Wardrobe Architect on <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/category/wardrobe-architect" target="_blank">Coletterie</a>? I thought it was cool at first, but wasn't really following until my great closet purge of '14. I realized I want to be waaaaay more intentional about my clothes, both purchased and made.<br />
<br />
So, although there have been ten "assignments" so far, I would break it down into 4 categories (excluding the beauty post, because I don't think that one really helped me).<br />
<br />
Defining your style, Identifying silhouettes, Identifying your colors and prints, and creating a capsule wardrobe.<br />
<br />
<b>Defining my style</b><br />
<br />
I'll be honest. Reading the first questionnaire (Making Style Personal) is what turned me off this whole thing in the first place. It just seemed...over the top? I didn't think my family or culture really had an affect on my style. And while I'm still not sure they do, I think this step helped inform the weeks to come.<br />
<br />
But while my style is very, very different from my family and friends, I do think my personality, which is what draws me to certain items, is informed by them. I come from a big extended family. There are a lot of us, we are loud, we like to have fun. Our last Christmas celebration was a night of karaoke, booze, food, and love. I love us. Between that, and growing up in the performing arts, I am not afraid to be expressive with my clothes.<br />
<br />
I have also found that my mental health affects the way I dress in a huge way. Dark, neutral, knits = low. Bright, structured clothes that take a bit more effort = high. <br />
<br />
Some other things that I think affect my style<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Climate. It's hot, y'all. I think the biggest effect this has is the lack of seasonal changes. I don't have seasonal clothes. The addition of tights, cardigans, and light jackets is really enough to handle our winters.</li>
<li>Comfort. I don't wear heels. I won't wear heels. I don't really like to wear pants. I like to be comfortable.</li>
<li>Animals. I really, really, really love animals. A lot of the prints I choose reflect this in a big way (this is also evident in my house. LOTS of animal themed art).</li>
<li>Philosophy. This is something that is relatively new, but I'm trying to focus a lot on limiting my consumerism and being an intentional consumer.</li>
</ul>
<div>
For the second week, we had to choose style icons and words that described clothes we like, clothes we hate, how we want to feel, etc.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My icons had a lot in common. Feminine, comfortable, easy.</div>
<div>
</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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt9NfB9K0SqV3wWijKxyG4LKOrMhLpSepDWsk2LtnxqqGAxjUj2wCCKJiq6M3Oq-bg8zuBPugIgfk7j9BPJHViHpPwIS_qxgBPOtnjD8ct0_8vMQBRqn3xt3g5J5irZ-XifZ8ULVie3Eu/s1600/icons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgt9NfB9K0SqV3wWijKxyG4LKOrMhLpSepDWsk2LtnxqqGAxjUj2wCCKJiq6M3Oq-bg8zuBPugIgfk7j9BPJHViHpPwIS_qxgBPOtnjD8ct0_8vMQBRqn3xt3g5J5irZ-XifZ8ULVie3Eu/s1600/icons.png" height="364" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zooey Deschanel, Taylor Swift, Alexa Chung, Dianna Agron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I had a lot of words, but these are the five I eventually narrowed it down to. This is how I'd like my style to be described.</div>
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<div>
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<br />
<b>Identifying Silhouettes</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This section was really pretty simple for me. I know what shapes I like. Fuller skirts with slim tops and cardigans. Skinny pants with slouchier tops. Slim dresses with cardigan.<br />
<br />
And sometimes boots, but nearly always - ballet flats.<br />
<br />
Here are a couple of mine, but there were no surprises for me.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>Identifying Colors and Prints</b><br />
<br />
The most fun part of this whole thing has been the colors. I love color, I love coloring, I just loved this. I made my color chart on my iPad using the Paper app, which makes it really fun and easy to mix colors.<br />
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<br />
I have three of those colors on today (poppy, royal, and putty). So I think it's a pretty good indication<br />
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Now, I love bright colors, but I also love prints. Like most beginning sewers, I went crazy buying a bunch of novelty prints when I first started sewing. Some of these were really great purchases, and things I'll get a ton of wear out of. But it makes putting separates together a real challenge. Still, I love a good novelty print and I'm not giving them up (I actually bought two more yesterday, and am psyched to put them to use!).<br />
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So I put these together to illustrate the types of prints I love. Yes, novelty prints, especially involving animals (and especially especially involving cats). But I also love florals, stripes, and abstracted geometric shapes.<br />
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What I'd like to focus on soon is what I call "effective solids." So, not a solid, but something I can mix with other prints easily. Keep in mind, one of my words is loud, so this may not be everyone's cup of tea. But I would consider the stripe, the polka dots, and probably the watercolor floral in this group to be effective solids.<br />
