Super Hero Comic Book Dress – POW… SHAZZAM… OOF

Tags

Comic Dress, DC Comics, fabric, fun fabric, sew exhausted, sewing, Simplicity 4432, Super Hero Dress, vintage pattern

Oh wait... That was old school Batman. Who was MY Super Hero growing up. I adored Batman when I was a little girl. When I was a growing up we were allowed to watch ONE TV Show a day. And we had to NAP! (eye roll) My one show was Batman- on at 4:30 PM. I never missed an episode! I still adore Batman!

 

My girls have different Super Heros. (I am not sure WHAT is wrong with them.) Juliette thinks the sun and moon shines on Spider Man… Holly thinks Superman is the Bee’s Knees… and Kadi- hmmmm… She has never expressed any Super Hero Love. Although she thinks Thor is pretty nice looking. She prefers Picachu overall though I think. Haha…

But this post is all about a dress. A bunch of Super Heros.. all on one dress!

I love to sew for Holly. (My middle daughter) She wears it all. She is not afraid to wear her comic dress to college classes… In -N-Out… park day… the Dr’s office. If she feels like wearing her comic dress on it goes! And boy does she get the attention when she wears it. She is ALWAYS stopped and then people are in awe when they find out I made it.

I feel kinda bad about the awe. Frankly it is just a simple little dress! I guess in this case it’s the FABRIC that makes the dress. 🙂

 

Just look at Thor and Friends BURSTING out of her chest. 😀

I used my favorite vintage pattern for this dress. I first made this dress for Holly last October and it is still at the top of my pile to use! (You can see it here.) It is Simplicity pattern #4432. I love it and it is a perfect little summer dress pattern.

 

 

I did View 3 because we like the sleeveless look. Holly can add a cardigan for those chilly California days! Everything was just as easy last time. Except I was careful in my placement of “super heros” and comic print.

 

I lined the bodice and put a nice long zipper in the back. Lengthwise she prefers it right above her knee. Not too short and not too long in my book! Just right! I did not line the skirt of this one because the fabric was heavy enough without! OH! I used the DC Comic fabric from JoAnns. I bought it on sale (because that is the only way I buy ANYTHING) and Holly could not wait until it was finished.

 

I promise we didn’t actually PICK the neighbors lemon! We just sang “Lemon tree, very pretty, and the lemons smell so sweet…” 😉

Holly has worn this A LOT! Which I love. So I immediately knew I could buy MORE fun fabric and make her more dresses. (The kids at the school she works at love when she wears a cool print dress.) Last week I blogged about her Pacman dress. And I bought some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fabric a few weeks ago to add to her collection!

 

And that is the Super Hero Dress. Took a while to hit the blog but better late then never right?!

Lots of sewing has been happening in my little space. And I have lots more to do! I think sewing is a never ending fabulous way to spend most of my spare time. 🙂

Laurie

xo

 

Hudson Pants- Perfect Pattern Parcel #6

Tags

clothing, easy sewing projects, fabric, Hudson Pants, Indie Patterns, patterns, Perfect Pattern Parcel, sewing, True Bias

Perfect Pattern Parcel #6 is here. And if you haven’t seen it you have to head on over! It is an awesome collection of patterns that you could use to build a great wardrobe! I already made and wrote about The Odette Dress which is the bonus pattern. (If you missed it you can read about my Pac-Mac Odette here).

The Hudson Pants by True Bias have been on my “must have” list for a while so I decided to whip up a pair for my eldest daughter.

I used an olive double faced ponte I purchased from Fabric Mart Fabrics for the Hudsons. Kadi initially wasn’t sure about the weight of the fabric for these pants but when they were finished she was pleased! I made her a size 4 and they fit perfect. Right down to the length. I love when that happens!

There was no drawstring available at my local fabric store so I used that twine. But I plan on getting an olive shoelace and switching it out.

The directions were clear and concise. I love how easy the pockets were. I have seen some sewists using contrasting fabric for the pockets, waistband and ankle bands. I think I will try this next time.

