It's here, right?

When I walked by an open window this morning, I felt it. There's a definite chill to the air. Fall! I can't really put into words how I feel other than excited. I love this season, I truly do. I'm giddy thinking about sweaters and pumpkins, scarves and hot cocoa, holidays and friends. I'm even more excited about Fall this year because it's the first Fall that I don't have school. This means I can do a lot of fall sewing and celebrating this year. I've got grand plans for apple picking trips and scary movie nights. I can't wait. Does anyone else feel this excited about the upcoming season? Speaking of Fall sewing, here's what's on my short list (subject to change as inspiration hits):


Simplicity 3622, View D. I actually cut out the fabric for this last night. I'm slightly concerned about my fabric choice, but I'm just going to see what happens and hope for the best.


Simplicity 3678, all views. I actually made the short sleeve version this week. Look out for a pattern review and pictures soon. You can probably figure out that I liked the pattern if I plan to make the other long sleeved views.

McCall's 5466, View C.


McCall's 5477, View C. I plan to sew this up in velvet or corduroy. Diann has this on her short list too.

I've also been itching to make a quilt for a while. I am having the hardest time choosing the fabrics though (too many choices!). I may just give in and buy a quilt kit. Would that be so horrible?

Happy Saturday everyone.

Turning three

A very special girl (my niece) turned three last week. To celebrate the occasion, I made her something extra special.

A patchwork bag! But wait, what is that peeping out of the top?

Why, it's Olive and Archie! They were excited about meeting Corinne. Would she accept them with loving arms, they wondered?

I think she did.

Doll Pattern: Olive and Archie from Wee Wonderfuls

Fabric Used: Quilting cotton and flannel from Joanns

Pictures tell a thousand words

I know you all have been on the edge of your seats waiting for these pictures. To see more, visit my flickr page.

I feel like I've finally gotten back into the groove of things around here. I've been sewing and have plenty to show, but you'll just have to wait on the edge of your seats for those too. Don't worry, you won't be waiting long.

Back from Greece

Greece was beautiful. The food was delicious. The people were friendly. Luckily, Athens and the islands we visited were unaffected by the fires happening on much of the mainland. We traveled to three different islands. Each island was so different from the other that I really can't decide which one I liked the most.

The picture above is a view from our hotel in Santorini. Incredible! I made the skirt I'm wearing out of some linen using a pattern I made from "Sew What Skirts!". This skirt and the dresses I made were perfect for the hot breezy weather. I'll be posting more pictures of our travels this week after I catch up on things around here (sleep being number one).

Ready to go

The knit dress didn't happen. I did figure out how to properly sew with knits, but unfortunately I strayed too far from a pattern and ended up with a very maternity looking dress. That's ok, I still have this and this. Yesterday I stitched up these eye masks from Amy Butler's In Stitches to help us sleep on the flight to Europe. I have never really been one to sleep well while travelling, but these give me hope (along with ear plugs). This was my first time quilting anything. Who knew it could be so fun?

Is it sad that when we started planning our vacation, I was worried about being without a craft activity for too long? I have been saving these crochet projects for a few weeks now so that I could bring them on vacation. I'm not sure if it's ambitious to have three projects in mind, but I'm sure I'll get through at least one.

I wish you all a very happy end of August. See you in September!

All about my bodkin (well, almost)

Wouldn't this be the perfect dress for Greece? I thought so too, so I made my own version.

I used New Look 6696 and some linen blend fabric. The dress was really easy to put together, especially with the bodkin I received from the creative Caroline. What a silly name for such a handy tool! A bodkin, in case you don't know, is a little set of tweezers that you can clamp shut over elastic so you can easily pull it through casings. This pattern calls for five casings on the back, so the bodkin came in extra handy.

I'm really happy with the finished dress and can't wait to wear it on the streets of Santorini.

Thanks for all of your suggestions about working with knits from my last post. I was finally able to make a decent stretch and zig zag stitch, but I do have a bit of doubt still leftover. I will definitely be taking a sewing with knits class this Fall. Unfortunately I had to throw in the towel on the wine colored jersey dress because I completely bonked up one of the bodice pieces and didn't have any extra fabric. I wouldn't be a true fabricholic if I didn't buy two colors of jersey though, now would I? I have some black jersey that I will make a second attempt on this weekend.

