What is summer without seersucker?

I finished this dress two weekends ago but only now got around to taking a picture. It was inspired by a dress from JCrew I found about two months ago (it's no longer on their site).

I used Simplicity 3803 for the pattern. Overall I found the pattern fairly easy. In all of the reviews I have read (check out Pattern Review if you haven't already...you'll be glad you did), I am surprised no one has mentioned the difficulty of sewing that point in the middle of the bodice. It wasn't hard, just more of a pain in the butt. Maybe it's just me. Other than that, everything went together pretty smoothly. I'm happy with the result and looking forward to wearing this out soon.

P.S. Ummm, the boob really isn't messed up as it appears in the picture. I just need to wear a better bra when I actually wear this out.

Jealousy

I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (two and a half weeks and counting), but it still seems like a long time away some days. I really ought to restrain myself from visiting blogland (heck, I'm definitely doing a good job of not posting to it), because all of the creative happenings going on out there make me feel like a kid that's been told they can't do something (you know, because school is um, more important right now, right?)...I only want to do it more. Take a look at these great creations:

• Bess Erin's shirt
• Blossom's mustard wall flower dress
• Kate's summer shirts
• Quilting

Enough with my complaining. Two and a half weeks will be here before I know it. My fabric stash and idea/inspiration list will just have to wait.

All in the Details

This shirt has been hanging in my closet zipperless for over a month. I finally pulled it out yesterday and attached the zipper and finished the hem. I used Simplicity 3927 again for this shirt. The only alteration I did was attaching an invisible zipper on the side instead of in the back as the pattern calls for. I really love this pattern and fear that my wardrobe will consist of ten shirts in this style. Will people notice this or can I fool them by changing the fabric each time?


Do you share my problem of putting off finishing details or is it just me? I must make a new rule for myself about not starting new projects before I "finish" the one at hand. Speaking of details, here's a shot of the new ring I bought myself at the beach last weekend. It's a little cheap thing but I love it. Can you guess what my favorite color is these days?


P.S. Four weeks and counting.

The Countdown Begins

Five and a half weeks. Five and a half weeks left until I finish my program and get my Masters. Five and a half weeks for something that has taken me four and a half years to complete. I keep telling all the newbies at work to not do school like I did. I graduated college and not even a year later I was back in school. At this point, it's safe to say I'm pretty burnt out.

Trying to speed up the process, for the past year I have been taking a full-time course load while working full-time. Some people think that I'm crazy to be taking two classes at the same time over the summer, but I know if I take a break I'll just have these last two classes hanging over my head. Plus, I've been making a mental list of all the things I'll be able to do after July 15th. Sewing, perfecting pancakes, family, friends, yoga, sitting on the couch without feeling guilty (well, not sure I'll ever really be able to do that but I'll definitely feel a little less guilty after school is over)...five and a half weeks...But who's counting?

If you've read through this entire post, you deserve a treat. This is Bo, letting it all hang out.


(Pardon the ugly beach towel in the background. This was pre-"No Scratch" spray).

Seeing Orange

So, it's not exactly this (from Anthropologie):


...but I think it's close enough. I haven't had a lot of time to sew lately but on Sunday I did manage to find a few free hours to make this top.

I used Amy Butler's Cabo Halter pattern. I highly recommend this pattern. This was probably the easiest top I've made so far. The instructions were very clear and I made the whole thing in about three hours. I'll be making a few more of these for the summer.

Looking at this picture makes me want to redo our back patio. We're renters though, and I really don't see any point in throwing money into someone else's property. Oh, but if it were mine...the possibilities!

Madam Poofy Sleeves

Folks, I need your opinion. A glutton for punishment, I decided to try my hand at a jacket. The instructions were relatively easy. That is, until I got to the sleeves. I used McCalls 5395 View B. The pattern piece for the sleeve had an extra 3 inches that I was supposed to ease into the armhole. Now, this was my first time "easing" sleeves but still, I honestly don't know how even a professional could ease this much without having a few gathers. After about 3 attempts and several seam rips (and WTF's) later, I decided to just make my own modification and gather the top of the sleeve to make up for the ease difference. Hence, the poofy sleeves.