In case you are not yet familiar with The Pattern Parcel here is how it works:

Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we’ve raised over $12,000 for classrooms in need!

The patterns you get?

Syrah Skirt by Lauren Dahl (exclusive release!)

Bronte Top by Jennifer Lauren

Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations

Hudson Pant by True Bias

Zsalya Dress by Kate and Rose

See? Isn’t that a fabulous collection? You can literally make a wardrobe!

This Parcel has a BONUS PATTERN: Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll. When you donate more than $32 you get it as well. Yahoo!

Choose a price of $32 or greater for Parcel #6 and you will automatically also be sent the Bonus Pattern! That’s only $5 a pattern. The Bonus Pattern for this Parcel is the Odette Dress by Bluegingerdoll. Vintage inspired silhouette is had two flattering necklines and a gorgeous skirt. The Odette Dress pattern goes from a size 4 through a 24!

 This is such a great cause! Just imagine, you are giving to a great cause AND getting some great patterns.

If you would like to see more Pattern Parcel makes be sure to follow their FB page and Instagram.

It’s Baaaaaaaaaaackkkkkkk…

Tags

By Hand London, clothing, daughters, dress, fabric, fabrics, Fall Sewing, Family, projects, quilting, sew exhausted, sewing, vintage pattern

Hey Peeps… Long time, no chat. And long time, little sewing!

I deleted my last post but want to thank EVERYONE for the kind thoughts, advice, and reading material! They were all treasured. Guess every now and then it is nice to see that others DO care! I deleted it mostly because I was interviewing for a new job. I made it through all 4 “cuts” but did not get the job in the end. I was happy I made it that far. (Well I would have been HAPPIER had I gotten the job but…!) Anyway, it was for the Executive Asst position for the ceo of WordPress. And I thought it was better if my last blog post had not been one about the stress of my life and a panic attack! But I DID appreciate all the comments! xoxo So hugs to you all.

That said, I am still stressed and still working on making some changes but I seem to be handling things a bit better at the moment! I am hoping for a good job in Houston OR a higher paying job here in San Diego.

So, what’s back? I think my Sewing Mojo has been rekindling itself. I made a Fall List! I got pretty excited going through my fabric stash and choosing some things to make over the next few months. I am calling it my Fall Sewing List but I doubt we will get much of a Fall Season. Bums me out too because I sure would like to wear some long sleeves and tights! And maybe a scarf now and then. But alas it is 90 degrees as I write this. And on Monday it is supposed to be 103! YECK!

Anyway- here it is. My list in progress. I have more Christmas items to add to the list and who knows what else. But I think this is a pretty good start! By the way- the list is NOT in order. Except the top item happens to be almost ready to go! So, without further ado… My Fall List:

Whenever I think about the Lady Skater pattern by KitschyKoo I start singing “He was a Skater Boy.” Avril Lavigne. Totally not even my era of music but my girlies used to sing it. Well, I am going to have ME a Lady Skater in this realllllly awesome floral medium weight knit from Purple Seamstress Fabrics. Despite the sweet flowers I can feel a little rebellious wearing those skulls. LOVE this fabric! And I think I am going to have enough left over to make a 2nd Burda Sweatshirt. (Up next is going to be my first Burda Sweatshirt!)

I just loved this pattern in the most recent Burda magazine. Sadly it is my last issue. Happily this will be the first thing I have ACTUALLY made from the years worth of issues I have. This knit is a lighter weight slinky knit. I am going to use a similar solid black for the sleeves. If it turns out well I am going to use the leftover floral/ skull knit from above for a 2nd one. YAHOO for lightweight sweatshirts!

Ever since I bought this pattern on Etsy I have been dying to make it. I was just lacking some eyelet fabric! Then at the LA Bloggers Meetup I attended a few months back someone was graciously giving this one away. I snagged it knowing this sweet little 70’s number would finally get to be made up. It is for Holly- because that girl wears EVERYTHING I make her. All the time! Love sewing for someone who WEARS what I make! 😀

I bought this denim in Los Angeles when I was shopping with some fellow Sewists. At $3 a yard it LEAPED into my arms! I already have a lovely jade green lining in my stash AND I bought the zipper quite a while back as well. So this baby is ready to Rock N Roll. I am excited and nervous at the same time. It seems like a BIG project!