It's not you, it's me, I think

Dear Sewing Machine,

We've had some times, haven't we? You were my rebound after I was forced to break up with my old machine. We've sewn many bags together, and we're starting to get up there with clothes, aren't we? For the most part, you've been pretty good to me. There was that time when I pushed you too far (read: sewing multiple layers of vinyl) to which you retaliated by throwing off your timing (side effects: wonky stitches and buttonholes). Fortunately, after a day in the sewing machine spa, you were as good as new. Since then I've been sure to use you according to your manufacturer's guidelines. That's why I'm blaming myself for the wonky stitches you sewed this evening when I attempted to sew up the jersey dress. This is the first time I've ever sewn jersey so in all honesty I have no idea what I'm doing. However, I do know enough to know that the stretch stitch you made tonight was just unacceptable. What I don't understand is why it worked wonderfully on my scrap piece, but on the actual garment it was a complete disaster (DISASTER!). Before I put all the blame on you (read: throw you out the window), I'm going to sign up for a sewing with knits class. Maybe I'll learn some tricks that you'll appreciate. If not, well, I just don't see a future in us if we can't make a good knit garment together.

Sincerely,

Stephanie

Yes, people, my first attempt at sewing with knits was a complete disaster. Looks like the jersey dress that would be so perfect for Greece isn't going to happen. Any one out there have suggestions on working with knits?

Oh la la

Can you believe I've had this shirred fabric all summer but only sewed it up last week? One seam and a hem, it doesn't get easier than that.

I almost caved in, but not quite

We're back from Cleveland (the drive, the city, and the wedding were all great), but not for long. We're leaving soon for a long vacation in Greece. I am very very excited. Everyone keeps telling me it's beautiful and I have no reason not to believe them. After the tickets were bought and the hotels were booked, the big question arised: What will I wear?

Last week during an unavoidable trip to the mall (oh how I loathe the mall), I found this great jersey dress at Gap. This dress would be perfect to just roll up and throw in the suitcase, and it's the perfect weight for warm climates. Even though I signed The Pledge, I must admit I considered buying it for about a second. One look at the price tag ($39.50) was all I needed to find the resolve to make the dress instead.


I'll be using Simplicity 3831 for the pattern and some super soft rayon jersey from Fabric.com. I have a few other sundresses I've made over the past couple of weeks as well. I'll be showing pictures this week so stay tuned.

Speaking of dresses, have you seen the amazing version of Simplicity 3835 made by Lula Louise? I'm adding that pattern to my collection.

Kathy's bag

I made this bag nearly a year ago for my sister Kathy's birthday. She has always been a big fan of my creative endeavors. When I decided to start selling my bags last year (which I've since put on hold in order to take care of this business), she was right behind me with a ton of ideas and support. She's pretty crafty herself. For example, she made her own curtains and she made my niece's and nephew's crib bedding, which she literally put sweat and tears into. She also has an amazing house which she's worked very hard on. Currently her and her husband are building their very own potting shed! For her birthday she requested a bag with a zipper closure, something I had never done up to that point. I've always designed my own bag patterns, so it never occurred to me to consult a pattern. It took a little time to get my head around how I would construct it properly, but after a little thought I figured it out. I also designed the bag so that she could change the ribbon up for a completely different look. The bag was a huge success. She still loves it and uses it as her primary bag to this day.

Peter and I are heading to Cleveland this weekend for a friend's wedding. I didn't have any trouble packing my bags. I'll be rockin' the handmade dresses: I'm wearing this to the rehearsal dinner and this to the wedding.

Next week I promise to share photos of all the projects I've been working on. Have a great weekend folks.

A room without a view but with some very cool stuff

This is the view from my kitchen to the backroom. This room may not look like much, but it holds things very dear to my heart: my sewing machine, fabric, and even Bo is there more often than not. Peter and I reorganized the apartment last weekend and the backroom became my new sewing room. Oh to have four walls! No more sewing in a dark corner in the dining room for me.

I have plans to really spruce this space up. Those plans are on hold though until after I get back from vacation. Sewing sundresses for vacation is the priority around here these days (see that one on the ironing board?).

Celebrate your accomplishments (Part Two)

I am truly inspired by all the comments left on this post. The accomplishments you shared ranged from learning a new craft, starting to exercise more, finishing a project, raising children, making that phone call, and following through on a dream. This proves you don't have to climb Mt. Everest to accomplish something. We accomplish things everyday. Indeed, I think the best accomplishments are those which oftentimes go unnoticed by most. I think we ought to give ourselves more credit, don't you?

Without further ado, using the Random Number Generator, I drew the number 1. Tiffany, this sweet bag will be on it's way to you very soon.

Thank you all for your comments and for taking the time to read this little ol' blog.

Biased question

Do you pre-wash packaged poly/cotton bias-tape? The label says it' colorfast, but it says nothing about shrinking. Your two cents are appreciated.

I took the pledge

I, Stephanie, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoated, recylcled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings! Signed, Stephanie.

Celebrate your accomplishments

As most of you who have been following this blog for the past couple of months know, I completed my Masters a few weeks ago. I suspected that in a few weeks time, it would slowly start to sink in. My suspicions were correct. No. more. school. Time. Oh precious time! Time to create and to read and to do whatever I please. Time to do things that I would normally feel guilty doing because I always had a paper to write or an article to read or an exam to study for hanging over my head. Don't get me wrong, I think education is a wonderful thing. I was just ready to be done.


