I think I jinxed myself with my last post. Planning...yes, while I love to plan, life just simply isn't letting me go the route I had planned to go. Last week was a right off for me, both in my personal life and work life. And take this week as another example. Instead of being on vacation, enjoying the outdoors and skiing with my girls, I am playing nursemaid to my youngest daughter who is home for reading week. After a dentist appointment on Tuesday (my first day with her), she was scheduled for emergency surgery to remove her wisdom teeth on Wednesday. Kinda puts a kibosh on the skiing and everything else we had planned to do! Le sigh. Well, I guess it is better that she was home for this episode instead of being half a continent away.
I haven't done much in the way of sewing lately. When I get home, I'm simply exhausted. That and I skied ALL last weekend (Friday night, Saturday and Sunday). Thankfully I've been on holidays this week. I have done some knitting though (mostly waiting for appointments and surgery), but alas, no pictures. I finished the Franken Circle Socks, now known as Plain Vanilla version X.0 (I have no idea how many vanilla socks I've made at this point!), and I've started Wendy Johnson's Mock Cable Socks for a friend. I'm using Knit Picks Stroll Tweed in Timber Tweed. Rav'elled Here I'm really enjoying these as a diversion, and I've taught myself how to cable without a cable needle (a little stressful at times, but once you get the hang of it, it works really well!).
Today, instead of skiing, I'll be shopping and hopefully making some jewelry when we get home! I'm also hoping to catch up with the Wardrobe SAL, as I've been sadly neglecting the progress of my sewing friends too!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I am a Planner. With a Capital P.
I am a planner by nature. I love lists. I love setting goals for myself, working through the items and the satisfaction of striking the items off. I noticed the other day while I was in my local Fabricland that there was a plethora of lovely linens in gorgeous spring colours. And NO, Mom and kids, I did not buy any! The spring fabrics (and recent unseasonably warm weather) got me to thinking. My spring and summer casual wardrobe is in a very sad state of affairs.
I was browsing through my collection of Loes Hinse's newsletters and online seminars earlier this week one night when I was WAY too tired to even think of sitting down at the sewing machine. One in particular caught my eye - Possibilities, The Trip. In this seminar, Loes outlines a travel wardrobe which includes the following items:
I don't necessarily need 6 new tank tops (though they are SO quick to sew), so I am thinking of substituting a few tops instead. My colours will be brown, tan, and cream with accents of olive green, nutmeg, coral and cinnamon.
My plan for my new spring/summer wardrobe is this:
Anyone else thinking spring?
I was browsing through my collection of Loes Hinse's newsletters and online seminars earlier this week one night when I was WAY too tired to even think of sitting down at the sewing machine. One in particular caught my eye - Possibilities, The Trip. In this seminar, Loes outlines a travel wardrobe which includes the following items:
- 4 pairs of pants
- 1 skirt
- 1 tunic
- 1 cardigan/jacket
- 6 tank tops
- 1 top
- a variety of accessories including scarves, wraps, necklaces, shoes and purses
I don't necessarily need 6 new tank tops (though they are SO quick to sew), so I am thinking of substituting a few tops instead. My colours will be brown, tan, and cream with accents of olive green, nutmeg, coral and cinnamon.
My plan for my new spring/summer wardrobe is this:
- Brown linen Oxfords
- Tan linen Euros
- Cream linen Oxfords (maybe with a drawstring waist)
- Olive linen cropped Oxfords
- Tan linen sarong skirt, short version
- Cream linen Casablanca top
- Brown sweater knit Garbo Jacket, cardiganized
- Tan linen Biarritz Jacket
- Brown knit tank (sewn last summer)
- Cream lace tank (sewn last summer)
- Brown lace tank (sewn last summer)
- Cream linen Sicilian Tank
- Nutmeg print Perfect Tee (sewn last summer)
- Olive print Perfect Tee
- Brown print Perfect Tee
Of course, I'm going to need some new shoes - in particular espadrilles and wedged sandals. I'm hoping to make some fun and funky jewelry, think chunks of coral, polished stone and wood. And while I have plenty of scarves and wraps, most of them are more suited to cooler weather. I think a few new scarves and wraps in lovely open weaves or lace are necessary as well.