I know! I KNOW! It is FALL and I am making a swim suit? This is California, people. And she has been waiting PATIENTLY for a swimsuit all summer long. I NEED to get this made for Holly! (And now that I think about it I better go dig out the orange fabric Juliette got for HER swimsuit!)

I made this pattern already and LOVED it. I have yet to blog it- but will get to that soon. This black and white Aztec print is another knit I picked up from PURPLE SEAMSTRESS FABRICS. (She has GREAT knits- and if you follow her on FB you can be tempted DAILY! LOL) I am actually waffling between this Simplicity pattern and another BHL Anna dress. I have 3 of those already though. But I want ALL the Anna’s… so I may change my mind!

Speaking of BHL– I plan on making the new Holly jumpsuit for my Christmas outfit. Ya, here in California Christmas day is usually a lovely, sunshiny day. Blue skies and upper 70’s. So I thought- jumpsuit? Oh YA! (Watch we get some freakish weather this year and my lovely jumpsuit has to stay in the closet! lol)

Speaking of Christmas– We already have Holly’s dress all picked out. OK OK… I confess… This was supposed to be her dress LAST year but I never got to it. THIS year, IT”S ON! And I have everything I need! Boning- CHECK. Zipper- CHECK. Lining- CHECK. She is going to look darling in this! I have informed Juliette and Kadi that they better pick their dresses out SOON! I want them to be done PRE-DECEMBER. (So unlike me- usually my sewing machine is running the night before holiday dresses are needed!)

My son Casey has requested a few button down shirts for Christmas. He would like Chargers, Green Bay Packers and a Hawaiian print. I have had this particular fabric in my stash for at least 15 years! (We are talking Quillow days gang!) Anyway, it is going to get USED! Finally! And I should have enough left over for a pillowcase OR a pair of boxers. 🙂

Another item on my list is the McCalls 6966 Maxi skirt. This black and white stripe (again purchased from Purple Seamstress) has 1″ wide stripes. I have been wanting to make one of these for a while now- and it is time. I think I will make a black Sewaholic Renfrew to go with this. WAIT! I HAVE a black Sewaholic Renfrew! Woot Woot! A complete Me Made Outfit!

And finally… I am going to FINISH this Log Cabin Quilt. It was the VERY first quilt I ever made. And it has been languishing unfinished for 18 years or so. This can no longer languish! And it won’t! It is a twin size quilt and I always have batting in my stash so this quilt is going to finally get some snuggling this winter!

I am pretty happy with my list. I have a few hopefuls waiting in the wings. But they do not have fabric yet and the one thing I wanted to do when I created this list was start using up some of my stash. Especially since money is tight right now! But I feel like I have some GREAT pieces and am pleased to finally be making these up.

I also have quite a few unblogged items. A Marvel Comic dress, a Saltspring, a Gabriola skirt, several new tops, an ugly “yellow” dress, a turquoise jacket, a red jacket, a Simplicity Maxi dress… wow. I better stop. I see a long photo shoot in my near future!

Take care friends and Happy Sewing! xoxo

 

 

 

Winner Winner… Charming Picks a Winner…

Tags

fabric, Give Away, patterns, sew exhausted, Sew Grateful Week, sewing

Charming is our bunny… Well, he is my youngest daughter’s bunny but secretly I consider him the family bunny. He spends most of his time with all of us but she gets the joy of cage cleaning and checking his food and water. So I suppose she can have the glory of calling it HER bunny! (I am good with that- I do not have time to cage clean!)

He spends a good part of the day hopping around downstairs and really likes my sewing area. Lately he has been working his way up to jumping on my desk… but I am trying to discourage him! Bunny’s I am learning can be mischevious but he is so sweet and cute I can’t help but love him. I just have to keep an eagle eye on him when he is out and about!

