tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5281063153082362142024-03-15T18:09:44.312-07:00August MorningKristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-81048202162956494462014-06-25T14:46:00.000-07:002014-06-25T14:46:51.666-07:00Go Home Cupcake, You're Drunk...The World of Pinterest is an ugly one. It is a world full of lies and deception and people with mad photoshop skills. One quick search of "cupcakes" and I was tangled in its wicked web...I drank the poison and for a moment forgot that I have no baking skills. Not only was I going to bake cupcakes, but I was going to bake them in ice cream cones and top them with three colors of homemade buttercream icing in such a beautiful way that I would be the envy of the party. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVDzVKceALTnjQEsmPedqPLGfvREeZpHM22f0IpM8HmIpCNgId9Y24UnPh0MsFNrXHiij6a1er578VDusr9adlI97R1MFfoeigkiQs3husZHEq0yM1YYTyNxJHyjyQuh2Cqd7elMxwOs/s1600/cupcakes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVDzVKceALTnjQEsmPedqPLGfvREeZpHM22f0IpM8HmIpCNgId9Y24UnPh0MsFNrXHiij6a1er578VDusr9adlI97R1MFfoeigkiQs3husZHEq0yM1YYTyNxJHyjyQuh2Cqd7elMxwOs/s1600/cupcakes.png" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Who could resist the magic of these cupcakes? Not me...so I gathered all my ingredients and set to work.<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
<br />
1. Wrap cake cones in foil and carefully place them into muffin tins.<br />
2. Fill about 1/2 full of cake batter (get whatever is on sale). When you have leftover batter, go through and even them all up. It just means more cake, right?<br />
3. Bake as directed on box.<br />
4. Continue to bake because your oven only works in the back.<br />
5. Remove from oven and let cool.<br />
6. Panic slightly because your full cones didn't mean bigger cupcakes, it meant cupcake volcanoes exploding with hot cupcake batter/lava, which melted the sides of the cones.<br />
7. Cut the tops off of the cooled volcanoes in the hopes of salvaging some (and any other imperfections will be covered with icing of perfection).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzVw58uOC2rq_C2mrI3jpUT5meYLRA33wMCtg7tRdWN1SQCuUGDuiqe0kYCLriOIfeAkyASj9BO-eN8mJ14fERN2cLQYnUB2PWn6Lk_WilSFsaxpGPs8tUJehCBn-fjgGoXn4RDjxkVQ/s1600/cupcakes+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzVw58uOC2rq_C2mrI3jpUT5meYLRA33wMCtg7tRdWN1SQCuUGDuiqe0kYCLriOIfeAkyASj9BO-eN8mJ14fERN2cLQYnUB2PWn6Lk_WilSFsaxpGPs8tUJehCBn-fjgGoXn4RDjxkVQ/s1600/cupcakes+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
8. Make frosting according to recipe found on random website. Yum, tastes like plain butter!<br />
9. Divide into thirds. Add cocoa powder to one, leave one white, and add really old red food coloring to the rest (so old that it has congealed like blood at the tip, causing it to explode when you try to add 1 drop).<br />
10. Start with chocolate. Place in ziploc baggie and start to pipe it around the edges. Put in stronger freezer bag when your sandwich baggie bursts open.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2mO0xsBHwznBXrC7PFZVG7DohIqLQ6-LloxD513JvA-oJwkQNppxrHnQHNAYlEYUuP_MPKzXnPDpQVSjU4vRv-nrpFkTmLDCEdrB4srClo2PRgOj7N5kEEheBtBEMuGb-gnuRvjuZZQ/s1600/cupcakes+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2mO0xsBHwznBXrC7PFZVG7DohIqLQ6-LloxD513JvA-oJwkQNppxrHnQHNAYlEYUuP_MPKzXnPDpQVSjU4vRv-nrpFkTmLDCEdrB4srClo2PRgOj7N5kEEheBtBEMuGb-gnuRvjuZZQ/s1600/cupcakes+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
11. Briefly wonder why you have continued this far.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj1GGkIXSRZRRr31XOd95a6NtXkIgq1NosRzOlatKkJS_suCTjZd18s7yM2XbBzm3NQCyGmjm30OXWEavm8W-kRFDeYt6y0GJOPQyoUA6TYygagz7JSpSifBPFB3xhSUruUaQ9lOk688/s1600/cupcakes+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlj1GGkIXSRZRRr31XOd95a6NtXkIgq1NosRzOlatKkJS_suCTjZd18s7yM2XbBzm3NQCyGmjm30OXWEavm8W-kRFDeYt6y0GJOPQyoUA6TYygagz7JSpSifBPFB3xhSUruUaQ9lOk688/s1600/cupcakes+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
12. Fill new freezer bag with white (because you forgot that pink disguised as vampire red was next). Pipe it on top of chocolate.<br />
13. Fill last bag with what was supposed to be pink. Dollop it in the center. <br />
14. Why are you still doing this? Stop the madness!<br />
15. Shake nonpareils on top vigorously. And all over kitchen in process.<br />
16. Set out ant bait in anticipation of the ants that will soon be all over your nonpareiled kitchen.<br />
17. On way to event, pick up chocolate pie from K & W and lie. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVv45K6iRF65Ii3fHsK492c-89aETM5lo_FZ2bCXmPuvEYH2B-_SMldGeMU8lFKO6QkNQLm9Q3U5T2SgeOplMAJTHTCxaZo_W0gPFZaJytfn4YpFU4BwwNkCIL4VZCKB84w8M8qGGkKs/s1600/cupcake+finished.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVv45K6iRF65Ii3fHsK492c-89aETM5lo_FZ2bCXmPuvEYH2B-_SMldGeMU8lFKO6QkNQLm9Q3U5T2SgeOplMAJTHTCxaZo_W0gPFZaJytfn4YpFU4BwwNkCIL4VZCKB84w8M8qGGkKs/s1600/cupcake+finished.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />I hate you, Pinterest.<br />
<br />
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-51350444716695657772014-05-04T18:21:00.002-07:002014-05-05T16:18:36.235-07:00Selfish Sewing WeekApril 28th kicked off imagine gnats' "Selfish Sewing Week." I should not have participated since I can never finish anything in a week and all of my sewing is technically selfish. But I decided to try to sew something anyway.<br />
<br />
During this past month I have experienced some extreme lows as well as some amazing highs. I can't speak to most of it quite yet, but one of my lows was losing my dog Bailey to a pituitary macrotumor in the middle of April. Bailey had been my faithful companion for the past 13 years. I still have days when I'll remember something special about her and tear up. But we are adjusting to life without her being here and we were all lucky to have experienced her unconditional love (except for Phoebe...their relationship was a little one sided...Phoebe did the loving and Bailey tolerated her...sometimes). My other dog Max is currently curled up at my feet in a Benadryl induced snooze after eating a bumblebee. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6nBD2HxSggcQHQE5ScxY90v5PatP-uwBnHpsGwyInitmxWEBIphQri7GZZee-q2ECr5gSLR7rWCpsar4eQKqnTLM2avk-Rsypzgj3DeYX3qTx16cWJFcOYyXrScyHWfLb5QberEavJA/s1600/bailey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6nBD2HxSggcQHQE5ScxY90v5PatP-uwBnHpsGwyInitmxWEBIphQri7GZZee-q2ECr5gSLR7rWCpsar4eQKqnTLM2avk-Rsypzgj3DeYX3qTx16cWJFcOYyXrScyHWfLb5QberEavJA/s1600/bailey.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Right after losing Bailey, I traveled south to Raleigh to visit my sister. On the way I stopped at a wonderful fabric shop just outside of Chapel Hill. I have always wanted some Japanese Echino fabric, but just hadn't been able to justify the cost. But when I found a bolt of it in Mulberry Silks in Carrboro, I momentarily forgot that I wasn't a millionaire and splurged on a bit. (*Note to self: open a fabric shop like Mulberry Silks here in SW VA...JoAnn's just isn't cutting it and I don't realize how much I'm missing until I go to a specialty fabric shop.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObxm_zVouFemUt4EEbyyDGHTzLrSQPWH8ieGMr4cseJ4AkJqw0slhOF1-h5PXNlGPEGHnHmuFs1YNwvDh6DBhQfDUun_2SQNpvxqGd4xuw0Yyc7Lc0jkrIV5yVUqriVohTQZAFBCVeD0/s1600/selfish_sewing_fabric.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObxm_zVouFemUt4EEbyyDGHTzLrSQPWH8ieGMr4cseJ4AkJqw0slhOF1-h5PXNlGPEGHnHmuFs1YNwvDh6DBhQfDUun_2SQNpvxqGd4xuw0Yyc7Lc0jkrIV5yVUqriVohTQZAFBCVeD0/s1600/selfish_sewing_fabric.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpDHxlUn4FAOSAZRYC4PQ-IZqj_xpdiRhQto3Qo2nDyjdM0V7qSRl7eqBp02YR7EYSXaDKwkkahZ-y5Vm9xn75Cu-z56biAkUTAn4wF3KNekUkTzx2RgmQGbHMqia53YNzEuSK5-b1mo/s1600/selfish_sewing_week_fabric_close_up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpDHxlUn4FAOSAZRYC4PQ-IZqj_xpdiRhQto3Qo2nDyjdM0V7qSRl7eqBp02YR7EYSXaDKwkkahZ-y5Vm9xn75Cu-z56biAkUTAn4wF3KNekUkTzx2RgmQGbHMqia53YNzEuSK5-b1mo/s1600/selfish_sewing_week_fabric_close_up.png" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I loved it! After my past few weeks, I felt that I deserved at little bit of selfish treating. Instead of patiently agonizing over what pattern would work best, I immediately dove in and created another Laurel. It's only my fourth Laurel dress. Is that excessive??? I also thought a simple shift would work best with this pattern, I wanted to leave most of it intact. It has birds! It had to stay all birdy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_nDWPpQ0hdHHNMRj42zV1vyJwL34K0qMPXUEvzAlKvN5vgK6FTsdlRXOW1fAFpq0Qq7jZvbAwg5dyrpAlTQyKUop115HJshctdS8P9nS4nlOgUsc5Hqwl-Yz-RP3eEBcSL4QRepowa0/s1600/selfish+sewing+week+with+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_nDWPpQ0hdHHNMRj42zV1vyJwL34K0qMPXUEvzAlKvN5vgK6FTsdlRXOW1fAFpq0Qq7jZvbAwg5dyrpAlTQyKUop115HJshctdS8P9nS4nlOgUsc5Hqwl-Yz-RP3eEBcSL4QRepowa0/s1600/selfish+sewing+week+with+sweater.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
Since the canvas linen is a little scritchy scratchy, I lined it in a basic white cotton. I really wanted to use a green to line it, but JoAnn's didn't have anything in the weight and softness that I wanted in a lining (again...open a shop). And I hate slippery polyester linings. I'll sometimes use them, but for a summery dress I went with cotton. Now that I have learned to line garments, I can't believe I ever made stuff without lining it! And I put cardigans over EVERYTHING!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUqhZhC_zHbow7yJ3bnbvXNCiSAX3S8s_-lcJPHbeum8dsmcXnxDfZCKju405Ptn3adNlt_3N7wJ-ajQYMSO3ENA6FQikqnVeOlZGKanbypftjX_C_S5SasiTpuIclB3lu0URhdSBw0g/s1600/selfish+sewing+week+no+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUqhZhC_zHbow7yJ3bnbvXNCiSAX3S8s_-lcJPHbeum8dsmcXnxDfZCKju405Ptn3adNlt_3N7wJ-ajQYMSO3ENA6FQikqnVeOlZGKanbypftjX_C_S5SasiTpuIclB3lu0URhdSBw0g/s1600/selfish+sewing+week+no+sweater.jpg" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
Here I am bravely showing off my untanned and untoned arms. Oh, and Phoebe must have heard the camera clicking and ran from upstairs to be in a shot or two. Don't mind my lack of live grass. Two dogs in a postage stamp backyard doesn't bode well for grass growing. <br />
<br />
My previous three Laurels were all cut the same, size 16 in the bodice and grading out to an 18 around the hips. But my last Laurel was a little snug up top, my poor bust darts wouldn't fit over my bust. I can only wear it with a cardigan or jacket (which isn't a big deal...since I wear cardigans with EVERYTHING).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZZWz17iNWRajkET1v-O7Hq8F5v3csbWnfqyNVhufiBn5VJd5jrrHJNxfvL8LI4e9MP0K9FuhYQW6S0W-q9s02Kvnh8Rx726Zi7cri-cCj-RlsED-D1J8QHnrKOboqDIszEpUEr1zNwI/s1600/selfish_sewing_me_made_may.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZZWz17iNWRajkET1v-O7Hq8F5v3csbWnfqyNVhufiBn5VJd5jrrHJNxfvL8LI4e9MP0K9FuhYQW6S0W-q9s02Kvnh8Rx726Zi7cri-cCj-RlsED-D1J8QHnrKOboqDIszEpUEr1zNwI/s1600/selfish_sewing_me_made_may.png" height="320" width="155" /></a></div>
For this dress I admitted to myself that I was larger than a 16 and made a straight up 18. Guess what? It's too big in the bust. Oh well, nothing that a cardi can't fix!<br />
<br />
So although almost 98% of my sewing is for me, I am deeming this dress selfish sewing because I bought fabric that I really wanted and forgot about price for a moment. Which is why my most recent fabric purchase was $5/yard....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPxZO9nVjsBXGzlaju_iPgw1u2h-2h8qzRfg8LVkpBZDddUHoHmxXrwk2cIrdbwXPhCjRUNGThedM9dlXtSh84crx4zpZovz0V_fbROC96RIewyaHgFUHoAy_GDjbSfMAdQl8If5Q-eo/s1600/selfish_sewing_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPxZO9nVjsBXGzlaju_iPgw1u2h-2h8qzRfg8LVkpBZDddUHoHmxXrwk2cIrdbwXPhCjRUNGThedM9dlXtSh84crx4zpZovz0V_fbROC96RIewyaHgFUHoAy_GDjbSfMAdQl8If5Q-eo/s1600/selfish_sewing_.png" height="252" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imaginegnats.com/selfish-sewing-week-is-back/" target="_blank">by imagine gnats</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-24883833500091626132014-04-08T18:12:00.000-07:002014-04-08T18:12:55.994-07:00Early Birthday Wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I have a milestone birthday (40 - gulp) coming up in one month exactly. So in early celebration of me, I'm making my birthday list. Selfish? Yes. But I think I've previously established that I can be quite selfish. Plus some of these gift ideas take some lead time (such as patterns from London or printed to order fabric from Spoonflower). So all my family and friends can go ahead and start collaborating the gift giving! Ok, I don't actually expect to receive everything on my list...or anything.<br />
<br />
So with no further ado, here are all of my current wants in no particular order. Enjoy! You might even find something you can't live without. (Unless you don't sew. In that case all of this will seem pretty darn boring.)<br />
<br />
Doctor Who fabric! Who can't live without Doctor Who fabric? Ha. I think a skirt of the Doctor's Favorite Things would be amazing. So about 3 yards of a nice cotton silk (or basic cotton...it is a bit pricey) should make me a lovely skirt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYDGVLfQwVYUH0ltmJuxthZh40xnNes9wERhJNSfmN24bTUX_X9B1U2h60W9f6b1bBd2p1xMIRamy9C3qgr2axlzm_Y1AqnvSgdDdTVhSsOpoXGXkJ9iByntxVnnjezK1OOd6Qbif5Jc/s1600/doctor_who.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYDGVLfQwVYUH0ltmJuxthZh40xnNes9wERhJNSfmN24bTUX_X9B1U2h60W9f6b1bBd2p1xMIRamy9C3qgr2axlzm_Y1AqnvSgdDdTVhSsOpoXGXkJ9iByntxVnnjezK1OOd6Qbif5Jc/s1600/doctor_who.png" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/2006027" target="_blank">Order here from Spoonflower</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next up are a couple of books. I have a love of all things Colette (mainly because I actually fit in their patterns...I don't ask for much) and Colette Patterns is releasing a new book on knits next week. And if you pre-order, you can also purchase their two new knit patterns as a bundled price. Contain your excitement, will ya? So for the low, low price of $50, you can get the new book, a skirt pattern, and a dress pattern. If you buy this for me I'll make you a skirt (Unless you are a guy. But then again you might like that kind of thing. So I'll still make you a skirt. Just buy your own fabric, alright?)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vbBQaSINWk3ynEZCycuMsfXbpzWOE5V0wtXX3Tdvt6p3vKKaCC0ZyXi5754zWcr9pC6FYtc-Wg2OQ5Zj0Z27AcfQ41vmDjFat1IAE3WWO4EVZDZk3eZSh8HiERWrslhlu8zylfoKlhQ/s1600/colette_knits.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vbBQaSINWk3ynEZCycuMsfXbpzWOE5V0wtXX3Tdvt6p3vKKaCC0ZyXi5754zWcr9pC6FYtc-Wg2OQ5Zj0Z27AcfQ41vmDjFat1IAE3WWO4EVZDZk3eZSh8HiERWrslhlu8zylfoKlhQ/s1600/colette_knits.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/knits-bundle" target="_blank">Purchase here at Colette Patterns</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My other book choice is by Natalie Chanin, the same artist behind the Alabama Chanin clothing line. I don't have thousands of dollars to spend on a handmade Alabama Chanin garment, but I do have some skill and have a lot of time coming up this summer to spend creating my own skirt. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IEsBeRSCQbK8dwqqagfrUEky8u1oFDh3-OzUwYGXtENKS7H4sAhBdv5hSqS9j5edEsd9R5vjVXR4REkkxGOpVYHy-Suq9um34PrFb0l-LxkWj5E9X5bSnBegfu0anOJYi3NAssjwEnw/s1600/alabama_chanin_skirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IEsBeRSCQbK8dwqqagfrUEky8u1oFDh3-OzUwYGXtENKS7H4sAhBdv5hSqS9j5edEsd9R5vjVXR4REkkxGOpVYHy-Suq9um34PrFb0l-LxkWj5E9X5bSnBegfu0anOJYi3NAssjwEnw/s1600/alabama_chanin_skirt.png" height="290" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alabamachanin.com/whispering-rose-full-wrap-skirt" target="_blank">Only $2860. I should buy two.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM_fVeqRhJj4uJlEWt4a-BZ6o8FTrXUNeOlmhaW2SWKQDbIdKg_SUsNsq-SN6htPlKb0T_oLpPg4g0IoEwuuwCSzZsc-BbIER6aEUuQLPZUqJIykDxUQPfu6k_F7015nTsLbIKyU0faA/s1600/alabama_chanin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhM_fVeqRhJj4uJlEWt4a-BZ6o8FTrXUNeOlmhaW2SWKQDbIdKg_SUsNsq-SN6htPlKb0T_oLpPg4g0IoEwuuwCSzZsc-BbIER6aEUuQLPZUqJIykDxUQPfu6k_F7015nTsLbIKyU0faA/s1600/alabama_chanin.png" height="253" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alabama-Studio-Sewing-Design-Hand-Sewing/dp/158479920X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1397003384&sr=1-1&keywords=alabama+chanin+books" target="_blank">Or the book. Only $24.88. A complete steal in comparison, right?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But I'm not done yet! The sewing world raves (and by "world" I mean the three or four bloggers I regularly follow) about the patterns that By Hand London creates. Only By Hand London doesn't sell digital patterns (the internet is way faster and cheaper than snail mail across the pond) which is why I don't own one yet. By Hand London just released the Flora dress and I'm also dying to make the Anna dress.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrwDHLc7GTSWVi0VXmQrApUSNqhSs94ou90FyxTJ6mOUde2vWdCXOFpE4_x2J737koV4jmZoz_wAxQ6GZ-KzmWGEIVvTvgedVAw7YVszAUoTWVOgYMdIc8U4WASQ0EamyAT43hK3W-JY/s1600/flora.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrwDHLc7GTSWVi0VXmQrApUSNqhSs94ou90FyxTJ6mOUde2vWdCXOFpE4_x2J737koV4jmZoz_wAxQ6GZ-KzmWGEIVvTvgedVAw7YVszAUoTWVOgYMdIc8U4WASQ0EamyAT43hK3W-JY/s1600/flora.png" height="320" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://byhandlondon.com/products/flora-dress" target="_blank">The Flora Dress</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimziMVWrIMzk6FM0o1kMkKrgzXyndXEOPFbQeKOThD8YMOfdzrGE5qIvyGGZ6LjvrRCwnq9D2qFyLmqr3EArSCQzifmixIhjvO9DychrbZtwPiuB1iVJB1GyuZ4vPEdHJ06i-4VC3L934/s1600/anna.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimziMVWrIMzk6FM0o1kMkKrgzXyndXEOPFbQeKOThD8YMOfdzrGE5qIvyGGZ6LjvrRCwnq9D2qFyLmqr3EArSCQzifmixIhjvO9DychrbZtwPiuB1iVJB1GyuZ4vPEdHJ06i-4VC3L934/s1600/anna.png" height="320" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://byhandlondon.com/products/anna-dress" target="_blank">The Anna Dress</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And fancy new dress patterns require new fabric! I picked out this lovely cotton voile by Cloud 9 fabrics for the Flora pattern. The Flora dress just screams for a floral pattern. All jokes aside, wouldn't this be the perfect summer dress?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHWzJB18OSX3ODX4zcadRM5bUzb83HkC675QQWu0xpKD81QvKjLU1EXmtiste2WRm18akA0DKuDwStEitC-3T6zWEnido7eCzL2I6avaLaH8wDhJUE3LaWCFfe_-ylA27OSXnVAQzWcE/s1600/lunada_bay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHWzJB18OSX3ODX4zcadRM5bUzb83HkC675QQWu0xpKD81QvKjLU1EXmtiste2WRm18akA0DKuDwStEitC-3T6zWEnido7eCzL2I6avaLaH8wDhJUE3LaWCFfe_-ylA27OSXnVAQzWcE/s1600/lunada_bay.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/a_creative_mint/palos_verde_voile/lunada_bay_in_coral" target="_blank">Lunada Bay in Coral</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And can't leave Miss Anna out of the fabric fun! Luckily, By Hand London has already done all of the work for you by creating a kit with the pattern, fabric, notions, and a smashing tote bag. The only drawback is this kit has since sold out. I pinned it a few weeks ago and I guess everyone had to have what I wanted and snatched them all up! I hate you all. Not really...please post pics of your Anna's in this fabulous blue floral so I can drool with envy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP6EEpMx8V0QjAW8l9Tu17NfXMdwSv0FXGdEl3gz5p53tVHc2-2bF53Ycr9OgQ9TNbmmMVxAt5ZGGfz73F77nQHUBzS0dMzVTAolz37jAzGE6mYGGk-mppn2NPv6Sb2sxBQpeZ6-c_ZQ/s1600/anna_kit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP6EEpMx8V0QjAW8l9Tu17NfXMdwSv0FXGdEl3gz5p53tVHc2-2bF53Ycr9OgQ9TNbmmMVxAt5ZGGfz73F77nQHUBzS0dMzVTAolz37jAzGE6mYGGk-mppn2NPv6Sb2sxBQpeZ6-c_ZQ/s1600/anna_kit.png" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://byhandlondon.com/products/anna-dress-kit" target="_blank">It was available here but, alas, is no more.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And that is my want list. For now. It could change (and by "change" I mean "get longer") by next week. I was also kind enough to make sure my entire list was online orderable for easy access. If you need my shipping address, let me know. <br />
