Challenge of the Year

Sarah, over at Goodbye Valentino, went a year without buying Ready To Wear (RTW) clothes, opting for making her own clothing.  Now that her year is complete, she is continuing on and inviting others to join in the fun.  So for the next 365 days (actually starting yesterday) I will not buy any RTW clothes.   My goal is to master making jeans, as well as casual yet stylish clothing.  So follow along over the next year to see what I can add to my wardrobe!

fabric

I browsed Gorgeous Fabrics website looking for the perfect fabrics for my dresses today.  Oh, there is so much I love.  Of course, I have to stick to a budget, so I am starting with 3 fabrics.

I picked this one for Simplicity 1804.

http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=15971

I also picked a pink and blue striped knit, but it is sadly sold out.  But, only after I purchased all that remained!  I plan to use it for ???  I can't decide which pattern, Vogue 1224 or New Look 6936?  They are fairly similarish.  Hmmm...  When it arrives I will figure it out.

I thought I had the pattern for this one nailed down as well, but now I can't remember which one I had in mind.  But I love this print!   Let me know if you have any opinions. 

http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=9096

I also added these to my wishlist:

pink and navy striped jersey 

(the one I got has equal width stripes)

coral impressionist ity jersey

bit by biy ity jersey

(this one is just like the one I ordered but in a different color)

 

Of course, then I went over to Mood Fabrics and fell in love with several of the knits over there.  Like this fabulous silk jersey.  Oh, I am in looooove...  

One day it will be mine.  A fabulous silk dress all my own. Yum.

Dresses

Alright, this post is about sewing.  For me.  But I'm gonna give a little personal history (more recent history) to explain why I'm gonna sew dresses for now.

I have quite a few things on my list to sew for myself.  I've even started the muslins for some of them.  The problem is, I am not staying one size.  I have an enlarged thyroid (which was shrinking until we moved here, when it started growing again).  So it kind of affects a lot of things.  Anyway, my doctor put me on a medicine to see what it would do (because when it comes to the thyroid, treatment is all trial and error unfortunately).  It made me gain 15 lbs in the 6 weeks I was on it.  It also made my thyroid go crazy.  So he told me to stop taking it.  Except now nothing fits.  So while I am trying to fix this broken thyroid of mine, I don't know if I will gain weight or lose weight- or both, because it can go either way from day to day apparently!  So instead of just waiting to do any sewing projects (and still have no clothes to wear) I have decided I need to make some dresses.  Some knit dresses for everyday wear as a stay at home mom.  The kind that will work if I gain a little weight (which I am fighting with every ounce of my being) or lose a little (hopefully more like a lot) of weight.  So I am trying to figure out which patterns to use.

Here are some of my options: (I would consider Vogue 1027, but I think of that as a bit too dressy for everyday use.)

Simplicity 1804 shorter version of view A

1880 wrap version

2219 view A

2369 view B

2579 view B

                             

3503 view B

New Look 6936 any view

McCall's 5974 view A

Vogue 1224 (lengthened to hit the knee)

1152

8379 view A


Butterick 5749

So what do you think?

The "Bapron"

I found this free pattern and tutorial on Pinterest and think that it's about the cutest bib I have ever seen.  It's going to be so sad when Maddox covers it in peanut butter and jelly.

Anyway, this is what I'm making today.  It's easy, it's quick, and it's useful.  So head on over to Craftiness Is Not Optional and check out this super cute pattern and tutorial, plus about a hundred thousand more and have a great day!

Cambie Dress Review

Tasia, the Sewaholic, just announced her new pattern today.  The Cambie Dress.   I LOVE this pattern.  I especially love the A-line skirt version.  Of course, sometimes what you love isn't what suits you best.  I muslined the A-line version first.  I didn't love it on me.  I was quite sad.  So I went ahead with the full skirt version (which I also love).

Adjustments: I did an FBA which resulted in a horizontal bust dart being added to the bodice. I also shortened the bodice by one inch in the armscye area.  I used a regular zipper, which I handpicked.

The instructions were easy to follow.  It went together rather quickly, as well.  I made a 12 with a thick waist adjustment.  I am so excited to make this dress for Ashley (once she fits into the smallest size of course).

Fabric: Striped cotton shirting with little flowers embroidered all over for the main fabric and white voile for the lining.  This was my first time using voile.  It is a great lining for hot desert summers!

I HIGHLY recommend this pattern.  I love it!  Sewaholic patterns are wonderful and make a great addition to any pattern stash.

Sorry for the sad phone picture.

A Coat

I finished the coat for Kristin's daughter.  I used the Oliver + S School Days Jacket pattern.  It is a quick and fairly easy pattern (really, don't be intimidated by this pattern).    The instructions are well written.  It came together in one weekend, only sewing in the evenings.

This is not the best picture (of my daughter wearing the coat).  Maybe Kristin will post cuter ones of her daughter wearing it! (hint, hint)

It is made up in a wool crepe which I underlined because it was a little thin for a coat.  The lining is a cute cotton print that Kristin picked.  Maybe she will get pictures of that as well? 

I know it has been some time since I last posted.  I have been busy.  Life with four kids and all.  I finally finished the love seat I started on- after nearly 1 year!  I haven't taken a picture of it yet, but I did get a before picture and will post before and afters later.  I still have the other one left to do.  I plan to start it after the holidays.  I am working on a coat for Kristen's (you know, the other contributor to this blog) daughter now.  I will probably get a picture of the coat on Brielle once it is completed and shipped to them.
I haven't forgotten the jacket for myself either.  I started it earlier this year, but got overwhelmed with all the fitting and all the other stuff going on around here.  It got put aside.  I pulled it out periodically but just never had the motivation to do anything with it.  I finally got back to it.  I adjusted the back, and it is better.  I need to do a few more things to tweak the muslin and then I can start sewing the real deal.  I am excited, as it has been cold around here as of late and I'd love a third layer.  I guess all the warm weather here in Vegas makes it hard to think about cold weather clothes- until you are stuck in cold!

Just wanted to update you so you'd know I am still around.
Laura