I read in Sandra Betzina's "Power Sewing" later that night that she doesn't like more than 1 1/4 of an inch of sleeve ease and that most ready made clothes only have this much. Her book gives instructions for modifying a sleeve pattern to reduce the sleeve ease. Hmmm, should have read this before I started cutting and sewing! I learn the hard way, what can I say.

Here's where I need your help. I can't decide whether or not I like the poofy sleeves I currently have on the jacket. Now that I know how to modify the pattern, I wonder if I should make new sleeves. My question to you, folks, is this: Do the poofy sleeves work? Would it look better if I made new, less poofy sleeves? Your honest opinions are needed (and appreicated).


Have a happy long weekend!

One can always dream

Out of the five things I had hoped to finish this weekend, how many did I manage to cross off? One! That's right, only one. Actually, I'm cheating by saying I finished that one thing because it really isn't finished finished but I'm not going to let a little hem get in the way of achievement. In my defense, we did move couches across counties and cleaned out our closets which kind of put a damper on the rest of the list.

So, I "finished" the linen jacket this weekend. I still don't have access to picture software, but I'll post a teaser photo:


I'll write more about the jacket and the process when I post pictures of the finished piece. All I will say right now is that they definitely left "easy" off the of description on purpose.

Around

Peter is building a new computer this week using parts from his old computer...the one that had the picture software. Oh bugger! So, I have no pictures to share with you until the new pc is up and running. I hate posting without a picture, but I have so many creative plans this weekend and I want to increase my chances of actually finishing some of those plans by writing them down now.

So, here goes:

1) Finish linen jacket
2) Begin new Amy Butler top (I can't help it, I'm obsessed with AB fabric)
3) New bag for Moi
4) Recipe cards and recipe card holders for some special people
5) Granny bag tutorial - I haven't forgotten about this I swear! Is there still an interest?

Have a great weekend, folks.

When it's hot, it's hot

The past few days have been hot around here. Thankfully, I finished my breezy summer top just in time for the heat. I found this fabric on sale at Joann a few weeks ago and was inspired to make an Anthropologie-esqe type blouse.


I used Simplicity 4127, View E for the pattern. This top was a little difficult for me to make. The first problem I ran into was just getting used to working with slinky/thin/non-cotton material. The second problem I found was the elastic neckband. The instructions didn't say the proper way to sew elastic onto fabric. After consulting an elastic guide pamphlet (from Joann's), I used a long zig zag strip. All you sewers out there, is this the correct method? The third problem I ran into was my decision to alter the pattern by using an invisible side zipper instead of the back zipper called for by the pattern. In the end, I'm glad I made that decision, but it took a couple of seam rips before I finally figured out how to make the alteration work properly.


If you've looked at the pattern, you probably noticed that View E is supposed to be a strapless top. In the end, I decided that I liked the look of straps better. Yes, I am kicking myself just a little over all that trouble with the elastic that I didn't end up needing!

Simplicity 3777

Amy Butler's website doesn't lie when it comes to the Inspiration page. As soon as I saw the picture below, I was inspired to make it. Unfortunately Amy doesn't sell the pattern for this dress (though I read a rumor somewhere that she will be selling this pattern in the fall).

When Simplicity's spring patterns came out, I really fell in love with Simplicity 3777 and decided to try it out with the Amy Butler peony fabric.



I can't tell you how much I love this pattern and this dress. I made a muslin first, afraid of messing up the "expensive" fabric with a pattern I wasn't familiar with. I used the fabric size based on the final measurement ease, ignoring the size that my real measurements suggested I use. It ended up fitting almost perfectly! I had to take in the sides of the skirt because the way it hung made my rump look huge. However, I think that if I had used a fabric with more drape, this would not have been a problem. All in all it was an easy adjustment.