The list looks a little daunting, but the majority of these patterns are TNT, and I can whip them together in no time. My plan is to keep working away at the Wardrobe Basics sewalong items - because I need those now, but when the "will-this-winter-never-end" doldrums hit I have something to pull out and help me look forward to spring.
I have some actual sewing to report too - I finished this:
the top from Vogue 2989 (OOP).
I made it out of the same camel ponte de roma that I used for the camel skirt from the same pattern. Note: I previously reported the skirt was from Vogue 1020, which although I cut out a number of items from that pattern, is incorrect. My apologies. I'll have to go back and correct the previous post. The collar is a little wonky and I think it has something to do with the interfacing I used, but I can live with it. I like how the top and the skirt look together. I particularly like the neckline - a perfect frame for a gorgeous necklace. The colour camel by my face really isn't my favourite, but with the right jewelry and accessories, I can make it work. I think this colour will transition nicely into my planned spring wardrobe too.
Anyone else thinking spring?
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wardrobe Sewalong Update
Yes, I know it! I am a MASTER with the words today <smiling>
It was a good weekend. I visited our local Winterfest with my daughter on Saturday (though we are currently experiencing the "Winter that Wasn't."), after which we had lunch downtown with her BF at our favourite Irish pub. And I also got to spend some time in the sewing room!
My first and unpublished and unphotographed project on Saturday was to draft and sew two long sleeved (with thumbholes) undershirts for my friend's daughters to wear during their ski lessons. To do this, I used Jalie 2005, view A.
*I just have to insert a little commercial here* I LOVE Jalie patterns. They fit SO well, and they have about a ZILLION sizes in one pattern envelope. I used the same pattern that I have sewed for myself in the past. *end of commercial*
I added length to the sleeves to make the finished length about an inch longer than they really should be. I also "skewed" the sleeve seam towards the thumbhole. I'll edit this post to add a picture of the redrafted sleeve pattern so you can see what I mean. I would try to explain, but my words not not working out too well today. Ahem...Anyways...I also raised the front neckline by about 1-1/2" and added a mock turtleneck with self fabric. I hear the shirts fit great and the girls (ages 6 and 4) are really pleased with them. I am waiting for a picture and will post it as soon as I can.
With that project completed, I worked on this, my version of the White Button Shirt (#3 on the Basic Wardrobe Sewalong List). I do have to say that despite my earlier reservations about the collar and handstitching, it turned out okay. I'm still on the hunt for another method of doing this, but in the meantime, here's the shirt/blouse:
Butterick 5526, view B.
I believe the fabric is probably a polyester of some type, but it feels really silky, with a matte finish. It is actually more of a winter white or cream colour, which makes me look MUCH better than pure white. I cut as is from the pattern in a size 12. Next time I may add a small FBA (I'm a C/D cup), but I do like my shirts quite fitted, and I think there was ample ease in this pattern to begin with. I also added 2" to the length of the sleeves. I can't say it is completely finished, but I'm stopping at Fabricland tonight on my way home for buttons.
I then moved onto this, my camel skirt on the previously unnoticed "tilt-y" dressmakers dummy (#5 on aforementioned Basic Wardrobe Sewalong list) :
which was made usingOOP Vogue 1020 Edited to Correct - OOP Vogue 2989 and camel medium weight ponte de roma. While the pattern is OOP, you can still purchase it at www.voguepatterns.com.
(*not this one, though you can purchase it at Vogue Patterns still too)
It's this one -
I really like the pleated detail in the skirt, which I think gives it a little pizzazz. And EASY!! Elastic waist, machine finished narrow hem, and side seams done with the serger! I think it took me all of an hour of actual sewing time. And it feels lovely!
