While everyone else is pretty much doing their year in review posts or goals for 2015 I'm going to do my own little spin on the subject. I'm notorious (as I'm sure a lot of you out there are too) for making resolutions or goals for myself and just kinda forgetting about them midway through the year. Instead of taking a look back at what I did do I want to take a look back at what I said I would do and didn't. My goal here is to not beat myself up but to reflect on why I didn't accomplish what I set out to and decide if it's something I want to continue to pursue. I've spent the morning looking back at my posts from the year and have found a handful of goals I talked about and failed to follow through with. I'm embarrassed to say a few of the posts I don't even remember writing...*buries head in a mound of fabric*
For me writing a blog post never comes easy. My fingers aren't dancing away effortlessly at the keyboard while keeping up with the words oozing out of my head. I spend a majority of my time thinking, thinking, thinking of what to say then once I think I got it out I end up hitting the backspace button to start all over. I'm having a particularly hard time with this post. I've been staring at the white space below this picture literally every night this week. The reason I'm having such a hard time with this post... I absolutely love this pattern but absolutely hate the way it looks on me. There you have it, nuff said. What else could I possibly say? End Post.
Handmade/DIY
Perfect Pattern Parcel #7: The Butterfly Sling by Emmaline Patterns
Monday, November 17, 2014
Perfect Pattern Parcel is back with their final parcel of the year. This time around they have decided to focus on one of my favorite accessories, handbags. A few months back I was asked if I'd like to participate by making one of the patterns from the parcel. Take a look at my handbag collection and you'd know why I couldn't refuse.
Handmade/DIY
Crazy Cat Lady Challenge: Leopard Print Wrap Tunic..Meeowww
Thursday, November 06, 2014
According to Wikipedia a cat lady is a "single lady who dotes upon her cat or cats". Throw the word crazy in there and suddenly that young lady has turned into an old widow who has dozens upon dozens of cats (see Urban Dictionary). In the sewing world a crazy cat lady isn't defined by her age or even the number of cats she owns. Nope! Successfully sewing a wearable garment out of a cat themed fabric crowns you as the crazy cat lady in our world. Me crazy? Yep! I've got the clothing to prove it and the 3 cats...all in the house... and I'm allergic...
Handmade/DIY
Fear Fabric Challenge: The Carme Blouse....in CHIFFON! EEEKK!!
Friday, October 31, 2014
Completed top for the Fall Essentials Sew Along...check. Kicked that scary chiffon in the ass for the Fear Fabric Challenge...check! Aaahhh feels good people.
For one of my more recent posts on the Fabric Mart Blog I was asked to make a pattern by Thread Theory for their "In the Studio" Series. I chose the Stratchcona Henley because I thought it would be an easy make for my husband. Boy was I wrong!
Hello there! Time for the final post in my little sewing organization series! I took a gazillion pictures of my room so I put together a little slideshow for you. Please post any pictures of your sewing spaces in the Flickr group!!
Decor is an important aspect of any room. It can be fun and inspiring, bright and cheery and lift your spirit when you enter the room. I don't want to discuss just any room here but specifically your sewing/craft room. For me the most important room in the house ;). My room lifts my spirit when I've had a bad day and when I'm in a sewing slump it helps to inspire and motivate me.
Let's mix it up a bit shall we? I'm sure your all getting tired of reading about organization so I thought I'd squeeze in a post about my fall sewing plans. While I'm a big fan of summer I tend to get restless towards the end of the season and start to look forward to the cooler months and layering clothes. Sick right? Sarah has kicked off the 4th Annual Fall Essentials Sew-Along and I thought it was the perfect kick in the pants I needed to get busy on my Fall wardrobe.
We are nearing the end of this organization extravaganza folks! Are you feeling a wee little more organized? I hope so! Only 2 more weeks to go and I hope you all join me in linking up and showing off your happy sewing spaces.
Hello and Happy Labor Day for those celebrating! I've got the day off and I plan to spend it sewing, woot, woot! Before I do that a (hopefully) quick post for part 4 of my series, fabric organization.
Let's talk pattern organization!! Huh, what's that you say? It's easy for your pattern stash to get out of control, especially during one of Joann Fabric's .99 cent sales. Today's series is all about organizing your stash. Once those patterns are organized how do you keep track of what you want to sew? Keep reading to find out!
Sewing in Harmony Part Two: Setting Up An Efficient Space ~ Layout & Furnishings
Monday, August 18, 2014Hello! Welcome to part two of my little mini series: Sewing in Harmony. In this post I want to share with you steps I took in setting up my own space and ways I made it more efficient for me. Everyone's space is going to be different so I hope you take from this ways to make your space work for you. I will also be talking about furniture for your space and all the options available.