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And talking percentages, I would say at least 50% of my wardrobe is prints, and that's how I would like to keep it. I wear prints almost every day. They make me happy, and the clothes I reach for over and over again are prints. The sheep print in the bottom right, that makes up my very favorite dress, that I grab as soon as it comes out of the wash. I have another novelty print coming that I'm going to make into the same pattern (which is very similar to the yellow dress above). I just love it.<br />
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<b>Creating your Capsule Wardrobe</b><br />
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So this is the next step. It came up while I was on vacation, so I haven't really started yet. but I do have a lot of plans for clothes to make this spring/summer. Too many really.<br />
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I'll probably do another post with those plans, but I'm starting this weekend with a dark olive green silk pleated skirt that I'm SO psyched about. I think, now that I'm nearing the end of this process, it is really cool how all of the steps came together to help plan a wardrobe. It's really helping me to think about things in an intentional way.<br />
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I have 16 pieces in the planning stages. All are perfectly suited to our weather (including a cream terry sweatshirt that will be great for the air conditioned tundra that is the Southern movie theater). 5 are solids, 5 are effective solids, and 6 are prints that range from the novelty-est of novelty (the cat portraits above) to a small scale floral that's not quite so bold. And many of them can work well together and work with things I already have. I'm really excited about the plan coming together like this!<br />
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<br />Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-23914909648622484152014-03-26T12:38:00.001-07:002014-04-01T11:14:15.032-07:00Look what's new at ModCloth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://productshots3.modcloth.net/productshots/0139/0785/965f20dc18df8655c84d9badb5a9e86a.jpg?1392404268" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://productshots3.modcloth.net/productshots/0139/0785/965f20dc18df8655c84d9badb5a9e86a.jpg?1392404268" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
Great minds, I guess?<br />
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ModCloth version: <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/skirts/scrapbook-swap-skirt" target="_blank">$79</a><br />
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My version: <a href="http://sarahbeesews.blogspot.com/2013/12/sweet-birdy-skirt.html" target="_blank">I'd say under $15</a><br />
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I haven't worn this one in a while. I've found that my skills have increased so fast since I started making clothes, and when I go back to the first few things I made, I they just don't feel as good as the newer stuff. Maybe I'll wear it tomorrow! Still, it makes me want to take mine apart and make it gathered instead of pleated. I think it would be way more flattering than the irregular pleats, which I was never a huge fan of anyway.Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-35206623107977011002014-03-25T14:07:00.004-07:002014-04-01T11:14:38.958-07:00One Sweet BlouseI'm back! After a looooong and wonderful vacation, I'm back home and slowly emerging from my pile of e-mails. I had an amazing time and so enjoyed seeing the differences in fashion between the US and UK/Ireland (Super short skirts, leggings as pants, madness all around). But now that I'm home, I'm excited to get back to sewing! I have a project for this weekend already picked out, and I'll be working with legit expensive silk for the first time. Here's hoping I won't fuck it up!<br />
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And now for a project that I finished right before we left.<br />
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There were two things driving me to make this blouse.<br />
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First, a recognized need for more solids in my wardrobe. I actually didn't own a white blouse before I finished this one. Second, I bought these crazy adorable vintage milk glass buttons on Etsy and needed to make something with them.<br />
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I chose a plain seersucker because let's be honest, it's real hot where I live. And I think this will work perfectly throughout the summer.<br />
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This is not something that I would reach for in a store. I tend toward brighter colors, prints, and usually avoid button downs. But that's exactly why I needed it in the first place.<br />
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I am really, really happy with how this turned out. I muslined it first, and was super frustrated by the sleeves. They fit, but it was really uncomfortable to move my arms up/to the front. After a lot of research, I was able to figure out the issue.<br />