<br />
Happy Birthday to me!<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-72018333350351486072014-03-21T15:48:00.000-07:002014-03-21T15:48:00.864-07:00Cuckoo for Coco!The past couple of weeks have been absolutely dreadful for me. First, a guy sort of missed the road while driving and managed to do $8500 worth of damage to my house. Then Miss Bailey was diagnosed with congestive heart failure along with a few other things (none of which are good). I truly thought that vet visit would be our last one ever. And work has just been...well...work. <br />
<br />
On the bright side, the driver's insurance is covering all repairs. Miss Bailey's medicine seems to be working. And it is almost Spring Break (provided Mother Nature stops dumping snow and ice on us). <br />
<br />
So I am going to celebrate with a couple of Coco's! It is rare that I finish a dress in a weekend, much less two. It is also rare that I use a pattern and then turn around and make another. But Tilly's Coco is just that fabulous. It demanded two dresses be made immediately. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzIJdW3WPfI-bludojSekLh02kXfO3b3kxmxPbdRC4E3ht5teab3C0-ZC3AlydTkHxjJEd8AZiwqS7wxsWCoKQmnHT3bEyGOhNmDuPYp8_wELJuYpxYeh_1TqZheE3prrZ3LOrrHukug/s1600/coco_tilly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzIJdW3WPfI-bludojSekLh02kXfO3b3kxmxPbdRC4E3ht5teab3C0-ZC3AlydTkHxjJEd8AZiwqS7wxsWCoKQmnHT3bEyGOhNmDuPYp8_wELJuYpxYeh_1TqZheE3prrZ3LOrrHukug/s1600/coco_tilly.png" height="174" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/coco.html" target="_blank">Tilly and her Coco</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Coco is designed to be made out of super comfy knits. You can do a dress or a top. Your neck and sleeves can be accentuated with retro cuffs and funnel neck or left plain. I made two dresses without the cuffs or funnel neck. But, I livened each up with some pattern/color blocking.<br />
<br />
<b>Coco #1</b><br />
When determining my size for the Coco, I was lucky (or unlucky enough) to have a chest measurement a good three inches larger than the largest size. My waist and hips fit, but the girls didn't. So I took the cheater's way out and graded the entire front and back up by 1.5 inches. I know I didn't need the extra from the waist down, but my poor brain had melted from stress and I just couldn't make myself figure out how to do an FBA on a dress this basic. Sad, I know. This made my shoulders a little large. Oh well. <br />
<br />
My inspiration was a basic brown t-shirt I bought at Talbots on megasale ('cause the only way I can afford Talbots is on sale). <b> </b>My tee had some cute flowers appliqued down the side. Unfortunately, the shirt shrunk in the length and I just don't have the body for a belly baring tee. But I've held onto it because I liked the flowers. This is one of the reasons I am a borderline hoarder...I keep clothes that don't fit because they are cute crammed in a drawer. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ4dcN7o8osSDmaJnbQr_eDk-YgFO6GgwxcTVQdZeSr2VPNu-oh8cYjEvBFf0o3tZRDcbIOd4jZEUjROwUL6uUaX95jwrImVsGqu6NV6PPVSAjN42XqdlkDIg_brrMQk7QSZtsJikx9o/s1600/accident+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ4dcN7o8osSDmaJnbQr_eDk-YgFO6GgwxcTVQdZeSr2VPNu-oh8cYjEvBFf0o3tZRDcbIOd4jZEUjROwUL6uUaX95jwrImVsGqu6NV6PPVSAjN42XqdlkDIg_brrMQk7QSZtsJikx9o/s1600/accident+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes it is covered in cat hair. Every single time I went to press the camera's button Phoebe turned it into a bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I purchased some amazingly soft organic knit from Fabric.com in fuchsia and chocolate. The pink became the body of the dress and the chocolate formed a band at the hem. I then cut my flowers out of my t-shirt and sewed them to the skirt of my dress. And voila...a Coco was born!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWPMtiHJJkH4Lb2CssaWV_0xTu3XYq63LcgbsA3yEVSivvgt8GoTeLo6VivKhwxvMLdjJsCWLJ82YBduv8UURJUaDjznPJ3o-QMxsCikG44x-fu05OAYPn3J3pCKQPAAuMUM3Wf7wZJk/s1600/coco+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWPMtiHJJkH4Lb2CssaWV_0xTu3XYq63LcgbsA3yEVSivvgt8GoTeLo6VivKhwxvMLdjJsCWLJ82YBduv8UURJUaDjznPJ3o-QMxsCikG44x-fu05OAYPn3J3pCKQPAAuMUM3Wf7wZJk/s1600/coco+pink.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8ouSsR9FzJwcmFoj6js7YGi67QJUmQvF24HEPUrpasL-ZnB-LhIlkSB84AIgWdjHWM_TeftSoLdXUKoG_QanYaCkuil4ju48lrv_p4JLhBkQcFlevsKSxUlihT7uBl91MIw3gINDPUo/s1600/coco+pink+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8ouSsR9FzJwcmFoj6js7YGi67QJUmQvF24HEPUrpasL-ZnB-LhIlkSB84AIgWdjHWM_TeftSoLdXUKoG_QanYaCkuil4ju48lrv_p4JLhBkQcFlevsKSxUlihT7uBl91MIw3gINDPUo/s1600/coco+pink+side.jpg" height="320" width="170" /></a></div>
A little off topic..but how do you like my Bonnie Raitt hair? It is red with an ever growing gray stripe in the middle. I had been trying for a month to make a hair appointment but due to snow, or illness, or trucks hitting houses, we had to reschedule about three times.<br />
<br />
I adore this dress. And no, my side hem isn't longer than the rest, that is a shadow. I didn't notice it until now. And my curtains are pulled so you can't see my ghetto'd up front window covered in plywood and garbage bags.<br />
<br />
<b>Coco #2</b><br />
It is time for some Spring up in here! Which is why my next dress is a navy and white stripe topped off with a pink polka dot. Who doesn't love stripes and dots together???<br />
<br />
I did not learn my lesson (or my brain had not quite regained normal thought patterns) and I used the same adjustments as I did the first time around. I didn't bother to try to fix my baggy shoulders or slightly gapey neckline. For shame. My fabrics are a lighter knit by Riley Blake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrWoccJBr5eiV2YHfrJmsUVB0OPDRACPHUuQ7e9rOlBvdhGDM-YK9DDPTfuubkkUdcPV3US-F7egPhvlae1SvIVb1_r8hpSuVht1l9sNTtDPvFEabgEHysEGXqUyh88duXxtRptlEsUs/s1600/coco+stripe+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrWoccJBr5eiV2YHfrJmsUVB0OPDRACPHUuQ7e9rOlBvdhGDM-YK9DDPTfuubkkUdcPV3US-F7egPhvlae1SvIVb1_r8hpSuVht1l9sNTtDPvFEabgEHysEGXqUyh88duXxtRptlEsUs/s1600/coco+stripe+front.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
I love this! And I can't believe I am about to admit this, but I am wearing "jeggings" from the junior department. I blend in with my middle school students with my jeggings. Ok, I still don't blend. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfCYuJE-dV2cvg6vnPSPGuBKzbUyZVNQJeT2UAKyzNRCpX7jKOWuDs3wpWuivEqBrmLH85Kwe5ctLwHyET1D0NnYFjwAiWEHN3EAWVo8sF5gL4sB2O4MCHoCsHv0L_NwcusAdTZ41uug/s1600/coco+stripe+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfCYuJE-dV2cvg6vnPSPGuBKzbUyZVNQJeT2UAKyzNRCpX7jKOWuDs3wpWuivEqBrmLH85Kwe5ctLwHyET1D0NnYFjwAiWEHN3EAWVo8sF5gL4sB2O4MCHoCsHv0L_NwcusAdTZ41uug/s1600/coco+stripe+back.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
I also managed to get my hair done between dress shots. I am now a bit shorter and a bit blonder. I am all ready for Spring!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY3ZPUlMwguIqYfKm8C_Upkp7sgqxsYrVdfcI-REymvBKQ2WX4SRAILznMU9weJQ2Sn-2BCnluvkiQc5QL8g8DaBUuHdLrjAXIKdh4AeJF4jYgQdRaDa07QLBkX6WAmP8Ju4a8zTshVc/s1600/coco+stripe+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY3ZPUlMwguIqYfKm8C_Upkp7sgqxsYrVdfcI-REymvBKQ2WX4SRAILznMU9weJQ2Sn-2BCnluvkiQc5QL8g8DaBUuHdLrjAXIKdh4AeJF4jYgQdRaDa07QLBkX6WAmP8Ju4a8zTshVc/s1600/coco+stripe+side.jpg" height="320" width="172" /></a></div>
No, I'm not taking a pit sniff here...I'm trying to show off my stripe matching! I've never ever sewn with stripes before and just look at that...perfection! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13GQ_s6L6njxLYt67kvJ6E0cILqkmwzo3gAmouC08N071Rxa9XNMP6usS4C-J2Qc3L9xy7ZcuYelxqM6XSY1fF8ESSkdwu5Gijh704bKKVHhPsZHvD53oOuzU3LUjn9nu8gJ4GXI930w/s1600/coco+stripe+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13GQ_s6L6njxLYt67kvJ6E0cILqkmwzo3gAmouC08N071Rxa9XNMP6usS4C-J2Qc3L9xy7ZcuYelxqM6XSY1fF8ESSkdwu5Gijh704bKKVHhPsZHvD53oOuzU3LUjn9nu8gJ4GXI930w/s1600/coco+stripe+close+up.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
I've also never done a contrasting top before and I think the pink on my sleeves is a bit too long. I had no idea how to measure it so I guessed. Again, too lazy to really think hard about it. And here you can really see the extra fabric around the shoulder. But you can also see how well the fabric combo works. I'm pretending that the patterns and colors distract you from the extra wrinkles.<br />
<br />
There will definitely be more Coco's in my life. A pattern this easy AND this fabulous deserves a few more makes.<br />
<br />
A few construction notes: I don't own a serger so all of this was done on my trusty Opal 650. I used a lightning bolt stitch for most of it. I also used elastic in the shoulders instead of the stay tape mentioned in the directions just because that is what I had on hand. Not only did I grade up a bit, but I also added about three inches in length. For my first dress, that extra length forms the chocolate band. The directions are super easy and if you are new to knits, this would be a great start!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-29707552953157373672014-02-16T07:50:00.000-08:002014-02-16T08:10:31.031-08:00Little White LaurelI'm a sucker for contests. I especially love to enter sewing contests. Granted, I've never won, but I just keep entering! And because I am such a procrastinator, I typically don't get my entry in until the last 30 minutes. This contest was no different...<br />
<br />
This contest was the "Little White Dress" on PatternReview.com. The rules stipulated an all white (or off-white dress) styled for both day and night. Other colors could be used in the accessories, but not the fabric. I signed up at the end of January, bought my fabric at the beginning of February, and didn't start sewing until the day before the contest ended.<br />
<br />
This time I had a reason for procrastinating...I was scared. I've managed to screw up my last three projects and this one required a large dose of creativity, not just following a pattern. I was afraid I'd have a mess of white fabric that would go back into a storage box.<br />
<br />
My inspiration dress was an Anna Sui lace dress that retails for around $400 (and doesn't come in my size - surprise!).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxUNpnTSzJ1Z5s1pYOOSjRyHZ_hh9T70zt1mj_INo2rqeisvXQ4sqOpecfdpC8ctz-tRR1S81ptEa9-Aqt2WeTICUh8MKV4LUXcQWBHpteDUm3ViTr0BYvUcs0_BQvc2pkspgogsgTw4/s1600/white_dress_inspiration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxUNpnTSzJ1Z5s1pYOOSjRyHZ_hh9T70zt1mj_INo2rqeisvXQ4sqOpecfdpC8ctz-tRR1S81ptEa9-Aqt2WeTICUh8MKV4LUXcQWBHpteDUm3ViTr0BYvUcs0_BQvc2pkspgogsgTw4/s1600/white_dress_inspiration.png" height="320" width="210" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/2013/08/weekend-whites.html" target="_blank">From Atlantic-Pacific</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNY1QCN4v_-E63sXw_fMMOmWMopkMvK5D4x4fZ3KoBWgNR4n7_ITel5bL7VHmKsRo_JOSWHaMdcd_w7_noRrwbD1YFekR80qhuERLsJadZ3GOrELYT8Fw-1939qkGoa-Y5AArPpfH5vb4/s1600/white_dress_inspiration_2.png" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="221" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com/2013/08/weekend-whites.html" target="_blank">From Atlantic Pacific</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The silhouette of this dress immediately reminded me of the Colette Laurel, a simple shift dress that is super easy to whip up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqYresyTpq-3Q5StZmhIGGtPhLSBV7wBMM5RlHmZf7R8FAy8cjj4pTxjddoSTqUlmlFbBFO_Cqf9F_r-8oZpExb2GH7xXjvPsEl1Te8P35oVV1tRVQQI9k_bzmYUpt_2djkKWuAdVIGI/s1600/colette_laurel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqYresyTpq-3Q5StZmhIGGtPhLSBV7wBMM5RlHmZf7R8FAy8cjj4pTxjddoSTqUlmlFbBFO_Cqf9F_r-8oZpExb2GH7xXjvPsEl1Te8P35oVV1tRVQQI9k_bzmYUpt_2djkKWuAdVIGI/s1600/colette_laurel.png" height="320" width="226" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/laurel" target="_blank">Colette Laurel</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had already made one Laurel, and I knew that it fit well and I had already made any pattern adjustments.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHJeXyXbKI1fbqPie1QIHvoEwLSqa3QFQ2giZ9ZYreeaEhSsA6aRV0peNs1d6if7hbhFdX-fwjbvPOFOiKDTXn62EvRpzYcVGTYCD-LCCBq_5WhrIDYrZx7IUEylXMiv8bfK3iqED_7Y/s1600/dress_front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHJeXyXbKI1fbqPie1QIHvoEwLSqa3QFQ2giZ9ZYreeaEhSsA6aRV0peNs1d6if7hbhFdX-fwjbvPOFOiKDTXn62EvRpzYcVGTYCD-LCCBq_5WhrIDYrZx7IUEylXMiv8bfK3iqED_7Y/s1600/dress_front.png" height="320" width="240" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.augustmorning.blogspot.com/2013/04/colette-laurel-dress.html" target="_blank">Remember me?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since I had never worked with eyelet, or lace, or piecing with different fabrics, this project required a lot of thought. Lots and lots of thought. Two weeks worth to be exact. Or two weeks of paralyzing fear that I would screw it up.<br />
<br />
From the original pattern, I took out the back zip since my first Laurel slips right over my head without unzipping. I adjusted my back pattern piece to be cut on the fold so it would be one piece, not two. I needed to eliminate the back center seam since I had chucked the zipper. Next, I cut each pattern piece into three horizontal blocks and added in seam allowances. I have to admit that I was quite shocked that my horizontal seams from the front and the back matched up perfectly. Granted, I had measured and was very precise in my new pattern pieces, but I'm always shocked when I do something right!<br />
<br />
Once I had my front and back pieced together with the three different blocks of eyelet, I hand basted them to the solid cotton underlining. The underlining not only covered up see through holes in the eyelet and lace, but it also stabilized my pieces so that I could work with them. I debated between lining (where the eyelet and lining would hang separately from each other) and underlining (where the lining and outer fabric are stitched together and used as one piece of fabric). I wanted to just line it so I could have the lining shorter and the bottom layer of lace would be a little sheer. But I really needed to stabilize the fabrics, the daisy lace tore extremely easily and was difficult to work with on its own.<br />
<br />
The next step was to sew my darts and then I could hand stitch the eyelet trim over the seams between the lace and eyelet blocks. I was originally following the original inspiration dress but I realized that the trim was not only pretty, but it also covered my seam allowances where I pieced the fabrics together. The eyelet trim was only stitched to the outer layer, I didn't go through to the underlining because I didn't want the stitching to show on the inside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDcWrjdlX1UfFPaLFJeKNiacczMuZrwSjANZSfV1Qmk90VF7Qahk8KEKNtfkhhsvnJlvtnSPJsmI36aJMVbWh7aCFrg8UANL3U70DUJT4pxYuMqeSdqwV4I_o05_Bf18Z9WDQdpmQCzE/s1600/white+dress+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDcWrjdlX1UfFPaLFJeKNiacczMuZrwSjANZSfV1Qmk90VF7Qahk8KEKNtfkhhsvnJlvtnSPJsmI36aJMVbWh7aCFrg8UANL3U70DUJT4pxYuMqeSdqwV4I_o05_Bf18Z9WDQdpmQCzE/s1600/white+dress+004.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Just look at that! I have never, and I mean never, been able to match seams up at the side. And I managed to match up the eyelet trim in four spots - perfectly! I'm not bragging, I'm just surprised at myself!<br />
<br />