During my marathon cutting session a few weekends ago I also cut out the dress, the top and the jacket in varying colours of ponte de roma, so you'll be seeing a few more of these pieces at some point in the near future.
Up next, #1 on the list - Slim Black Pants (aka Ponte Pants). Believe it or not, I've located my black ponte de roma - sitting right on top of the to be sewn pile. I *love* it when I'm organized <wink>
I've decided on the pants from Christine Jonson's Travel Trio One.
I like the seaming detail, as well as the waist treatment. This is not a TNT pattern, actually, I've never used it before, but have had good success with Christine's patterns in the past so I'll take the plunge on this one. I think I may actually have enough black ponte de roma in the event the first pair doesn't turn out quite like I want. Now if only I was so organized that I could put my hands on the pattern easily...
It was a good weekend. I visited our local Winterfest with my daughter on Saturday (though we are currently experiencing the "Winter that Wasn't."), after which we had lunch downtown with her BF at our favourite Irish pub. And I also got to spend some time in the sewing room!
My first and unpublished and unphotographed project on Saturday was to draft and sew two long sleeved (with thumbholes) undershirts for my friend's daughters to wear during their ski lessons. To do this, I used Jalie 2005, view A.
*I just have to insert a little commercial here* I LOVE Jalie patterns. They fit SO well, and they have about a ZILLION sizes in one pattern envelope. I used the same pattern that I have sewed for myself in the past. *end of commercial*
I added length to the sleeves to make the finished length about an inch longer than they really should be. I also "skewed" the sleeve seam towards the thumbhole. I'll edit this post to add a picture of the redrafted sleeve pattern so you can see what I mean. I would try to explain, but my words not not working out too well today. Ahem...Anyways...I also raised the front neckline by about 1-1/2" and added a mock turtleneck with self fabric. I hear the shirts fit great and the girls (ages 6 and 4) are really pleased with them. I am waiting for a picture and will post it as soon as I can.
With that project completed, I worked on this, my version of the White Button Shirt (#3 on the Basic Wardrobe Sewalong List). I do have to say that despite my earlier reservations about the collar and handstitching, it turned out okay. I'm still on the hunt for another method of doing this, but in the meantime, here's the shirt/blouse:
I believe the fabric is probably a polyester of some type, but it feels really silky, with a matte finish. It is actually more of a winter white or cream colour, which makes me look MUCH better than pure white. I cut as is from the pattern in a size 12. Next time I may add a small FBA (I'm a C/D cup), but I do like my shirts quite fitted, and I think there was ample ease in this pattern to begin with. I also added 2" to the length of the sleeves. I can't say it is completely finished, but I'm stopping at Fabricland tonight on my way home for buttons.
I then moved onto this, my camel skirt on the previously unnoticed "tilt-y" dressmakers dummy (#5 on aforementioned Basic Wardrobe Sewalong list) :
which was made using
(*not this one, though you can purchase it at Vogue Patterns still too)
It's this one -
I really like the pleated detail in the skirt, which I think gives it a little pizzazz. And EASY!! Elastic waist, machine finished narrow hem, and side seams done with the serger! I think it took me all of an hour of actual sewing time. And it feels lovely!
During my marathon cutting session a few weekends ago I also cut out the dress, the top and the jacket in varying colours of ponte de roma, so you'll be seeing a few more of these pieces at some point in the near future.
Up next, #1 on the list - Slim Black Pants (aka Ponte Pants). Believe it or not, I've located my black ponte de roma - sitting right on top of the to be sewn pile. I *love* it when I'm organized <wink>
I've decided on the pants from Christine Jonson's Travel Trio One.
I like the seaming detail, as well as the waist treatment. This is not a TNT pattern, actually, I've never used it before, but have had good success with Christine's patterns in the past so I'll take the plunge on this one. I think I may actually have enough black ponte de roma in the event the first pair doesn't turn out quite like I want. Now if only I was so organized that I could put my hands on the pattern easily...
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
February Already??
I can not believe how quickly January flew by!