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Basically, when you look at a shirt laying flat (or a pattern illustration), the more severe the angle between the sleeve and the shoulder, the less room you'll have. So a t-shirt where the sleeves basically stick straight out? Lots of room to move. A blouse where the sleeves are set in at a low angle? Fat man in a little coat.<br />
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With that in mind, I redrafted the sleeves with a much more flattened sleeve head. I was skeptical, but it totally worked. It's WAY more comfortable and flattering.<br />
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This is SUCH a good basic. I love how it's pairing with all of my skirts and bottoms. I do wish it had just the tiniest bit more length so I was more comfortable wearing it with jeggings.<br />
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The best part, though, is the detail. The seersucker is just so sweet, and the little detail of the glass buttons makes it. This is one of those items that really doesn't "seem" handmade in person, and it looks pretty expensive.<br />
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I am going to use this pattern to make a blouse with some gray/white stripe shirting, and I'm really excited about it. I think I can make some improvements in the fit at the high bust, and I'm going to add a cute bias detail on the back yoke.<br />
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I am really proud of the quality of my work here. This was the first collar I've made, and I think it turned out pretty darn good! These are by far the best buttonholes I've made. And I'm proud of the finishing as well.<br />
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So, the stats:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Project: White seersucker blouse</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Pattern: <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/violet" target="_blank"><span style="color: #eebf06;">C</span>olette Violet</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Fabric: Plain white seersucker, bought at High Fashion Fabrics in Houston (my fave fashion fabric store)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Notions: thread, interfacing, 7 buttons (I had 6 so I just redid the spacing)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Skills involved: setting sleeves, gathering, buttons/buttonholes, attaching a collar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Changes made: Changed the button spacing to eliminate one button, redrafted sleeves for freer movement of arms. I don't remember exactly the sizing changes, but I know I cut at least 2 sizes smaller at the shoulders than at the waist/hip.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Fuckups: None, actually! I concentrated on taking my time here and I think it paid off.</span>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-26888452548640567432014-02-17T07:27:00.001-08:002014-04-01T11:15:20.253-07:00A $5 dressDon't you love these projects that come in at crazy cheap prices?<br />
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I bought this fabric at the weirdest store in my parents' town. They have the most random stuff. Gift bows, dishes, tinsel, tools. I don't even know what to call it. But my grandma told me I should go there for fabric.<br />
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I didn't have a ton of luck. They did have a lot of old fabric, but I felt like for the most part their prices weren't great. Once I went to get the two things I did find cut, I figured out that the prices are merely a suggestion. Also they're terrible at measuring. I told her I wanted 5 yards of this but I would take whatever they had. She said they had under 3 yards and charged me like $1.50/yd for it. Grand total $4.50 plus tax. But after making this dress I still have over 1 1/2 yards. I think it probably was closer to 5 when I started!<br />
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Anyway, as soon as I saw this dress I knew what I wanted to do with it. Well, I knew I wanted to do one of two things. Either a vertical striped bodice with a horizontal circle skirt, or a bodice cut on the bias. I decided to try the bias since this fabric was so cheap, and if I couldn't figure it out, so be it.<br />
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Well, it took me quite a bit of time, mostly because these stripes are not totally consistent and don't match exactly. But after an hour or so I had the bodice pieces cut. The funny thing is, I was looking and looking for a pattern that would work, and I thought I would have to really alter one I already had. Then I noticed my halloween costume balled up in the floor of my closet and realized this pattern was PERFECT. It was made to be cut on the bias, and I love it. This made the cutting a lot easier for me, although there was still a bit of work to do to match up the stripes.<br />
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So here it is! I was happy when I looked at the weather and realized it would be perfect for today. I didn't line this as I wanted a cool, breathable summer dress.<br />
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I am having some unfortunate issues with dart bubbles, which is usually not a problem for me. I'm going to try to fix it tonight.</div>
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Check out those perfectly lined up stripes though! <br />