For my last drawing I had Akua, my eldest daughter’s green cheeked conure choose the lucky winners. This time I asked Juliette if she thought her bunny could pick. Because she knows he LOVES Cheerios we decided to give it a shot and see how he did.

I wrote everyones name on a piece of yellow card stock , mixed them up and flipped them all facing down on the rug. Then we placed a Cheerio on top of each one.

*Side Note- I LOVE CHEERIOS! It has always been my favorite cold cereal. Not Honey Nut Cheerios or one of the other flavors… just plain old regular Cheerios. YUM… Apparently Bunny likes them too. 🙂

We then placed Bunny in the middle! Could that be a TV show? Bunny in the Middle?

I think he was going to break free of the circle here but then it clicked! Cheerios! And he swerved to the right and chose…

Shar… 🙂

YAY Shar… And just to remind you what will be coming your way:

These 3 lovely dress patterns AND…

This pretty fabric! Congratulations and I hope you get some use from them! And I hope you all had a wonderful Sew Grateful week.

xoxo Laurie

PS. Shar- You can email me… sewexhausted@gmail.com and I will send you your prize!

YOU Can be the BOSS of Me…. Pleeeease!

Tags

challenge, easy sewing projects, fabric, fabrics, Miss Bossy, Monthly Stitchers, patterns, projects, sew, sew exhausted, Simplicity

As many of you have already noticed I am sure… The Monthly Stitchers have a brilliant challenge for the month of March. And I am JUST sliding in my “voting post” with a few days left in the month. Whew… I confess I am a BIG lagger… I get so busy!

The concept is that SOME sewists MAY have some unused patterns and/ or stash lurking around in their garages and that if we happen to be one of “those” sewists, we could take the month of March and sew something up from that “stash.” BUT… there is always a BUT… we don’t get to pick. We get to put the vote to you. Our faithful and fabulous readers!

Now, I am not confessing to having loads of “stash…” Or loads of patterns…

Oh, who am I kidding. I have LOTS of projects I have planned but never accomplished. So, I chose 4 and will put the vote to you. 🙂  I am actually pretty darn excited to see what you pick for me!

#1- I have this cotton voile I purchased a “while” ago just waiting to be made up in to a blouse. Probably with some black buttons! I have enough to do a short sleeved version and really like this pattern I have had lurking around but never used… YET!

#2 . This is also a cotton voile. I admit I love the weight of voile and I really like to say voile. So, I have quite a bit of voile and will most likely add more voile to my collection. 😉 This one is black and white and grey. And don’t you just LOVE this Retro blouse?

#3. This is a sheer chiffon I bought last year as well. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little birdies and it was definitely a purchase I made when I was trying to branch out from my “normal” fabric buys. It is light weight and sheer so I would either underline it or wear it sheer with a cami top. It reminds me of spring! I have enough to make the Short sleeve or the 3/4… Decisions decisions!

#4. This is a WILD denim weight fabric that I bought to make a blazer out of. I will be honest. I don’t even know yet if I LIKE the fabric- it was one of those “IamgoingintobuyacoolprinteddenimfabricandmakeablazerbutIdon’tlikeanythingsoIamgoingtosettle” moments. I settled and now I look at it and wonder how it will look made up. Guess I won’t know until I make it up!

Thanks for voting! I am off to vote on some more myself as I see a few new ones have popped up!

OH- and if you have not entered my Sew Grateful Giveaway please do so! I have some lovely dress patterns I am giving away and a piece of fabric. 🙂

Laurie xox

Sew Grateful 2014 Giveaway

Tags

fabric, Giveaway, patterns, sew exhausted, Sew Grateful, Sew Grateful 2014, Sew Grateful Giveaway, sewing

As I was reading my blogs this morning I realized it was THAT WEEK again! Sew Grateful week! Last year I was a new blogger and stumbled on it and it was so much fun. Special thanks to Debi of My Happy Sewing Place for being our lovely hostess! My blog did not participate last year but I did win a lovely prize or 2 so this year I wanted to give back! So I rustled together a few lovelies last minute… but last minute is better then not at all. 🙂

If you know me, you know I love me some dresses! And with Spring just around the corner I thought these would make great additions to any wardrobe. They are all 4-10 or 6-10 sizes. Just so you know!