Before I get into the wardrobe sew along, I really should revisit my January goals:
SEWING:
4. Cut and sew a cream silky shirt or blouse - In progress! I've chosen Butterick 5226, view B. The body is finished, with the exception of handstitching the undercollar band closed. Have I mentioned before how much I hate this method? Anyway...
Hooray! I am SO close to finishing the goals I set for myself for sewing! Well done Me!
KNITTING: (um...yeah...again!)
1. Finish Circle Socks
2. Start Gap-Tastic Cowl #2
Well...it sewing certainly took precedence this month. Though, last night I did rip back the Circle Socks and have decided to make them Plain Vanilla Socks. If I'm too tired to sew, I am definitely too tired to knit a pattern, so Plain Vanilla they will be. Besides, there is lots of interest in the yarn. They really don't need pattern. Yes, I'm justifying my decision to be lazy to myself. LOL.
Ok...onto the good stuff! The Wardrobe Basics Sew Along!
So...update on What I've Sewn so far: NADA! ZILCH! ZERO! NOTHING! I've done absolutely no sewing in the past week. But I've done a lot of thinking and a lot of researching. Thank you, thank you to Lori for her post on the planning for the Faux Fur Vest, because it cued me to head over to Fabric.com to purchase this:
My faux fur for my vest! Sometimes I hate shopping online. I love being able to touch and see it in person before making my decision to purchase it. I have had the unfortunate experience of being hit and miss with Fabric.com before. Of course, I only have myself to blame, being sucked into chea pricing! I only hope it isn't cheap (tawdry) looking, because it was *cheap* (inexpensive). I bought enough to make myself a coat as well because it was cheap (inexpensive). If it is cheap (tawdry) then I can always make a throw out of it (as opposed to throw it out LOL). Cheep Cheep! I digress...
The problem being in this case that I have been SCOURING my local fabric stores and the amount of faux fur in leopard print is ZERO! So, I crossed my fingers and went ahead and hit the magic "Purchase" button. I'll let you know how it turns out!
As far as patterns go, for the vest, I'm thinking of using the modification to the Loes Hinse Garbo Jacket that she had detailed in one of her recent newsletters. Sorry, I'm still at work and can't for the life of me figure out which newsletter it was in. I'd have to say one of the ones in the past year?? I may raise the neckline a little. But then again, maybe I won't.
 |
| Loes Hinse Garbo Jacket |
For the coat, I may blatantly copy Erica Bunker's version seen here. She used Vogue 1128. I already have the pattern, and I love the way hers turned out. Hope that's okay with you, Erica! As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
As for February Goals, I have a few...
Sewing:
1. Finish Cream Blouse
2. Cut and sew black slim ponte pants
3. Cut and sew faux fur vest (this all depends on how the shipping time goes, sometimes from the States to Canada can take a little longer than anticipated!)
4. I have one rather large cushion cover to make for a friend, and I WANT to get it done!
5. I also have two under-layer shirts to make for said friend's daughters, specifically with thumb holes for skiing. I have started researching the best method for the thumb hole, and now just need to search through my patterns!
Knitting:
1. Finish Circle socks.Plain Vanilla Socks.
There you have it. Happy February!!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
I've Been Thinking...
I've been doing some thinking about which black slim ponte pants I'm going to sew. I've narrowed it down to these two patterns:
Christine Jonson Patterns Travel Trio One
or McCalls 6404
I have both patterns in my enormous pattern stash, so I don't have to wait to order them. I also have black ponte de roma in my even larger fabric stash (and I hope it is relatively easy to locate!), which is also ready to go.
Pants fitting has always been a bit of a touchy point for me as my size never seems to stay quite the same. I really just need to buckle down and perfect a pattern, but I get bored of sewing the same pattern more than two or three times. And I hate making a muslin, they always feel like a waste of time to me for some reason (quite possibly because I have limited sewing time and want to maximize the potential of that time), though it probably would go a long way in solving my pant fitting issues.