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The back is also a vee, which is really cute. I love how this pattern sort of slopes off of the shoulders. It's perfect for this fabric.<br />
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I only used the pattern for the bodice, and just did a dirndl skirt. The pattern also calls for a dirndl. But it's LONG and FULL which I wasn't looking for. This silhouette is much nicer for me.<br />
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I'm trying to decide what to do with the rest of this fabric. It's pretty distinctive so I'm not sure I want another real piece of clothing. It's SO soft though. Maybe pajamas? Or I might say fuck it and just do a shirt. Everyone knows I sew a lot of my clothes anyway, so it wouldn't be a shocker.<br />
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I'm a big fan of this dress. Weirdly, none of the stripes are colors that I particularly love (or love on me) but I'm really drawn to it as a whole. Brett said it looks like a grandma's couch. "Not your grandma, but A grandma." I like how he clarified because he knows my grandma is too cool to have a couch like this. I'm not sure he's converted yet. But he'll have to get used to it, because I can see myself wearing this a LOT this summer.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Project: Bias stripe dress</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Pattern: <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8789-products-16431.php?page_id=850" target="_blank">Vintage Vogue V8789</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Fabric: Some old soft cotton?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Notions: thread. It calls for a 12" zipper at the side. I eliminated this because there's enough ease to pull it over my head</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Skills involved: Cutting on the bias, matching patterns, gathering, putting in a zipper if you're not shaped like a triangle!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Changes made: Eliminated zipper, self drafted (too strong a word. I cut out some rectangles) the skirt to eliminate some fullness. I was originally planning to put the zipper in the back, so I split the skirt in the back and sewed it all together with the back open, which I think made the gathering of the skirt quite a bit easier!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fef9e2; color: #2e5a59; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.559999465942383px;">Fuckups: I originally sewed the skirt on inside out. That was fun to unpick! Other than that, no mistakes!</span>Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-18050738448576005742014-01-21T17:14:00.001-08:002014-04-01T11:15:43.753-07:00Lighter than AirThis is another garment that I am just so proud of. Because this didn't really have any new skills hat I haven't used before, I really focused on quality and finishing. There were times when I would see the end of a task (ironing pleats!) in sight and get so excited, only to realize I had to do the same thing to the lining. Argh!<br />
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But! All of the hard work was definitely worth it. This is the first thing I've made that to me, doesn't feel home-made. And it actually feels pretty expensive!</div>
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When I found this fabric, I thought it looked familiar. Then I came back across this dress on modcloth and realized why. </div>
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It's adorable. It's $80 and it was sold out in my size.</div>
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So I snapped up some of the fabric (from superbuzzy.com), and thought about what to make. I chose a fairly simple knee length dress with a pleated skirt and cap sleeves. The pattern called for a lined bodice, but I also lined the skirt because this was a pretty light fabric. </div>
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So, here it is!</div>
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Love it, love it, LOVE IT. </div>
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It's so comfy and flattering and adorable. </div>
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The first time I wore it, the clerk at the gas station asked me if I was a teacher. Um, are you trying to imply that anthropomorphic hot air balloons are anything other than professional, sir?</div>
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The sleeves have this really adorable pleated detail that gives them a little volume, but not too much. </div>
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But really, what I'm most proud of is the finishing. </div>
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The inside is almost as beautiful as the outside!</div>
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Look at this encased zipper!</div>
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The seams in the bodice are all stitched and pinked. The skirt seams on the lining are French seams, and the skirt seams are all bound with bias tape. The hem of the lining is bound and the skirt hem is finished with grosgrain ribbon. All of this gives it some nice weight and will make it last if I take care of it. </div>