I had intended to use the gray Amy Butler fabric for the contrasting bands, but when I put them together I thought it looked way too busy. Instead I used a gray Kona cotton (it looks a little blue in the picture, but it's really more gray). I also found the perfect cardigan to go with it. Now if only I could find a cute pair of gray sandals...any suggestions???

Once

My friend invited me to see a movie screening of "Once" last night. I had never heard of the movie, nor did I take the time to read the reviews (though I did hear something about it doing well at Sundance). The ticket was free though and a movie sounded like a great way to spend a gray Thursday evening.


I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie. I cannot wait until it comes out in theaters at the end of May so I can see it again. I'm also planning on buying the soundtrack. The story, the music, the acting were all just amazing. It's really worth seeing just for the music alone. (Check out the Once movie website for a preview.)

After the screening, there was a Q & A session with the director and Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (the actors). Glen and Marketa then played two songs from the movie for us. What an amazing night!

FYI, I was not paid for this recommendation.

Sunday

:Enjoying morning tea with my new mug (hand-painted by me):


:Going swimming: Lunchtime coffee with a friend: Finishing up a WIP:


I hope you have a great day!

The First of Many

Lately I have been obsessed with sewing clothes. I don't know what exactly started it, (Could it be Erica's inspirational blog? Or maybe Marirob's?...) but instead of spending my money shopping for clothes, I've been spending it on fabric and patterns. Here is the first shirt I've ever made:


The pattern I used is Simplicity 3927. It was surprisingly easy to make. My friend Cori gave me this knit fabric over two years ago. The hardest part about sewing this shirt was cutting out the fabric to make sure I had a good, symmetrical pattern layout (I didn't want a flower to be right in the center of the bust). Because it is a knit fabric, I omitted the zipper called for by the pattern. I am still getting used to pattern sizes (they are not the same sizes as pre-made clothes!). I had to take in the sides and it is still a little too big in the bust area. However, it's not so big that I can't wear it. I think next time I will use a smaller size.

There is a lot more sewing going on behind the scenes over here. I'm also working on putting together a mini-tutorial for the crochet bag which I hope to post soon.

*I just found out this pattern is out of print so it might be hard to find in stores. However, you can still buy it on the Simplicity website.

Sadness

My thoughts are with Virginia Tech today. Yesterday's news shocked, disturbed, enraged, scared, and deeply saddened me. I'm from Virginia, had friends and family that went to Tech, have a friend who's sister is going there now. She slept in yesterday and we are all thankful for that.

Yeterday's events affected everyone. I hope for peace and healing for the victims, families, and students both at Tech and across the country.

Book Review: Dive from Clausen's Pier

Like Jenny, I too can't sleep until I read for a little each night. I go through a few books a month and for the past year I've gotten into the (bad?) habit of not finishing every book I start. I just feel like there is so much out there to read and life is too short that I don't want to waste my time reading something that I'm not enjoying. Also, I've found that I enjoy books depending on my mood. A book that I couldn't quite get into a few months ago sometimes turns out to be a great book when I pick it up again.

Right now, because I can't spend as much time sewing as I wish I could, I find myself dreaming about fabric and sewing. So when my Mom told me about this book I started reading it right away. The main character is a twenty-something Midwesterner going through a quarter-life crisis. The plot is ok...kind of a beach read if that makes sense. The thing that I love about this book is that the main character is a sewer! She describes the pleasure of walking into a fabric store, of the patterns and fabrics strewn across her apartment, and how she's always wishing she could be sewing. The author must be a sewer to be able to describe the craft so well. I would recommend the book to anyone looking for an enjoyable quick read and I definitely recommend the book to anyone who loves to sew.

Granny Bag

Ta-da! It's finished - finito - complete - you get the idea. I lined it with brown cotton fabric (recycled from Ikea curtains) and added brown and white polka dotted pockets and a magnetic snap. I love this bag so much just for the outside layer but that polka dot does add an extra cute punch. I wanted to show you the inside, but I forgot to take pictures during this shoot and I'm afraid if I wait for another good opportunity to take a picture then you would be waiting a while for this post.