With all my new found time, I whipped up this summery tote using some Amy Butler fabric I had in my stash. I am giving this bag away to one random winner. To be entered for the drawing, please leave a comment by 10 pm EDT, Sunday August 5th. As this giveway is celebrating an accomplishment, feel free to write about an accomplishment in your life. Good luck!

Fall sewing

I know I'm not the only one thinking about fall. This weekend I picked up this Fall Fusion magazine at Joann. It's filled with a lot of fall sewing inspiration. As a bonus, it tells you the pattern number(s) and even the fabric they used (Joann fabric of course) for each outfit.

I love this work outfit. I've been afraid to sew pants. However, I have been training for a triathlon (in two and a half weeks) and as a result I have been holding my pants up with safety pins. I really need to suck it up and make some or buy a new pair.

This dress is from Simplicity 3622, view D. I bought the pattern intending to make view B. Now I am thinking I might be making view B and D.


Is it just me or is Joann's knit fabric selection getting better? I actually passed up this fabric over the weekend, but if it's still there when I go back I am going to grab it up.

I'm not sure I like this print (actually, I'm certain), but I love the pattern, Simplicity 3678. This view in particular, view A, can be worn through the rest of summer and into fall. I've had this in my stash for a few weeks. It's near the top of my to do list. Speaking of, time to work on making that list shorter...

The one in which the second wasn't easier than the first

This shirt isn't new to the blogosphere (see Amy's and Anina's recent versions). I made this shirt about two weeks ago out of some cotton gauze and loved it. That same week I won some of this dreamy fabric from Sew Mama Sew and decided to make another shirt with this pattern (Simplicity 3887). Since the first one went together so easily, I must have gotten a little cocky and didn't take the usual measures I normally do with the second try. Thus, I cut out the sleeves exactly the same (the sleeve pattern is not symmetrical). That was mistake number one. Mistake number two happened when I modified the pattern by cutting about half an inch off the sides for more bust definition and didn't into take into account my rump's circumference.


But all was not lost. Sure, I have a scant 1/4 seam allowance on the bottom side seams and I have an extra sleeve with no place to go (thankfully I had enough fabric to cut out an extra sleeve), but the end result is as I envisioned.

Now I can't decide what to do with the rest of the day: sew or catch up with Harry Potter? Oh, decisions decisions.

Payin' it forward

I signed up for this last week via Raesha. Now it's my turn to pay it forward. Here's how it works:

"Pay It Forward. The first three people that leave a comment and pledge to pay it forward to three others on their blog will receive a handmade gift from me within one year (July 20, 2008) of this posting. I will read your blog and get the essence of who you are to come up with an idea."

I've got a lot of ideas brewing in my head so I'm really looking forward to this endeavor. Go ahead and leave a comment if you want to join in.

Because I've been too lazy to learn to knit

I decided to expand my crochet skills beyond the granny square. I was doing one of my favorite activities the other evening, browsing through the craft books at the bookstore, and picked up this book. Wow! It is filled with some really cute and cool patterns.


I'll be browsing the yarn section instead of the fabric section at the craft store this weekend. Really, who am I kidding? I'm sure I'll come away with more yarn and fabric.

P.S. Thanks for all the granny square clutch love from my last post!

"Don't tease, aim to please"

So the bottom of my beercap read last night. I thought it a fitting title for this post, since I haven't been teasing you over the past week with WIP pictures of my latest project. As much as I love sewing, sometimes I just want to have a project that I can work on while sitting in front of the tv. Thus, last week I picked up a crochet hook and some yarn and just did whatever my hands told me. Since I only know how to do a chain stitch and a granny square, it's not surprising that they started making more granny squares. I already have a granny square bag, so I wasn't sure where the project was going. Luckily, as soon as I finished the first square, an image popped into my mind. Thus, the granny square clutch was born.


I wanted to make it sturdy in my hand, so I sandwiched Timetex in between the inner and outer lining of the bag. So there are actually four layers to this bag: the outer crochet layer, brown lining to hide the timetex, timetex, and then a peek-a-boo polka dot inner lining. To keep my goods in the bag, I used a zipper closure. Check my flickr page for more detailed pictures.


I finished the bag in perfect time for Sew Mama Sew bag month. While I did use crochet in this project, there was still plenty of sewing.

I'm pleased with the end result. Are you?

Finally

I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm done with school. When I eventually recover from two nights of celebrating, I've got grand plans to sew, paint, and do whatever else I feel like without a worry about school on the mind.

I'm planning a little giveaway to help celebrate. Stay tuned...

Waiting

Three days and counting...


In the meantime, I'm waiting for this fabric to tell me what it wants to be...a shirt? a dress? a skirt? I'm hoping I figure out what I want to do with it before the summer is over.

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.