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I am really so proud of this dress. And it's shown me that if I am patient and take my time, I really can do this.</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Project: hot air balloon dress</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pattern: Simplicity 1873 (by Cynthia Rowley)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fabric: Balloon Ride in Garden (bought from superbuzzy.com)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Notions: 22" invisible zipper, I used 2-3 packages of bias tape for the seam binding, one package for the lining hem, and probably 2-3 yards of ribbon (this skirt is heavily pleated and it has a really long hem). But that is all optional. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Skills involved: placing an invisible zipper, fitting a bodice, pleating<br />Changes made: I fully lined the dress, instead of just doing the bodice. And I also eliminated some of the pleats on the sleeves because I wanted a little less volume after I did the muslin. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fuckups: I didn't pay enough attention while cutting and the layout wasn't meant for one way designs, so I ended up with two upside down panels. Luckily they weren't too far off square so I was able to flip them and just trim a bit. </span></div>
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Truly adorable!</div>
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Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-64534838121436071582014-01-15T12:11:00.002-08:002014-04-01T11:16:06.406-07:00Follow your Arrow (but not in this case)This skirt sucks.<br />
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I wrote a big long post about it, but dude. It sucks. So that's what I'm going to say.<br />
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I'm kind of upset about it because this was the first item that I had a real clear vision for when I got my new machine.<br />
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I love arrows, and I loved the colors in this fabric. And I knew I wanted a skirt with a border of them around the hem. So I ordered the arrow fabric and a coordinating solid from Spoonflower, and got to work.<br />
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I used a new pattern and didn't do a muslin because I'm dumb. So the skirt is a little tighter than I would prefer across my hips. I can easily fix that next time, and it's not the real problem with this skirt either.<br />
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The problem is the fabric.<br />
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It's the cotton poplin from Spoonflower and it was 20 freaking dollars a yard! But I liked it so much I was okay with paying that. I chose the poplin because it was suggested for skirts. But it sucks. It wrinkles like CRAZY. Which I could honestly deal with. I have an iron. But it also sticks to everything. Tights, underwear, even my silk top. It just grabbed everything and would not let go. Which made the back zip a bit of a challenge.<br />
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My main issue with the fabric was first that it wore so easily. I noticed this on another skirt I made with the same poplin. But when I washed it once, the color was wearing away on any edges or seams. After ONE wash, on gentle, and being hung to dry. And when I pulled out this fabric to make it, I noticed that where I had folded it when I washed it, the printing was wearing away from the folds. Just from being folded and sitting in my craft closet for a few weeks. It's really ridiculous that this is what I got for $20 a yard.<br />
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Another huge issue was the fact this it shows needle holes so easily. I mean, look at this where I took out some basting stitches. I don't expect it to completely disappear but this is ridiculous. Holes from pins look the same way. It's not leather, it's cotton! It shouldn't require this sort of care.<br />
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Anyway. It's the worst, and I'm sad about it. I'm going to try the pattern again.<br />
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<br />Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-71091763647589560462014-01-15T12:04:00.000-08:002014-04-01T11:16:26.127-07:00Baa BaaI love this dress!!<br />
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It's actually a good thing I made this right before the arrow skirt because I was still on a high and not TOO upset about how horrible that turned out.<br />
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This one is all about the fabric, for sure, but I also love the button front bodice and the silhouette. I had used the skirt part of this pattern twice (on the bird skirt and another one I haven't posted, and might not ever. It's quite a bit too short!). I liked it, but didn't feel it was super flattering with the uneven pleats.<br />
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I did do a muslin of the bodice for this, and pinned it to the bird skirt for fitting purposes. This fit me almost perfectly as printed. I just needed to take a little bit of length off the shoulders, and take it in at the sides slightly. This wasn't unexpected as the bird skirt was a bit too big.<br />
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I cut the skirt pieces for one size smaller than the bodice, but I didn't pleat them. I gathered them instead and just spread the gathers to fit. I wanted it to be a bit less full than the last skirt and I think it was perfect.<br />