The bag is inspired by this bag from Anthropologie. I brought the bag with me to Easter brunch where I could show it off to my Mom and thank her again for teaching me how to crochet a granny square. She was really impressed with it. My middle sister, not so much. I like to think that this is because we have different tastes and that is ok by me. To each her own.

For more granny square inspiration, check out all the great projects over at the granny along.

Odds and Ends

Whew! It's been a busy couple of weeks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the worst is over. In the few free moments I've had lately, I somehow managed to finish all the squares for my granny bag. I'm planning on whipping up the lining and handles today and so I'll show pictures early this week. Stay tuned!

My Thoughts Exactly

Not much to write today. Bo's expression conveys how I'm feeling right now: wishing I could hide (and sleep). I've got a mountain of schoolwork and work work that I'm slowly trudging my way through this week. Saturday can't come soon enough.

Bed Bugs

When my sister Kathy was expecting her first child she enlisted my help to decorate the nursery. She didn't want anything too cutesy but she wanted something original. It also had to have ladybugs. So one afternoon, I packed up my paint box (my sisters often tell me to "bring the paints" when I come to visit) and brushes and set out to work.



To make sure we didn't go overboard with the bugs, we cut out paper shapes about the size that we wanted to final bugs to be. We then taped these to the wall in various layouts before choosing what we liked best. I learned this trick from a magazine a few years ago and have been utilizing it ever since. The whole process really only took a few hours. I used basic craft acrylic paints (gotta love 'em!).


The best part about this day was the delight my sister had when she discovered that she can paint afterall! For the longest time she would insist that she can't paint and that I got all the creative genes in the family. But after I showed her how to paint a ladybug and bee, she was painting her own like a pro.


It is no surprise that my niece loves anything having to do with ladybugs now.

To Be Square

I'm afraid I've lost a little steam on my granny square project. Really it's just a matter of my eyeballs being bigger than my ability to actually do everything I want to do. Is this an adult form of ADD? Fortunately, I know myself pretty well and predicted this. So I chose a small project to start off with. I have thirteen of the eighteen squares I need for my granny square bag complete. Only five more to go!


I love the color combination I chose. Every time I finish a square I think it is my favorite until I finish the next one. I am having a bit of a problem trying to keep my squares all the same size though. Is this is a rookie mistake I will soon grow out of? I hope so. Oh, and weaving in the ends is a terrible bore! But the end result is just so pretty.

City bag

I have a confession to make. I've made a lot of stylish bags over the last two years, but for the past few months I have been guilty of carrying an ugly, pen stained backpack to and from work. It just didn't seem right. So, I made myself something I could be proud to be spotted carrying.


I can fit a lot of stuff in this bag, which is good because I carry a lot of stuff. The contents of my bag vary daily but usually contain some combination of the following: gym shoes/clothes, lunch food, homework/school notes, craft magazine or novel.


I finally learned how to sew an inside zipper pocket. The zipper and the bag are not perfect (sewing with vinyl is hard!), but overall I'm pleased with the end result. For the sake of my sewing machine, I don't think I'll be sewing with vinyl again anytime soon.

In her hands

Caught up in the granny square fever, I spent last Saturday with my Mom learning to crochet a square.

I grew up watching these hands make amazing things. Now they are teaching me to make my own.

Thank you, Mom.

Pincushions

I recently participated in a pincushion swap through swap-bot. I had been wanting to make a flower pincushion ever since I saw the tutorial on whipup.



The process really is as easy as the tutorial makes it seem. I made two pincushions in one night. The green and brown pincushion went to Karyn in Austraila. I hope she is enjoying it. I am keeping the currently buttonless light green one for myself.

As I was making these, I realized that I have a very limited button collection. I am currently searching for more unique buttons. If you have an idea, please leave a comment. My buttonless flowers would be forever grateful.

