Hacking into Good

Remember when I shared that neon franken-dress? It's the one I made for my Spring/Summer capsule wardrobe. (Which I'm absolutely still working on. There's more to come with it!)

Well, I was so dissatisfied with it that I decided to literally and figuratively hack it into something good.

My main issue with the dress was the way I poorly executed the bodice-to-skirt attachment. The skirt, based on By Hand London's Flora dress, was still solid, and I wanted to make it into something I'd actually get some use out of.

So I unpicked the zipper and chopped off the bodice, thinking I might be able to simply fold a few inches of it down to create a waistband.
That wasn't a great solution; there was too much fabric, and it didn't lay properly.

I then unstitched that remaining bodice and refashioned the belt into a flat waistband.

I'm pretty pleased with this semi-new skirt! It's inspired me to make more Flora skirts, despite my fears of looking umpaloompa-like.

Apple Dress, Visiting, and Petite Thoughts

A couple weekends ago I visited my parents. They don't live far, but outside the city, and are surrounded by fields and forest and fewer people.
I love visiting them for many reasons, not the least of which is this character you see below.

Ricky dog, the scardey dog.

Being there gives me a chance to get back outside in comfort and lovely surroundings, and reminds me that there's more birds about than sparrows, dark eyed juncos, and the odd, very angry, blue jay.

Chillin chickadee.

 The day I went was that magical one that us temperate-climate kids are familiar with. You know, that first day when it's actually warm. Where you can be outside without a coat on and the sun actually conveys a noticeable and exciting warmth.

Robin's nest, waiting for new tenants.

The trees haven't budded, and the winter warm layers haven't been stored away, but it's that cusp time of year when the idea of opening the house windows and breaking out the open-toed shoes becomes a more reasonable thought.

I took the opportunity to get a few pics of my newest dress crush. This is the same dress pattern that I used and fell in love with for my Capsule Wardrobe (the petite one. Holy cow, are my eyes opened now!)

I  totally get why petite sizing is important (duh) and why it's a thing (nearly half the adult female population is petite!) and that I AM PETITE. So, if I'm going to the trouble of making clothes for myself, I might as well look to patterns that have a fit starting point that's closer to my actual body size, right?!

That said, I recognize that there's always going to be something that needs changing. My body won't fit all the size points set out in the pattern. The fit still isn't perfect, but I'm learning. And it's getting me excited for a project idea that may take a long time to see the light of day.

I know, that's a big time teaser. But for now, I'll ask you all a couple questions.

• Are you petite?
• What are some petite modifications you've had to do in ANY of your clothes (knit, sewn, off-the-rack)?

 

Capsule Wardrobe: Garment 6

The sixth garment for my capsule wardrobe is complete! And I've discovered something GREAT.

Pattern Description:
Simplicity 9548 dress
©1971; Misses' Bonus Basic Dress with Two Skirts and Two Bodices: (Including a Bonus Chart ... "How-to Make a Better Fitting Dress"). The dress has back zipper and optional self fabric or purchased belt. V. 1 & 2 have high round neckline and set-in sleeves. V. 1 with slim skirt has long sleeves. V. 2 with stand-up collar has short sleeves. V. 2 & 3 have flared skirts. Sleeveless V. 3 has low round neckline.


Fabric Used:
100% cotton

Notions:
zipper. A big fat chunky one that's not meant for dresses but hell, big fat chunky zippers are a thing now.

Size Sewn:
Misses Petite 10 (32" bust)

Modification Advice/Errors in Pattern:
none found

Alterations Done:
If you can believe it, gloriously none. Well, nearly none. Just had to take in about 1" near sleeve because of my need for an FBA. At least, I think that's what my fit issue is.
Because of the near-perfection of this dress bodice I begin to wonder if my other dresses' bodice fit issues are more to do with petite upper chest/armscye etc... issues rather than a straight up FBA? Research is required.

