Pattern:Simplicty 1615

Fabric:: Swiss Dot lawn from Joann Fabrics

Notes:

This was one of my favorite of the new Summer Simplicity patterns, so I knew I had to make it up right away!

I’ve seen a lot of woven tops in the stores this season.  There are still plenty of knits of course (and my next top is a knit!) but the blouse seems to be having a moment.  I hardly own any blouses, as I have a very hard time finding the right length in the quality I prefer.  I have a long torso and shorter legs, plus I’m pear shaped and I prefer tops to cover past my widest part (if I’m wearing with slim pants, as I am here).  Making tops means I can add length.  I added 3 inches to this one, though I might remove and inch.  I’m undecided, as I pretty much love it the way it is, even if it is a little longer than some of my shirts!

The collar, which is invisible on the pattern cover, is the nicest bit:

It was much simpler than I thought it would be!  I constructed the straight seams on the serger, and made my own bias tape to enclose the neckline.  The shirt has a really nice clean finish on the interior.  I like the sleeve detail:

The fabric is a lightweight cotton lawn/swiss dot that I found on the clearance table at Joann’s.  It’s slightly sheer, but not too bad.

I really love this top – it feels modern, but with the print it still feels like me!   This is not an outfit I would have ever worn 2 years ago… it’s funny how things change!

Next up: Vogue 8866 (the skirted version) in a kelly green bamboo jersey.

 

 

Pattern: McCall’s 6554, Fashion Star

Fabric:  Stretch sateen (main) and Kaufman Radiance (silk/cotton) for belt

Notes: 

Is it bad if I confess that I could have finished this a week ago, except I was waiting on the tube turner set I ordered to arrive in the mail?  I really don’t know how I lived without this device.  I had no idea turning tubes could be easy!

I’m pretty pleased with how this dress came out.  I admit that I made it because the fabric matches my walls, even though I was afraid of the butterflies making it a little too young for me.  And to be honest, the fabric does limit the places this dress can be worn.  It feels appropriate for an afternoon tea, but alas my life is short on such events.  I think I will wear it to a wedding later this summer – it’s good for an outdoor wedding!

I didn’t have enough fabric, so I made the sash in a contrast.  I like it better that way – it makes it less matchy.  The pattern itself was easy, but do yourself a favor – do not line it the way it says!  Use the method that avoids handsewing instead.

I trimmed 3 inches off the length because, again, I was afraid it was too young looking.  I cut a straight size 10, but I would do an 8 if making it again.  The belt helps it fit, but it’s a still a little too wide in the upper chest (the neck gapes a little in the front.)  This is one of McCall’s Fashion Star patterns, but I confess I have never seen the show.  I’m surprised at this, because it’s really such a basic pattern.  Easy enough for beginners, no problem.

So… I’m back making things again.  My personal style has changed a little, and this feels more of the old me, so I plan to examine that soon, hopefully before making something else.  I am in grad school now, but luckily all my summer classes are distance learning (I was not looking forward to commuting every day!)

Back soon with more plans…

 

Thanks so much for all your nice comments on my sewing room – I really love it, and I’m pleased that so many of you do as well!  It feels like a million years since I sewed something (actually, about 2 months) so I decided to get right on it.  I’m starting out with something totally in my comfort zone, McCall’s 6554

The fabric is a stretch sateen that I bought last summer at SR Harris in Minneapolis.  I’m thinking this will be my Derby dress if it turns out well.

How long has it been since I sewed?  So long that I didn’t realize I was completely out of light colored zippers and batiste for lining!  A trip to the fabric store will be in order tomorrow, and then I think I can make this dress up quickly.

So far the new room is great – it’s smaller than the old room, which makes it easier to use, and it’s so nice not having to look at all that attic clutter while I sew!  I’m someone who doesn’t function well in clutter – I won’t realize what’s wrong, but I get all cranky and tired when surrounded by a mess.  Now if only my desire to de-clutter could keep up with that!