I left the sleeves sheer. That was fun. Not really. I opted not to do the ruffle at the bottom of the sleeve like the inspiration dress because I wear a jacket or sweater over EVERYTHING. Even in summer. I didn't want the pretty ruffle to end up all bunchy in a jacket sleeve. I did a french seam in the sleeves to give the seams a finished look since they are so sheer. I also had to hand stitch my seam allowances to the underlining so they stayed inside the dress instead of poking out and waving to the world through the sleeve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk5XDIxXoVb0b7xaPyhzCXGWizyRGct389veQJhqVp5EArVFM84wDATJkZn7aGagENQKH-4OMZYDkwSxC_OHiqr0NXLAzPFwtrE29_hU2eANqt7n0jYBYP5hXxcZF_3sUzQPfbmFNigI/s1600/white+dress+sleeve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhk5XDIxXoVb0b7xaPyhzCXGWizyRGct389veQJhqVp5EArVFM84wDATJkZn7aGagENQKH-4OMZYDkwSxC_OHiqr0NXLAzPFwtrE29_hU2eANqt7n0jYBYP5hXxcZF_3sUzQPfbmFNigI/s1600/white+dress+sleeve.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are my finished dress pics! I had hoped to have someone else take pretty pics of me outside but 1. I procrastinated and there wasn't anyone available at 11 pm, 2. We got 21 inches of snow the other day, and 3. It's cold. So you get my usual sloppy indoor shots. But you also get a bonus pic of Max snoozing behind me because he was ready for bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P8nA2CcIMxT9lFet7znwGYl5RwXdTbnKiuucd7cVLXmFr3vNQNqMysv_yKtiMxS8mH6bQchGFKQlPx0RZsHVjrGv9N_3twQm0IZBKh8XrouQwLH5XX84wd8sPTX5VZkiCT584dqCJE0/s1600/white+dress+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3P8nA2CcIMxT9lFet7znwGYl5RwXdTbnKiuucd7cVLXmFr3vNQNqMysv_yKtiMxS8mH6bQchGFKQlPx0RZsHVjrGv9N_3twQm0IZBKh8XrouQwLH5XX84wd8sPTX5VZkiCT584dqCJE0/s1600/white+dress+day.jpg" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwgN2ZQvKV5L0xWnZB7Jw6O8BzmkYhP4C9dtG5uDy5qvIIilREEAqx5h9w5Ho42diCE_etgD3KH_qqz35g14l243Lc04Yh3hjUVpPjFm8BjaFkqEC5u-7gERLxrNe-uXw4HECq7cVkC0/s1600/white+dress+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwgN2ZQvKV5L0xWnZB7Jw6O8BzmkYhP4C9dtG5uDy5qvIIilREEAqx5h9w5Ho42diCE_etgD3KH_qqz35g14l243Lc04Yh3hjUVpPjFm8BjaFkqEC5u-7gERLxrNe-uXw4HECq7cVkC0/s1600/white+dress+night.jpg" height="320" width="182" /></a></div>
I had lost my sewing mojo there for a while and I felt like everything I tried didn't quite work. My New Year's Eve tulle skirt was just a big fat NO, my Lola sweatshirt dress doesn't fit right, and my Schoolhouse Tunic that I just finished will never see the light of day again. I was actually close to quitting there for a while (I also tend to be overly dramatic). But this dress makes me feel like I can do stuff worth wearing again. I'm proud of the fact that I was able to customize the original Laurel pattern in order to create this on my own with no instructions. Still not bragging, but instead looking back to see how far my sewing skills have grown since I made my first garment a year ago. <br />
<br />
I still don't think I will win the contest, there are 40 other fabulous entries. That's ok, I'm just happy I had something worth entering. On to my next project...A DOCTOR WHO SKIRT!!! (or a purple coat for spring that was supposed to be done for this past fall)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SYeRyfCKG6RIM5PmwMBPx4Y3enUECUwl6doCN16OmXdcl5rCzvThNoYALLAYPittO3OYWCe0GP5-nnuYHeYM5HS9X4WOSyX28bPRrkKPWq_a-msL4-RaAVv655DW8fzHINj3Lp66fb4/s1600/doctor_who_fabric.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SYeRyfCKG6RIM5PmwMBPx4Y3enUECUwl6doCN16OmXdcl5rCzvThNoYALLAYPittO3OYWCe0GP5-nnuYHeYM5HS9X4WOSyX28bPRrkKPWq_a-msL4-RaAVv655DW8fzHINj3Lp66fb4/s1600/doctor_who_fabric.png" height="273" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/2006027" target="_blank">Totally Geek-tastic fabric on Spoonflower</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-33418590338640550752014-01-30T17:08:00.000-08:002014-01-30T17:08:22.426-08:00My new toy: the Viking Opal 650As most of you know my old WalMart Brother sewing machine was getting quite fussy with its tension settings. I also think the timing was off. No matter how new my needle, how good my thread, or how many times I adjusted the tension, it created bird's nests underneath. It took me forever to sew a simple straight seam on a simple cotton...sew, bunch, rip out, and repeat. Over and over. There was screaming. There were tears. There was petting and giving it pep talks. Nothing worked. I even sent it out to be cleaned and tuned up. But it was evidently possessed by the devil of all things sewing and refused to work right. <br />
<br />
When I was given the simple task of sewing five three piece hula costumes for my Hawaiian hula class's recital (and one skirt was five yards of fabric...with three ruffles...that equals 20 yards of hemming I was doing per skirt...plus the additional 15 yards of stitching to attach the ruffles. Multiply that by five skirts and you get miles and miles and miles of sewing) I decided that I needed to upgrade. Immediately.<br />
<br />
I had narrowed my search to three models, the Janome Magnolia (the cheapest), the Viking Opal 650 (the mid range), and the BabyLock Elizabeth (the most expensive). I briefly considered the Brother CS6000i, a very affordable and popular computerized machine. My aunt had one and loved it. But I was leery of another Brother (by another mother...sorry...couldn't resist!). <br />
<br />
The local store that worked on my old Brother sold Janomes and Berninas. I knew I wanted computerized and something that would not require a second mortgage on the house. That left me with the Janome Magnolia. Plus it had pretty flowers on it! But I wanted a few more features than it provided so I marked it off the list.<br />
<br />
I used the BabyLock Elizabeth during my studio classes and Pins & Needles in Raleigh and loved it! But I just couldn't justify the cost. In addition, my nearest dealer was over 45 minutes away. So it was marked off as well.<br />
<br />
Which left me with the Viking Opal 650. It had all of the features I wanted and it was affordable. It doesn't have a thread cutter, which would have been nice. Or automatic tension control. But it has more stitches than I know what to do with, a lovely computerized screen, fantastic lighting, and pretty turquoise markings. So it matches my sewing room (priorities, right?). <br />
<br />
Here is my little beauty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtHWEN44EvngDJjfDGBI1pPwQaBQtKL-gG26nRQPYCBAxuY5tnwcuxl_tzIKdoKy3hjYeoIxBhPJclH6KCYKOhTtOhq5JRYV85CrZ7pp-KUOx9oBcIm3n1b0iAnxoM_x3CvAOuYtTeWQ/s1600/lola+and+opal+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72IGsoByNlGaQJoBRuAlv1l0WZYlu-1MyycA_auUlQP4_l1VE5XWZAny6e8k8cQOWoVN8R9dw7upgrTsogMSdfAsn-ms5NGlW8w_4LhmudVtSGyO2nglV1wR4gRv7qPDDZaZc8lJnA0w/s1600/lola+and+opal+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72IGsoByNlGaQJoBRuAlv1l0WZYlu-1MyycA_auUlQP4_l1VE5XWZAny6e8k8cQOWoVN8R9dw7upgrTsogMSdfAsn-ms5NGlW8w_4LhmudVtSGyO2nglV1wR4gRv7qPDDZaZc8lJnA0w/s1600/lola+and+opal+008.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Opal 650 and 670 both have the "Sewing Advisor". I just select my fabric type, and it tells me what type of needle and foot I need as well as the recommended stitch with the stitch length and width. I don't have to follow that, but it is a nice starting point. If I select a different stitch, it automatically adjusts the width and length for my type of fabric. Again, I can still adjust those, but it is a good guideline. I kept glancing at the screen thinking it had a clock. It doesn't. Husqvarna-Viking, add a clock!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr9AgeEKgLoSFPbA7XCu-slV-b5NXV2OvcEAdptqku9XRo9ClImcoiwW2AgasQD0gWdaAVCjI9RS2JJY5yNAn-KLp-_JW_pC5Dph8qLLGWyVQPKWNKxQEjSRaBy_N_WTFocFH77eDhMc/s1600/lola+and+opal+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr9AgeEKgLoSFPbA7XCu-slV-b5NXV2OvcEAdptqku9XRo9ClImcoiwW2AgasQD0gWdaAVCjI9RS2JJY5yNAn-KLp-_JW_pC5Dph8qLLGWyVQPKWNKxQEjSRaBy_N_WTFocFH77eDhMc/s1600/lola+and+opal+009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I believe the 670 has a stylus to use and is a touch screen. The 650 does not. But since I am upgrading from a model with three turn dials, I don't feel like I am missing out on anything!<br />
<br />
The 670 also has a low bobbin warning. The 650 is lacking that feature but the drop in bobbin cover is transparent, so I can see when it is getting low. All Viking machines take Viking bobbins and JoAnn's had one pack for $15.00. Right now I'm just using the 5 my machine came with instead of buying more. I kind of miss having a bobbin already wound for my most used thread colors, but somehow I am surviving. On the bright side, the bobbin can only go in with the "H" symbol on the top, so there is no inserting it wrong while in a hurry and making a mess. Also? You can wind your bobbin while keeping the machine threaded! Not that threading a machine takes more than 30 seconds, but it feels like such a time saver.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5vq8g1PecY-FrjaQ2iwyAEtP4bgS9cQxJegHpVnFlIcSLz7WSyEeW4l4NLyejp53bUPQv7YfFVs8qVmu6x3XI49HtRVaHPO7cT7g4wXGOb9iSzI1Es5BmwKWaw7r7orQDKySbJTczVA/s1600/lola+and+opal+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5vq8g1PecY-FrjaQ2iwyAEtP4bgS9cQxJegHpVnFlIcSLz7WSyEeW4l4NLyejp53bUPQv7YfFVs8qVmu6x3XI49HtRVaHPO7cT7g4wXGOb9iSzI1Es5BmwKWaw7r7orQDKySbJTczVA/s1600/lola+and+opal+007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I love how the top flips up to reveal the thread spool and stitch selections. Makes me feel like I have a convertible. Ok, maybe that's a stretch. I still think it looks cool.<br />
<br />
More funness - I can adjust my needle up or down with a button. That way when I stop in the middle of a line of stitching to readjust something, I can have the needle automatically stop in the down position. And it has a "fix" button. As much as I wish that was a magic button to "fix" my mistakes, it still does something cool...it tacks the thread for you without having to backstitch at the beginning or end of a line. I thought I would never use the "stop/start" button because I felt uncomfortable letting go of the control the foot pedal gives me. But when you are hemming five 5 yard skirts with three ruffles each that also need hemming? That button is a blessing! And at the highest speed the fabric flies through it! I wouldn't use it for things that aren't perfectly straight for miles on end. It is kinda like cruise control on the car...great for the interstate but not for back mountain roads.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm5xLynFalMEw2SA1JRahmrKtcPckiXvPQxEW9p-7bTVmDlPBMwbccz-JKA8TrexG6TXwrhRkL85scsYDwnrut5PIIhZhtC7uVWq7K3qaoqetdXEmm2tuP8YcAkxHObrmU63_zzgIhJQ/s1600/lola+and+opal+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm5xLynFalMEw2SA1JRahmrKtcPckiXvPQxEW9p-7bTVmDlPBMwbccz-JKA8TrexG6TXwrhRkL85scsYDwnrut5PIIhZhtC7uVWq7K3qaoqetdXEmm2tuP8YcAkxHObrmU63_zzgIhJQ/s1600/lola+and+opal+010.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
See those little lights by the needle assembly? Love!<br />
<br />
So far, I have put this little machine through a workout. I mentioned the hula costumes...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GeUWo0xMy3RuXGUUlSyEc8fH3K1VQwHjCOtFA-oaoyWrzC3s9sauByflkY_lXllf9X1YCMg13PYiOOUT9AVnugwER9cb8d9XN-H8Lk2QGdyw9AiOKxIJC6YQQe382ZSm8NHxWKqZLNU/s1600/hula.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0GeUWo0xMy3RuXGUUlSyEc8fH3K1VQwHjCOtFA-oaoyWrzC3s9sauByflkY_lXllf9X1YCMg13PYiOOUT9AVnugwER9cb8d9XN-H8Lk2QGdyw9AiOKxIJC6YQQe382ZSm8NHxWKqZLNU/s1600/hula.png" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
These were our Tahitian costumes. All I had to do here was a plain rectangle pareo. Easy peasy. Oh, and I am third from the left in the back. Our fabulous instructor is in the middle in the black (yay Maka!). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo2okZ_SDHT2obSaJuWXXNOzDoIhCsE0qnfnfBISrr0zf-YA0So-FcmGhv8VYP5mUEVzWWNYQJotpWIfjtioK1r1_xVn8vKS9KAQolsbnClAIZOgDkvyrmEkAyLsTmfY0R9lzSHCHKJs/s1600/hula_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo2okZ_SDHT2obSaJuWXXNOzDoIhCsE0qnfnfBISrr0zf-YA0So-FcmGhv8VYP5mUEVzWWNYQJotpWIfjtioK1r1_xVn8vKS9KAQolsbnClAIZOgDkvyrmEkAyLsTmfY0R9lzSHCHKJs/s1600/hula_2.png" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
These were our Hawaiian costumes. Although you can't see me, you can see the tops and the skirts. These are pa'u skirts which is Hawaiian for "pull your hair out oh my god this is so much fabric" skirts. I seriously almost had a nervous breakdown. The other lady helping with costumes had to do all of the rest...so I can't really complain about my five. <br />
<br />
My machine sailed through these without even a hiccup. And this is where that handy dandy bobbin winding without unthreading came in handy as I went through spools of red thread. <br />
<br />
I also made a couple of toddler boys some dinosaur capes as Christmas gifts. These are made out of fleece and fully lined. Since I only have dogs, a cat, and a fish, I got Max to model these for you. He was ecstatic as you can tell. Bailey was smart and refused to sit still, so she got out of modeling duty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt5JnMYEgcyICTJTLZtU8aWc_E44_0AemIieTOWTuBRTXkL2Sgf1nAPgEkukWlGIyYB3vBr48RIBTU9d1aYoQoUThuQAEcz-u-F526Le34Z23hzdTg8S0lw1tyKsN8yGBP_QUywkJBao/s1600/max+dino+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt5JnMYEgcyICTJTLZtU8aWc_E44_0AemIieTOWTuBRTXkL2Sgf1nAPgEkukWlGIyYB3vBr48RIBTU9d1aYoQoUThuQAEcz-u-F526Le34Z23hzdTg8S0lw1tyKsN8yGBP_QUywkJBao/s1600/max+dino+collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Any machine that can go through two thick fleece layers of spikes AND two layers of green cape all at the same time gets an A+ in my book. At first I was a little worried these capes would be too hot because the fleece was so thick. Then the Earth flipped on its axis and Virginia ended up at the North Pole. The weight of these was fine. <br />
<br />
I don't have a serger, but I love the coverstitch options on my Opal. It worked perfectly for my <a href="http://augustmorning.blogspot.com/2014/01/victory-with-lola-but-not-much-else.html" target="_blank">Lola dress</a>. <br />
<br />
I don't have many negatives except for the clock feature (I can't think of many machines that do have a clock...actually none. Still want it though.) and it is LOUD! Although I had played with it in the store, I suppose the store was loud enough that I didn't notice how loud the machine was. Not a deal breaker, but was hoping for more of a happy hum as it worked, not a full out song. <br />
<br />
Overall, I am extremely happy with my purchase. I also like that I have a dealer here in town and if anything does go wrong, I can get a loaner machine while mine is being serviced. I realize choosing a sewing machine is an extremely personal decision and you need to take a few out for test drives before making a decision. So I'm not saying "YOU MUST BUY THIS ONE!". But if you do, you won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-90850436789803444512014-01-28T17:55:00.000-08:002014-01-28T17:55:09.653-08:00Victory! With the Lola (but not much else)My best friend asked me the other day why I wasn't updating my blog. I could have lied and used the typical "I'm busy" excuse. But I didn't and I won't to you either.<br />
<br />
Honestly? I haven't wanted to write. <br />
<br />
Another friend asked my how I liked my new sewing machine. Again with the honesty...<br />
<br />
I haven't wanted to sew.<br />
<br />
I wish I knew why. I wish I knew I hadn't felt any inspiration. I wish I knew why I was feeling some massive negative body image right now. I wish I knew why I was already stressing over my 40th birthday (which isn't for a few more months). I wish I knew why all I want to do is sit on the couch and watch "Doctor Who" and "Sherlock". Wait, I do know that...they are both amazingly good British tv! <br />
<br />
I am not a winter person. I am a warm air and ocean breeze kind of girl. <br />
<br />
Why don't I move to Florida? Crocodiles. And alligators. And anything that can eat me or my wild animal menagerie I tend to avoid. Oh, and sinkholes. I'm scared of those too. So I stay here in the mountains of Virginia and try survive this massively cold winter. And frozen pipes. And missed school days. And all I do is watch men with British accents. <br />
<br />
I have a bad case of the winter blues. If I cared enough I could write a song!<br />
<br />
Before I sunk into my anxiety ridden winter negativity, I made a dress. <strike>Again, I totally ripped off Lauren's version.</strike> Again, I was totally inspired by Lauren's version.<strike><br /></strike><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vx1rpqnBJHV9UDaA8aHQLVKt38LAcxQgYX0iRyDTktNdQ9NhehyphenhyphenU8N_0XDbdykHNQtFlPs9bYcJSeKmJFuDYRZLYWQJwOjnZjHhFw96M7R4TifCnqcyyrztV1eYWF83z3ojwGoUP9C0/s1600/lladybird_lola.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vx1rpqnBJHV9UDaA8aHQLVKt38LAcxQgYX0iRyDTktNdQ9NhehyphenhyphenU8N_0XDbdykHNQtFlPs9bYcJSeKmJFuDYRZLYWQJwOjnZjHhFw96M7R4TifCnqcyyrztV1eYWF83z3ojwGoUP9C0/s1600/lladybird_lola.png" height="320" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lladybird.com/2013/11/27/completed-the-lola-sweatshirt-dress/" target="_blank">Lladybird Lauren's Lola (say that three times fast)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had previously avoided Victory Pattern's Lola because of the line drawings. I imagined looking like a large fleece covered basketball.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVyWVGvuxGSGvNAgmzkSq5rXx7t32FX3Ce7-VH-K7F3TDCaM8hZeBfz9WNhWwRHqNwbkH6A_B5z0uAPqaw827pmx-Fj2azOuQlQt3irUao7NvpvR8BL3ndJflcqcS-zihSTu1a6v5sJY/s1600/lola.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVyWVGvuxGSGvNAgmzkSq5rXx7t32FX3Ce7-VH-K7F3TDCaM8hZeBfz9WNhWwRHqNwbkH6A_B5z0uAPqaw827pmx-Fj2azOuQlQt3irUao7NvpvR8BL3ndJflcqcS-zihSTu1a6v5sJY/s1600/lola.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/lola/" target="_blank">Victory Pattern's Lola</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I saw Lauren's dress I decided to give it a try. I left off the bottom band and instead just did a basic hem. I also left off the parachute sized pockets. Don't get me wrong, I love me some big pockets. But I knew that with pockets of this size I would be cramming them full of all kinds of unnecessary crap, which would not be an attractive look. I also used an old sweater for the neckline and arm bands (just like Lauren!). <br />
<br />