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I loved, LOVED this fabric from the minute I saw it. It was not cheap ($18/yard), but I just loved the print so much. This light mauve color is one of my favorites to wear, and the adorable sheep and sheepdogs was just right up my alley. It also washed wonderfully, and it has a great weight and feel. It's probably my favorite fabric I've ever used, no joke.<br />
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Because it is a little cutesy though, I wanted to stick with a somewhat clean, classic design. I think this pattern was spot on for that. The button front gives it a bit of interest, but there's not <i>too</i> much detail and it's a very simple silhouette.<br />
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I took these photos immediately after I pulled it on this morning (because I am somewhat triangle shaped, I generally can pull dresses on without unzipping. Am I the only one that does this? It just makes it easier getting dressed by myself in the morning), and it's pulling to one side. Dangit. It doesn't do this all the time, I promise!<br />
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The bodice is not very fitted, which I really like with this style. It's so comfy! I do think I could stand to do a slight small bust adjustment next time, but it really does fit well.<br />
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All styled up for the office. Side note, I got upgraded so a corner suite with tons of windows this week, so I couldn't resist using it to take outfit photos. We also start work a bit later at this office, plus it takes me like 5 minutes to drive to work from my hotel. It's such a nice change to go to work when it's already bright and sunny!<br />
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So, the breakdown<br />
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Project: Sheep dress<br />
Pattern: <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5908-misses-miss-petite-dresses-cynthia-rowley-collection.aspx" target="_blank">Cynthia Rowley for Simplicity 2215</a><br />
Fabric: <a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/product/cotorienne-sheeeeep-mauve/" target="_blank">Sheeeeep</a> by Cotorienne, bought from superbuzzy<br />
Notions: 9" invisible zipper, 4 7/8" buttons<br />
Skills involved: placing an invisible zipper, making buttonholes, sewing buttons, fitting a bodice<br />
Changes made: I gathered the skirt instead of pleating, and also did a full lining on the skirt. The pattern calls for 1 yd of lining, but that's just for the bodice. I think I used roughly 2 yards of a 60" width lining.<br />
Fuckups: somehow the bodice back ended up longer than the front on the zipper side. It's not a really visible error, but it was pretty funny the first time I noticed it (photo below!). I also should have finished the hem of the lining better (I just pinked it but that's not really suitable for the fabric at all). I might cut it off and do a bias binding to give it some weight.<br />
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<br />Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-6032546066965295432014-01-06T09:03:00.000-08:002014-04-01T11:16:41.571-07:00It's a new year!And it's going to be a tough one for me. Work wise, mostly. I am still commuting to Houston each week, and will be doing that for a few months. At which point, we are hoping to sell our house, find a new house in New Orleans, and move down there. Then I'll be working half time outside of New Orleans and half time outside of Baton Rouge. I don't know why I can't pick a role that just keeps me in one place...<br />
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On top of that, I'm transitioning into a new job with a lot more responsibility and leadership. It is exciting, but it will be hard.<br />
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So, with all of that in mind, my goal for 2014 is to remain focused on what is important. My job is really important to me. I love it and it brings me a lot of satisfaction. So that's on the list, but it's not the most important thing. I also need to keep focusing on my health and my family.<br />
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One of the things I want to do that I think will really help in this area is to eliminate clutter. Both physically and mentally.<br />
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I started this year with a huge clean out of my closet. As my husband pointed out, I do this occasionally, get rid of a couple of bags full, and then go shopping and cram it all in again. Which is totally true.<br />
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But as I went through my clothes I was really thinking about focusing in on what I need. I got rid of SO MUCH. I used to have my side of the closet completely crammed full. Zero room (and I use the huggable hangers so I'm already maxed on usable space. I should have counted my items before I started! But I had about 6 feet of linear feet, plus another hanging bar with another 3-4 feet. Just full, and full of things I never touched.<br />
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Now, I've eliminated the second bar, put in a little hanging shelf unit for my sweaters and workout clothes, and have TONS of additional space. It's absolutely no trouble finding stuff. It's so much easier now! I would estimate that I probably got rid of 100+ items.<br />