 

It took a month, but I’m happy to say that my sewing room is complete for now!  I painted all the trim white, and then painted the walls Benjamin Moore “Misty teal,” a pretty pale aquamarine.

I really love the color – it’s such a change from the old purple (seen here, in the process of being covered.  I’m sure my husband appreciates me showing his painting shorts to the world!)

The chandelier and curtains are new:

The chandelier came from Overstock.com (link in my last post) and the curtains I bought at Target.  I thought making my own, but the cost for 2 windows was a bit much, so when I found these fabulous border print curtains for $15 a panel I snatched them up!  I found the thread holder at a yard sale for $5, and I had one of those jumbo packs of Guttermann from some day after Thanksgiving sale at Joann’s.  I love how pretty the thread looks on the wall!

My machines are sharing an extra long desk (Malm from Ikea, very sturdy!)  I have a sewing table with my Rocketeer downstairs, waiting to be repainted and added to the room.

I bought a new ironing board.  Mine always seem to rust out every year – does anyone else have that problem?  My dress form (which, admittedly, is mostly decorative, as it doesn’t adjust down to my bust size) is happily sitting to the side.

I’m still planning to build my project table, but for now I’m ok with my portable table from Joann’s.  At least it doesn’t take up much room!

Now the only question is, what to make in my new room?

I’m starting graduate school this summer, so I’m hoping my things being more accessible will make sewing in small bursts possible.  It was just too depressing in the attic.  But I love my pretty room, and I’m hoping it proves inspiring!

 

 

 

I’ve been clearing out my spare room this week, in anticipation of all the painting and repair work that I start next week (easter/spring break are going to be my work days!)

My biggest issue has been what to do with my desk.  I currently have an old target computer desk that is on its last legs.  I thought about painting it, but to be honest I just want to move on.  I’m considering swapping my desktop computer for a laptop -we bought my best friend’s macbook, so I’m going to try it out for awhile.  If I can ditch the extra hardware, that frees up a ton of room.  My only concern was the mouse – I like a real one – but my husband pointed out that we have a cordless, so never mind that.   Then I won’t have to have piece of furniture dedicated solely to the computer.

I have in mind something like this:

 

This is the Bedford project table from Pottery Barn, which can be yours for the low, low price of $1100 plus shipping.  Seems like a lot to pay for something that is basically a few storage cubes topped with wood.  I’m certain I can make my own for less.  Then I can place it in the center of the room and use it as a combo desk and cutting station.

I found full plans for a knock-off here.  I am reasonably certain I have the skills for this, and my Dad (an actual professional carpenter) will help me.

I would ultimately like a new corner sewing desk, so that I can make my serger and machine easily accessible, but I can wait on that.  My current desk is an Ikea Malm, and it serves its purpose well.

Plans are shaping up – now I’m considering wall colors (I’m thinking a pastel?  Something light and bright…)

 

Well, I bet you thought I had gone off somewhere and died!  Nope – I’ve just been traveling for the past month and haven’t had a bit of time to do anything!  My husband and I traveled with the choir and jazz ensemble of the University where I work.  It was a fabulous time – it was so great seeing my students experiencing Europe for the first time!  We were in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.  As always, Prague remains my favorite city in the world.

I won’t bore you with my photos, but here is my favorite – Marc and I in the gardens of Schönbrunn Castle

I also went to the national conference of the American Choral Director’s Association in Dallas last week.  This was my first time going, and it was overwhelming but wonderful.  I was not, you will note, happy to come from 85 degree weather back to snow yesterday!

Obviously I haven’t sewn, since I’ve only been home 2 days this month, but I really miss it!  I’m planning to get my new sewing room painted during the easter and spring breaks this month.  I also want to sew an ipad case (soft pouch, not one of the one that makes a stand) so if anyone has a tutorial or pattern to recommend that would be great.

I love to travel, but at this point I’m glad to be home – I hope you’ve all had a great month!