I'm finally getting some of my summer sewing list done. Funny huh? It's almost the end of August yo. Where the hell did summer go? I wanna know. Not that I'm sad about it or anything. It's been unusually cool here and I'm loving it. Making me long for cozy sweaters, falling leaves and smore's from a bonfire...not from my gas stove....
Hello there! During a late night room overhaul I was surrounded by a beautiful bounty of bias tape, rick rack and other various bindings. Spoils of an awesome flea market find. I was carefully organizing by type and color and I thought to myself..I don't know if I find more enjoyment out of organizing my stash or the actual bizness of sewing?!
I have a tutorial for you today! If your waistband is feeling a little snug don't throw those jeans out just yet. I have a rather simple fix...extend the waistband with elastic.
Hello all!! I'm back from the beach with a tan and recharged batteries. I thought I'd share a few pictures of my trip along with the sewing goodies I brought back with me. First though I want to share what I got in Kestrel's Spring Sewing Swap. This is the 3rd swap Kestrel has hosted and the 2nd I've participated in. I would like to thank Kestrel for hosting these swaps. It's so much fun to get to shop for someone else when sewing notions are involved! It's also fun meeting new peeps. Thanks so much Kestrel!!
I was paired with Kristin of Sew Classic. I really enjoyed shopping for her because we seemed to have the same tastes and I was right, we both got each other beautiful floral fabric! If you would like to see what I got her take a looksie here.
I've been thoroughly enjoying myself here in Florida. So far we have done lots of shopping and lots of eating, even spotted a couple alligators! Tomorrow on the agenda is laying on the beach. I will finally get to test out my Bombshell. Saving vintage Simplicity 5644, Jiffy Bikini for another day. While I have some down time I thought I'd real quickly share my recent post for the Fabric Mart blog here (they should have it up on their site in a few days.) Warning!! Some rather goofy pics ahead. I was in the process of packing for my trip so I was in a really good mood. :)
I've completed my second pair of Maritime shorts, this time in a floral linen. You can see my first version, the Rambo pants (that I've worn nearly everyday!!!), here. For my second pair I opted for a more feminine version. Floral pants seemed to have made their second go around this Spring/Summer. I never got on board that floral train last year. I'm usually a year or two behind with trends so I found it fitting that when I spotted this floral linen at Joann's I instantly thought summer shorts.
Wheee I've got something fun to start off your Monday! I hope you've all been following along with The Rambo Project if not you've totally missed out so allow me to catch you up. The Rambo Project is the brainchild of the smart & super crafty SeamstressErin. You see she's got connections, the kind of connections that gets you the goods. And what exactly are these goods?...
Only a whole lotta fabric used in the movie RAMBO III!!!!
Photo Source: SeamstressErin |
I hope you all remember this little hidden gem I found thrifting several weeks ago. If not you can revisit my post here. I'm going to Florida in a few weeks so I was in a mad rush to get this cutie sewn up in time. I have about 4 other items in my sewing queue for the trip. We leave July 11th..do you think I can get it all done!?
Several weeks ago I forced myself to sit down and sew a basic solid color skirt. Solid pieces are rare in these parts which can be challenging when putting outfits together. I bought a solid navy blue fabric from Fabric Mart and used the Megan Nielsen Kelly Skirt pattern. I'm not sure how I feel about the skirt but my cat Orlando seemed to be enamored with it...
Hey you guys!!!!! (said in my best Sloth voice). I was reminded the other day that June 7th marked the 25th anniversary of the day The Goonies was released into theaters. Man that makes me feel old...real old. My brother and I watched that movie so many times as kids we probably have most of the lines memorized by heart. I've been replaying the "truffle chuffle" over and over in my head for dayz. So what's the truffle chuffle, baby ruth, and the Goonies have to do with the Bronte Knit top?? Nothing, sorry I'm easily distracted.
Hello there! I don't know about over in your neck of the woods but here in Indiana it's been raining cats and dogs for the past couple of weeks. I've been anxiously waiting for the weather to let up so I could get pictures of my next make for the Fabricista blog, The Victoria Blazer.
Aaaaahhhhhh....That's me breathing a sigh of relief. Relief that I no longer have to stress over what me made I'm going to wear or that crappy iphone selfie I'd have to publish on Instagram. What I've gotten out of Me Made May this year is the harsh realization that my complete me made wardrobe is months maybe even years away. I have A LOT of sewing to do people! Despite wishing the month away I did enjoy seeing everyone else's posts and pictures. Though I may feel a little twinge of jealousy at times because I want a totally awesome complete me made closet it does inspire me to keep creating. I know someday I will get there.