Would I Sew Again?:
HELLS YES. People, this may sounds like Captain Lady Obvio-so, but the petite fit FITS ME better than the regular fit. Usually I have to take in much more for the bust darts, usually the skirt length is way too long, usually it's just a touch too large in the bodice across the upper chest and the waist is a smidge too low.
But this dress really, actually, feels like it fits.

My Favourite Things About it:
The fit. Also, it's convinced me that skirts can be longer than knee-length and I still like how they look on me.

My Least Favourite Things About it:
It actually didn't come with a belt pattern, I just made that up. But yah, that's just being nit picky. Also: next time, I think I'd add just a bit more room in the sleeve. I think my creating the (very small) darts brought the sleeve from perfect-fitting to a tiny bit small.

Capsule Wardrobe: Garment 5

I've completed the fifth garment in my spring/summer capsule wardrobe! It's not my favourite. Read on.

Pattern Description:
Simplicity 1158 dress
Junior Misses' and Misses' One-Piece Dress: "Simple To Make" dress is sleeveless and features a low, rounded neckline. It may be worn as a casual or party fashion depending upon choice of fabric. The full skirt may be gathered or softly pleated. Ball fringe trims view 1. View 2 neck and sleeve edges are bound with bias.

AND

Flora
Fundamentally feminine and universally flattering with her cinched waist and voluminous pleated straight or dipped hem circle skirt, Flora is the definitive party dress. Choose from two entirely different bodice variations: a classic sleeveless faux-wrap style or the more demure tank bodice, with her high square neckline and simple shoulder straps.


Fabric Used:
100% cotton

Notions:
zipper

Size Sewn:
Simplicity bodice size 15
Flora skirt size 6 US

Modification Advice/Errors in Pattern:
None.

Alterations Done:
I've sewn both parts of these dresses before; decided to add a bit of oomph by using the skirt from my Flora pattern.

Would I Sew Again?:
Maybe. I wasn't as careful as I should have been, and while I can see that it's entirely possible for these two separate pieces could fit together well, I didn't try quite hard enough to make them work. With the end result that this isn't my best technical work. The zipper isn't sewn in great, I was frustrated and ripped a bit of the fabric with my seam ripper, the waistline isn't entirely even...
Added to that: the bodice seems a bit large. I had sewn this bodice before, and that dress fits really well. But, what I forgotten was that I had significantly taken in THAT bodice. With the end result that this one is a bit roomy.

My Favourite Things About it:
My high levels of neon sunshine in this fabric. That and I will NEVER tire of how fantastic the dipped hem skirt from Flora is.

My Least Favourite Things About it:
My own impatience, and stupid lazy mistakes.

Capsule Wardrobe: Garment 4

The fourth garment is complete for my spring/summer capsule wardrobe! It might be late, and not perfect, but I love it anyhow.

Pattern Description:
Kasia Skirt
Great for summer fun, this skirt features gathering of the pocket backing and bold bib-front buttons. Try using a contrast for the pocket backing for some extra punch.

Fabric Used:
Two different 100% cotton fabrics.

Notions:
zipper, interfacing

Size Sewn:
38, but the waist was far too large. The rest of the skirt fit well. I just took the waist in by about 3".

Modification Advice/Errors in Pattern:
Checked out reviews on Sewing Reviews and a number on Burda Style itself. Posted the most pertinent info below.