And in the "doing" category, I started the cream silky shirt/blouse. I am absolutely horrified at how "loving hands at home" my collar stand looks. I even went so far as to sign up for Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing Online School to watch videos of how Ron Collins makes his collars. Here's where you can link to the List of Shows. I am excited to try the method of altering the pattern for the collar to see how much better I can make it.
No sewing or knitting tonight, I've been sorting the candle orders from my recent Partylite party (eiyiyiyi - there was a lot of product!!!), and just hanging out with my daughter (who complains she can't hear the TV if the sewing machine is running). She's coming around though, and has asked me to start sewing for her again. (Ah, the life of a college student who has no money for RTW fashions)
Christine Jonson Patterns Travel Trio One
or McCalls 6404
I have both patterns in my enormous pattern stash, so I don't have to wait to order them. I also have black ponte de roma in my even larger fabric stash (and I hope it is relatively easy to locate!), which is also ready to go.
Pants fitting has always been a bit of a touchy point for me as my size never seems to stay quite the same. I really just need to buckle down and perfect a pattern, but I get bored of sewing the same pattern more than two or three times. And I hate making a muslin, they always feel like a waste of time to me for some reason (quite possibly because I have limited sewing time and want to maximize the potential of that time), though it probably would go a long way in solving my pant fitting issues.
And in the "doing" category, I started the cream silky shirt/blouse. I am absolutely horrified at how "loving hands at home" my collar stand looks. I even went so far as to sign up for Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing Online School to watch videos of how Ron Collins makes his collars. Here's where you can link to the List of Shows. I am excited to try the method of altering the pattern for the collar to see how much better I can make it.
No sewing or knitting tonight, I've been sorting the candle orders from my recent Partylite party (eiyiyiyi - there was a lot of product!!!), and just hanging out with my daughter (who complains she can't hear the TV if the sewing machine is running). She's coming around though, and has asked me to start sewing for her again. (Ah, the life of a college student who has no money for RTW fashions)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sewing Basics
Today was one of those Un-Enchanting Days. Yes, with Capitals. Not enough sleep, too many things going on, and just overwhelmed which makes for rocky relationships and difficulty coping. Sigh. I could dwell on this, but I'm writing my Five Things That I am Thankful For in my Gratitude Journal and I'm Moving On. Yes, with more Capitals, because tomorrow will be a better day.
That said, I did buy a few new pieces of fabric over the past few days. I wasn't going to, but really, I have a few things I've been watching for. I got this from a local Fabricland (chain store here in Canada who is not necessarily known for their high quality fabrics, but if you browse on a regular basis you may be treated to some charming pieces at a really good price!). One I've been on the lookout for both online and off is this, which I found for $6.00 CAD per metre! SCORE!
Animal Print Knit. SO soft! Can't wait to whip up a twin set out of this! And maybe an infinity scarf. I'm so in love with animal prints! I'm also SO happy they are very in too - now my girls KNOW I'm fashionable. LOL.
I am slowly catching up on posting my finished items. This one is the tank from Simplicity 2603, view E. It is from the same fabric as the drapey cardigan from the same pattern. It went together very quickly, I hardly looked at the instructions. (It would have gone together faster if my sewing machine hadn't died in the middle of it!) Will I sew it again? Most likely. I love the soft gathers and the neckline yoke detail. Just enough touch to dress up an otherwise plain tank.
The last finished item is a cardigan from Butterick 5394
View E. It kind of looks like a bathrobe, but with the right accessories and fabric I'm sure it can shine!! I used a black sweater knit with a hint of shimmer. No idea when I purchased this, but I'm fairly certain it came from Fabricland, and I'm fairly certain the main ingredient in this fabric is polyester or acrylic, with some wool. It took literally no time to sew, with the dolman/kimono sleeves. The front and sleeves are finished with bands that go together very easily as well. It is a cozy sweater, perfect for the miserable rainy dreary days we've been having recently.