So let's take a look at my last two weeks. It's been kind of a blur. I have no idea what day I wore each particular outfit but I know it happened because I have Instagram proof!
Yesterday my Mom and I went and did a little antique shopping. We visited two shops that are about a 20 minute drive from my house. The first stop was an antique shop that I could absolutely spend hours in and never get bored. It's three floors with the first floor being the usual antiques...bubble milk glass, jewelry, dishes, pictures, lamps, etc, etc. The second floor, one of my faves, is full of vintage clothing. Shoes, mink coats, polyester suits, Mad Men attire and even a few handmade items. I even found a few patterns but none that absolutely caught my eye. The third floor is full of furniture. I've decided. If I'm ever to win the lottery my house will be completely refurnished with antique furniture and lighting. I wish I would of taken pictures of some of the cool pieces I seen but I didn't even think about it and it didn't even dawn on me that this might be a post some or you would consider interesting.
I don't think I've ever left an antique store empty handed. I love sifting through what others may think is junk and finding little treasures. I found these little treasures..a bag of various thimbles for $10 to add to my collection.
My Me Made May pledge was to wear at least one handmade piece 3 times a week and to tackle my refashion/wip stash. Let's see how the last two weeks played out shall we?
A fairly quick post tonight to document Me Made May week one and to finally blog about another Maria Denmark Olivia tee that I've had complete for several weeks now.
Let's begin with the Me Made May round up.
Let's begin with the Me Made May round up.
Since we only had 3 days this week and I decided on May 1st to join in I've only got two outfits to show ya...way better than none huh? Also if you follow me on Instagram you've seen these pics already.
Friday, May 2nd....
Sewaholic Renfrew blogged here
And a cat named Orlando that likes to stand in the sink while I get ready for the day.
Saturday, May 3....
My most recent make, Papercut Pattern's Rigel Bomber blogged here. I swear I've worn this everyday since making it. I can't get enough of it. I was on my way to take a class on my new sewing machine so no explanation needed for the happy-goof face. I learned a lot about my machine. My Bernina dealer knows her stuff fo' sho! I can only hope to one day be so knowledgeable about the ins and outs of my machine.
I've made a total of 3 Maria Denmark Oversized Olivia Tee's. One was a wearable muslin that I wear to bed, sure to make an appearance in Me Made May. The second one reviewed here. And here's my third and favorite version so far. Sure to make an appearance in Me Made May as well.
I've worn this several times and it's super comfy and breathable during warmer days. My neckline looks a little wonky and stretched out in this picture but trust me it's not. My fabric was a green/white heathered effect striped sweater knit from Fabric Mart. It's a very sheer sweater knit so I have to wear a tank underneath.
Notice my favorite pair of jeans. Yes I bought them with the holes. My husband can't believe anyone would spend money on a holey pair of jeans. I've worn my own hole in the behind. One of those where you squat down and whoops! There's your sign that they should probably, mayyybe be tossed. That sign is not big enough for me. I patched up the hole and I'm still squeezing myself into them. Please tell me you all own a similar pair of jeans.
I believe I can fly....I believe I can touch the sky...(sing with me now) think about it every night and day...spread my wings and fly away....
Vito, he's not to sure how to feel about the whole flying thing...
We were standing in front of my hubs shop fan cooling off. This dog cracks me up so much!
I don't know why I've been so wishy washy about joining MMM this year. I think I feel bad because I can't participate every day like I'd like too. Then there are all the pictures I have to take. But then I'd be missing out on those opportunities such as finding what's lacking in my wardrobe and the best part meeting new sewing pals!! So I'll stop twisting my arm already and join in on the fun.
I, Shannon of shanniloves.com, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '14. I endeavour to wear one item of handmade clothing at least 3 times a week for the duration of May 2014'. I will also take this opportunity to tackle my WIP pile by finishing one refashion a week.
I'm going to push myself for more than 3 times a week but 3 is my minimum. I also made myself a personal challenge to tackle that Goodwill bag of clothing bought for refashions. As I was cleaning my sewing room the other day I discovered said bag and the first thought that crossed my mind, "I'll just donate these back to the Goodwill." Ha, that's so me! I decided against it cuz I think I got some real gems in there!