Less studying, more baking

I dug myself out of my mountain of homework long enough to make my favorite fall treat.

I found this recipe a few years ago and I haven't used any other since. Try it, you won't be disappointed!

A little note

To let you know I'm still around. I made these note cards a few weeks ago and sent them off in a package for one of Moki's swaps.


I am such a paper hoarder. According to dictionary.com:

hoard (noun): 1. a supply or accumulation that is hidden or carefully guarded for preservation, future use, etc.: a vast hoard of silver.

Haha! My "silver" is fabric and paper. The definition describes my paper and fabric supply/buying habits to the T. However, I tend to use the fabric up much more quickly than I use the paper.

This year, like last, I am going to make little notecard sets to give as presents around the holidays. Theoretically, this should decrease the hoard...just as long as I don't buy more in the meantime. How do you decrease your stash of "silver"?

My Letters

I took Latin for three years and one week of my high school career. During my junior year, I dropped Latin and signed up for Art instead. It was really happenstance that I ended up in Art, for it was the only other elective class that was open during that time period.



I loved Art class so much that I signed up for Art II during my senior year. My new teacher really inspired me and believed in me. Halfway through the year, she invited me on a special field trip to the Museum of Women in Arts in Washington, DC. Every art teacher in the county was allowed to invite 2 of their best female students. My art teacher chose me!



These photos are some of the art pieces I sent to my partners for Moki's letter swap. I learned the tempera resist technique during my high school art career and really enjoyed the process. The idea for these pieces came to me one morning. Funny how my greatest ideas come to me right before or after sleep. I really must start keeping a pen and paper on my nightstand! I hadn't done this type of painting since high school and was worried about how it would turn out. When I washed the ink away, I was filled with awe and surprise when the final piece starting revealing itself to me.



I'm really happy with how the pieces turned out and I hope my swap recipients enjoy them. I really look forward to having time soon to do more of these.

In case you're wondering, I've never regretted dropping Latin for Art, but I do regret not taking art in college.

More swap goodies

As I was walking home the other day I thought to myself, "Oh, it would be so nice to have a package today". I then immediately thought that I really shouldn't get my hopes too high. But when I got home, I discovered that I had three packages waiting for me to open!

My first package was another initial from Moki's letter swap. Isn't it cute! Leta made this for me and I am so pleased with it. I have the perfect spot for it on my shelf in my "studio" (aka, dining room corner). You should check out all the other beautiful things Leta makes on her blog. I especially love her cards.


The next package was a quilted letter from Jackie. She blogs about it here, but it is so much more stunning in person. She got the inspiration from a French alphabet song. The funny thing is that one of my favorite songs is called "Soleil" by Badly Drwan Boy so this quilted applique is perfect for me. Thank you Jackie!

I apologize for the poor lighted pictures in this post. I haven't been home much in the daylight. Later this week I will share with you the other package as well as a new craft obsession I feel coming on. Have a great day.

I heart mail

Oh wow! What a great week it has been for mail! At the beginning of August I signed up for two swaps organized by Moki: a letter swap and a stamped fabric swap. I was thrilled to receive my first letter last week. This wonderful package came from Raesha.


Not only did Raesha send a beautiful painted initial "S" complete with a charm, she also included lots of goodies: bias tape, a vintage embroidery design (which I have just the use for!), handmade travel tissue holder (it is beginning to be sniffly nose weather afterall), and cute stickers with the letter S. I hope I didn't leave anything out. Anyhow, thanks for the wonderful package, Raesha. You really made my day.

Oh but wait, there's more. You see, each person in the swap sent out five letters so that each person would receive five letters. I recieved a few more letters today but I don't have time to post now. Let me just say that I feel so spoiled! I can definitely feel a swap addiction forming.

Now back to studying. Goodnight.