Now that I'm caught up with my finished items posts, I've decided to join Lori from Girls in the Garden in her Basic Wardrobe Sewalong. I am in dire need of updating my basics, and they'll fit really well with the things that I've just sewn (and have cut out!). The wardrobe to be sewn includes the following:
1. Slim Black Pants (ponte pants) These will go perfectly with the knit wardrobe I've just sewn. Now to decide on a pattern - I'm leaning towards a pair of skinny leg pants, since I already have a few pairs of wide legged pants in my wardrobe.
2. Dark Skinny Jeans I purchased two pairs of new dark skinny jeans a few months ago, and these will work. I do want to try my hand at making a pair for this spring though.
3. White button shirt White makes me look like death warmed over, so I've chosen a subtle cream. It's already cut out and ready to go! I'm also thinking about a soft blue chambray shirt, so if anyone knows of where I can buy some, I'm interested!
4. Black turtleneck I already have two RTW fine rayon sweater knit ones in my wardrobe
5.Camel - khaki skirt Already cut out from a camel ponte de roma!
6.Tie Waist Sweater I've just finished the cream rayon/lycra sweater.
7. Puffy Vest I have a great black one in my wardrobe that I love to wear.
8. Faux Fur Vest OH YES!!! Can someone point me in the direction of some faux fur leopard fabric??
9. Black Dress I've been pondering this one recently too. I do need another LBD, preferable not a knit one, and I've been collecting dress patterns lately too.
Non-sewn items:
10. Riding Boot Amazingly enough I've been thinking about this purchase too. I can't decide between black or dark brown. I've narrowed it down to a slight block heel though, but I need to do some more browsing before making my final decision
11. Black patent pumps I have an amazing pair of Mary Jane really really sexy shoes, but I have a hard time walking in these!
12. tights Check! I've been stocking up on these too, but I need to get some more in brown
I just wanted to say thank you to all those who have been leaving comments. I'm still new to this blogging thing, and haven't figured out quite how to respond to the comments by email yet. I'm SUPER excited that people are reading my blog and interested in what I've been up to!
That said, I did buy a few new pieces of fabric over the past few days. I wasn't going to, but really, I have a few things I've been watching for. I got this from a local Fabricland (chain store here in Canada who is not necessarily known for their high quality fabrics, but if you browse on a regular basis you may be treated to some charming pieces at a really good price!). One I've been on the lookout for both online and off is this, which I found for $6.00 CAD per metre! SCORE!
Animal Print Knit. SO soft! Can't wait to whip up a twin set out of this! And maybe an infinity scarf. I'm so in love with animal prints! I'm also SO happy they are very in too - now my girls KNOW I'm fashionable. LOL.
I am slowly catching up on posting my finished items. This one is the tank from Simplicity 2603, view E. It is from the same fabric as the drapey cardigan from the same pattern. It went together very quickly, I hardly looked at the instructions. (It would have gone together faster if my sewing machine hadn't died in the middle of it!) Will I sew it again? Most likely. I love the soft gathers and the neckline yoke detail. Just enough touch to dress up an otherwise plain tank.
The last finished item is a cardigan from Butterick 5394
View E. It kind of looks like a bathrobe, but with the right accessories and fabric I'm sure it can shine!! I used a black sweater knit with a hint of shimmer. No idea when I purchased this, but I'm fairly certain it came from Fabricland, and I'm fairly certain the main ingredient in this fabric is polyester or acrylic, with some wool. It took literally no time to sew, with the dolman/kimono sleeves. The front and sleeves are finished with bands that go together very easily as well. It is a cozy sweater, perfect for the miserable rainy dreary days we've been having recently.
Now that I'm caught up with my finished items posts, I've decided to join Lori from Girls in the Garden in her Basic Wardrobe Sewalong. I am in dire need of updating my basics, and they'll fit really well with the things that I've just sewn (and have cut out!). The wardrobe to be sewn includes the following:
1. Slim Black Pants (ponte pants) These will go perfectly with the knit wardrobe I've just sewn. Now to decide on a pattern - I'm leaning towards a pair of skinny leg pants, since I already have a few pairs of wide legged pants in my wardrobe.