• Peacock Chic says: stay stitch front curve to help in fiddly gathers, front pockets tend to pop away from body, add snaps, Make sure to use a thinner lining fabric for the pocket pouch. Thicker fabric will cause the pocket seam to press on the front and it may show.
• punk_rose says: I would suggest making a size larger than the measurements indicate on the pattern, but not two. This made it a little too loose, and I had MORE fitting problems as a result. Also, choose a fabric with some structure, like cotton, but you don't want to use anything thicker than a canvas-weight, since in some places the layer are quite thick.
• nicegirl says: My one complaint with the pattern is that the front bib lining goes only about halfway down the skirt. When I was planning this skirt I intended to make the inner front panel go the full length but then forgot while cutting and didn't have enough fabric to recut it. If you know it's there, you can see the ridge of the bottom of the inner panel at thigh level and it just looks a little tacky.
• SewSara says: I should note that in step 9, they reference piece 9 along with 6&7, but piece 9 is the back hip yoke, not part of the waistband. I should also add that in step 4 & #8 when attaching the hip yoke to the skirt panel, it says to pin. I basted the yokes to the skirt before sewing and it helped immensely.
• evildaemonlady says: modification of zipper on back and no buttons! Her blog here. First and foremost, the skirt has a back zipper. I split the rear waist piece and added 1.5 cm to each side at the center, so as to allow for a seam there. In the original pattern, the skirt's kangaroo pocket pouch hides a center front zipper and closes with buttons. In my version, I omitted the second front waist piece that used to top the kangaroo pouch and did not sew seams designed to keep the pockets separate from the zipper. Instead of leaving the flap free, I first basted it and then machine sewed it into the actual waistband when I applied it to the skirt. The waistband was applied last and in finishing, I hand sewed the waist facing to the top inside of the skirt.
• andread says: There are a couple of minor errors in the instructions. In Step 8: When you go to assemble the waistband, the instructions will tell you to "position the interfaced center and side yokes 9 pieces 6 and 7)." I deciphered that the "9" there is actually supposed to be the open parenthesis, and it does not refer to piece #9. Secondly, in Step 9: After you sew the interfaced front yoke piece onto the skirt front panel, you will be instructed to "fold inside and press the seam allowance of the bottom edge along the interfaced front yoke," then sew it onto the yoke you already sewed, right sides facing. In order for that to make sense, the instructions to fold under and press the bottom edge MUST refer to the UNinterfaced yoke section (i.e., the one you haven't yet sewn onto the garment). Hope these clarifications are helpful!

Alterations Done:
Moved zipper to the back (which mean piece 7 is unnecessary and button holes didn't have to be done).
Had to take in the waist about 3".

Would I Sew Again?:
Maybe. I really like the look of it, and feel like I've learned a lot about it in the process of making.

My Favourite Things About it:
Pockets! And I think it looks flattering. To be honest, I was ready for it to look garbage on me (due to my lack of skills and my own materials, not the pattern itself).

My Least Favourite Things About it:
SO fiddly! I'm sure a more experienced sewist would have no problem, but I'm not yet able to envision the right way to 

By Hand London: Be Still My Heart!

I've quite recently fallen in love with By Hand London.
See all their available patterns here.

I love their style. These ladies know how to design sewing patterns!
Over the last two months, I've sewn two of their dress patterns. And one of them I've sewn twice!
I wanted to share with you all how much I dig their stuff.

Elisalex
My favourite things about it:

• that back! Those pleats!
• I love the snug fit through the bodice and extreme tulip of the skirt.
• This was my first time working with a much heavier cotton fabric; I think it worked well with the dress.

 My mods:

• had to cut off over 10" of skirt length
• this required me to nip in a bit at the bottom edge to keep the original spirit of the skirt shape, instead of getting a more flared A-line

For next time:

• I need to learn FBA! I think that's what I need. You can't see it in the pic above, but it gapes something awful at the sleeve edge.
• of course, cut about 10" less for the skirt length!
• and add pockets! By Hand London has a tutorial for adding pockets here.

Flora
My favourite things about it:

• I love the hi-lo skirt. Very flowy and fun.
• There's something about this dress that provokes my creative brain. It seems to have endless, attractive ways to modify it.

 My mods:

• I think I accidentally cut the front for the longer option. That's fine! It hits perfectly at my knee.
• Still struggling with adjusting for my bust, but the faux wrap front allowed me a bit more wiggle room in my adjustments. I totally cheated and hand stitched down the extra gaping fabric towards the waist. Which is one of the reasons why I added the belt!
• I added a length of ribbon to the inside neckline. I got this little sheepy ribbon a few years ago in Paris; I thought this would be a great way to use it!