 

I’m still working on Vogue 1317.  I will tell you all the truth – I never would have started this dress if I’d realized just how much work it was!  Every seam is sewn, edge stitched, and top stitched.  In addition, every edge is faced instead of hemmed.  I’ve eliminated the back zipper, pockets, and hem facing, and it’s still taking ages!

I’m pretty unhappy with the way the ties are sewn – they call for making mitered corners on the back, hemming, and trimming close to the stitching.  There’s no way that wouldn’t look terrible in my fabric (ponte) so I eliminated them entirely.  If I were making it again, I would cut two tie pieces and sew them together.  I don’t have enough fabric to make that work, so mine will do without!  Ah well though – I’m nearly finished, so hopefully I will have photos as soon as I sew on the neck facing.

I know my posting is sparse, but I am incredibly busy this semester.  I have rehearsals three nights a week minimum, sometimes more, and I’m maintaining my teaching studio at home along with my teaching at the university.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything though – I love my job, students and colleagues!  We leave for Europe soon, and after that I am going to Dallas for a conference.  After that my schedule should settle down a little.  I am not complaining – I know how lucky I am to do what I love for a living!

In the meantime I’m trying to get together my travel wardrobe, reading a lot, and sewing when I get a chance.    On Valentine’s day Marc and I went to Skyline chili as per our tradition:

Yes, that is red wine in kid’s to-go cups!  Our Skyline has a 3 course meal every year, complete with fancy desserts.  Since Marc is from Cincinnati, he’s always happy to go, especially since most of our friends don’t care for Cincinnati chili. Not to be gross and sentimental, but as each year goes by I am reminded of how lucky I am to have found him – I know I’m not exactly normal, but he’s never expected me to change who I am!  And just to be increasingly sappy, here is my favorite photo of us: we don’t celebrate anniversaries (I’m not a fan of them) but I love this picture from our wedding five years ago!

I always tell my friends this: It’s totally worth waiting to get married until you meet the right person.  I could have gotten married younger, but I’m happy that I didn’t!  It’s worth the wait for someone who will understand you – someone who will never expect you to change into their idea of a perfect spouse.  I never had that before, and now that I do I can’t imagine going back.

Happy belated Valentine’s day!

 

 

After checking all my usual suppliers with no inspiration, this popped up at FabricMart:

Houndstooth suiting

It’s just what I wanted for my coat – I have another houndstooth coat (gray and royal blue) that I wear more than any other.  I wanted something fun, and all the suitings I found were too plain for what I was imagining.

They also had great prices on some ponte knits:

This ponte will become this new Chado Ralph Rucci dress:

I bought a few other colors, one of which will become this new look pattern:

I like the rolled collar.  Finally, they are having 50% off solid knits, so I got this knit:

 

To make this tunic:

My fall plans are shaping up nicely!  I have cut my shantung blouse and my concert dress.  I hope to finish one this weekend!

 

 

 

Bet you wondered if I was going to sew curtains forever!  I finished my last 2 sets this past weekend, and while there will be more later on, I want to stop and work on my wardrobe for a few weeks.  Pictures of the completed living room are coming this weekend – I am not exaggerating when I say that it’s like I live in a different house now – I love it!

Having said that, I’m not super excited with the fall patterns, though there were a few that I loved.  And my life has changed so much – I’m working outside the house again, which means I need more professional type pieces than before.  It’s easy for me to fall into the trap of wearing whatever I see first, but I’m really trying not to – I know that I feel better in general if I put in a little effort.  With that in mind, I’m trying to identify holes in my wardrobe and fill them.

I like to ask myself these questions when working on wardrobe planning:

1. What image do I want to project?

I firmly believe that the way you dress makes a difference in how you are perceived by the world.  I don’t want to get into whether that’s fair or not (hint: it’s not, especially as pertains to women).  Having said that, I find that as an introvert (thanks for the comments on my last post – I am feeling better!) that it helps me to imagine myself filling a role.  As a musician and actor, this sort of thinking comes naturally.  Right now my concerns are two-fold:  I want to appear confident and competent, but I also want to be approachable.