I will do a weekly roundup post of what I wore that week plus any new refashioned items. Those posts will go up on Sunday. Since this week only has 3 days I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to squeeze in my refashion this week. This weekend shall be a busy one. I'm super excited for Saturday because I'm FINALLY going to be taking a class on the new sewing machine my hubby got me for Christmas!!
I will do a weekly roundup post of what I wore that week plus any new refashioned items. Those posts will go up on Sunday. Since this week only has 3 days I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to squeeze in my refashion this week. This weekend shall be a busy one. I'm super excited for Saturday because I'm FINALLY going to be taking a class on the new sewing machine my hubby got me for Christmas!!
Yes it has taken me 4 months to get in a proper class on this beauty. My dealer is an hour drive away and with the crappy winter we've had plus other life happenings I just hadn't found the time nor energy. Sadly though I'll be leaving my serger behind for a service. I ran over a pin and now it needs new knives. Note to self: When using serger ALWAYS pin on the side!
Looking forward to following along with everyone's MMM journeys. Let me know if your joining along. I will be posting my #mmm14 shots on Instagram so feel free to follow along here as well.
Looking forward to following along with everyone's MMM journeys. Let me know if your joining along. I will be posting my #mmm14 shots on Instagram so feel free to follow along here as well.
Name that tune. I had no clue what rigel meant so I looked it up..allow me to enlighten you. Rigel is the brightest star in the constellation Orion and the seventh brightest star in the night sky. Then it all made sense to me. Oh yeah ya big dummy the name of the collection by Papercut Patterns was the Constellation collection. Doh!
PAPERCUT PATTERNS RIGEL BOMBER
An easy peasy unlined jacket featuring welt pockets and raglan sleeves with two different options, plain or with geometric details.
The perfect lightweight jacket to wear on a cool night looking at the stars.
Ingredients:
Pattern: Paper pattern available here for $30.00
Fabric: Hot pink polka dot cotton sateen from Fabric Mart. I lined mine with a rayon challis from
Joann Fabric. The knit ribbing is from Stylish Fabric's etsy shop.
Notions: 14 inch seperating zipper bought here. Medium weight fusible interface.
Needle: Universal 80/12
Pattern Assembly: There is no assembly required but I wanted to touch base on the paper pattern itself. I've never ordered from Papercut before and was hesitant when I seen the $30 price tag. All of the floral bombers I've seen floating around the Internet were my enablers. The pattern arrived in a sturdy cardboard envelope. Inside that cardboard envelope was another square cardboard envelope containing the pattern. The pattern itself is printed on thick paper, reminds me of a brown paper bag, not that flimsy tissue paper that rips easily. After your pattern is cut out it can be hung from the envelope that transforms into a hanger. This gives it a workroom look. Love that! You can get a visual here.
Fitting: I first traced the XXS and made a quick muslin. Not thinking or even reading for that matter I basted with a 5/8 seam allowance. The jacket was a little snug. I finally picked up the instructions and seen that a 3/8 seam allowance was included in the pattern. So I did some unpicking and basted again with the correct SA. Perfect fit! What a difference 1/4 of an inch can make! I was super happy no fit adjustments were needed.
Construction: Attaching those welt pockets got a little tricky for me. I had one of those moments where I read the instructions twenty times and it just was not clicking in my little ol' pea brain. I started to get in a rage so I had to slowly step away. Got myself a little snack (ice cream it was!) and was ready to roll again. Then it kinnndda clicked for me. Well not really but I muddled through it. I think next time I'll approach it a little differently than the instructions by following this video tutorial. I also added a lining to my jacket and pretty much followed this tutorial by Elizabeth. All of my seams are hidden except for the sleeve hems. Doesn't matter because no one will see them and I serged them all nice and somewhat neat. I ran over a pin and messed up the blade..whoops. I slip stitched my facing to my lining while watching Dallas Buyers Club for the second time. Good movie and man it's crazy how skinny Matthew McConaughey had to get for that role.
Regrets: None! However I would like to find a more stable knit ribbing for my next jacket. The ribbing I used tends to stretch out as the day goes on.
Loves: I anticipated working on this jacket for a week. Sewing a jacket seems like a long process to me. WRONG! I made this jacket in two evenings. That makes me happy! It's also very comfortable. Today was a cold and rainy day and I wore it all day while crunching numbers at my desk.
Next time: There will be many next times and I'm now looking into my next Papercut Pattern. The $30 was totally worth it. Any suggestions? For this jacket I've been thinking of my fall version and how to draft a pocket into the lining to hold my iphone. oooh that might make for a fun sewalong!