I had to doctor the pattern for sizing as well. The largest measurements for the top fit me but the lower half did not. Since the seam placement was super important, I had to be careful with how I graded it up. I had to add a total of 4 inches (that's right - FOUR!) in order to get it to fit over my hips. I added a half an inch to each front and back seam just below the waist. That way I would get the space I needed and still have my seams match. Now the bottom fits perfectly. The top? Not so much...I have too much fabric in the lower back and at my high bust. I took some in after putting it together but I think I actually needed to do some pattern alterations, not just dress alterations. And my neckline is hideous. My old sweater had lost all stretch and my neckline is too loose which makes it stand straight up in the back. I try to wear this dress with a scarf to cover all my imperfections.<br />
<br />
Oh, and I got my hair cut. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyMoFdTazD2rTeWEGYIjLkZ1EATvttUudOs1VcPZpm5wr6CJTTio9K-Ut6ltvdVufw4K2pVjYgmKfo7KnCuF29IOcMOgNkJT3ts1vpqkJn1J7FEZWIePeD7Y5n8WpTHF1NL0Id6pUKwA/s1600/lola+and+opal+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyMoFdTazD2rTeWEGYIjLkZ1EATvttUudOs1VcPZpm5wr6CJTTio9K-Ut6ltvdVufw4K2pVjYgmKfo7KnCuF29IOcMOgNkJT3ts1vpqkJn1J7FEZWIePeD7Y5n8WpTHF1NL0Id6pUKwA/s1600/lola+and+opal+front.jpg" height="320" width="136" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtDon4JZZNdgx-xN0brGpjAqXEAxvfSu_D5VTVaDMxxr8Dss1sKtdpWUIWQR1fwD4ogUgSpm6DBUzFTc5k2XCJJLzYIeUliUOadbRVKWNJRdQPRIAy0NDcSU2aD2xQe1CPQnZ_flBvQY/s1600/lola+and+opal+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtDon4JZZNdgx-xN0brGpjAqXEAxvfSu_D5VTVaDMxxr8Dss1sKtdpWUIWQR1fwD4ogUgSpm6DBUzFTc5k2XCJJLzYIeUliUOadbRVKWNJRdQPRIAy0NDcSU2aD2xQe1CPQnZ_flBvQY/s1600/lola+and+opal+side.jpg" height="320" width="113" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtDon4JZZNdgx-xN0brGpjAqXEAxvfSu_D5VTVaDMxxr8Dss1sKtdpWUIWQR1fwD4ogUgSpm6DBUzFTc5k2XCJJLzYIeUliUOadbRVKWNJRdQPRIAy0NDcSU2aD2xQe1CPQnZ_flBvQY/s1600/lola+and+opal+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtDon4JZZNdgx-xN0brGpjAqXEAxvfSu_D5VTVaDMxxr8Dss1sKtdpWUIWQR1fwD4ogUgSpm6DBUzFTc5k2XCJJLzYIeUliUOadbRVKWNJRdQPRIAy0NDcSU2aD2xQe1CPQnZ_flBvQY/s1600/lola+and+opal+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWZXovkQMmmWpZ6qCixyHhaSU_ToPkGOS7YBXXMR1HYp1DvVvIXoWcGQB2erq_PJmISzdt8X7ILcg6XjVXxXs82HoJ14WlX0IsEja0rulw12vTUX22HCFwJacYTSHacIZOr8JOK33c_w/s1600/lola+and+opal+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWZXovkQMmmWpZ6qCixyHhaSU_ToPkGOS7YBXXMR1HYp1DvVvIXoWcGQB2erq_PJmISzdt8X7ILcg6XjVXxXs82HoJ14WlX0IsEja0rulw12vTUX22HCFwJacYTSHacIZOr8JOK33c_w/s1600/lola+and+opal+back.jpg" height="320" width="143" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-GlNWlRcWZaGhL1ifCKCAqOWJbfZwf2VR-Z6W5-JOL5lmQHJr2xrVL1vQk7znzdSmdbChpX6jXziF-fF2PLXA9Xou_V2gv3RJFmBedJutO3biTNyoJj_L37UPL4G2SzUDgYH5Zgth40/s1600/lola+and+opal+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
I have never done a sway back pattern adjustment, and I should have given it a try on this pattern. The more I look at myself in this dress the less I like it. I don't know if there really is something to not like or if my winter blahness is taking over. It is comfortable though. How can a dress length sweatshirt NOT be comfortable???<br />
<br />
On the bright side, I made these super cute boot cuffs to go with it! I am in a local knitting group called Sip & Knit. Twice a month a bunch of women get together to knit and drink wine...life can't get any better than that, can it? I got this yarn at our Christmas Dirty Santa and it was just too wooly scratchy to have next to my skin. And I couldn't think of anything else to do with one skein of yarn so it became boot cuffs!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MYbgjDCerOLGiK-MqHHasDAHqaerlCap3JKDLRFbyYE7dRxEZdnH2CCtQEQkx7XqB3OqkLITPjdVsDt8y_80342UHuxGXjYpEMt5XfeOHtC8PwIIQyWYkI-Z_0TDP6sAQ5n9TeVt2po/s1600/lola+and+opal+boot+cuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MYbgjDCerOLGiK-MqHHasDAHqaerlCap3JKDLRFbyYE7dRxEZdnH2CCtQEQkx7XqB3OqkLITPjdVsDt8y_80342UHuxGXjYpEMt5XfeOHtC8PwIIQyWYkI-Z_0TDP6sAQ5n9TeVt2po/s1600/lola+and+opal+boot+cuff.jpg" height="320" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They are basic stockinette edged with a rib. They can be worked on circular needles or seamed. I opted to seam them because I don't have circular needles yet and wanted to start on these IMMEDIATELY. During a sort of snow event. So I went with what I had. I also wanted a simple pattern since I was using a two color yarn. According to Ravelry, these should have taken me about two hours. Which in slow-Kristin-knit time is about two weeks. I'm still working on my sister's Christmas 2013 cowl. I'll have it done in time for summer. Hopefully. Don't worry, Susan...school is closed tomorrow due to an inch of snow...and I'll work all day on it (in between constantly checking my kitchen sink for freezing pipes...and watching last Sunday's Sherlock and a few more Doctor Who episodes).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UcAmmEggVoV2MI_QMhHIZxIklXRc74xorQxFugvoyAX_nAf6L5NXCf-Brq0ejkdH5YWZbmTKG91jCJOohARrh_JeNBc5EerkJUg5XWooctXtJ4ysFEDbUSu75z3ZKToKcP4P8BbxQak/s1600/lola+and+opal+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UcAmmEggVoV2MI_QMhHIZxIklXRc74xorQxFugvoyAX_nAf6L5NXCf-Brq0ejkdH5YWZbmTKG91jCJOohARrh_JeNBc5EerkJUg5XWooctXtJ4ysFEDbUSu75z3ZKToKcP4P8BbxQak/s1600/lola+and+opal+005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />I'm sorry if I'm a little down on myself in this post. My mood will turn around...probably sometime in mid-April. Or after my 40th in May. Then I'll be ok. And I forced myself to do some future sewing planning. Look out Schoolhouse Tunic...you are next! I'm also thinking of making a hand-stamped scarf in a light spring weight fabric. I'll also do a for real review of my new baby, my Viking Opal 650 sewing machine.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, here is a pic of Max trying to convince me to pet him instead of write...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLd_HG1gI-0-PX1BzoIyBaIqen5559C89Mx-zpks05mJr1XAbM4fXKAjONV5N8ai12sNnbChGBEH7Td1h8XLVKI17XD3PGMEZ7gMBTMW60iBbv5Pt9ZAU7aNaVwwbX7zAptBn-wpEIbs/s1600/lola+and+opal+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLd_HG1gI-0-PX1BzoIyBaIqen5559C89Mx-zpks05mJr1XAbM4fXKAjONV5N8ai12sNnbChGBEH7Td1h8XLVKI17XD3PGMEZ7gMBTMW60iBbv5Pt9ZAU7aNaVwwbX7zAptBn-wpEIbs/s1600/lola+and+opal+012.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-29505519329829986212013-11-10T17:29:00.001-08:002013-11-10T17:29:35.684-08:00An ADHD mess of a post (or what I have been up to for the past month)October was quite busy creatively speaking. But nothing warranted its own post, so this is a random jumble of small projects. <br />
<br />
I know I swore after I finished my zombie costume that I wouldn't sew again until I could get my dream sewing machine. I decided to borrow my mom's instead and that is getting me through until I put my new one on layaway after Thanksgiving. <br />
<br />
I've fallen in love with the tent-like tunic style of dress with leggings and boots. Although not necessarily the most flattering on me, they are super comfortable (and at this point in life, what's more important? that's right...comfort!)<br />
<br />
I decided to take my second stab at knits since JoAnn's put a purple leopard print knit on sale. I've been eyeing this fabric since August but couldn't bring myself to spend $13/yrd. But at 50% off? Heck yes!<br />
<br />
I chose to use Vogue 8731 for the pattern. It is labeled "very easy" and it is! If you want to wear a tent and want some instant gratification...this is the pattern for you! It has three lengths and three sleeve styles (but I think anyone could figure out how to not add sleeves or how to shorten it). <br />
<br />
I hope you are no longer astounded by my complete lack of photography skills. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrtQeDSPMli4Yyy3Wf2ibuaY9_odeudfBw02a9CvZ12JRcuQZVDqM48aVzx1s_hxlCFKaS8E9HIzr0kkWHLgwHu_UlIRzQYOAVyjQO7fzr3-TaYoyVKi52W2ceJwI5dekhoHkgEAL9gY/s1600/october+creations+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrtQeDSPMli4Yyy3Wf2ibuaY9_odeudfBw02a9CvZ12JRcuQZVDqM48aVzx1s_hxlCFKaS8E9HIzr0kkWHLgwHu_UlIRzQYOAVyjQO7fzr3-TaYoyVKi52W2ceJwI5dekhoHkgEAL9gY/s320/october+creations+front.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
I actually made a muslin for this one...which was totally unnecessary. I'm not really sure how to fit a sack any better! I did add some clear elastic to the shoulder seams to give them some strength. But there is no waist seam (woo hoo!). This went together from cutting to hemming in just a couple of hours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroIX37zynbS4KkE1x5rTtiy_Nky7hpzj6vwPB7TmOwbHoPE_sMYripfmweT4ZGXxiKzB7RLJK7O2jKW3-X0-tMJBcucELrfZWwWt_TBmhMOs4BdTnccJipPF_tARpUXbIqmguoL30x6g/s1600/october+creations+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroIX37zynbS4KkE1x5rTtiy_Nky7hpzj6vwPB7TmOwbHoPE_sMYripfmweT4ZGXxiKzB7RLJK7O2jKW3-X0-tMJBcucELrfZWwWt_TBmhMOs4BdTnccJipPF_tARpUXbIqmguoL30x6g/s320/october+creations+side.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
See? Not much shape but enough to tell I have a waist. I'm now realizing the brown boots were probably not my best option. I really need black boots. My Danskos made the dress look like a baby doll dress...so they didn't work either. My black flats made me look like a toddler and the heels made me look like a toddler in my mom's shoes. So the brown boots won. Sorry. I'll buy black boots at some point.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSigHdxv65zZodd7o5qyCjXz02qjgIYtCbbR4mGWu27CpfiYfrSVlMWNVN8etJHSjt9jKF95k9h7dPcJ3GQc8FTjhw1SOu-ZSr-tWdBrbOkgSKJrbRy2CEgr5v8sm5Rhnz7bYpvdZulo/s1600/october+creations+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSigHdxv65zZodd7o5qyCjXz02qjgIYtCbbR4mGWu27CpfiYfrSVlMWNVN8etJHSjt9jKF95k9h7dPcJ3GQc8FTjhw1SOu-ZSr-tWdBrbOkgSKJrbRy2CEgr5v8sm5Rhnz7bYpvdZulo/s320/october+creations+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The front of the dress has four small pleats that help give it some shape. The pattern uses bias tape around the neckline. I found it odd to use bias tape on a knit, but I went with it because I am not comfortable enough to design my own neckline band. I'm sure it is easy, but that would have ruined the speediness of this dress since I really didn't know what I was doing. To my surprise the bias tape worked just fine. I would sleep in this dress if I could (which means it probably looks more like a nightgown than a tunic dress).<br />
<br />
While I'm in the throes of purple madness, I also made a purple scarf. Which was made to go with a soon to exist purple coat. Maybe I'll wear it all with this purple dress. And look a little like a grape. Or Barney...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XI8qB62y1bIOQN8nhQKm4X5MRNe0MrwLIbM3Chyphenhyphenmnokqor0rEP7iqSn5NOQrpll4ajlMlOCk1oudtk-9oF7wZzEQxKqiwXeSxP-fJCIfaoT4q_RqiynHkDqmIsnY3DHWRNAAte_39Qs/s1600/october+creations+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XI8qB62y1bIOQN8nhQKm4X5MRNe0MrwLIbM3Chyphenhyphenmnokqor0rEP7iqSn5NOQrpll4ajlMlOCk1oudtk-9oF7wZzEQxKqiwXeSxP-fJCIfaoT4q_RqiynHkDqmIsnY3DHWRNAAte_39Qs/s320/october+creations+scarf.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
The scarf is just three sections: seed stitch, 2x2 basket stitch, and 4x4 basket stitch. Over and over and over. I used a Lion Brand Tweed for this and it took about 1.5 skeins. I wish I had made it a smidge longer but I got bored with it and finished it. I had planned on blocking it to even out my sides but this was before I learned that acrylic doesn't block. It snaps right back like a rubber band. And I chose this yarn based off of color (and price) and not content. My current scarf project is alpaca...a little more natural than acrylic.<br />
<br />
This scarf will go with my future Colette Lady Grey. I've had the lining for ages, and bought the purple wool on sale for $2.95/yrd this summer (not much demand for wool coating in July). I had hoped to get this together over the summer in order to have it ready by October. It is now November and it is still hanging out just waiting. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRsDhlMR9ja1Ud8OnvgI9s1SzRW5f2JFTElZtYUZzXe1BcTkN_DrshX5WtoX_uMyQauG0XG3FF0txfxLJMu_MyEEvy4eyRWDJmn86x4gnbP6bgIA_H8J2qCDbCCnahbcBVBJ0jEGc1Io/s1600/october+creations+lady+grey+future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRsDhlMR9ja1Ud8OnvgI9s1SzRW5f2JFTElZtYUZzXe1BcTkN_DrshX5WtoX_uMyQauG0XG3FF0txfxLJMu_MyEEvy4eyRWDJmn86x4gnbP6bgIA_H8J2qCDbCCnahbcBVBJ0jEGc1Io/s640/october+creations+lady+grey+future.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/" target="_blank">from Colette Patterns</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It really is purple, it is just a dark purple. I did get hair canvas with the intentions of hand tailoring it as I follow <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/search/label/Lady%20Grey%20Sew-Along" target="_blank">Gertie's sew along instructions</a> for this coat. Which means it should be ready to wear in April. <br />
<br />
Next on my to do list is the Colette Zinnia. I bought a lovely floral chiffon and a gold lining but want to wait on this one until I get my new machine. I can't have my machine chewing up my chiffon. So it sits by the coat.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLAjmDaK_hmutAfz7kblV0B4R4OB-DIwnG9ZN2PqSOZJSHreQu-FIMiTyMDfJRbip2L491qfO_b3t5To-OXkWG5fkvXpSyFlJVdvmWAWp0NdA4MLAWCAU3xQxM4Le_gbXoJGqh-S30Jk/s1600/october+creations+zinnia+future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLAjmDaK_hmutAfz7kblV0B4R4OB-DIwnG9ZN2PqSOZJSHreQu-FIMiTyMDfJRbip2L491qfO_b3t5To-OXkWG5fkvXpSyFlJVdvmWAWp0NdA4MLAWCAU3xQxM4Le_gbXoJGqh-S30Jk/s640/october+creations+zinnia+future.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/" target="_blank">from Colette Patterns</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In all of this waiting, I did manage to finish a couple of owl paintings for a friend's nursery. She asked for owls to coordinate with her daughter's bedding. I even put polka dot sides on them to match the border of the bedding. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-yszsD4_PD4h7NcgPqOR6mV1QSYmwHtORR-W6XpJRMUKaSwWVgODukuITGZYeseSfl0aywH0erRAfpHS7kV-EZLu7Dn1PCD3KI-hmt1CarMcSmmnucI0b_O6mDOnvKU4YbMI0tUZv6g/s1600/october+creations+owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-yszsD4_PD4h7NcgPqOR6mV1QSYmwHtORR-W6XpJRMUKaSwWVgODukuITGZYeseSfl0aywH0erRAfpHS7kV-EZLu7Dn1PCD3KI-hmt1CarMcSmmnucI0b_O6mDOnvKU4YbMI0tUZv6g/s320/october+creations+owls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqX0rwPbdQYglrmv_mYFftLgYF4hV1hkJyp5EqO8m8hC-37wZRiQ1qZ1rWeEeA-xzY7G6c6vi3Yu5Nh2Irr-Wu1lTPyLWyS-QttTiRsmCIsmjCjw6RtuoodwgW2GFLpcyFLkWPV_9Ayk/s1600/october+creations+owls+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqX0rwPbdQYglrmv_mYFftLgYF4hV1hkJyp5EqO8m8hC-37wZRiQ1qZ1rWeEeA-xzY7G6c6vi3Yu5Nh2Irr-Wu1lTPyLWyS-QttTiRsmCIsmjCjw6RtuoodwgW2GFLpcyFLkWPV_9Ayk/s320/october+creations+owls+side.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And last but not least I decided to add a new member to our already wild household. Bailey is 13 and is steadily slowing down. I was thinking about getting her a younger pup with the hopes that she would brighten up a bit. And, selfishly, I am scared of the day that Bailey is no longer with me. I hoped that already having another dog would make that day a little easier instead of facing life dogless for a little while. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I searched online and finally found one that looked like he might fit my requirements of not too big, not too old, not too young, and not in need of intensive training. But when I went to go visit him he was a boisterous 90lbs with a little fear based aggression mixed in. So he was a no. On a whim I went to go visit another one. He greeted me by calmly coming up and placing his head in my lap with his ears splayed out across my knees. He turned his honey colored eyes up to mine and that was it. I took Bailey out to meet him and they greeted each other then both sniffed the ground for our walk. When I lifted Bailey into the back of the car to leave, he tried to jump up with her. He is joining our home for good on Friday. I'm nervous about Phoebe's reaction to him, but he is so laid back that I'm not expecting too many issues.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meet Max...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbKRWSx_2pggM5WnR76a0JPEx1tdTQV7dtTEFG0a0_HIRRmLEfvR-0xXNIBqPQwesDilXhQe8nmODWMJEAbnk-aUQn-PeXuGzhiwBQ4w5BkvLSEKprjikk73lf4lA6JazOujb6fLS8cI/s1600/max_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbKRWSx_2pggM5WnR76a0JPEx1tdTQV7dtTEFG0a0_HIRRmLEfvR-0xXNIBqPQwesDilXhQe8nmODWMJEAbnk-aUQn-PeXuGzhiwBQ4w5BkvLSEKprjikk73lf4lA6JazOujb6fLS8cI/s320/max_2.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgg5GF8XoqfCiSFtihp_xg7BXj8y9UDwM0Fx2_1i8plmGEsBibJprZJLKIBAkxftBEPr8LhyklFEZJ9JPps8A7i38NeyQkX8H69SLjeDMGMlHeV8q8IPr7rboj5Sr57sEgbIDxX48yL8/s1600/max_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgg5GF8XoqfCiSFtihp_xg7BXj8y9UDwM0Fx2_1i8plmGEsBibJprZJLKIBAkxftBEPr8LhyklFEZJ9JPps8A7i38NeyQkX8H69SLjeDMGMlHeV8q8IPr7rboj5Sr57sEgbIDxX48yL8/s320/max_3.png" width="216" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll write more to let everyone know how his introduction to my wild kingdom goes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whew! My next projects include some Christmas gifts and hula recital costumes. Then the coat and skirt....I promise.... </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-30255315132321589032013-10-06T14:27:00.000-07:002013-10-06T14:27:03.266-07:00Colette Hawthorn and ZOMBIES!I love costumes and love dressing up. But I don't have many opportunities to play dress up, so when I get the chance to do so, I'm all over it! Which is why I excitedly registered to be a zombie in the Roanoke Zombie 5K. Plus I can't run anymore. Or jog. Or even walk a 5K. But I could dress up and lumber after people (like my sister) and try to catch their flags (lives) as they ran the 5K. Plus it was for Special Olympics. I can never turn down Special Olympics (over $26,000 was raised..woop, woop!).