2. How do I want to feel?

It’s not just about the outside – clothes affect your mood.  I always want to be comfortable, but I don’t wish to feel messy or sloppy.  I’m not interested in being uncomfortable for fashion, because I think you can be fashionable without torturing yourself.

3.  What are the practical considerations?

I have to walk a fair bit, sometimes in cold weather.  I don’t like to wear anything that is tight around the ribcage (for breathing).  I prefer sleeves, and can’t understand why women’s clothing doesn’t seem to come with them anymore.  If I make something with short sleeves I have to wear a sweater all the time (or not wear the item at all.)  I don’t like to wear black because I have a long haired cat.

I find that these three questions help me to narrow my focus.  After that I go through my closet and donate anything that doesn’t make me feel that way (I always recommend doing this with a friend – I know I’m not objective about things that I’ve made!)  I have that planned for this weekend, and after that I’ll have a better idea of the state of my wardrobe.

Off to think about patterns…

 

I cannot seem to settle down to do any one thing this week!  Now that graduation is over I seem to have acres of free time, but also tons of things to fill all my free time with.  So it’s time for another post of scattered thoughts – if I wait until I can come up with a single topic I know I won’t post for a week!

– I think I need to sew some tops.  It’s been challenging this month, in part because I have so few tops for warm weather.  I love knit tops, so I need to get up and make some!  I’m having some trouble deciding on what to make next.  Look for a post soon on my plans!

– My husband and I are traveling to Minneapolis/st. Paul in a few weeks for my Godson’s baptism.  We plan to travel through Chicago, Milwaulkee and probably Madison, so  any suggestions for fabric stores along that route are more than welcome – I’m definitely planning on dragging Marc there!   In addition, I might be interested in a meetup, but it depends on my schedule.  Graduation has caused me to be slow at planning!

– I have acquired new electronics again.  It’s funny, because my husband is the computer guy, but I’m the one who always wants all the gadgets!  My Mom bought me a Kindle touch for a graduation present and I love it.  I’ve become a little obsessed with it, to tell you the truth! I’ve downloaded a ton a free classic books to it.  Currently I’m reading “Three Men in a boat“.  How have I missed this book?  Highly recommended for fans of British humor.  I also got a PSP, because I am behind the times, but I figured it would be good for travel (besides the trip this summer I’m looking at a long choir tour in Europe (Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia) in the spring.)  I love to travel, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity.

– I finished P90x – woo!  I gained a lot of strength through the program – I went from being able to do 4 pushups on my toes to 18, and now I can do full pull-ups.  I’d recommend the program to anyone looking for a solid strength program.  Be aware though that there are some limitations, as follows:

– I did all the weight workouts as proscribed (3x per week.)  There were a few weeks where I was feeling bad so I skipped the repeat of the exercises.  Most of the videos are structured so that it’s easy to do a half workout rotation just by skipping the repeats (or in the leg workout skipping the back sections, as there is another back video).

– Speaking of that legs video, you will do it every week, and that is a lot.  I got pretty tired of it at the end, but I do think it’s a decent workout.  There were a few weeks I subbed a barre workout instead.  It’s mostly unweighted (or light weights) so I feel that works.

– I only did the YogaX dvd once.  Instead I subbed other yoga (I joined “My yoga online” and really love it!)   It do think yoga helps, and I’m glad this got me started.  I try to do it twice a week now.

– I hardly did any cardio.  The weather has been nice, so I walk everywhere, and I call that good enough.  I didn’t notice any adverse effects from that, though I’m sure I should do more.

– Now that I’ve finished P90x I plan to start Cathe Friedrich’s STS (I have some of her step and strength dvds and love them.)  I probably won’t start until after our trip, as I’m too busy right now!

And… that’s all for tonight.  I haven’t had time to sew this week, but I hope to catch some time soon.  Things are generally slower for me in the summer, but I’m not sure that’s going to be the case this year.