For next time:

• I've already sewn up a second Flora, all white. This one, I cut to the shorter length, and to be honest, would really prefer it longer.
• I'll share the second Flora once it's complete: I have some plans for embroidering on the neckline.
• Don't do the faux wrap front. I just don't like the way they look on me.
• There's also ideas brewing to work some gradient colour into the lining of the dress. I think that'd be fun, as you can see the lining well with the hi-lo cut to the skirt.

 

Capsule Wardrobe: Garment 3

The third finished garment in my capsule wardrobe challenge for this spring/summer!

Pattern Description:
See & Sew Butterick 3197
Circa 1970s; Misses' Dress; Belt: Semi-fitted dress in below mid-knee length, has pointed collar, front inset with neckline slit, armhole bands and pockets in side seams, With self tie belt and topstitch trim.

Fabric Used:
100% cotton

Notions:
side zipper

Size Sewn:
12

Modification Advice/Errors in Pattern:
While this is a fanTASTIC dress, I could only find one other person on the interwebs who's made this up. So, no mod advice or errors suggested. 

Alterations Done:
As per my first version of this dress, I made the collar curved rather than pointed.
I also added a side zipper, because I think it would've been impossible to get on otherwise.
I made the belt a bit longer than the pattern calls for.
I didn't add interfacing to the collar/front panel.
Realized halfway through sewing up the front that the fabric was fairly transparent, and so had to hastily cut out some lining (used the same fabric as from my second Capsule Wardrobe garment).
Used French seams everywhere I could.

Would I Sew Again?:
Yes! I had already sewn this once before, and it's one of my favourite dresses.

My Favourite Things About it:
Pockets, fits well, love the wide belt.

My Least Favourite Things About it:
Can't think of a thing!

Capsule Wardrobe: Garment 2

The second in my capsule wardrobe for this spring/summer! This one features mid-century kimono sleeves, a construction I've never sewn before!

Pattern Description:

Simplicity 1782
©1956; Junior Misses' and Teen Age Blouse and Overblouse: 4 versions of this pert short sleeve blouse with round neckline, tab trim or small collar. Blouse is "Simple-To-Make" with Simplicity's "Learning to Sew" primer - a special Unit Construction sewing guide.

Fabric Used:
100% cotton

Notions:
zipper

Size Sewn:
36" bust, view 1

Modification Advice/Errors in Pattern:
It was difficult to find any info on this pattern online, so I just had to wing it.

Alterations Done:
Since this pattern is one size too large, I threw caution to the wind and just worked all the seams I could as French seams. View 1 has a pocket on the sleeve, but I omitted this.

Would I Sew Again?:
Maybe. 

My Favourite Things About it:
It's only two pieces (plus 2 facings), so is really quick and simple.

My Least Favourite Things About it:
IF I ever made it again, I'd definitely alter the neckline, and make it fully lined instead of using neck facings. I really don't know why I did them, because I know I don't like them!

Capsule Wardrobe: Garment 1

I thought I'd kick off my capsule wardrobe for this spring/summer with a pattern I'm familiar with.
I've made this skirt in the past, so I was aware of the techniques used, the fit, and the level of difficulty.

Pattern Description:
Cynthia Rowley Skirt Simplicity 2512

Fabric Used:
100% cotton

Notions:
zipper, interfacing

Size:
10, view B

Modification Advice/Errors in Pattern:
I didn't bother to look up any advice/mods because I've sewn this skirt twice before.

Alterations Done:
I'm lazy: I didn't make proper bias binding tape. I'm sure it makes a difference, but my priority was using fabric I already owned, and so didn't really have extra to spare for proper tape.
Also, didn't use interfacing for tie ends.

Would I Sew Again?:
Absolutely! But next time, I'd cut out the size 12 waist band, to give more room to play and possibly finish with French seams.

My Favourite Things About it:
It's pretty fast, got pockets, gives a nice fit.

My Least Favourite Things About it:
It can be fiddly: placing the ruffles around the skirt evenly is tricky, and if you get it wrong then it looks like you have lumpy parts around your waist/bum.