I started planning my costume by searching for zombie costumes on Pinterest and was quickly remembered that zombies are actually pretty gross. I can't dress in a pretty pink dress with a fun tulle crinoline and be a zombie. I couldn't really plan on being a princessy zombie...that would look stupid.
Or could I?
Enter my second Colette Hawthorn. I already had a light bubble gum pink cotton in my stash that I could accent with white to make a waitress uniform. I bought some plastic brains and fingers to glue on a tray I took from our school cafeteria. And because my bubble gum pink was pretty sheer, I opted to wear my white crinoline underneath for a retro waitress look. I was going to be a pretty and not very bloody zombie. I did break down and did some gory cuts with lipstick and painted my nails a lovely shade of brain-eating dead. But otherwise I was a pretty in pink zombie.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUEoqjWpdYXKs7p1I1RSgdpShr3hGRAmi3CtVba2deqDDW5grulWt2Hs8jvjdIqojj4mOXWlMIxpBtZrb_XrPFH7cVn5Y9gKuznlEIKr5dWg97aRG9thGK_Aic9e65LcEwUvOqFTfTCk/s1600/zombie+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUEoqjWpdYXKs7p1I1RSgdpShr3hGRAmi3CtVba2deqDDW5grulWt2Hs8jvjdIqojj4mOXWlMIxpBtZrb_XrPFH7cVn5Y9gKuznlEIKr5dWg97aRG9thGK_Aic9e65LcEwUvOqFTfTCk/s320/zombie+side.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Although I have made a lovely skulls and crossbones version of this dress, and I used the exact same pattern, my darts ended up all wonky on this one. The bodice of the dress kept creeping up so my bust darts look like they end at my neck. I'm going to blame it on the crinoline pushing the dress up and not my slightly expanded waistline....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWHvsKVIX00bPKS0JnRVsNrgVY5KXyBWNoS7BSgQJ0c84nADgNYPvyuAe6vf-xZd319hmxmJBptW2StBpKZAMerzv1mUsxZIcjAuSyrlruHgQojieaLy6-_uAOI7PX3q83c9PgeTbk18/s1600/zombie+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWHvsKVIX00bPKS0JnRVsNrgVY5KXyBWNoS7BSgQJ0c84nADgNYPvyuAe6vf-xZd319hmxmJBptW2StBpKZAMerzv1mUsxZIcjAuSyrlruHgQojieaLy6-_uAOI7PX3q83c9PgeTbk18/s320/zombie+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's amazing what a little black eyeliner, red lipstick, and clear lip gloss can do. I recreated one on my leg which Bailey promptly rubbed against. She thankfully survived her zombie attack but she had a reddish mark for a few hours...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfsTMkyEFoIuRe4wPtUuAXHL4GxuUCTB572_E_7dZNHwU3pLA65666-fHCOjc4Q6lbfl47jEvRbcU-j0s4riY2mx4tOdncLYTc0vfNKOdVdUHuUYbJl0x7oPq17Mkd9Z3x0mEsDXxzOk/s1600/zombie+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfsTMkyEFoIuRe4wPtUuAXHL4GxuUCTB572_E_7dZNHwU3pLA65666-fHCOjc4Q6lbfl47jEvRbcU-j0s4riY2mx4tOdncLYTc0vfNKOdVdUHuUYbJl0x7oPq17Mkd9Z3x0mEsDXxzOk/s320/zombie+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My creeptastic nails! I had all of these nail colors on hand already. I'm not really sure what that says about my choices in polishes. Does it look like I just finished serving up a tasty meal of brains and finger fries?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKajnjKtf3nTN-wsO6OMxcWkV-jl9Ly0humybW3gTK9_w2nP39NP1eRL8iRpkEq1GxAPaSIlyD9bTxer1_ctNjrHzMQTu2rC_vX4Q9NFztJcurdnMojxwH78upp1Ia0jIgrH2U0d-4NZw/s1600/zombie+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKajnjKtf3nTN-wsO6OMxcWkV-jl9Ly0humybW3gTK9_w2nP39NP1eRL8iRpkEq1GxAPaSIlyD9bTxer1_ctNjrHzMQTu2rC_vX4Q9NFztJcurdnMojxwH78upp1Ia0jIgrH2U0d-4NZw/s320/zombie+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mmmm, tasty! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0JPPetHhwjeVOqobotMtcDydUDGuym-nabkpf8oItQhzLZoyiZk1ymzWXTLUfBxq95_MqXlKkntI_nPLXL2G6rx6vLMpVJ9E0g10c11xhN7Syq8Kf7ekrXbKNbQswV_qlMSFwtnUqKM/s1600/zombie+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0JPPetHhwjeVOqobotMtcDydUDGuym-nabkpf8oItQhzLZoyiZk1ymzWXTLUfBxq95_MqXlKkntI_nPLXL2G6rx6vLMpVJ9E0g10c11xhN7Syq8Kf7ekrXbKNbQswV_qlMSFwtnUqKM/s320/zombie+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You can kind of see my black eyes and blush here...but I didn't quite get it all dark enough. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxdgrcrpL-xYNca6O9o2IKtl1_ol2lxBMVSnkRB-Kv0hZAoN993hzR7QWK_GEJ6hBGf22vR5WwIBmoH8RpTFlKHN13RE6kZLwnmZ8hCRNSwc89FbMNqHJUM_Nxc8XZPv8AUy8EbG_hGY/s1600/zombie_roanoke_zombie_run.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxdgrcrpL-xYNca6O9o2IKtl1_ol2lxBMVSnkRB-Kv0hZAoN993hzR7QWK_GEJ6hBGf22vR5WwIBmoH8RpTFlKHN13RE6kZLwnmZ8hCRNSwc89FbMNqHJUM_Nxc8XZPv8AUy8EbG_hGY/s320/zombie_roanoke_zombie_run.png" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=344372459041681&set=a.344370762375184.1073741834.248321881980073&type=1&theater" target="_blank">Roanoke Zombie 5K</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here I am on the course ready to "kill" all the runners I could. The brain fabric for the apron is from Spoonflower and I used the pattern found in <b>The Liberty Book of Home Sewing</b>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKonCNyEI43WGjgT2v-hZXzodKTxu9r-6cU0mSE2u5WK1Iq5mFUuRZn1rHAK8O5JRvSF-hs6Dt9Y90JdHg2UMZWaEURwSp5Q_WyWEJ0eYFtZ4n0XTdnXYBpHc83PfnB1I0a7uVEUvekk/s1600/zombie_wdbj_7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKonCNyEI43WGjgT2v-hZXzodKTxu9r-6cU0mSE2u5WK1Iq5mFUuRZn1rHAK8O5JRvSF-hs6Dt9Y90JdHg2UMZWaEURwSp5Q_WyWEJ0eYFtZ4n0XTdnXYBpHc83PfnB1I0a7uVEUvekk/s320/zombie_wdbj_7.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wdbj7.com/" target="_blank">WDBJ 7</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here I am trying my best to catch a runner. I only caught two. Zombies aren't fast!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20dB6vapMTSuiml7WzV5umOOdDXPDU2YF7d-5Nx15cv_Z8B8ATHvgk_wZjtFvX8ztk8luhDLdPoEkTrzeY1Nb0cCPkH0sEO7kgLhjNrogZJ97oJWjkOROUYZjckvbpMqRi95ybWjZ0Lw/s1600/zombie+and+kelly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20dB6vapMTSuiml7WzV5umOOdDXPDU2YF7d-5Nx15cv_Z8B8ATHvgk_wZjtFvX8ztk8luhDLdPoEkTrzeY1Nb0cCPkH0sEO7kgLhjNrogZJ97oJWjkOROUYZjckvbpMqRi95ybWjZ0Lw/s320/zombie+and+kelly.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here I am with my sister after the race. See those wacko bust darts? I don't know what was going on. I also didn't win the costume contest....all those winners were gross and bloody (not pink and flouncy). But, I did pose in a multitude of photos! So although I didn't look freshly (or unfreshly) like the walking dead, my costume was still a hit.<br />
<br />
The event was a brain-eating good time and I hope they do it again next year. But I still won't do icky....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-29660700170734947752013-09-25T18:57:00.002-07:002013-09-25T18:58:30.622-07:00My first knitting project!I love to wear cardigans. I'd wear them to bed if I could. I have long sleeved ones, short sleeved ones, basic ones, and bright ones. They cover my wobbly bits...and I feel like I am wearing a security blanket all day. But I've become tired of the cardigans I find in stores. I want snazzy ones! Which is what pushed me into knitting. I want sweaters. Lots and lots of sweaters. I entered the time suck known as Ravelry and quickly filled my favorites with sweaters, scarves and skirts! Did you know you can knit skirts? And not look like a toddler? Yes! I will NOT be knitting yarn bikinis. Nobody wants to see that...<br />
<br />
My first foray into knitting was several years ago when those fuzzy yarn scarves were all the rage. But mine always looked like lopsided triangles because I kept adding stitches somehow. I didn't know what I was doing so I quit and shoved everything under my bed. I've moved since then and continued to shove it under the bed in new houses. I have since discovered Craftsy and signed up for a beginning knit class.<br />
<br />
And here is my first presentable knit project! (Disclaimer: my picture taking skills are still not very presentable)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5iudJMhgngzQhUzaV8RcXYTAjCfo3OU6viu5_v4JPWzpIFqL_2jvLXSJWq1DqsnzysBUKCUADWkj5avy8-3Lma6BVCoth_JiiOLgGbnRuuyWEy6vA1bzgp0u2zDndZBJzR3UzFhqdxw/s1600/scarf+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5iudJMhgngzQhUzaV8RcXYTAjCfo3OU6viu5_v4JPWzpIFqL_2jvLXSJWq1DqsnzysBUKCUADWkj5avy8-3Lma6BVCoth_JiiOLgGbnRuuyWEy6vA1bzgp0u2zDndZBJzR3UzFhqdxw/s320/scarf+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used a black and metallic green yarn by Lurex. Our local yarn shop had it on sale. It was not that easy to work with because each time I screwed up and had to pull it out (is that frogging? why?) my fibers would unravel. By the time I started it the fourth time, I really couldn't see one fuzzy strand from the next.<br />
<br />
Amazingly, I still managed to create a scarf. With a keyhole. And with lace! Bailey was at the vet all day and was little upset so I thought wearing a sparkly scarf would cheer her up. It didn't.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpHEr6WlDLQP6epdgmJ7ApArJNKbyBQzG2B50CQNt_iVDKsZqvWgEIIaJpjYSsgbbRsWMAuwb5jBRhJoU1KW4ZVnYXiUEKE73Ow2FN6P2hT_Xw9-P10pHgjsHHjEC8I7yt1I8oX4Mers/s1600/scarf+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpHEr6WlDLQP6epdgmJ7ApArJNKbyBQzG2B50CQNt_iVDKsZqvWgEIIaJpjYSsgbbRsWMAuwb5jBRhJoU1KW4ZVnYXiUEKE73Ow2FN6P2hT_Xw9-P10pHgjsHHjEC8I7yt1I8oX4Mers/s320/scarf+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I tried it on for the first time so everyone could see how it looks on. I just want to say that I couldn't find my black t-shirt today so I am wearing a black pajama top. I was also too lazy to change my shirt for hula class tonight so I wore my pajama top to the gym. I wore my pjs out in public and to work today. I have no shame.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9D1L1rnBKtnNN2Y8YKrp7k_Fa-CHQyPMp6Wn1ExiJIFOEK40OmEPaeM6T3eq8Phs_GAl02s6gNG4Ig-Ch01wX6ESsSVq9puDQeAyjDTG8bGbHo9M03OLXILYyWrnlhYYlr2hsrlUAew/s1600/scarf+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9D1L1rnBKtnNN2Y8YKrp7k_Fa-CHQyPMp6Wn1ExiJIFOEK40OmEPaeM6T3eq8Phs_GAl02s6gNG4Ig-Ch01wX6ESsSVq9puDQeAyjDTG8bGbHo9M03OLXILYyWrnlhYYlr2hsrlUAew/s320/scarf+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Phoebe noticed that I was doing something that didn't involve her so she joined in the fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8udVr3OpKQVo4WJO20gFInABiW76GRd6gdwn-jMBTPH-fQczcT0JHUnThcOtKNbJaBCiRDlOAco2h-FOcaRq8nk79PW4YViGqlXmpxJ12kspa3Y7uSKD_7GsqDPBrumdYY-bHMlLMMk/s1600/scarf+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8udVr3OpKQVo4WJO20gFInABiW76GRd6gdwn-jMBTPH-fQczcT0JHUnThcOtKNbJaBCiRDlOAco2h-FOcaRq8nk79PW4YViGqlXmpxJ12kspa3Y7uSKD_7GsqDPBrumdYY-bHMlLMMk/s320/scarf+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
She also kinda matches the rug too. Just noticed that. Huh.<br />
<br />
Since I knit at the same speed at which I sew (Grass grows faster. Paint dries faster. Sloths move faster.) I might get a nice fall cardigan done by next July....<br />
<br />
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-74343147834359817352013-09-15T18:44:00.001-07:002013-09-15T18:44:06.470-07:00Spooktacular InspirationI know, I know...it is only September...and here I am writing a post about Halloween decor. But in all fairness, I was picking among the last of the Halloween stuff in the store today because the Christmas stuff was coming out. So it was either do this now, or wait until it is October and all that would be out would be Valentine's hearts...<br />
<br />
I love Halloween. Not scary or gory Halloween, but cute and shimmery Halloween. I love costumes, decorating, and seeing all of the tiny tots dressed up for Trick-or-Treating. I found a wreath that I absolutely fell in love with at Grandin Road. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpa3qL4RtJFCNWlWrKOnYPT_LbHLkUKiHt6BygJSbeY9IZzPOQlB6UsXyhvXTu0PmyCBJu4Yiyf9YUiRNYf0S5LEHxMcbVGf6Jn7nGTr1isyss4oyv1CbhtADxIDJr4RIAmALy06WDgs/s1600/halloween_wreath_grandin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpa3qL4RtJFCNWlWrKOnYPT_LbHLkUKiHt6BygJSbeY9IZzPOQlB6UsXyhvXTu0PmyCBJu4Yiyf9YUiRNYf0S5LEHxMcbVGf6Jn7nGTr1isyss4oyv1CbhtADxIDJr4RIAmALy06WDgs/s320/halloween_wreath_grandin.png" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.grandinroad.com/cast-a-spell-wreath/547547?redirect=y" target="_blank">Cast a Spell Wreath</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Isn't it fun?! And it could be mine (or yours) for the low, low price of $349. Um, no. I'm not spending half my mortgage on a Halloween wreath. <br />
<br />
But I still wanted it. So off I went to Michael's to try to make my own. I came home with all my loot and got to work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqSlM8RddJ-d00hoptUh8OQn7CQ69L8PHN3NaU-7PgGUcE5Svz7fGmoMqG_4N5J48x47N-7neJ2qaX9n_XyJrFPb5dFOJ02iFa6f1y-ad8mAGlOYYrXzuvB10qGI6ONQAW0IvNtDeFLk/s1600/halloween+wreath+supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqSlM8RddJ-d00hoptUh8OQn7CQ69L8PHN3NaU-7PgGUcE5Svz7fGmoMqG_4N5J48x47N-7neJ2qaX9n_XyJrFPb5dFOJ02iFa6f1y-ad8mAGlOYYrXzuvB10qGI6ONQAW0IvNtDeFLk/s320/halloween+wreath+supplies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So $35 and a few hot glue sticks later I had this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3qdURUwe3us16ZdtVkeEPlHqAd7dg3q8E_ZWK9aaUKDIWNck62VDpe0rqQDFQojaQ_cLijMzlXxE2jslZzpR7H0FdwsiZIoRfJsR4cW6vn4fm2tx_lzZAzACvXu102w6hV1Wquyhkh4/s1600/halloween+wreath+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4zj5Dlk7W18XJLGn3Lw_ymQlToizaQq58yoJbo5SvJBo7V3bpRdmNGQB3DltDaorBlnh2vIdppXvNySxaUkqVWTkcD8ECcNRas6IH-55SQLygixUq9X1eTF3xdhLXfFh16v5FaErnCg/s1600/halloween+wreath+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4zj5Dlk7W18XJLGn3Lw_ymQlToizaQq58yoJbo5SvJBo7V3bpRdmNGQB3DltDaorBlnh2vIdppXvNySxaUkqVWTkcD8ECcNRas6IH-55SQLygixUq9X1eTF3xdhLXfFh16v5FaErnCg/s320/halloween+wreath+kitchen.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
<br />
I added a flower and a big purple spider 'cause I wanted to...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTdlMqzfWu452l6T_iPvgqLYCvBbEIX-IR2bs9nbwXG7faferEb9mdHNt2LBcuHvhopsKWPQ9NG6IAL4y5hYUdguBi_klK452gNEkiULsmdPJuZzS_VLVpQ51hCVizjbF5HuoddXdcKE/s1600/halloween+wreath+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTdlMqzfWu452l6T_iPvgqLYCvBbEIX-IR2bs9nbwXG7faferEb9mdHNt2LBcuHvhopsKWPQ9NG6IAL4y5hYUdguBi_klK452gNEkiULsmdPJuZzS_VLVpQ51hCVizjbF5HuoddXdcKE/s320/halloween+wreath+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mine isn't quite a full as the inspiration wreath, and it is a bit more glittery...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y-i5-vCdNdD2j6fKVtGjuNAFmmDQqNCt0tZQYuwEG1EXUMVXUnQUUi61CsOhS9z8LONBFOVO6_mYcMPteNE91nwtQNRRECFsKnLtYRqWeceyopEMEPJRBo-PGr4STJBj76zvOzckEmE/s1600/halloween+wreath+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y-i5-vCdNdD2j6fKVtGjuNAFmmDQqNCt0tZQYuwEG1EXUMVXUnQUUi61CsOhS9z8LONBFOVO6_mYcMPteNE91nwtQNRRECFsKnLtYRqWeceyopEMEPJRBo-PGr4STJBj76zvOzckEmE/s320/halloween+wreath+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I painted a few of my plastic gourds just like the way expensive wreath...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbegbf5hP9OdOUF8gVoWK5oWlIgR5zfb9cWsAI2Ibzob-VSfZ8nA9B055kxLSEVFR6UsgHbX06kgvnUGIXRtPTqh3VsFpfZ8troLYw92bs6uNXvYgXmosLEhcVKPKOj3WZyseCb0uy6AM/s1600/halloween+wreath+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbegbf5hP9OdOUF8gVoWK5oWlIgR5zfb9cWsAI2Ibzob-VSfZ8nA9B055kxLSEVFR6UsgHbX06kgvnUGIXRtPTqh3VsFpfZ8troLYw92bs6uNXvYgXmosLEhcVKPKOj3WZyseCb0uy6AM/s320/halloween+wreath+detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm quite happy with my copy cat wreath. And for 10 times less than the original!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxaCzgcNuSX1gYl7pTffdBtMcwMaU8zUMH61XyYnQYoilf48KzIhJyzPavajp28cwhJTG-QSAbE9WpBkOBgT6xhdaWNmaz8hhJ8G-p1wEmXZr-65HRWzUhFv_307eauqancqJuWEI9EA/s1600/halloween+wreath+compare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxaCzgcNuSX1gYl7pTffdBtMcwMaU8zUMH61XyYnQYoilf48KzIhJyzPavajp28cwhJTG-QSAbE9WpBkOBgT6xhdaWNmaz8hhJ8G-p1wEmXZr-65HRWzUhFv_307eauqancqJuWEI9EA/s320/halloween+wreath+compare.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's already hanging up in my kitchen. Knowing me, it will probably stay there until mid-November. Now I just have to make my zombie costume for the Zombie 5K in early October. Only I don't like scary or gory. I'm going to be the prettiest and least bloody zombie out there! I might even add some glitter....<br />
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-6927270909028866322013-09-09T18:34:00.002-07:002013-09-10T17:41:00.870-07:00Super Online Sewing Community EntryHave you ever been to a buffet and piled up your plate with a mountain of food that you will never eat? You know, the "eyes bigger than your stomach" phenomenon. This skirt was my Chinese buffet. I put way too many egg rolls on my plate....<br />