3. White button shirt White makes me look like death warmed over, so I've chosen a subtle cream. It's already cut out and ready to go! I'm also thinking about a soft blue chambray shirt, so if anyone knows of where I can buy some, I'm interested!
5.Camel - khaki skirt Already cut out from a camel ponte de roma!
8. Faux Fur Vest OH YES!!! Can someone point me in the direction of some faux fur leopard fabric??
9. Black Dress I've been pondering this one recently too. I do need another LBD, preferable not a knit one, and I've been collecting dress patterns lately too.
Non-sewn items:
10. Riding Boot Amazingly enough I've been thinking about this purchase too. I can't decide between black or dark brown. I've narrowed it down to a slight block heel though, but I need to do some more browsing before making my final decision
11. Black patent pumps I have an amazing pair of Mary Jane really really sexy shoes, but I have a hard time walking in these!
12. tights Check! I've been stocking up on these too, but I need to get some more in brown
Maybe my wardrobe isn't in such bad shape after all!
Well, I'm off to the studio to get started on that cream blouse.
I just wanted to say thank you to all those who have been leaving comments. I'm still new to this blogging thing, and haven't figured out quite how to respond to the comments by email yet. I'm SUPER excited that people are reading my blog and interested in what I've been up to!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Why I like Quickies!
I've got a conundrum. I'm getting further and further behind with my blogging, as I'm sewing faster than I can post! I blame this on a sewing quickies, to quote Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic. Sometimes after suits or a more intense sewing project, I just need to cleanse the palate, if you know what I mean.
Without further ado...the Quickies Collection. (and yes, that does make me giggle like a schoolgirl for some reason)
This outfit consists of a skirt from Vogue 8711, view E. I used a knit fabric with a brushed wrong side. I have no idea of what is in the material, but certainly some rayon and polyester.
I made the skirt as is from the envelope. The skirt went together relatively easily, with only minimal fiddling with the front insets. Knits are forgiving, both for construction and for wearing. Just mark your circles and notches well and the construction will be easy! I've worn this once already, and it is comfortable, and sexy! I was worried the brushed wrong side would stick to my tights and ride up, but I had no problems with that either.
The orange top (shown above with the skirt) is McCalls 6078. I sewed View B, in size Medium, out of a rayon/lycra knit. It was also a quick and easy top. It turned out a bit too big at the waist, so I had to take in the side seams a little. Amazingly enough the fabrics for the skirt and top were purchased at two separate times (probably years apart) and from two separate stores, and the colour matches perfectly! I think the draping on the skirt and top compliment each other very nicely.
I also whipped together this, McCalls 6400. Oh. My. Talk about impact with minimal time invested!
I sewed View A, out of the taupe and lurex knit from Casual Elegance Fabric. There's only one pattern piece for this top. I used a size medium, which is still pretty form fitting. I think I may order the pattern again in the next size up to go with the more relaxed fit for my next one, like Erica Bunker did. You can see hers at www.ericabunker.com. I could probably just draft a larger size, but I'm lazy, and the patterns go on sale on a very regular basis for BMV members.
And finally, the skirt that almost wasn't. i guess this isn't really a quickie, especially when you consider all the extra work I inadvertently put into it. This is a McCalls pattern that seems to be OOP and delisted when I checked their website. I don't have any other details on the pattern right now. I've got to be better prepared at doing this! I'm at my office on my lunch, hiding away in my office (it's miserable outside today, gloomy and rainy...anyway I digress). This skirt is *supposed* to have buttons up the front. For whatever reason, it simply does not fit me that way, despite me cutting out my usual size 12. At all. An unpleasant sausage casing analogy comes to mind, but I'll spare you the details. So, I put it into my "needs thinking on" pile. I love the fabric, with the faint baby blue stripe in the plaid, and I didn't want to throw it out. Instead of pitching it (which is what I was inclined to do when I first tried it on) I improvised. I put in a separating zipper (upside down the first time, then ripped out and inserted correctly). If the zipper opens from the bottom, then I can have enough walking ease. So, I have a skirt. One that wasn't necessarily going to be.