Summer Sewing

I talked briefly on the podcast about doing some wearable muslins to test out patterns as well as teach myself a bit about alterations. Well, here are a couple of the results.

They're based on the same, quite simple, retro pattern.
This particular gem (which you can see part of in the mosaic below, second row from the top, and the furthest right) is actually meant for knit fabric, but served perfectly well for these quilting cotton remnants.

Things I learned:

• You need to look more deeply into proper fitting for raglan sleeves! I've never tried this type of construction in a sewn garments before, but I likes it!
• Remember: If you have a zipper that doesn't split apart, it can't be positioned with the base at the smallest part of your body!
• This is a great pattern for possible future tops OR dresses. 
• I need to invest in a stash of bias binding tape. I'm too lazy to make it properly, and so the edges with my "binding" don't sit quite right. There's a reason you need to cut it on the bias!
• My love for my homemade duct-tape dress form has been reinforced. I can't recommend getting/making ones of these for yourself enough. SO useful!

You may recognize the fabric in the top photo. It's from this dress last year. And the too-cutesy one below? That's some fabric from a few years back, when I went to Europe. I don't know what compelled me to buy bright yellow fabric with white polka dots and red mushrooms, but there you have it.

Unicorn lives on Tote!

When I finished this cross stitch I wondered what I'd do with it.
I think you'd be surprised how many people asked, as I stitched this sucker, what I was going to do with it.

I always had no good answer. I would just say "meh, feel like doing it", or "who knows! I'm too lazy to frame it, so I'm sure I'll think of something!"

And so I have!

With my laziness intact, I've decided to attempt making a tote bag. You can never have too many of those.

This helps me to make use of my silly stash of cotton quilting fabric, as well. See the fabrics I'm hoping to use in the photo above.

I really like the shape of this bag, so I'm hoping I can half-ass-create this sometime soon.

How many knitting totes do you have and/or use on a regular basis? I'd have to double check, but I think my number is around 6 proper totes, and about 4 proper project bags.

(Second) Summer of the Romper!

I loudly stated that 2013 was the Summer of the Romper. And it was.
But I think I need a second Summer of the Romper, and this time the sequel will be EVEN BETTER.

Now that I've sewn this pattern (Butterick 4121) about too many times, I'd like to think I've got an idea as to how to make it better.

1) I've recently discovered that I might have to make something called a "sloping shoulder" adjustment.

• This affects how garments end up sitting, and will create unsightly puckers around the armpits. And while this romper isn't a fitted pattern, and I can get away without making this adjustment, I think it might be a good time to practice this fitting issue.

2) I've tried different front closures, all of which suck canoes-worth of crap.

• And that hyperbolic negativity above is totally worth stating. The pattern suggested hook and eye. Which ends up creating a big gap in the fabric and the romper becomes a peep show. Then I tried a zipper down the front. Which alleviates the peep-show, but creates lumps and bulges. So now I think I'm all smarty pants, and will move the zipper to the side of the romper and see if that is the magic happy medium I need.

3) French seams, baby!

• Now that I know what these suckers are, and how to make them, there'll be no more raw edges in my garments. No siree. 

In truth, though, of the three fabrics in the photo you see above, the only one I'm thinking of using for the romper is the floral one. You may recognize that adorable seagull fabric; I've already made a dress from that cuteness. It was on sale, people! I had to finish off the bolt (of which there was only about 1.25 metres.
The black and grey honeycomb is more likely to become a dress for later on in the year. Three metres of that puppy.
And that romper-destined floral fabric? Lightweight cotton, that's a weeeee bit transparent. I've got to find some compatible lining, and then I'm off to the races!
Wish me luck! I think this'll be romper number four.
Bam!

Dress Success!

I wondered a while back if I could get this dress sewn in time for early May and TNNA.

And I did it! But for some fool reason, just didn't feel like bringing it along with me that weekend.

As you can see from the pics of the pattern (which is New Look 6699) this dress comes with options a-plenty.