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A couple of things I noticed as I was going through. The vast majority of things I was getting rid of fell into the "fast fashion" category. Target, Old Navy, Gap, H&M. LOTS of Target stuff. I liked things and bought them, wore them a couple of times and moved on to the next thing. Most of my higher quality clothes (Anthro and J. Crew purchases mostly) were held onto. The ones that I did let go of, I'm going to try to sell online, because they're still in great condition.<br />
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Also, I got rid of barely any shoes. 2 pairs of worn out house shoes and a lone black ballet flat that didn't have a match. I made a decision a couple of years ago that I would spend the money on quality shoes that would last. I think that shows that I need to extend that thought to the rest of my wardrobe.<br />
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The only real gap I noticed was the lack of basic solids. I wear a lot of prints. I love prints and I don't see that as an issue, but I do need some more basic pieces to mix in. I think this was a really good exercise because now I know exactly where to focus my efforts in my sewing projects. The problem is, I have 12 projects planned (and have material bought) and all of them, every one, are with prints. I know I need to mix some solids in there, and I am definitely going to make that happen.<br />
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Taking the giant (seriously GIANT!) box to goodwill was such a good feeling, just to be rid of it all. I am excited to extend that feeling to all of the areas of our house, as well as my life. I think this will be a good year. :)Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-15507320537535768222013-12-21T20:22:00.001-08:002014-04-01T11:18:11.890-07:00See ya later, alligator<div>
The Christmas sewing is done. I hadn't planned to do any sewing past that this weekend, but my husband is sick and spent yesterday evening in a niquil coma. So, I was happy to get a couple of projects cut and ready to go.</div>
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After I got home from the office today, he had fallen asleep again! So I took advantage and did a quick little project.</div>
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I can definitely see myself using this pattern a LOT since I've figured out the fit issues. I read a lot of reviews of this one online, and heard that it was extremely boxy, with way too much ease in the waist. So I kept those thoughts in mind and compared the pattern to a shirt I had that fits me well. I ended up cutting roughly two sizes smaller than what I measured in the waist and bust. In the hips, I stuck with my normal size, which I think worked really well. </div>
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I also lengthened the sleeves a bit. I cut them the same, but I just did a very short hem so they were a little bit longer. </div>
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I think my favorite thing about this make was that it used facing to finish the neck opening. I like the clean look here, and I think it works really well with the style. The sleeveless versions of the top also use facing instead of bias tape. </div>
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The star of this project is really the fabric. It's from spoonflower and the designer is andrea_lauren. She has her shop set with limited selections right now, but she has some really lovely designs. I am totally crazy about the color here. </div>
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This is the first project I've made that ended up exactly as I envisioned it. I think a lot of that is due to the fact that I really planned out my steps, took my time, and paid attention. </div>
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I absolutely love it. And I am super psyched about the rest of the projects I have coming up!</div>
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<b>Project: </b>Alligator woven tee</div>
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<b>Pattern: </b>Simplicity 8523</div>
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<b>Fabric: </b>Alligators by andrea_lauren on Spponflower, 2 yds</div>
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<b>Notions: </b>nothing but thread! You will need a tiny bit of interfacing</div>
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Overall, I really enjoyed this make and will definitely use this pattern again, maybe with a different neckline?</div>
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Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-58824605748020551632013-12-19T11:53:00.001-08:002014-04-01T11:18:59.801-07:00The planI'm quickly closing in on two+ weeks of time off from work, and I'm trying hard not to make unreasonable plans.<br />
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There will be at least some relaxation time, of course. And I'll spend a few days at my parents' house. Plus cleaning, there's always that.<br />
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But I also have a lot of sewing projects in the works, and I'd like to knock some of the biggies out.<br />
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This is not even all of the fabric I have washed and ready to go!<br />