<br />
Sew Mama Sew hosted the Super Online Sewing Match (which is in no way similar to the Great British Sewing Bee...so don't even go there). Talented sewists were selected to participate in each challenge and the pool was whittled down until one winner was left. If you would like to read about the entire match from beginning to end, click <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/tag/super-online-sewing-match/" target="_blank">here.</a> I waited eagerly for each challenge and loved reading through each talented entry.<br />
<br />
There is also a Super Online Sewing Community Match which anyone was welcome to join. All you had to do was select one (or all ) of the challenges to complete and upload a couple of pics to the Flickr pool. The very first challenge was to design and sew your own a-line skirt from Deborah Moebes' Craftsy class...which I had already taken and completed two skirts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz01lVA_e4c_vlRTh19rPUSXtaAWMuBPiWpll6OtAMC_MIoBRIr7yLeiJEdKnBQxzPPVyaL0WVjbHZv37Woz3iDRAbE2D9NCvT5igJC1SUosgV-AF0OmcrfDEXfvmedaV12srIrJnXjIU/s1600/collage+aline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz01lVA_e4c_vlRTh19rPUSXtaAWMuBPiWpll6OtAMC_MIoBRIr7yLeiJEdKnBQxzPPVyaL0WVjbHZv37Woz3iDRAbE2D9NCvT5igJC1SUosgV-AF0OmcrfDEXfvmedaV12srIrJnXjIU/s320/collage+aline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I immediately started looking for fabric and ran across a beautiful (but blindingly bright) yellow tweed wool. It was on sale (not a surprise) and I scooped up two yards for around $4.00. My fuchsia lining was about $6.00, so I spent $10.00 for my materials.<br />
<br />
The deadline is (or was, depending on when you are reading this) September 10th. And of course I didn't get started until a couple of weeks before the deadline. But I had done this before, it would be a breeze!<br />
<br />
My breeze quickly escalated to hurricane force winds.<br />
<br />
My tweed was woven extremely loose so I opted to underline instead of lining it. I left the bottom part free when stitching my underlining and tweed together. It went together so easily! I even managed to match my plaid! I've steered clear of plaids or stripes because I am beyond anal about everything matching up and I feared I couldn't do it...but I did!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLeKdFJT5ycz-jrmzyMRb0n2rj-X_cXrBeCGgkawtjRiJnVj8ytekyOfwjazMa0MkLYz8iTCOGNDallqDS3KQtYYEWj0_SX0ZHY__YVw3bsuhDrs2dOr1DIbFhBTmy6xddbBoaZhrOL4/s1600/tweed+aline+skirt+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLeKdFJT5ycz-jrmzyMRb0n2rj-X_cXrBeCGgkawtjRiJnVj8ytekyOfwjazMa0MkLYz8iTCOGNDallqDS3KQtYYEWj0_SX0ZHY__YVw3bsuhDrs2dOr1DIbFhBTmy6xddbBoaZhrOL4/s320/tweed+aline+skirt+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I mean, it's still not perfect, but I think it is pretty well done for my first try.<br />
<br />
Since I was entering this into a competition, I knew my inside needed to be as finished as the outside. I created a facing out of my tweed and finished it with bias tape. I also used the bias strips to finish my seams. I was so proud!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTOLVb7R9XIMlOctAfBrwvm1Yu6Ctv0UlN0KzmzKMvELbE4Cmdik6FbLZ4Wtj05vkJwBM9Rmev6920Mue4gz2Lg6k7h8g3UKPdwCy54Cxe1tMgaMy2A1cTyh7_G8jrLtXFLnkFatvObI/s1600/tweed+aline+skirt+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTOLVb7R9XIMlOctAfBrwvm1Yu6Ctv0UlN0KzmzKMvELbE4Cmdik6FbLZ4Wtj05vkJwBM9Rmev6920Mue4gz2Lg6k7h8g3UKPdwCy54Cxe1tMgaMy2A1cTyh7_G8jrLtXFLnkFatvObI/s320/tweed+aline+skirt+detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My plaid even match up here as well. There was no way I wouldn't win something!<br />
<br />
Then came the hem. And my inexperience working with thick fabrics that fray faster than you can say "shreds" came through.<br />
<br />
I first tried bias tape around the hem. It turned out...well...hideously. My lining was somehow shorter than my outer fabric. I let my skirt hang for a day or two and then evened everything up. It still didn't match up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbchcIhoSRIDUkVkQmTA5ScYjULL5smxqz46CbYkuCxRH7rh-6uRa7K44kZHpkER4Z5qx6UUFnMHN1Ka7EtWDAmhLYA795MIY_Qx2mBR5OLp1O05-IN0J9PuEr7zRKQYb9I8JUnBfKZc/s1600/tweed+aline+skirt+hem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbchcIhoSRIDUkVkQmTA5ScYjULL5smxqz46CbYkuCxRH7rh-6uRa7K44kZHpkER4Z5qx6UUFnMHN1Ka7EtWDAmhLYA795MIY_Qx2mBR5OLp1O05-IN0J9PuEr7zRKQYb9I8JUnBfKZc/s320/tweed+aline+skirt+hem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It hung so straight! Not really. Bailey wanted in on the picture taking action also...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qLEhzda33QK6Wkot3-QuLG-RpMmqGCP7H37GEDCU7x7aDBYxJC56GBfP2qjxldY_Hrvc0VZc4nj5q9wlqpH8LBt4UWu-X9jdTrDEZATbi9WkPsr8D1kdev00QReniqqS1pQGVsLSKhA/s1600/tweed+aline+skirt+hem+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qLEhzda33QK6Wkot3-QuLG-RpMmqGCP7H37GEDCU7x7aDBYxJC56GBfP2qjxldY_Hrvc0VZc4nj5q9wlqpH8LBt4UWu-X9jdTrDEZATbi9WkPsr8D1kdev00QReniqqS1pQGVsLSKhA/s320/tweed+aline+skirt+hem+side.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here it is from the side. I felt a little like a wilted upside down tulip. Phoebe was helping by chasing the threads hanging off of it.<br />
<br />
I tried turning the hem up with the intention of stitching the bias covered edge to the underlining. That was just as disastrous because I couldn't ease the hem in at all. I cut the entire hem off and headed out in search of hem tape or lace. That was today. The deadline is tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I found hem lace in another totally different shade of pink (this skirt is beginning to look like a circus). I got it stitched on and then hand stitched my hem up. I had never used hem lace or tape, so there was some winging it involved (too lazy to look it up...I figured I couldn't hurt the skirt at this point!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcY6pdeZ5SrWzwA1cLd2Y4i81ZHlILz4435NPu8GCgeOF7c4ncnUFqR-_Y0XOy43_kMTKruKQmKgL-Vw7IDo6i9MbliGmhhnkoX6XB1tbZPJ78XuQdU5Ytwk7GnYOEnh2hdaANa2g9_E/s1600/tweed+aline+skirt+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcY6pdeZ5SrWzwA1cLd2Y4i81ZHlILz4435NPu8GCgeOF7c4ncnUFqR-_Y0XOy43_kMTKruKQmKgL-Vw7IDo6i9MbliGmhhnkoX6XB1tbZPJ78XuQdU5Ytwk7GnYOEnh2hdaANa2g9_E/s320/tweed+aline+skirt+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It worked! My hand stitching isn't perfect (and I normally pride myself on my hand stitching skills...not this time). But it is now hemmed. And I'm not redoing it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw-BmKzS0K1pRsBu60xKNiQT24_BpkFmffHiwNh6I09Tfhor8DCaPDUhFQhHIUuKty-r_85FlWdpf5Oi0S8TmRfHm6p3I0HG8aSwCe_IQT1oeuDGMj22aOmvX-ghoumfzvrFFb1GCOVI/s1600/tweed+aline+skirt+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpw-BmKzS0K1pRsBu60xKNiQT24_BpkFmffHiwNh6I09Tfhor8DCaPDUhFQhHIUuKty-r_85FlWdpf5Oi0S8TmRfHm6p3I0HG8aSwCe_IQT1oeuDGMj22aOmvX-ghoumfzvrFFb1GCOVI/s320/tweed+aline+skirt+front.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
The skirt is heavy enough to wear in the Siberian winter. I won't be wearing it anytime soon since we are still hanging out in the 80's. I would go back and get some better pictures since it is a competition, but the skirt is hot. My house is hot. I'd swelter running back and forth between the camera and the living room. And that would definitely not make a pretty shot.<br />
<br />
Now let's talk shoes!!! I bought these from J. Crew about three years ago. They are my favorite shoe. Suede? Wedge heel? Orange? Pink? What is there not to love??? Except with my arthritisy feet I can't wear them longer than about 3 minutes. I just collect pretty shoes to look at and clomp around in Danskos the rest of the time. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB_n0QXfMx2J-ijrvtU7aiZLjXC7r0UTd2fHgl5FDGWrEnHsctGzHfwPWBhpG5S5Nv5uWUbesYx-Y6NMcMnsNwiO4s34CJuF-g-Xdp7MCQzhFpMNpPUMqxTSyD_0CZZZifWCaiKNns9I/s1600/tweed+aline+skirt+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB_n0QXfMx2J-ijrvtU7aiZLjXC7r0UTd2fHgl5FDGWrEnHsctGzHfwPWBhpG5S5Nv5uWUbesYx-Y6NMcMnsNwiO4s34CJuF-g-Xdp7MCQzhFpMNpPUMqxTSyD_0CZZZifWCaiKNns9I/s320/tweed+aline+skirt+shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Ok, I'm off to try more pictures. I just looked at the other fabulous entries. One washed out picture of me standing in my unvacuumed hallway won't win much. At least I moved my dead and misshapen duct tape dress form dressed in a purple sweater and Halloween skirt out of the way...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAcm0tp_0RkAXvFLmUIkBT-_VhvqkQAP0M2rOsGMjMrIMgewTqmKom06ERv_-Tgtq2suXRzKKKwrkTq_KMmI3BgQJARruO7tc2taFGWH5Bk9KhaZ3AbIadjN9nLP5_EvKi0-p5aFcrFM/s1600/tweed+aline+skirt+dress+form.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAcm0tp_0RkAXvFLmUIkBT-_VhvqkQAP0M2rOsGMjMrIMgewTqmKom06ERv_-Tgtq2suXRzKKKwrkTq_KMmI3BgQJARruO7tc2taFGWH5Bk9KhaZ3AbIadjN9nLP5_EvKi0-p5aFcrFM/s320/tweed+aline+skirt+dress+form.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you would like to see the other entries, visit the Flickr pool <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2221957@N24/pool" target="_blank">here.</a> See why I need better pictures? <br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-60225433741260533932013-09-04T17:59:00.001-07:002013-09-04T18:03:02.747-07:00Why I am totally selfish (and ok with it)"Can you make me ____________?"<br />
<br />
"Can you fix/alter/redo this?"<br />
<br />
"I would love to have that. Can you make me one?"<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, yes I can (maybe). But will I? No.<br />
<br />
And here's why.....<br />
<br />
I love sewing. I really do. There are some days when I'll be sitting in my sewing room furious because I can't figure something out, but I love the entire process. There is no pressure on me when I create things because I know it is for me and if I screw it up, <i>no one knows</i>.<br />
<br />
I teach special education for my real job. And although I love it, it is a job. It has all of the stress and pressure that jobs usually have. I don't want to bring that pressure into the craft that I love. And I would. I would be pressured to finish something by a certain time. I would stress if every single seam wasn't perfect or if the fit was off. I don't want that to happen because I would begin to dread my dates with my sewing machine.<br />
<br />
People are also under the assumption that sewing is cheaper than buying clothes at the mall. I quickly realized that wasn't true. By the time I buy all of my fabric, thread, notions, it quickly adds up! And I don't charge myself an hourly rate. If I were to charge someone else for my time, say $20 an hour, the cost would be over a hundred, possibly two hundred (I'm slow.....really slow....). Some people may be willing to pay upwards of $200 for a handmade garment. Most aren't. I'm not running a sweatshop where I work for $0.20 an hour! <br />
<br />
And my most selfish reason??? It would take time away from my own projects! I may not be married or have kids, but I am still quite busy. I barely have time to squeeze a half hour of sewing or knitting into my days. I'm not giving that up so that I can make something for someone who is underpaying me for my time. <br />
<br />
What will I do? I will happily teach anyone to sew. I'd love to help someone create their own wonderful pillow, garment, curtain, etc. <br />
<br />
So instead of asking me to make you something from scratch, ask me to teach you how to do it. Trust me, it will be all the more special for you! And I get more enjoyment from inspiring others to create than doing it for them.<br />
<br />
Oh, I do make occasional exceptions for my immediate family or close friends. But I still make them buy the materials...no one gets everything for free!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kcD9XOYBf3V73dz7y7YSk06N8IxzVrEm08wPFZ9x7Aa0zC3g510lczlY2tiQDONJ-VFga95n3g_TZlE5o088iwjFQS1kquzcborOTWZeAGkO8sSV3UDKPq0vCAZ4g0CpAwstuz5iZ-c/s1600/selfish_seamstress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kcD9XOYBf3V73dz7y7YSk06N8IxzVrEm08wPFZ9x7Aa0zC3g510lczlY2tiQDONJ-VFga95n3g_TZlE5o088iwjFQS1kquzcborOTWZeAGkO8sSV3UDKPq0vCAZ4g0CpAwstuz5iZ-c/s320/selfish_seamstress.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://selfishseamstress.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">From the hilarious Selfish Seamstress</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-75458553341099248802013-08-27T18:59:00.000-07:002013-08-27T18:59:15.765-07:00First Day of School and an Alfred Shaheen Inspired DressToday was the first day of school and I always like to start the year with a new dress. Only instead of buying something from Macy's, I made one to wear. Ok, that's a lie. I made SIX to wear! My first day dress is a mash up of Simplicity 2217 and a self drafted skirt.<br />
<br />
Remember my vintage Alfred Shaheen fabric I found on vacation this past June? If not, I was rambling around in a little fabric shop while on vacation in Emerald Isle, NC when I found just over two yards of fabric by Alfred Shaheen. Shaheen was the pioneer behind the iconic Hawaiian shirt. He also designed fabrics and women's dresses. He is considered a pioneer in the textile industry. Sorry, that kind of reads like a middle school book report. At least I didn't tack on "The End" or end my paragraph with "And that is the history of Alfred Shaheen." <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKpqZo-RBe-eAbw_YmgA6F3CIDlV9H3y-XaJgQ-8A9cm0vARPMDEjh4myQ5JbfzCme9-NUkXip77ZlY1ae-lZeSrfxDZIHERSyOCaT3HDmR0P7Pke1OFEyRnt0YFFNOmE4oXPKq3xxpg/s1600/blue_velvet_.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKpqZo-RBe-eAbw_YmgA6F3CIDlV9H3y-XaJgQ-8A9cm0vARPMDEjh4myQ5JbfzCme9-NUkXip77ZlY1ae-lZeSrfxDZIHERSyOCaT3HDmR0P7Pke1OFEyRnt0YFFNOmE4oXPKq3xxpg/s320/blue_velvet_.png" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bluevelvetvintage.com/vintage_style_files/2009/01/06/a-fond-aloha-to-alfred-shaheen/" target="_blank">Blue Velvet Vintage</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs6Iv-itvdGJh8GFTek9JunhzCqks_PFYax_p8jpkX6x8JXvWKBArICigHyzwqWkllHOPQccJZ-TIXqoCDhVtoA_8ftVBeCivP-tqphILp0kvPKSDSkFoTqHWNCc72SUaAGBD8SA-EJk/s1600/museum_exhibit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs6Iv-itvdGJh8GFTek9JunhzCqks_PFYax_p8jpkX6x8JXvWKBArICigHyzwqWkllHOPQccJZ-TIXqoCDhVtoA_8ftVBeCivP-tqphILp0kvPKSDSkFoTqHWNCc72SUaAGBD8SA-EJk/s320/museum_exhibit.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alfredshaheen.com/SJMuseumQuilts&Textiles/sjmqt01.htm" target="_blank">Dresses</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb3x-MvSMv4PYQVN8X0Sa0C3RoUBBkLgc8MoIT2KsSTcxtXVYYUdCS1SWuiZK6cjNnWlgZP225ewbM3cuIb7QMRLLrdmBdom0b9uyI1vB-eI8OTarbJv_3OZP7x4P4v7S6aKtnly6nMw/s1600/shirts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb3x-MvSMv4PYQVN8X0Sa0C3RoUBBkLgc8MoIT2KsSTcxtXVYYUdCS1SWuiZK6cjNnWlgZP225ewbM3cuIb7QMRLLrdmBdom0b9uyI1vB-eI8OTarbJv_3OZP7x4P4v7S6aKtnly6nMw/s320/shirts.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alfredshaheen.com/SJMuseumQuilts&Textiles/sjmqt01.htm" target="_blank">Shirts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFULsRV6li5bhcAw7sHNHCmZiT315d3nHvLZWZqh7vs6ErrGN7PP5g_Xcbp571biKwFggGLlW-tL1MVrR2CIT2lDYTyE-TDvQFIe_GNVzmgwMNEwPny7hRXIxMFceYCcEaHDN4B_kTJw/s1600/posh_girl_vintage_shaheen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFULsRV6li5bhcAw7sHNHCmZiT315d3nHvLZWZqh7vs6ErrGN7PP5g_Xcbp571biKwFggGLlW-tL1MVrR2CIT2lDYTyE-TDvQFIe_GNVzmgwMNEwPny7hRXIxMFceYCcEaHDN4B_kTJw/s320/posh_girl_vintage_shaheen.png" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poshgirlvintage.com/1950s-alfred-shaheen-hawaiian-sarong-dress-p-79.html" target="_blank">Posh Girl Vintage</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I considered my fabric find to be a treasure that I couldn't ruin. I agonized for weeks trying to decide how to best use it. Then one of my readers, Danielle, suggested using Simplicity 2217 as my bodice. Simplicity 2217 is from their "Amazing Fit" collection, which I think translates to "ginormous amount of ease added." I liked that the pattern had varying cup sizes so that saved me from having to do an FBA. Again, my measurements placed me in a solid 22, but after making up the muslin, it was obvious that taking a few seams wouldn't work and I sized down to a 20. When I looked at the measurements for the finished garment, the bodice allowed for 3+ inches of wearing ease! Since I wanted my bodice to be fitted and not hanging open in the front (which would be oh so appropriate for a middle school teacher to wear to work), I went down a size and still had to take in some along the front princess seams and the top of the side seams. I also added an invisible zip instead of a lapped zip. I did that for no real reason other than I know how to do invisible zips. My bodice fabric is a basic black cotton that collects Phoebe hair faster than honey attracts flies. I think I sewed up the equivalent of a whole cat in this since she likes to lay on whatever fabric I am working with. Um, hope none of my students are allergic to cats... I also put the bodice together in a little different order than what the instructions stated because I was adding my own skirt and I made a muslin instead of fitting as I went. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk9tlpfvcO4CZoEz2omOwoCsSc7oloBZL5nKK0XyarFb7v-LqDSQrl4MOnglsE5bS4rGXE6o5uXFUD5rLS8K8NcL1TfvAaUHMpssMSYc_cY28K3XWGexrDON2J0cwtRQM05EG7PwrluA/s1600/simplicity_2217.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk9tlpfvcO4CZoEz2omOwoCsSc7oloBZL5nKK0XyarFb7v-LqDSQrl4MOnglsE5bS4rGXE6o5uXFUD5rLS8K8NcL1TfvAaUHMpssMSYc_cY28K3XWGexrDON2J0cwtRQM05EG7PwrluA/s320/simplicity_2217.png" width="221" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2217 has a more fitted skirt with a couple of pleats at the top but I opted to do a self drafted gathered skirt for fullness. It is a basic dirndl (you know, two rectangles...how hard can it be?). I did not gather it in the front or the back because I imagine it makes me look slimmer. Or at least not the size of a water buffalo. I also lined it in a light blue lining from JoAnn's. I have no idea what it is made out of but I do know it was next to impossible to work with and feels hotter than summer in Hades. Or I'm having hot flashes. But I'm still blaming the lining. So I'm assuming it is polyester. On the bright side, it is a pretty color.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqLkDzQ3ZZDMFHlJyztGDdbo6ghPSPm-WFN6jeK98wluFTqTHCut-dsLzYfq0qEuRpGEqpmHAbC2SWfd_6azKECtzK0OX4ATAVL_3jzDBKM4nQYSpLzLwBQsKSjgAy0VxUa9I-E4AHOY/s1600/a+shaheen+dress+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqLkDzQ3ZZDMFHlJyztGDdbo6ghPSPm-WFN6jeK98wluFTqTHCut-dsLzYfq0qEuRpGEqpmHAbC2SWfd_6azKECtzK0OX4ATAVL_3jzDBKM4nQYSpLzLwBQsKSjgAy0VxUa9I-E4AHOY/s320/a+shaheen+dress+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I took these pictures after the first day of school and after meeting with our HOA's accountant I've hired to straighten out my mess I created while pretending I know what I am doing as Treasurer. Apparently there was some money missing. Don't worry, I don't have some elaborate scheme to collect HOA fees for my own bank account...I'm not smart enough to figure that out. I just applied some stuff in weird places. Oops. Wait, my point was that I'm tired. Exhausted, actually. Hence the unruly hair and sleepy look.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjgVgyjPKvZzhVqwZypmNymkN6pVWpzfl46UyL43a9NYdspTRXcvfCik86v75fTaRXNOykKvV70gKpjS_U4gFF-7FATU1GFcvewYNl8NueXcDb7xzE4YTrRbUm89HN92-BATskIDuC0I/s1600/a+shaheen+dress+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjgVgyjPKvZzhVqwZypmNymkN6pVWpzfl46UyL43a9NYdspTRXcvfCik86v75fTaRXNOykKvV70gKpjS_U4gFF-7FATU1GFcvewYNl8NueXcDb7xzE4YTrRbUm89HN92-BATskIDuC0I/s320/a+shaheen+dress+front.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c8zptAg-5168_9sqQvECXmhQFw4-6g2c3vW8c8KrBPWoi5PJV5-LQJZdd2sscjlI9JKhXmFh6cW8o7WiC0iEDT5-F4HwF43qIOQGJqT_oeHGsZS9NBfP1lhHAqzoDXyPbWjaHdTUlD4/s1600/a+shaheen+dress+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c8zptAg-5168_9sqQvECXmhQFw4-6g2c3vW8c8KrBPWoi5PJV5-LQJZdd2sscjlI9JKhXmFh6cW8o7WiC0iEDT5-F4HwF43qIOQGJqT_oeHGsZS9NBfP1lhHAqzoDXyPbWjaHdTUlD4/s320/a+shaheen+dress+back.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDiPDdM6Saeuf1BGH_HyUvjWRAoSysuAPWa1TxG5tb0zbY5POr-UbJU_KowpFE9dbC4a6AdL6rkMSZFJGkVX1feGozhS-hAwQ6fir6AnJ5l_ktzdMsaPYmZPAMJczJbzy3HCGTkNP6nQ/s1600/a+shaheen+dress+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDiPDdM6Saeuf1BGH_HyUvjWRAoSysuAPWa1TxG5tb0zbY5POr-UbJU_KowpFE9dbC4a6AdL6rkMSZFJGkVX1feGozhS-hAwQ6fir6AnJ5l_ktzdMsaPYmZPAMJczJbzy3HCGTkNP6nQ/s320/a+shaheen+dress+side.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
When I first took these pics the first few had a bunch of orbs in them. I guess my place is now haunted. All of those noises I blame on Phoebe must be due to spirits moving about. Ok, ok, the orbs disappeared once I cleaned the lens of my camera. But I'm checking into blessing the house just in case. They may have just been hiding for the second round of pics....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIsaRPXp69TTjZOa2EcTifB9EHhKuM5DI66lBXmTgKpAdQtlRH3AHgSmdaxLUzWQ18y1MTRm34EVvO_tqCu0ePGgErTydmg1W9fHGMhkHClgAyDQnIZhjvF9oGgtlZrJIVSD7t6n81Qk/s1600/a+shaheen+dress+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIsaRPXp69TTjZOa2EcTifB9EHhKuM5DI66lBXmTgKpAdQtlRH3AHgSmdaxLUzWQ18y1MTRm34EVvO_tqCu0ePGgErTydmg1W9fHGMhkHClgAyDQnIZhjvF9oGgtlZrJIVSD7t6n81Qk/s320/a+shaheen+dress+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
See the cat hair? And the cat? She's pissed that I picked her up and since I was trying not to be clawed to death (and having my own spirit join my orbs) I forgot to set the auto timer and took a picture of my chest instead. Sadly, this is after I went over it with a lint roller. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL_5NJGXGMbQ7egP7A9J_FCy71_G8YIUPYeBCxjzuutJ5RLKdAoihAtPsx-sZlKcvl0d0yqjgnZIdem9K0L0tE1JK8RiI-DyjTO2ntUTIJPd9PJyQMrz0g8z_rOdQe5yTUTmZIV37MAU/s1600/a+shaheen+phoebe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL_5NJGXGMbQ7egP7A9J_FCy71_G8YIUPYeBCxjzuutJ5RLKdAoihAtPsx-sZlKcvl0d0yqjgnZIdem9K0L0tE1JK8RiI-DyjTO2ntUTIJPd9PJyQMrz0g8z_rOdQe5yTUTmZIV37MAU/s320/a+shaheen+phoebe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On a completely unrelated note, this green is the for real color of my living room. All of my other pictures seem to wash it out. I keep thinking if I make my house look like it belongs at the beach, I'll fool myself into believing I actually live there and not in the mountains of SW Virginia. A girl can dream, right?<br />
<br />
In conclusion, my dress is very comfortable to wear and I love it. And that is my blog about my dress. The End. <br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-71552491145160331682013-08-14T13:57:00.000-07:002013-08-14T14:50:01.794-07:00The tattooed Lady Skater dressI just finished Kitschy Coo's Lady Skater dress! Woo Hoo! I was a "sewing with knits" virgin until I tried this dress. I had seen it pop up on blogs all over internet world, but I shied away from it because it was a knit. And I knew that my illustrious sewing machine would chew it up and spit it back out for me. Then I saw Lladybird's version and it had to be mine.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCPflfw5Wo29bNc0M3J_82MehEoPJH3Xm26jokNuUaam8c9b8QlfP1EIxAGl2vYsv38hL0Lbjtg4j-g-dkjLgMyRzO23HDWhe862-bAlStgFTDVCUe-joXPFvAwtpw10IYCjmhCkyl2w/s1600/lladybird.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCPflfw5Wo29bNc0M3J_82MehEoPJH3Xm26jokNuUaam8c9b8QlfP1EIxAGl2vYsv38hL0Lbjtg4j-g-dkjLgMyRzO23HDWhe862-bAlStgFTDVCUe-joXPFvAwtpw10IYCjmhCkyl2w/s320/lladybird.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lladybird.com/2013/07/22/completed-the-lady-skater-dress/" target="_blank">Lladybird</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To be completely honest, I wanted the fabric too. Until I put it in my cart and the total was $107. That's expensive even when I am getting paid, much more so when I am living off of savings until school starts back up. Not a millionaire, yo. I assumed knits would be cheap because, well, t-shirts are cheap. They aren't cheap. I finally found a pretty one on Fabric.com for just over $17 total. Yes! Once it arrived I realized why it was so inexpensive...it was also see through. And who wears a slip under a comfy knit dress? Not me!<br />
<br />
I ran out to JoAnn's in search of a knit to use for the lining and a muslin. I found a lining, but at $12/yd I wasn't turning that into a muslin. So I used an old t-shirt sheet that was stained with muddy Bailey paw prints from when she was spry enough to get on the bed.<br />
<br />
I was too scared to attempt a knit on my own and I went in search of someone to help me. I found a class on knits nearby that was only $475. Um, no. If I had $475 I could go out at buy multiple knit dresses! I located another person in my area who taught private classes in her home but wouldn't do one class, she would only do 8 beginner sewing lessons for $300. Really??? Not to brag about my mad sewing skills, but I'm beyond starting out beginner...AND I don't have $300. It was beginning to look like my ton of knit fabric would be turned into one big pile of cat bed.<br />
<br />
I expanded my search a little and found my savior...Nan at Pins & Needles Studio in Raleigh, NC!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRfmM9i0XJbDaqvuJoGeEOE5XdypDwQXdiMT73Vp2xFMpQBwDNxgeutzRactDaasJn5omPEeA3TcubeIW983gdUxoPuGNxZlknzphuY1cfxgs_7HUqjIMOKHIArVnqwYK5e2D4caSIf4/s1600/pins_and_needles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRfmM9i0XJbDaqvuJoGeEOE5XdypDwQXdiMT73Vp2xFMpQBwDNxgeutzRactDaasJn5omPEeA3TcubeIW983gdUxoPuGNxZlknzphuY1cfxgs_7HUqjIMOKHIArVnqwYK5e2D4caSIf4/s320/pins_and_needles.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinsandneedlesraleigh.com/" target="_blank">Pins and Needles </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Over the summer months Nan offers open studio time in two hour blocks. She provides the machines and space, all you have to provide is the project. Each two hour block is only $15 and worth so much more! I traveled to Raleigh, crashed with my sister and brother-in-law, and spent two days at Pins and Needles working on my dress. Nan was wonderful to work with. I could use her ginormous cutting table that was cat free! I could use one of her BabyLock sewing machines (which made mine look even more craptastic that it already was)! She even taught me how to use a serger (also on my list of wants now)! I still feel guilty for monopolizing her time when my dressmaking went an hour and half over our allotted time on the last day. She didn't seem to mind and was determined that I would finish my dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnSy2uEx9M3GIK395cRy_Dr0MQY0Jc7OtzlkFn7i5dC90bxEu5s5TTDgz1Xvrisf61qbZdTOjFaF8bWEiAgK4t8ox5SjYhe__c13L8ZfeKA2Ov5CbbDMmd5Yd4RN8_uX9p_iogi5Ptn8/s1600/skater+dress+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnSy2uEx9M3GIK395cRy_Dr0MQY0Jc7OtzlkFn7i5dC90bxEu5s5TTDgz1Xvrisf61qbZdTOjFaF8bWEiAgK4t8ox5SjYhe__c13L8ZfeKA2Ov5CbbDMmd5Yd4RN8_uX9p_iogi5Ptn8/s320/skater+dress+front.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
My dress fabric is black sketchy roses that remind me of tattoos...hence the tattoo dress. The only measurements needed were my high bust and my high waist. I fell perfectly in the size 7 but after making the muslin I realized that my hips and rear are about a size 10 (and the dress only goes up to an 8). "Baby Got Back" is my theme song. Nan helped me enlarge my pattern by an inch on both sides of the bodice and skirt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHmKKtkL2jHwXjQSjW-XnN8RElOek0SHvpvLic6Tw_Jwo62UzWeO4sPARCyOnGdzsnuJPLhYbp23owzv_x7whft9y2zsxvDcnrtS5Gw15trXQn03FbA8GbncjsUDNoJtaJSUPXz1RDOQ/s1600/skater+dress+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHmKKtkL2jHwXjQSjW-XnN8RElOek0SHvpvLic6Tw_Jwo62UzWeO4sPARCyOnGdzsnuJPLhYbp23owzv_x7whft9y2zsxvDcnrtS5Gw15trXQn03FbA8GbncjsUDNoJtaJSUPXz1RDOQ/s320/skater+dress+back.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
We strayed a bit from the directions because I was lining it. My lining fabric also forms the neckband and armbands.<br />
<br />
I also found my shoes in Raleigh (well, Durham, if you want to be picky). They are Swedish Hasbeens from Anthropologie. How did I afford those you ask? Buy shoes that are already more than 50% off and ask for an additional discount because there is a miniscule scuff on the toe. That's how. I didn't realize these were a fashionable brand until our fresh out of school guidance counselor squeeled when I told her they were Swedish Hasbeens. So I guess I really am hip, right? Except I just called myself hip. I suppose that ship has sailed...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TYAqcPX-7oqAe23fvkAxbRRwtQnLR2N7u_QIPyKbwth54L2dea4GVyE57L0ogVGSYyXe4Wd5RyDBofHtbg1bjUf6qIf4YXZbfkzKCtZs1bvLAgVvn_HaNRbMedHJnbZoCMQE78TUEp4/s1600/skater+dress+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TYAqcPX-7oqAe23fvkAxbRRwtQnLR2N7u_QIPyKbwth54L2dea4GVyE57L0ogVGSYyXe4Wd5RyDBofHtbg1bjUf6qIf4YXZbfkzKCtZs1bvLAgVvn_HaNRbMedHJnbZoCMQE78TUEp4/s320/skater+dress+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
But aren't the shoes adorable! Red! With bows! Although with the wooden soles I kinda sound like a rhinoceros in clogs clomping around in them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN-kwxhqabXxH1tCkclR0a_0_OQ2j5zNCmM59e2h8K2c1oeq-9OzEZPoGpy_fQojJ9sCImTu_BqLC58H7M1EGiIVJ9Qq7w_ivRqY1F78eSZoFkZmgT_HjMmUq3DIORLYr-nyqW1Bq7aA/s1600/skater+dress+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN-kwxhqabXxH1tCkclR0a_0_OQ2j5zNCmM59e2h8K2c1oeq-9OzEZPoGpy_fQojJ9sCImTu_BqLC58H7M1EGiIVJ9Qq7w_ivRqY1F78eSZoFkZmgT_HjMmUq3DIORLYr-nyqW1Bq7aA/s320/skater+dress+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And a parting close up of my new red hair and purple extension...with a camera in the middle. Because that always adds a lot to portraits.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Kitschy Coo for such a wonderful pattern, thank you to Lladybird for enticing me to attempt one of my own, and the biggest thank you to Nan who helped me through every step!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-60790095978034686452013-08-01T14:02:00.000-07:002013-08-01T16:18:09.339-07:00Tilda's GiraffeAfter furiously trying to get this dress finished for the Threads Magazine Summer Inspiration Challenge, I decided I needed a small break from sewing clothing for a while.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ0dyNsFzNmQWpESOMhkoAmyIpDGyGn6LUw2mzO5AfsZCVP6-QvQmXNPAiApaEXPs8BRgoNNa-lZjhglLyg58UA_Tf31Kw-RBH89Wr1hGbYqe2OwxLtMs1rOk1svinFzBp7QRCuN3w4Q/s1600/shaheen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJ0dyNsFzNmQWpESOMhkoAmyIpDGyGn6LUw2mzO5AfsZCVP6-QvQmXNPAiApaEXPs8BRgoNNa-lZjhglLyg58UA_Tf31Kw-RBH89Wr1hGbYqe2OwxLtMs1rOk1svinFzBp7QRCuN3w4Q/s320/shaheen+2.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
This poor dress still isn't finished, and I was taking these pictures just before the contest's midnight deadline. I'll blog about this one when it is actually finished and I don't have pins holding my hem up...<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I decided to embark on another project. My youngest sister has been asking me to make her something, anything, for a while now. I've done things for my mom, I've sewn most of my other sister's curtains in her house, I've done things for friends and their kids, but nothing for her.<br />
<br />
Since she is a kid at heart like me, I thought I would do something fun for her and not boring like curtains. A few months ago I bought a random book at JoAnn's because it was on sale. I love this book! It has all these magical creations and almost no directions on how to do any of them so it has sat on my shelf looking pretty since I bought it (how's that for a run on sentence???). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8H1zSrmug4_IFDN6z_O9D91N7VFw4FPLh3q_PY6YwEeOErvdO23tzyaLmFG4IcM2XTT9hyphenhyphenrkcl3vu46qQ6WnBzyioldGAN5gl6_-cAmt_E4OPw1duv8DB33NpUYZtDad3P02bo4woZo/s1600/tilda.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8H1zSrmug4_IFDN6z_O9D91N7VFw4FPLh3q_PY6YwEeOErvdO23tzyaLmFG4IcM2XTT9hyphenhyphenrkcl3vu46qQ6WnBzyioldGAN5gl6_-cAmt_E4OPw1duv8DB33NpUYZtDad3P02bo4woZo/s1600/tilda.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tildas-Studio-fresh-projects-loved/dp/1446301583/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1375389552&sr=8-5&keywords=tilda" target="_blank">Tilda's Studio on Amazon</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I tackled the giraffe for my sister. I knew the directions were missing some pertinent info so I thought about doing a tutorial for the giraffe. The directions are basically "cut your fabric and sew". For the new sewist (is sewist a word? Blogger says no but I'm sticking with it), this would be like me going to a mechanic to learn how to change the battery in my car and all I get is "open the hood and switch 'em out". It would end in an explosion. Probably. I started taking pictures as I went but then got so involved in it that I sort of forgot to continue taking them. So if anyone out there wants a tutorial on making the giraffe, let me know and I'll post what I have. It will get you through the giraffe itself but not the dress. But if you can figure out the giraffe, you can figure out a two piece dress, right?<br />