What I like about it:

• Comfortable! I did that thing I've learned to do and cut fabric for a size 10 when, according to the measurement chart, I should really be a size 12. And it fits! It's a wee, wee bit loose around the waist, but my middle is appreciating that fact as I've been enjoying the wonderful delights from the plethora of irresistible restaurants in my city.
• I really, really like the little gathers for the bust, rather than darts. I've had some issues with bust sizing, and I've finally invested in an inexpensive french curve set, so that I can experiment with full bust adjustments.

Dress form - yay!

What I'll change next time I sew it:

• Now that I know how extensively looooong they've designed the skirt, I'll make it about 5" shorter than the pattern.
• I'll likely try the narrow skirt option next time, instead of the full one you see here.
• Make the (likely very quick) adjustment of nipping in the waist a bit.
• And, most importantly, add pockets! I feel so lost without pockets!

I've also realized that there's another basic adjustment I may have to learn to make: the straps sit sort of funny on my shoulders. They don't lie flat, and tend to feel like they're always slipping off.

Now, I'm no expert, but I'm wondering if this means that I have a slightly more sloped/angled shoulder than the standard the dress is designed to? 

Now, don't laugh at me, this is how I learn: I just jump in and try to fix stuff in (what might be) totally incorrect and goofy ways. So, upping my bravery, I'm posting this photo of my attempts to pin that strap flat.

I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that it didn't work, no matter how many combinations I tried or times those damn pins poked me. I fear pins. Evil little things.

So yes, it is sewing season! I have plans. Ridiculous amounts of fabric and plans. Watch this space for more novice sewing adventures!

New Dress; Can I Sew It Quick?

I dream big sometimes, people.

Here's the latest dress I've cut the pattern and fabric for. I'm trying to keep a maximum of only two patterns with cut fabric waiting in the wings, but it's hard, man. Damn hard.

By posting it on the blog I open myself to the pressures of the whole wide internet: don't cut out more fabric! you'll all proclaim. You juuust posted that there's a new pattern waiting, so sad, waiting.

This pattern is New Look 6699. It has many, many possible bodice/skirt combinations. If this first one works out, I can see this pattern becoming a fall-back staple in my collection.

And the dreaming big part? I have high hopes that I can sew this puppy in time for TNNA.
Let's see, shall we?

Love Me Some Easy Sewing

This is the second Cynthia Rowley Skirt I've made. The first one was so simple and fun to wear that I couldn't resist a second.

I was motivated to finish it in time for my brother's bridal shower. Well, future sister-in-law's bridal shower, I suppose. A springtime shower calls for a happy springtime skirt, no?

Some stuff I'm learning about sewing:

1) I am not smarter than the directions in some cases. Probably most cases.
2) While sewing is much faster than knitting, you still need to be to be patient with boring and fiddly things like pressing and sewing tricky curves.
3) You should probably buy fabric for a project, and not the other way around.

I think point 3) might be a bit controversial; my entire yarn stash is based on "ooo pretty!" and not "well, I'd like to make the X sweater and it needs X amount of X type of yarn...."
This tendency has led me down a road of lotsa cotton quilting fabric, mostly in too-small amounts (and I never remember how many metres I bought!)

And to make matters worse/better, I've just gone on a fabric buying binge on etsy and got myself an embarrassingly large amount of cotton for future dream dresses and skirts. I'll show it off when it finally arrives in the mail (and I say finally because, even though I just bought it last weekend, now is never soon enough!)

I'm thinking of making up some more rompers, this dress, and these cute skirts.
Sewing season is upon us! Muwhahahaa!

Quiltfest 2014

The promise that raw crafting materials brings is almost irresistible. This is one of the many reasons I have multiple stashes.
There's the yarn stash, of course. It lives in a few places in my house.
There's also the crafting book stash; full of inspiration untapped and projects yet unmade.
This year, I've decided to diminish one of my often overlooked stashes, the cotton fabric.
I've been adding to it for years; now it's time to start using The Pretties. I've already jumped into some sewing. Next up is quilting! All those less-than-2-metres of fabric need using, and my friends need birthday gifts, so a fantastic synergistic solution has been found.