I'm submitting this on Kollabora as part of my Selfish Sewing Week entry. Is anyone else joining in on the fun? Like I need an excuse for selfish sewing. It's all me sewing all the time, bahahaha.
I have no idea what my face is doing here and the wind always playing mean tricks with my hair!
Oh, Vito wanted to pop in and say hi.. did someone say treats? I mean I did just potty over there...
No matter what you call them.. fails, wadders, ufo's, flouders, flops or f@&kups we all have them from time to time. And because you spend so much of your time working on a garment it can be very disheartening to have it flop. How you choose to recover from that can be a cautionary tale. Mine vary from full on temper tantrums, slinging profanities that would make a sailor blush to burying my head in a tub of ice cream. Doesn't ice cream solve everything?
New Look 6097, a faux wrap dress, is one I have on my TNT pattern challenge list. I was excited when Fabric Mart announced their sewalong and thought this was the perfect motivation to get me to finally sew it up. I've had it stuck in my to do pile with my fabric swatch pinned to it since last Fall. Needless to say my fabric choice has missed it's season and I really just wasn't as excited about it anymore. I'm really trying to practice the art of "stash busting" so I refrained from buying anything new. Even though this was a flop for me let's go ahead and do a proper review shall we?
My couch is the ugliest color of green and really needed some jazzing up. I found this home decor fabric at Joann Fabric and it just makes me so happy and I want to lick my pillows. I made four envelope pillows with french seams in about 3 hours. You can find a super easy tutorial here.
As you can see the couch gets much love....from a Pug! He's got his spot all wallered out perfect for watching and barking at passing cars.
Come on! Enough with the pictures already. I'm camera shy!
New Look 6097, a faux wrap dress, is one I have on my TNT pattern challenge list. I was excited when Fabric Mart announced their sewalong and thought this was the perfect motivation to get me to finally sew it up. I've had it stuck in my to do pile with my fabric swatch pinned to it since last Fall. Needless to say my fabric choice has missed it's season and I really just wasn't as excited about it anymore. I'm really trying to practice the art of "stash busting" so I refrained from buying anything new. Even though this was a flop for me let's go ahead and do a proper review shall we?
NEW LOOK 6097
Misses belted faux wrap dress with neckline and sleeve variations
Ingredients:
Pattern: Paper pattern from The Project Runway collection. Readily available at Joann Fabric.
Wait for the 99 cent sale!
Fabric: Designed for stretch knits. I used a jersey knit from Joann Fabric
Wait for the 99 cent sale!
Fabric: Designed for stretch knits. I used a jersey knit from Joann Fabric
Notions: 1/4 in wide elastic, Buckle for belt
Needle: Ballpoint
Fitting: The smallest size for this pattern starts at a size 10. I fall right into that size in Simplicity and usually have little to no fitting problems. Knits can be somewhat forgiving so I really wasn't to worried about the fitting. I failed to remember that this is one of the Big Four and we all know that the ease in these patterns can be ridic. The seam allowance is 3/8th and I ended up taking it in a total of 1inch and could still stand to take it in more. You can also see I really need to shorten the waist as well probably about a good inch.
Construction: The pattern is a breeze to construct. I didn't get as far as attaching the elastic. After I tried it on I was like what's the point. My waist is too low and can you spot my saggy pockets? I really wish I would of omitted the pockets to begin with then maybe this dress would of been salvageable. I can understand pockets with a more stable knit but in a light weight jersey they are easily distorted and kind of flop around uncomfortably under the dress.
Here's a picture of the waist pulled up to wear it should be. A little better but Oh God those pockets! My eyes, my eyes!!
This pattern has tons of rave reviews so I don't think I've given up on this pattern just yet. Next time of course I will omit those pockets. I will also shorten my waist and grade the pattern down another size.
To soothe my bruised ego I buried my head in tub of ice cream but not in the literal sense. Popsicles more like it and in comfy pillow form!
My couch is the ugliest color of green and really needed some jazzing up. I found this home decor fabric at Joann Fabric and it just makes me so happy and I want to lick my pillows. I made four envelope pillows with french seams in about 3 hours. You can find a super easy tutorial here.
As you can see the couch gets much love....from a Pug! He's got his spot all wallered out perfect for watching and barking at passing cars.
Come on! Enough with the pictures already. I'm camera shy!
I've learned it tis' better and less exhausting to recover from a sewing fail by following up not with profanities and temper tantrums but with a fun, satisfying project. Something that requires little to no brain cells and requires NO fitting!
How do you recover from a sewing fail?