I also found this lovely fabric. I LOVE the print on this but alas, it is NOT my colors. I NEVER wear brown and probably never will. There are 2 1/3 yards and it is a silky sheer- only not REAL sheer. Would make a lovely blouse OR there is enough for the dress in the upper left.

And that is what I have! All one giveaway and I will ship anywhere! I would LOVE it if you commented on something you are Sew Grateful for… 🙂 (Or SO Grateful for!) I will be taking entries until Friday morning the 28th when I will draw and announce the winner!

xoxo ~Laurie

PS. I have lots to be grateful for in my life… But today is my eldest daughter’s 22nd birthday, and tomorrow I get to celebrate my middle daughters 19th. It is a wonderful week for me!

*** Please Note- The Giveaway is now closed***

Fabric- Oh, How I Love Thee

Tags

fabric, Fabric District, fabric remnants, knits, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Fabric District, sew exhausted, sewing

Shall I count the ways? 😉 1, 2, 3…99,100,101…

AMAZING FABRIC PILE!

I have been pretty busy this year but have still found TWO days to take a trip up to Los Angeles to hang out in the Fabric District. The first time we went it was New Years Day and frankly MOST of the shops were closed but I still managed to find what I went for- bright yellow fabric to make costumes for my daughters hip hop class. And I also managed to find a big bag full of fabric treasure to take home! Then last week we took a trip back thanks to some Hip Hop pant sales I made in my shop- I needed to make more!

The LA Fabric District is home to the largest selection of textiles and notions in the United States.  I did my research and found there are close to 200 stores! They sell everything from fabric and notions, to beads and trims. You can buy apparel fabric or home decor fabric and prices start at $.99 cents per yard.The stores are literally next door to each other over several blocks square. Heaven for the Sewist and Fabric Junky. 😀

Do you SEE that PILE of fabric?! It is so huge my daughters climbed up ON it to rummage around. LOTS of junk- I admit it… But lots of treasure too and well worth the hunt! That piece of teal knit I am holding in the first picture? I paid a buck for it. One dollar! At those prices my daughter Kadi built up a fabric stash she can be proud of and I added to mine. Again I want to stress that there is a lot of junk but I am also willing to dig around for some good deals. I found lots of knits and sheers. They had some denim. And the store also houses PILES of buttons, zippers at 5 for $1, lace elastic and notions galore. Like I said- HEAVEN!

That was not the only store I went to. We wandered in to more stores than I can count and they have it all. Do you need lace or ribbon? Check… Do you need buttons or zippers? Check. In the market for some camouflage panty elastic? Check.I bought an entire roll of black 1″ wide elastic for $5. There are over 20 yards on that roll!

I dug around in that button box and found 12 of these little babies- for a jacket I have almost finished. Paid $1 for ALL 12. Well worth the time spent!

We had lots of fun! (Holly wants to know if you need feathers?)

And here is just a teaser of what we came home with!

I got about 3 yards of the chevron knit and paid $2 for it all… the striped was $2 also- I have  a little over 2 yards and hope to be able to use it as a lining… that navy blue is a really cool muted stripe in various shades of blue and is a VERY soft knit- almost flannel like but still a knit. I paid $1! And the floral is a stretch knit that I also paid $1 for. And frankly these are just a FEW of the bargains I found. I have 6 yards of this amazing light blue sweater knit I paid $3 for! Lark cardi here I come!

More of our delights!

