Solid Colors

I have an aversion to working with solid colored fabrics.  They always seem so boring sitting there next to the gorgeous prints.  I can get behind a solid color that is textured, but in my experience, those are very difficult to come by.

But a solid colored separate can certainly come in handy.  And in reality, this linen/rayon blend has more texture than most solids.

So I decided it was time to get over myself and add a plain red skirt to my wardrobe.

I used one of my favorite skirt patterns (Butterick 4792, which is actually a dress).  I added six inches to the hem this time around.  This pattern is certainly a fabric hog (especially with the added length).  If there was any question, just look at the width of that hem!

I added a shaped waistband with a few pieces of boning to help keep its shape.  Unfortunately, the waistband ended up too loose - the weight of more than four yards of linen fabric is heavy!

Which means I am going to have to do a little surgery.  And the only thing I really hate about the sewing process is re-working a finished garment.  Ggrrrr.

But in this case, I am hoping it will be worth the extra effort.

Blouse:  Made by me, Simplicity 4047

Skirt:  Made by me, Butterick 4792

Shoes:  Miss L Fire "Bel-Aire"

Earrings:  Vintage

Pastels and Watercolors

I often get stuck in a rut with my self-made clothing. 

While making a garment, I have plenty of time to think about how I am going to style the finished product.  That first outfit gets etched in my subconscious, and every time I go to pull it out of the closet, I envision it exactly as it was previously worn. 

Which is terribly boring!

So for a fun exercise, I thought I would pair two previously worn separates (Simplicity 4047 & Simplicity 1997) to create a brand new outfit.

Because what good are all those blouses I made last year if they do not get to take a turn about the room!

Blouse:  Made by me, Simplicity 4047

Skirt:  Made by me, Simplicity 1997

Shoes:  Colin Stuart

Earrings:  Liz Palacios

Tapestry Time

This skirt was one of my final projects for 2012.

I set a challenge for myself to create a skirt out of fabric and notions that were already in my stash – no cheating!  And it turns out I can complete a project in a single day, finished seams and lining included - I believe it is the first time that has happened!

If I had my druthers, the skirt would be a skosh longer.  But with the limited yardage, I think I did a pretty good job.  The upholstery remnant was originally purchased to make a tote bag – which I should pull out of storage, come to think of it . . .

The waistband is quite thin and is seamed at the center front, but the weave disguises the issue.  And speaking of issues, I did not have any chance of matching seams on this one, but surprisingly, I like the finished product.

The lining fabric is leftover from my Snow White Halloween costume.  It is a polyester (horrors!) flannel backed satin.  I had to cut one of the pieces on the cross grain, but it does not seem to have created any problems.

During construction I was a bit concerned that the flannel was going to cling and bunch up, but it actually keeps the lining from shifting during the day or showing when I sit down.

I am thrilled with how this personal challenge turned out, and think I will have to do this every couple of months.  Perhaps I can get all of those yards of fabric under control this year!

Sweater:  Banana Republic

Skirt:  Made by Me, Simplicity 4047

Shoes:  Banana Republic

Earrings:  Liz Palacios

Cherries & Polka Dots

I keep meaning to skip a week or two of Sew Weekly Challenges and give myself a break, but lately, they are just too good to pass up!  This week was "Polka Dots," and I could not, in good conscience, let that one pass me by.

Turns out, the only fabric with polka dots left in my stash (other than scraps – there are plenty of them) was this quilting cotton, leftover from an apron I gave as Christmas gift.  I had forgotten all about the original project until the lady with the apron, whom I see everyday at work, recognized the print (she had used the apron a few days prior)!  We had a good chuckle over that!

Now, I really do love the print (which is perfect for an cheery apron!), but it would be 100 times more beautiful if it were made of silk or rayon, am I right?!

I have used this particular pattern before (Simplicity 4047), so I knew what to expect.  And everything went together beautifully.  I love my silks and rayons to death, but cutting a quilting cotton is SO EASY after working with drapey material!  

And, of course, I had to use my cherry red Hug Snug seam binding.  I may be obsessed with my seam finishes, but they make me happy.

Then there is always the issue of what to wear with my new garment. . .  Turns out, I had the perfect skirt and belt, from two separate projects.  I just love when everything comes together like that!

Blouse:  Made by me, Simplicity 4047

Skirt:  Made by me, Sewaholic Cambie (modified)

Belt (and silk checked dress):  Made by me, Advance 5574

Shoes:  Seychelles

Earrings:   Vintage from Rummage Sale

Ring:  Grandfather’s class ring

Painting with Watercolors

Oh my goodness, the summertime heat has arrived in the Bay Area.  Time to pull out a wide-brimmed chapeau and top it off with a parasol to hide from the sun.

This is not the perfect blouse for me (still searching!), but I do like it quite a bit, and it gets a lot of wear.

The watercolor print was something that I fell in love with after seeing it on fabric.com, and it turned out to be even better than what I was expecting when it showed up at my door (don’t you just love when that happens!).

I just wish I had purchased more of the fabric while it was available.  But I did manage to squeeze a dress and this blouse out of the yardage, so that’s something!

The rayon with just a hint of stretch is the perfect fabric for staying cool.  That reminds me . . . I have more of this fabric in another print . . . I may have to do something about that . . . just as soon as it cools off, and I once again have the energy to move.

Blouse:  Made by me, Simplicity 4047

Skirt:  Banana Republic

Shoes:  Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret

Earrings:  Liz Palacios

A New Wool Coat, Part 3

Thank you to everyone for your lovely comments on my new coat.  And in case you were curious how she looks on a real person, here we go!

My new wool coat.

I had grand ideas about making a new fuchsia blouse to look super snazzy with the open neckline, but I did not have time this weekend, and I did not want to put off wearing the finished product!  So I made do with a bright pink scarf instead.

I pulled out one of my favorite wool pencil skirts (made early this year out of leftover yardage from this dress).  

I love when I can squeeze two projects out of one length of wool!  I try to convince myself that the skirt cost nothing.  Sure, I needed a zipper, and some lining, but the skirt was basically made from scraps, right?

And I will leave you with a few superfluous twirls – I dare you to be in a bad mood after spinning around in a full skirted dress or coat.  Try it, you’ll like it!

Coat:  Made by me, Vogue 8211

Skirt:  Made by me, Simplicity 4047

Blouse:  Banana Republic

Shoes:  Ann Klein “Foxy” in Black Patent

Stockings:  Banana Republic

Purse:  Harveys Seatbelt Bag “Lola” in Emerald

Scarf: Ross

Necklace:  Shadows

Earrings: Kohls