I spent Saturday as a sew-in day, or rather more of a cut-in day, as I managed to cut out a large number of items. More Quickies. The box of fabric from my storage area that I opened contained quite a few pieces of Ponte de Roma, both in medium and heavy weights. Colours include a heathered charcoal grey, olive green, varying shades of orange, taupe and brown. These will coordinate nicely with all the browns, oranges and creams I've been sewing. I cut some cardigan type jackets, a few tops tops, a dress, and a few skirts that I hope will be coming up shortly (but this is going to be a crazy week!). And, oh yeah, I cut out a shirt that will require a little more time than the quickies, but it will help me meet my January goal.
Without further ado...the Quickies Collection. (and yes, that does make me giggle like a schoolgirl for some reason)
This outfit consists of a skirt from Vogue 8711, view E. I used a knit fabric with a brushed wrong side. I have no idea of what is in the material, but certainly some rayon and polyester.
I made the skirt as is from the envelope. The skirt went together relatively easily, with only minimal fiddling with the front insets. Knits are forgiving, both for construction and for wearing. Just mark your circles and notches well and the construction will be easy! I've worn this once already, and it is comfortable, and sexy! I was worried the brushed wrong side would stick to my tights and ride up, but I had no problems with that either.
The orange top (shown above with the skirt) is McCalls 6078. I sewed View B, in size Medium, out of a rayon/lycra knit. It was also a quick and easy top. It turned out a bit too big at the waist, so I had to take in the side seams a little. Amazingly enough the fabrics for the skirt and top were purchased at two separate times (probably years apart) and from two separate stores, and the colour matches perfectly! I think the draping on the skirt and top compliment each other very nicely.
I also whipped together this, McCalls 6400. Oh. My. Talk about impact with minimal time invested!
I sewed View A, out of the taupe and lurex knit from Casual Elegance Fabric. There's only one pattern piece for this top. I used a size medium, which is still pretty form fitting. I think I may order the pattern again in the next size up to go with the more relaxed fit for my next one, like Erica Bunker did. You can see hers at www.ericabunker.com. I could probably just draft a larger size, but I'm lazy, and the patterns go on sale on a very regular basis for BMV members.
And finally, the skirt that almost wasn't. i guess this isn't really a quickie, especially when you consider all the extra work I inadvertently put into it. This is a McCalls pattern that seems to be OOP and delisted when I checked their website. I don't have any other details on the pattern right now. I've got to be better prepared at doing this! I'm at my office on my lunch, hiding away in my office (it's miserable outside today, gloomy and rainy...anyway I digress). This skirt is *supposed* to have buttons up the front. For whatever reason, it simply does not fit me that way, despite me cutting out my usual size 12. At all. An unpleasant sausage casing analogy comes to mind, but I'll spare you the details. So, I put it into my "needs thinking on" pile. I love the fabric, with the faint baby blue stripe in the plaid, and I didn't want to throw it out. Instead of pitching it (which is what I was inclined to do when I first tried it on) I improvised. I put in a separating zipper (upside down the first time, then ripped out and inserted correctly). If the zipper opens from the bottom, then I can have enough walking ease. So, I have a skirt. One that wasn't necessarily going to be.
I spent Saturday as a sew-in day, or rather more of a cut-in day, as I managed to cut out a large number of items. More Quickies. The box of fabric from my storage area that I opened contained quite a few pieces of Ponte de Roma, both in medium and heavy weights. Colours include a heathered charcoal grey, olive green, varying shades of orange, taupe and brown. These will coordinate nicely with all the browns, oranges and creams I've been sewing. I cut some cardigan type jackets, a few tops tops, a dress, and a few skirts that I hope will be coming up shortly (but this is going to be a crazy week!). And, oh yeah, I cut out a shirt that will require a little more time than the quickies, but it will help me meet my January goal.
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