Kadi and I rolling in our stash. I would like to add that Kadi is just starting to sew. And she is well on her way to building a nice stash of fabrics. (A girl after her mama’s heart!) She is already chipping away at it too. She has made herself a casual pair of drawstring pants, she finished her Lark Cardigan last night (she paid $2 for a sweater knit from “The Pile”) and is working on a gorgeous kimono jacket from one of the satins she bought. The kimono jacket is from fabric that was not from “The Pile” but was still a good buy at $4.99 a yard. Her make will be about $10. and super cute!

I plan on hitting LA once a month. It means I better get busy and SEW because we made a pact NOT to buy more fabric until we have sewn 10 items. For me that is very do-able as I have a lot knits that will become tops. 😀

Let me know if you are ever in the area! I am an hour and a half away but MORE than happy to drive up for a day of Fabric Heaven.

xoxo

Laurie

PS. In case you are wondering what I am currently working on- I just finished 9 pairs of super cool hip hop pants for a competition team, have 4 flower girl dresses to make and a woman wants me to make TEN blouses for her. Oh! And last night I finished my Jungle January make which I hope to get pics of soon!

Top 5 Misses of 2013

Tags

easy sewing projects, fabric, fabrics, patterns, sew, sew exhausted, sewing

As I look back at the things I made in 2013 I find there are sadly some items that are definitely never worn. Initially I may have thought I liked them but when you don’t ever choose to remove them from the hangar and put them on your body it must mean something.

I think in the beginning of the year, when I actually made MYSELF something, I got so excited I just started making random things without really thinking about what I was making. I am still not sure why! I chose a few simple items so I could whip them up. Now don’t get me wrong! There is nothing wrong with simple and I totally LOVE the 2 simple Renfrews I finished in December of this year. But I made some things I NEVER wear… and that means they are misses in my book.

1. This skirt is a 90’s pattern- Vogue xxxx. I like the fabric- a nicely flowing challis. I like the length and I like the cut. What I don’t like is the side gathering on the yoke. I don’t even know WHAT I was thinking! I could have left the side gathering off and with MY hippy hips and thighs I did NOT need any gathering in that area. I have considered taking it apart and redoing it but I just don’t think I have the energy! I have NEVER worn this skirt…

2. I like my “David Bowie China Girl” shirt but I never wear it. I like the print but I don’t like that it is a quilting cotton. I do not like the way it feels and I do not like the fact that I feel decidedly plump in the shirt. Yes, I am decidedly plump but I don’t want to feel that way. I think if the shirt had been 2 inches longer it would have worked better. I would still like to make this top and wear it. But I want a chinese looking print in a knit and I want to lengthen it. (can’t find the perfect fabric tho. 😦 ) So this may end up as a refashion. Maybe a tote bag cuz like I said I DO like the fabric… just not on my body!

3. I really wanted a great costume to wear to Carnivale this year. But from the beginning things went wrong. I had an idea and theme in my head but when I went shopping I was having no luck finding that “idea.” Mainly the color I wanted was no where to be found. So I compromised what was in my head and some how I ended up with this green and brown. I don’t EVER wear brown. EVER… NEVER…It was a very lovely brown brocade but not for me. And the top besides being pretty cool? You can see my bra straps! I wore this to the Carnivale celebration at my favorite brewery but I was uncomfortable. Thankfully I had a mask on. This year I am making a red and black steampunk inspired dress… hopefully.

4. There is nothing wrong with this dress and I like it. But I never wear it. Oddly enough I have not worn a dress that shows my legs in years. I don’t know why. I am pretty sure I used to but somewhere along the way I drifted away from them and now when I think about wearing one I think my legs look weird. So I wear maxi skirts and dresses and slacks and jeans. And that’s it. I am pretty sure my kids have never seen me in a pair of shorts. (I really do not want to frighten them!) I am going to hold on to this dress because like I said I DO like it. I am hoping in 2014 I can get past this weird fear I have of showing my legs and wear it a few times.