My friends are getting birthday quilts this year!

Up first for 2014 is my March 16 birthday friend. She's funny, strong, inspirational, and talented. I only hope she digs her blue/purple/green themed quilt. It's not the most exciting quilt in the universe, but will certainly do to keep a lap warm.

Next up: I need to learn how to take more interesting shots of quilts!

Sewing the 80s into My Heart

Perhaps a bit fancifully titled, but that's because I'm fancifully enamoured with this dress. I talked big talk about it here, and I've actually followed through. SO HAPPIES!

And for several reasons.

1) It looks so late 70s/early 80s. And that makes me smile.
2) It was another one of my used-store pattern finds.
3) I sewed this thing in less than 24 hours, and that's from cutting the fabric to finishing details!
4) I successfully included French seams, thus removing all need to hand stitch stupid raw edges.
5) Pocketsssss!
6) I'm well on my way to using up my fabric stash. And boy, do I love this birdie fabric!

Truly, I could go on, but I'll limit it to 6 and ask:
Have you been getting into the Springtime mood lately? That's another reason this dress exists and makes me happy. The idea that above 0 Celsius temperatures are coming along makes me a happy camper.

Addicted to SewLove

I have this habit, and it's a bad one.
When I have a long list of crafting To Do, I tend to procrastinate with other crafting.
I'm not sure where this habit came from; it was in my nature all throughout school to be done any sort of assignment as soon as humanly possible.

 
And while I may continue to rifle through my psyche for the root of this issue, I sort of can't complain about the output.

Case in point: the last week or so has seen me jump headlong into my sewing.
I've finished two garments in as many days, and want to share the first of them with you here:

Cynthia Rowley Skirt Pattern, Simplicity 2512

I'm quite happy with this skirt. I certainly have a ways to go yet in my sewing skills: I have no patience for closing up raw edges on the inside of the garment, and just wing it when it comes to installing zippers, but I'm getting to the point where I'm not really self-conscious about wearing my home-sewn garments in public.

This pattern was another used-clothing-store find, and in my size! Every time that happens I get so damn giddy.
But as for "my size", I've come to realize that I always have to cut a size smaller than expected to get a garment that will actually fit. According to the measurements on the envelope, I'm pretty much an exact size 12, but it's the size 10 that I'm wearing and fits me well.

Also: if you're thinking of sewing garments, I'd recommend joining Sewing Pattern Reviews. It's free, and gives you access to loads of great info about any given pattern. I'm off to write my first review - about this skirt!

Hatching Plans and Seeing Spring

I love winter. I really do. But let me tell you, this year's is really testing my patience. Even I am getting a bit stir crazy, day dreaming about seed-planting and shoe-wearing and maybe even possibly not walking like a penguin anymore.

Last night I made an excursion to my local giant thrift store. I have a 90s theme party coming up this weekend and had to stock up on ridiculous 90s things (like Goosebumps books and Boyz II Men cassette tapes and Dance Mix 97 cds, obvy).
And whenever I find myself at the thrift store, I have to swing past the sewing section. I sometimes can't believe the things I find there, in my size, still neatly folded in their vintage packages, untouched and entirely uncut from decades gone by.

This time, I found this gem.

I'm digging this fabric for it, though I'm not sure on my yardage and will have to unfurl and pin all the pieces down to find my answer first.

I can't can't wait to get going on this project.
Has the spring bug bitten you, too? Do you have any projects of any sort that are helping you through the last bits of this insalubrious winter?

The Quilting Three-quel

Third quilt in like, a month.
I hope she likes it!

This time I did a lot more actual quilting. I dig the look. And now have little ideas bouncing around in my head for the next birthday quilt in November.
Muwhahaha!

Why the evil laugh, you say? Well, I find there's just far too few instances in your daily life where a muwhahaha laugh can be used. And a blog is nothing if not a personal indulgence.