Adjusting

It’s been a while since I posted, but I am not giving up on blogging yet. The past few weeks have been about adjusting: adjusting to school, to the shift in weather, to life after triathlon, to more work responsibility. The first on that list has been the biggest adjustment. My free time has drastically been cut short as I pour my nose into articles, research, and homework. I have moments where I wonder why I am doing this, wondering if it’s worth it. But I think it is. One more year. One more year and I’ll finally have my masters and all the options that go along with it.

In between juggling school and work, my list of crafting to do’s continues to grow. Last week I completed seven bridesmaids bags for a soon to be bride. The bride to be picked out a different fabric for each girl and was genuinely happy with how they turned out. I really put a lot of work into these babies, making sure to pay attention to all the details. I was pleased they were so well received. (You can see more of the bags at flickr.)

With this commission order out of the way, there are so many things I want to try for myself now. Creative Little Daisy posted a similar a thought recently and I couldn’t agree more with how she is feeling. Especially now that my time is limited I am feeling the need to say ‘no’ more often to outside requests so that I can say ‘yes’ more often to my own little creative endeavors. I create things because I want to, and the more I have to, the less creative energy I have.

With that said, I have a bunch of projects in the works that I am very excited about: Moki’s letter swap and stamp swap, a new fall bag (or two!), and redecorating my living room (currently in progress) and bedroom. I promise to try harder to blog more often about these (and other) projects.

Thrift Running

Have I ever told you how much I love my neighborhood in DC? I live on a beautiful street lined of old classic rowhouses that is close to many parks, restaurants, etc. When I started training for my triathlon, I would normally run through the park but I quickly grew tired of this route and so I now enjoy my runs through the neighborhood streets. This not only allows me to get in some hill workouts, but it also gives me an opportunity to gawk at all the beautiful houses in this area.

Early into my run this morning I saw a sign for a neighborhood garage sale. Seeing all the beautiful things that craft bloggers have scored from garage sales and thrift shops, I decided on my way back from my run to stop by and see what kind of goodies I could find.

At one stand I found this vintage 1968 McCall's Sewing Book. I've been trying to increase my severely lacking craft book collection and was really excited to find this. The book is in pretty good condition. It mainly gives instructions on how to sew clothes. I don't currently sew any clothes but I know that someday in the (near?) future I plan to and think this will be a good reference to have on hand.

Tucked into the front cover of the book was this hip vintage sewing pattern.

I like the shirt style, so maybe I'll try out this pattern next summer. I'm thinking the shirt would look great with an Amy Butler style fabric.

I also found this wonderful little 1973 PlantCraft book. I don't have much of a green thumb. Somehow I have inhereted/been given/given refuge to a few left behind plants over the years. Until I got cats, the plants managed to somehow stay alive. The cats killed two plants (did you know cats enjoy eating spider plants?). Now I have two large plants left. I'm not saying that I'm a terrible plant owner, I just tend to forget more often than remember to water the plants. Also, I'm not sure that I give the plants the best environment to thrive. Our sunniest room in the apartment is also the smallest, so the plants would crowd the place if we gave them shelter there. I hope that this book will give me some good tips on how to be a better plant owner.

However, truth be told, I am more excited about the fun illustrations that adorn the inside pages. Check out these funky snails!

These little guys are giving me inspiration for my much needed blog banner.

WIP

I love long weekends, but tell me really, who doesn't?

I'm working on a commission order for seven bridesmaids bags. The bride picked out fabric to suit the individual tastes of each of her bridesmaids. What a fabulous idea! It's been a while since I've sewn any bags. Before the summer I was cranking them out every other day. Summer classes, working, and training for the triathlon really took away any time to be creative. It feels good to be sewing again.

Another work in progress is a little space to call my own. Since we have never used the dining area for its intended purpose of dining, I have decided to convert the space into my own studio. When you live in an apartment in the city, you really don't have a lot of space to work with. Peter and I are lucky to even have a dining area. We both agree that the space will be much more useful as a studio rather than a dining room. I'm trying to make the space more cozy than it is currently without putting a lot of work into it (we rent). Stay tuned for updates.

Off to Joann now for some much needed, and some not so needed, supplies!