5. I hate this shirt. I like the fabric- it is a sweater knit. BUT the cut of this top frankly sucks on my body. It does NOTHING for me! And I thought when I initially made it that I loved it and made 2 more- a dressy black and blue one and a white eyelet one. I have not worn either of those. EVER. I have worn the one below because despite the fact I feel like a dumpling in it it’s quite comfortable. Sighhh… I am probably never going to wear it again though.

And those are my TOP 5 misses. Thankfully I feel like I have learned a lot from my hits and misses. I realize it is like when I used to go shopping for clothes. You know how you just really want to buy those super cute things you know you normally don’t look good in because of the cut or color? So you grab a TON of those items and styles and go and try them all on. And realize when you look in the mirror you were right. No matter how cute they may look on someone else they don’t look good on you. So you drift back to colors and styles that do. That is sort of what I did with my sewing this year. I made some things I HOPED looked good on me despite the fact I had a feeling they wouldn’t. For 2014 I am going back to what I know works with me and my shape. And I am sticking to it!

Laurie xo

Top 5 Hits of 2013

Tags

Anna Dress, By Hand London, daughters, easy sewing projects, fabric, fabrics, patterns, sew, sew exhausted, sewing, Top 5 Hits of 2013

I have had a crazy few weeks! From Thanksgiving on I feel like I have been a busy girl! Which means I was very lacking in the sewing department. I only managed a few handmade gifts. I guess I need to start sooner! I did make a second Renfrew though. A 3/4 sleeve cowl necked one I wore to work and out for our Company Christmas party. (no pics yet!)

Then more craziness. I decided to do all of my shopping at night after the party and because the girls were actually still up I left everything in the car. Someone broke in and stole it all, including my coat and phone charger! 😦 Don’t leave things in cars! Not even in your own driveway!

Last Friday I went to Boise to see the Potato Bowl game with my brother and drink craft beer at 8 different breweries. (LOTS of fun) And then Christmas week my brother came here to San Diego where we enjoyed 75-80 degree weather and 11 more breweries.

I am back to “business as usual” now and thought I would attempt to post some of the Top Five of 2013 Gillian started so we could look back and look forward!

1. I made this dress for Holly, my middle daughter from vintage Simplicity 4432 for Fall for Cotton in September. I love the bright contemporary fabric in the full skirted dress (that I shortened a bit) and Holly loves it too. Wherever she wears it she gets compliments.

2. The By Hand London Anna Dress With a Twist. I made 3 of these this year, all in knit. And I have worn them all more than once. I love them. They are comfortable, flattering and the solid black one I made I dressed up last minute to wear to a Christmas party. They can be casual and dressy! This one is my blocked one because I was short on fabric! I wore it for my birthday lunch. 🙂

3. Simplicity 2250- The Millenium Falcon dress. I made this for Juliette. She loves it and she wears it which was quite a feat. Great fit, pretty fabric, and fully lined. 🙂4. Jungle January robe and PJ’s. Animal print meets silky satin.I felt very decadent in these!

5. Hip Hop Pants. I have made many pairs of these. They started out for my eldest daughter Kadi who is a Hip Hop teacher/ choreographer/ dancer. She asked me to make her a cool pair of “harem” style pants so I did. And then she wanted 10 more pairs. And then people wanted to buy them. So I have just listed a few pairs on Etsy. I love them because they are pretty simple and look pretty darn cool if I do say so myself! Kadi does not wear them just for dance. She dresses them up with a pair of strappy heels and wears them out!

And that is my Top 5… I looked back and found I did not have that much to choose from and hope that in 2014 I will do better!

Laurie  xox

Which Comes First- The Fabric or the Pattern?

Tags

clothing, easy sewing projects, fabric, fabrics, patterns, sew, sew exhausted, sewing

I am sure that must be an age old question. And one that frankly I still don’t know how to answer. So I was curious how others viewed it and thought I would put it out there for discussion.

I am torn. How many times are you shopping and see the most fabulous piece of fabric and think, “What could I make with that?” Do you buy it and “stash” it hoping the perfect idea formulates or do you pass it by because you “sew with focus” and it’s not on your list?