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My first priority are Christmas gifts and resizing some pajama pants I made for us (waaaaay too big).<br />
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But that should take like a day max. And then I'll be free to work on things for ME.<br />
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I have so many things in the works. But here are my thoughts on priorities.<br />
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<li>navy skirt with scallop hem - I wear a lot of prints, and I need some solid basics to mix in with my separates. I'm starting here.</li>
<li>alligator tee shirt - I have a couple of yards of some amazing fabric from spoonflower, but it is loud, and I think I need a really basic shape so I'm doing a woven tee</li>
<li>taupe egg blouse - I'll be using that taupe fabric near the bottom of the pile in the picture above to make a button down blouse. This is a (hopefully) wearable muslin for the next project, since I've already made the skirt from that pattern before.</li>
<li>sheep dress - This light mauve fabric with herds of sheep (and a few little sheep dogs) is probably my favorite fabric in the queue. I'm going to make a knee length dress with a button front bodice and a little collar. </li>
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I've got a ton of other projects up my sleeve, but I'm thinking that if I give myself room to take my time with these and not stress, then things will go really smoothly, and I'll have some great stuff to wear when I go back to work in January!</div>
Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8998429618322356800.post-61837115354074955642013-12-16T11:40:00.005-08:002014-04-01T11:19:30.376-07:00Indecision<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think I've mentioned here that I work half time in (well, outside of ) Baton Rouge, where I live, and half time in Houston. This means I'm living out of a suitcase fairly often, and while packing mine last week, I checked the weather in Houston and realized something. I am severely lacking in warm clothes. It makes sense, it's not cold that often. But my thin cardigans and tights over summer dresses can only go so far. So I'm kind of thinking about how to make my wardrobe more winter appropriate ("winter" for those of you from more northern parts).</div>
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When I saw this knit fabric for the first time at JoAnn's, I just loved it. I almost bought it on the spot, but it had a hole on the edge and I wanted to make sure I could cut around it. But once I had a pattern picked out, I went back and grabbed it, super excited to make something. I wanted something warm and cozy that I could wear with jeans and boots.</div>
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I used a McCall's pattern marked easy, since this was my first time with knits. And I do think easy was accurate. BUT the sizing is way off. I'm quickly learning that I should just ignore the finished garment measurements given by McCall's and Simplicity because they are so inaccurate. This thing is huge. I have plans to cut it down on the sides and in the sleeves, because I think it would be much, much cuter if it was a bit more fitted (or fitted AT ALL).</div>
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It is growing on me. I wore it with my pajamas basically every moment I've been home since I finished it and it's soooo warm and soooo comfy.</div>
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My husband's feelings on it are very clear. He hates it. Hates the fabric, hates the cut, HATES it. He didn't believe I'd wear it to work. BUT I DID. You owe me $5, husband.</div>
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Anyway, I think it looks pretty cute with jeans. And if I just cut it down a bit it will be even cuter. Seeing it all wrapped up helps me imagine what it would look like with a bit more shape.</div>
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There's like a foot of extra fabric crossed over in there. The description of the pattern is a "close fitting cardigan." Yep, sure.</div>
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I do love the fabric though. I think no matter how I felt when I first put it on, this one is a keeper (or, it will be once I make a few changes. It's also perfect for Christmas time. With leggings, my fur lined houseshoes, and this sweater I am good for hanging out and watching Christmas movies all day long.</div>
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Project: Warm and cozy peplum sweater</div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6844-products-47791.php?page_id=115">McCall's M6844</a></div>
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Fabric: <a href="http://www.joann.com/eclectic-voyager-fabric-aztec-sweater-knit-dark-green/12524492.html#q=aztec&start=6">Dark green printed knit</a> from JoAnn's</div>
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Notions, etc: thread, interfacing for the collar</div>
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Time to make up: A couple of hours, maybe 3. I cut all of the fabric another day so that cut down on my time. I also did some additional stuff (double stitching the seams, top stitching around the shawl collar) that may not be necessary for you and could cut time off.</div>
Sarah Beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09791366142151411687noreply@blogger.com0