You are currently browsing the monthly archive for July, 2009.
Stellan is in desperate need of prayer right now (not to mention prayer for his mommy!).
My most challenging item first….jeans. I must admit, when I first read about people making jeans, I thought they were nuts. And I figured that they would look so homemade! Then I started seeing pictures. I was so impressed, I decided to give it a try. I chose Burda 7738, mostly because I could get it locally for not too much money. It’s a great pattern and I would recommend it. It does have very flared legs! I took them in quite a bit and as you can they still flare quite a lot. You can read my full review here. I got the denim at Joanns.
I also made black capris from the Wide Leg Pants pattern in Ottobre 2/08. Again, I took the legs in a bit. I made size 38, but forgot to add the seam allowance. I sewed it with a 1/4″ S/A and they fit well. I tried to sew another pair in the same size, but they were way too tight. So I guess the stretch in the black twill made a big difference! I reviewed this pattern also.
The skirt was based off of this pattern, but I ended up changing it quite a bit to fit with the fabric I chose (another denim from Joanns). I didn’t buy enough fabric and had to squeeze this out of it. I love this skirt, but I need to go back and fix the zipper. I only did 1/4″ S/A so it would fit, but the ended up not catching them properly when I sewed the zip it. It also doesn’t lie nicely where the pockets meet on the sides, so I’m hoping I can fix that. Other than that, it’s super cute.
The last item is the Gathered Skirt from Otto 2/08. I love this skirt. I feel a little funny, wearing it, like it looks a little costume-y? I wish I didn’t, because I really do think it’s cute. This is one of the few trouble free items I made, not suprisingly. I used my own skirt pattern, I just used the instructions for the gathered sides.
I must admit, I was pretty dispointed in many of my SWAP items. I haven’t really worn most of them! I hate to even admit that. I guess I should be easier on myself, since many of these items firsts for me. New patterns, new techniques….I’d only made one knit shirt for me before this and I’d never made pants or jeans for me ever. First dress too. And I learned a ton! So all and all, I’m glad I did it. And really, most of the items will be great with a tweak or two.
for sale (and on sale!) in my shop. No, I’m not opening a fabric shop (I wish), but I couldn’t pass up this good deal on Denyse Schmidt fabrics! I have full bolts of all these fabrics, so let me know if you need more yardage. I can even do fat quarters or half yard sets.
….only a month later! Am I the only one who hasn’t been much into blogging lately? I’ve sat down to do it many times, but never seem to feel motivated enough to actually do it!
My first post about the SWAP is here. Along with the knit tops, I had to make two woven tops, a jacket/cardigan/sweatshirt, and a dress.
I used Simplicity 3750 for the first top. I like the idea of this pattern, but I had to make too many tweaks to recommend it. It was too wide…I think it looked frumpy. And it was too low for my taste. I do want to try it again, just using my measurements instead of going by the pattern. I made the tunic length, but I’m planning on chopping it off a bit. Review here.
I also made the Puffed Sleeve Blouse from Ottobre Women 2/2008. I think I am realizing I like gathers, but not puffed sleeves. I’m very pleased with how it turned out, though. I even ommited the shirring and added darts instead. I’ve never self-drafted darts before and they turned out great. I’m planning on listing this in my Etsy shop. The button holes are less than steller, so it will be for a great price!
I self drafted this dress, using a ready to wear dress and the Shari dress pattern as guides. I used my precious Far, Far Away Fabric by Heather Ross. I love the back of this dress! The gathers make it fit so nicely. I’m not pleased with the front, though! It needs to be ripped apart and put back together, something I haven’t felt motivate to do yet! It was my first dress ever for me, though, so I can’t complain! I’ve come a long ways, even though there is so much I want to learn.
This was also from Ottobre Women 2/08. I had a terrible time with this pattern. I love the style! But I think I should have picked a different knit, as I struggled with everything but the construction of the body. The worst part was trying to line the button placket with woven. I love the idea, but I get it to hang properly.
Ok…one more post and that will wrap it up! Pants and skirts still to come!
Wishing you a fabulous fourth! God Bless America!
If you’re still looking for a recipe, check out this cute one linked on How About Orange. Not sure I would want to eat chocolate chips in jello, but the kid’s would love it!