Do you evaluate your wardrobe and decide you need two new blouses, choose the pattern or patterns you’d like and then go off and find your fabric?

Or maybe you just buy piles of patterns you like, pick one you’d like to make and go find some fabric to use!

Maybe you have PILES and PILES of “stash fabric,” and when you decide to make something you choose from your pile and find a pattern you think will work?

Seems to me there are too many ways to answer this question! And no matter how I argue in the favor of one after a few minutes I am all too ready to jump over to the other side!

For me there is no rhyme or reason. Sometimes I am super focused and want to make a Holiday Dress. I go pattern looking and choose the perfect one. Then I go fabric and notion hunting and make my dress. But there is always that time I have found a pattern I LOVE and looked high and low and not found the correct fabric I had in my head and went with something else altogether.

You ever want to make something you already have the pattern for, search at stores and online and just can’t find the fabric you pictured and end up with 5 new pieces of fabric that you’re gonna make in to something neat?” (Ummm- I am pretty sure I don’t know ANYONE like that…)

I admit that sometimes I wish I only bought what I was going to use. There is a part of me that wants to be super organized and focused in my sewing, have a list, buy only what I need, sew it up and move on to the next project. But most of the time I am so happy I have patterns galore and a nice stash of fabric so I can sew on a whim. Sometimes I actually like that a thought comes to me in the middle of the night- “oh my gosh I just had a vision of the perfect little gingham dress for daughter #2 and I know I have that fabulous piece of fabric just waiting for me!” And I am all set to go. 😀

And having stash means when the budget is tight and I can’t spend I can still sew from what I already have. YAY!

I don’t think I answered the question… I think I just rambled on and on. But I did figure out that this is how I sew:

Scenario #1: The fabric came first.– While browsing through the online fabric stores (with NO intention of buying I am just bored), I see the most GORGEOUS, AWESOME aqua snake skin like jacquard that I MUST have. Ok… Ok… deep breath. What can I make from this? YES! I have that Burda Blazer pattern I bought on sale a few months back. How much fabric do I need? 2.5 yards? Perfect! And it is ON SALE!!!!!! Woo Hoo! OH! And isn’t Jungle January around the corner? Can I use an aqua snakeskin for Jungle January? Well no matter, I HAVE to have this!

Ok… What am I going to wear this blazer with? Dang, I have REALLY been wanting to make Jamie Christina’s Mission Maxi.… OMG! Wouldn’t this aqua snakeskin blazer look AMAZING over a black jersey knit Mission Maxi???? Please oh please let me find a good black jersey… OMG– They have a black jersey and it is ON SALE TOO! This is the best day ever! (and I order the Maxi dress pattern and 2 new pieces of fabric).  (All three of these items are on the way!)

Scenario #2: The pattern came first.– Today I am going to organize my patterns. Damn I have a LOT of patterns. Why do I keep buying patterns? I am NEVER going to be able to USE all these patterns. Maybe I should try to win the next pattern pyramid so I can give a few away?- but wait, that won’t work cuz I’ll get to add a few to my collection… Ohhhh, I LOVE this this 1940’s vintage nightgown pattern. I HAVE to make this pattern now!!! I remember when I bought this! Ok … Ok… Lets see- I don’t think I have the right piece of fabric to go with this. It really needs to be made from a lovely voile or cotton lawn… and some lace too! Fire up the computer and start looking. OMG- Fabric.com is having a voile sale!!! I am all over that… Look at that aqua cotton voile?! $3.99 a YARD. Geez I can’t pass that up! AND they are having a sale on lace too?! White lace and aqua voile would make the PERFECT vintage nightgown! I am SO excited! And sheesh- as long as I am paying for shipping I may as well order a few other pieces of fabric… He he he…  The ummm …extra fabrics are going in my stash? (This is up after I finish my red denim jacket- all washed and ready to go)

I am pretty sure I have lots of scenarios I could share… But I think I am going to go sew… I have LOTS of projects in my head I’d like to work on. Some I still need just the right fabric for!

xoxox

Laurie