<br />
Overall, she went together fairly quickly. Just don't count my do overs in that time and and I could say she was created in a few hours. I also used fabric that I already had, so I didn't have to buy a thing!<br />
<br />
I couldn't think of a name for her, so I'll just let my sister name her. I'm quite infatuated with her and might have to make another. Or the elephant. Or one of the angels. Or the cockatoo...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBf2N5B1Sn0R-VQvtiyp0MlToqeY59hGsEdz4zYY9TNFnOOFpX4fDWBD4O4Rvk8jqR-0kgRl78Li2FSq2N1ngvDXcDPgNbWmYt9wE3icdzDPM0jVRieRZ8eiXx38reQj20B1ZFGzvNUY/s1600/ginny+giraffe+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBf2N5B1Sn0R-VQvtiyp0MlToqeY59hGsEdz4zYY9TNFnOOFpX4fDWBD4O4Rvk8jqR-0kgRl78Li2FSq2N1ngvDXcDPgNbWmYt9wE3icdzDPM0jVRieRZ8eiXx38reQj20B1ZFGzvNUY/s400/ginny+giraffe+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Isn't she adorable?!?! I love her! I hope my sister does as well!<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-52021304749692775902013-07-22T11:22:00.000-07:002013-07-22T11:22:46.146-07:00A decade old quiltI have spent quite a bit of my summer break watching tv. Lazy? Yes. But in my defense, I just discovered the show Burn Notice and have been watching every season on Netflix. In order to make my lazy self feel better about becoming a couch potato, I tried to think of things I could do that would allow me to sit in front of the tv for 2 or 3 episodes a day and still be somewhat productive. That's when I remembered I had a quilt that I pieced together over a decade ago. Once I finished the quilt top, I promptly folded it up and put it in a box. I thought that I could rummage around until I found it and actually do the hand quilting to finish it up. <br />
<br />
I spread it out on the bed in a guest bedroom until I decided what to do with it. Although the fabrics are beautiful, it doesn't really go with anything in my house anymore. While I was staring at it and waiting for an inspiration to hit me in the head, Phoebe came to investigate.<br />
<br />
That was four days ago. Phoebe has since claimed the quilt top as hers and will only leave to eat and visit her litter box.<br />
<br />
I'm a little afraid to try to move her in order to work on it...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDv5NSmPpluAFYfka6KawocSRbIB9wAKxt6hOhtM-gsLIrJXi9U_F4Vn3ugMkNRolpKU9A8MMm9jjt0j8fQfnKvx-Bc-4lu9bxOpUFBuzoaQRSMTnO5_LqS77OHjF-GrgJmY1f9HzmwZw/s1600/phoebe+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDv5NSmPpluAFYfka6KawocSRbIB9wAKxt6hOhtM-gsLIrJXi9U_F4Vn3ugMkNRolpKU9A8MMm9jjt0j8fQfnKvx-Bc-4lu9bxOpUFBuzoaQRSMTnO5_LqS77OHjF-GrgJmY1f9HzmwZw/s320/phoebe+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are you staring at???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PCggZmv7LVbVYIHD7GZqm5FTmj7lgd8Hd-xYo4fVo0fryQbLz5MITmO9ayytEWn0MJdmv0djDGjeazJznnvG6yQbRqeo1R8NJWoJ5cLfS_z_y1rr05b5sdvafmLAbpnef_tARVvKbok/s1600/phoebe+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PCggZmv7LVbVYIHD7GZqm5FTmj7lgd8Hd-xYo4fVo0fryQbLz5MITmO9ayytEWn0MJdmv0djDGjeazJznnvG6yQbRqeo1R8NJWoJ5cLfS_z_y1rr05b5sdvafmLAbpnef_tARVvKbok/s320/phoebe+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is mine. Mine. Go away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m8YvJxJ7COzrcAudT0WthsIMZBQzblbpyqnKs2fG-YaAuNIP3Ga-1OYkRqB2-vNxDas0kh-UEA4qu-tDnSMufNYR1EOZiZVrC53E2vsV1qnbUsxJWHAybR5_svt5lTcYPm1bNmP-87E/s1600/phoebe+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3m8YvJxJ7COzrcAudT0WthsIMZBQzblbpyqnKs2fG-YaAuNIP3Ga-1OYkRqB2-vNxDas0kh-UEA4qu-tDnSMufNYR1EOZiZVrC53E2vsV1qnbUsxJWHAybR5_svt5lTcYPm1bNmP-87E/s320/phoebe+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you not hear me? Mine. I'm even going to ruin your photo with my paw.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-5933097050978272622013-07-14T19:53:00.000-07:002013-07-14T19:53:17.374-07:00Colette Hawthorn - the dress that almost didn't happenNow presenting my newest creation....the Colette Hawthorn! With every garment I create, I learn something new. After making four different muslins (or practice versions) of this dress, I learned that I need to work on my fitting skills. Big time. <br />
<br />
I was so excited when this pattern was released that I bought it immediately. I decided to splurge on embroidered seersucker fabric. I was ready. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01ERjhFOVuWYyw6bWg9piCqVr6XBA7NOnEfvI579cPEZoZXtPHeOGu_b63nFdbI6CZlnA8xzR5nQb93b5AaqZAsDS2rqEclJS337edlTeUM6uO1MBaqI0qcvQxZmfJt_s6kL2IWmpV1E/s1600/hawthorn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01ERjhFOVuWYyw6bWg9piCqVr6XBA7NOnEfvI579cPEZoZXtPHeOGu_b63nFdbI6CZlnA8xzR5nQb93b5AaqZAsDS2rqEclJS337edlTeUM6uO1MBaqI0qcvQxZmfJt_s6kL2IWmpV1E/s320/hawthorn.png" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/" target="_blank">Colette Hawthorn</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sfaxiHtSP1cX-zoz6JlX1Bwxj4VI7T1VTpHGOjlDuZXOq5hr0rSzOctzqI5g8g7Qn8mX6m1MtpbGbpM_VW6qBVar8K1Y0eIaeq3UUieetUQgt7yJuT-e_cOzBBJsUumWsR2NAENlb0Y/s1600/skulls.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sfaxiHtSP1cX-zoz6JlX1Bwxj4VI7T1VTpHGOjlDuZXOq5hr0rSzOctzqI5g8g7Qn8mX6m1MtpbGbpM_VW6qBVar8K1Y0eIaeq3UUieetUQgt7yJuT-e_cOzBBJsUumWsR2NAENlb0Y/s320/skulls.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=a8c9b1e3-5a40-4d24-898e-63609fa95522" target="_blank">www.fabric.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I put together my first muslin. Colette Patterns typically fit me fairly well with few adjustments, so I didn't make any. And it didn't fit. Following the sew along instructions, I did a full bust adjustment. According to the measurements, I shouldn't have to do an FBA, but I tried it anyway. I still didn't like the fit. I adjusted the shoulders. It made it worse. I signed up for a Craftsy class on fitting and flew through it. I made my adjustments. And guess what? I still wasn't satisfied. <br />
<br />
I sat in the middle of all my bodice pieces and cried. I was jealous of all of the other people that had finished their Hawthorns and remarked on how easy it was. And their dresses looked great. Mine was a mess. (I was also going on three weeks without a shower due to a leak that had left a lovely little hole in my living room ceiling. And my plumber kept cancelling. And I was a little emotional because I was taking steroids for my arthritis. First world problems, right?) I hauled all my muslins to my mom's and she voted on the second one with only an FBA. I went with it. I didn't care at this point.<br />
<br />
Once I got started, the dress went together extremely easily. Of course, I also had already had LOTS of practice from my numerous muslins. I didn't even have to read the instructions at this point. <br />
<br />
But the universe was not quite totally aligned yet. Because my sewing machine is a moody little thing. She is an old Brother that I bought at Wal-Mart over a decade ago. And there are some days that she just doesn't want to cooperate. I start each project with a new needle. I keep my bobbins full (she doesn't like anything below half full). I make sure she is threaded properly. And she will start of great! I'll sew a seam with no issues. I'll get started on the next seam and she goes berserk and spits all of the thread back out at me. I go through all of my troubleshooting (remove the bobbin, put it back, rethread everything, give her a little pep talk). And the next line of stitches goes wonderfully! But then the next one ends in disaster. This is probably why most projects take me double the amount of time they seem to take others....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnzIPicpOMXFS04KQ3N-tSfC4ynqWVwBLpl7NGZCUUMVfd59fSCZi8_6WzZlhRzrskW4jn8MvH8EcFWZgrVIHnOuNZkrp1QFWD3zFIj76Xl2cI2w5RrLh5PEp29RPWFIzRDT7s_Uuw0A/s1600/hawthorn+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnzIPicpOMXFS04KQ3N-tSfC4ynqWVwBLpl7NGZCUUMVfd59fSCZi8_6WzZlhRzrskW4jn8MvH8EcFWZgrVIHnOuNZkrp1QFWD3zFIj76Xl2cI2w5RrLh5PEp29RPWFIzRDT7s_Uuw0A/s320/hawthorn+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We go through this...a lot....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After stopping every other stitch to pull out whatever mess my machine created for me, I eventually have a dress! And it fits! Well, sort of. I still see issues. But I don't know how to fix them. So I'll live with them. <br />
<br />
I also decided to make a belt using Tilly's tutorial for a bow belt (tutorial is <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2010/06/bow-belt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I usually don't wear belts due to my size but I feel like the belt ties everything together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiKnQI545meoBi0GgxrjgkeLRvTJBrrwIwY8n4Hy-8RdMpU8H7_I3RbemTQZ8KRJF9QjJ0rMYmHmFlEqByjOdk7aLUE3viOCPw3SyzxxvwJViULtIYMpHJPszpHk2wmLK9zZ5_PrQZas/s1600/hawthorn+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiKnQI545meoBi0GgxrjgkeLRvTJBrrwIwY8n4Hy-8RdMpU8H7_I3RbemTQZ8KRJF9QjJ0rMYmHmFlEqByjOdk7aLUE3viOCPw3SyzxxvwJViULtIYMpHJPszpHk2wmLK9zZ5_PrQZas/s320/hawthorn+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you ready to see the whole thing????<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTJc7onGTvB9FeRCL266hjnGAmXKQQVeIGQb4VEteaQHXJhQ0L9apNb78xOLbkmYZ_bZDY7EAeeRnSgMYjiveYcY8ensKRqOMsIdc874dyojKoZc8_Yms28zAw5bpJ8KiZ-g_cSoR96A/s1600/hawthorn+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTJc7onGTvB9FeRCL266hjnGAmXKQQVeIGQb4VEteaQHXJhQ0L9apNb78xOLbkmYZ_bZDY7EAeeRnSgMYjiveYcY8ensKRqOMsIdc874dyojKoZc8_Yms28zAw5bpJ8KiZ-g_cSoR96A/s320/hawthorn+004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYt_iqPYoo8tfFt-c3k5_DTMV4WMCukxCb9VLKEsShmiVwtgJPHmYyUK8kbyQUKgofu-hA4KmxJkHkhbFkuTLofoR8qQeBri1GcP13oAQn93mnRbkCTEmCR0RtPgvqq8u7pTPfP9Z5bQ/s1600/hawthorn+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYt_iqPYoo8tfFt-c3k5_DTMV4WMCukxCb9VLKEsShmiVwtgJPHmYyUK8kbyQUKgofu-hA4KmxJkHkhbFkuTLofoR8qQeBri1GcP13oAQn93mnRbkCTEmCR0RtPgvqq8u7pTPfP9Z5bQ/s320/hawthorn+005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRhF365hS00CfJ-ueGmjDtU0FLJHXM_W_2LoxgtuiiddbEyGF6f72QMBH7rij-lf8Chm6ki14BfER5vBBNMOKmlcI8hjhmIK5QE1DxYoAzDcS5TL3QzW1y39dPlCD7tCEvcoxtfxa4RU/s1600/hawthorn+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRhF365hS00CfJ-ueGmjDtU0FLJHXM_W_2LoxgtuiiddbEyGF6f72QMBH7rij-lf8Chm6ki14BfER5vBBNMOKmlcI8hjhmIK5QE1DxYoAzDcS5TL3QzW1y39dPlCD7tCEvcoxtfxa4RU/s320/hawthorn+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I really do love it. I don't love everything I make, but I love this. I see it getting lots of wear in the near future!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-64418455984364650582013-07-05T13:15:00.002-07:002013-07-05T13:15:36.278-07:00A crepe full of butterfliesThat doesn't sound very tasty does it? A french dessert full of butterflies? Good thing I am referring to Colette Pattern's Crepe dress made up in Amy Butler's Alchemy Queen Ann's Butterflies!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7qL96Rg_uPeD4rYtH7941YnCeWHay2AtpxgA0mZ4sWDxnG8vphdv0f5hYOQsSkM7uS5QBAv-yLbi2r4HYMOxeLPZ1mb-azL2y9SEg0nvHKjhzYnvKGhMWKohCHZUAQrPR1vxmLkJJWA/s1600/amy_butler_alchemy_queen_ann's_butterflies_topaz.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7qL96Rg_uPeD4rYtH7941YnCeWHay2AtpxgA0mZ4sWDxnG8vphdv0f5hYOQsSkM7uS5QBAv-yLbi2r4HYMOxeLPZ1mb-azL2y9SEg0nvHKjhzYnvKGhMWKohCHZUAQrPR1vxmLkJJWA/s320/amy_butler_alchemy_queen_ann's_butterflies_topaz.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fabric.com/" target="_blank">From Fabric.Com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9aUOiWWY3bRl2vsr4Urpeq5WgXHqonVJMhPFuAyG6DF5fr5mt9K-nylJq_FGl97JOPGQHd4vdMp5Vk963NIeHxjrERGJk_vNd9rK1VaRomG-5zXWSth71fcu8bhgiYQhvjdPI_OJBRU/s1600/crepe_pattern.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9aUOiWWY3bRl2vsr4Urpeq5WgXHqonVJMhPFuAyG6DF5fr5mt9K-nylJq_FGl97JOPGQHd4vdMp5Vk963NIeHxjrERGJk_vNd9rK1VaRomG-5zXWSth71fcu8bhgiYQhvjdPI_OJBRU/s320/crepe_pattern.png" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/" target="_blank">Colette Patterns</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />I read other people's experiences with this dress and decided to take my first stab at a lining instead of dealing with the facings in the sleeves. I followed <a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4971/a-shortcut-to-great-linings" target="_blank">this article from Threads </a>on how to insert a lining. Although I made a muslin, I always have a hard time determining how it should fit. It seemed large, but I thought once I got the skirt attached and made it out of a thicker fabric it would fit better. I still think the bodice is a little large, and probably could have gone down a size in the sides towards the waist. I also opted to include the facings with the lining because I thought the sweetheart neckline would need some extra support. It gave me extra support....to point of feeling a little like a linebacker in the shoulders...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-VVt0jCcXqkYsn68RvZVFk8I_JmP0UO4laBcKN9J6fLwcyN9VU0_hNXi24SjHes-r0ZyuoKb_CmmVcxSoa5qWi53_mGz5NhnKyxeMjxIi3ZAnD9iZ6n7emmCBOUullA_E2iD0ICfFYE/s1600/colette+crepe+lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-VVt0jCcXqkYsn68RvZVFk8I_JmP0UO4laBcKN9J6fLwcyN9VU0_hNXi24SjHes-r0ZyuoKb_CmmVcxSoa5qWi53_mGz5NhnKyxeMjxIi3ZAnD9iZ6n7emmCBOUullA_E2iD0ICfFYE/s320/colette+crepe+lining.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
My lining isn't perfect, but I'm still quite proud! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7sJS4u9DjdyE62sHGrhZ0gg4-s8PNuE5rAmjQ0HO3Vu9CjPrngfEY8Fl482N1mO0DyVwQG6cF6A_hVGHwCxEig6eVnxuLkF9EdwIZm4MyHipWqa9v3Dpa-sIiAm3OuaPZaK2pndAM-0/s1600/colette+crepe+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7sJS4u9DjdyE62sHGrhZ0gg4-s8PNuE5rAmjQ0HO3Vu9CjPrngfEY8Fl482N1mO0DyVwQG6cF6A_hVGHwCxEig6eVnxuLkF9EdwIZm4MyHipWqa9v3Dpa-sIiAm3OuaPZaK2pndAM-0/s320/colette+crepe+front.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
See the baggy sides? Oh well....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16sZNO8CfUIo8bPcSaAvXb5yEInXQJMFHHn2w-1Dl6-x69B5k5ea0WBIfwX2k0Dz66TwPl-TAFwBF39Pr9r023u_k_xl4TwNrtegHQLnkXn9FSRmxJ2YjCk5IzL65KAphEg2jRtVv4yY/s1600/colette+crepe+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16sZNO8CfUIo8bPcSaAvXb5yEInXQJMFHHn2w-1Dl6-x69B5k5ea0WBIfwX2k0Dz66TwPl-TAFwBF39Pr9r023u_k_xl4TwNrtegHQLnkXn9FSRmxJ2YjCk5IzL65KAphEg2jRtVv4yY/s320/colette+crepe+side.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3JywKHfsqX2s5fMJzyN8LqiLadCe1eQlEmYnOCf33c9SZjOW7zTLwBHEjOOeaiTAyVc6abXFEVsRZMnSkPOGKNvg003V6hJ1Azjmr3Vt-CNKqc_nU-IwjkJR0Q8KBKeKJte4XPn31BI/s1600/colette+crepe+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3JywKHfsqX2s5fMJzyN8LqiLadCe1eQlEmYnOCf33c9SZjOW7zTLwBHEjOOeaiTAyVc6abXFEVsRZMnSkPOGKNvg003V6hJ1Azjmr3Vt-CNKqc_nU-IwjkJR0Q8KBKeKJte4XPn31BI/s320/colette+crepe+back.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />The extra fabric also poofs out some in the back. I wore the dress to work last week and it didn't flap open so I'll live with it! Other than inserting my first lining, the dress went together very quickly. <br />
<br />
And I love the butterflies!<br />
<br />
Here are my little helpers for this project:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp28jQ_rNNBgY7zujUQ2Qu5GKGWcJIDL20UTY61hGwKFVrF3xpk73VyPcz7nQ9m3Bkl4vWEG5oytHRjkZz1Xo2p6UdA2fpm6X_cQCFghKz1Uop_TfbB-QBRxAStIAWGU4qoxqeDHKiZ64/s1600/colette+crepe+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp28jQ_rNNBgY7zujUQ2Qu5GKGWcJIDL20UTY61hGwKFVrF3xpk73VyPcz7nQ9m3Bkl4vWEG5oytHRjkZz1Xo2p6UdA2fpm6X_cQCFghKz1Uop_TfbB-QBRxAStIAWGU4qoxqeDHKiZ64/s320/colette+crepe+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw21MXaBxtjZuFyzzQzyrjEergycVis0rYt2m359klCib0szZfLpuefXDwfrVjD1mk4CAmDHaZAvMV8Vx-5OZP-5mXLW9ZLzRCgJXeKeM70scUykG7nIr3NDxa5QmMtQKa9at-JyiwqW0/s1600/colette+crepe+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw21MXaBxtjZuFyzzQzyrjEergycVis0rYt2m359klCib0szZfLpuefXDwfrVjD1mk4CAmDHaZAvMV8Vx-5OZP-5mXLW9ZLzRCgJXeKeM70scUykG7nIr3NDxa5QmMtQKa9at-JyiwqW0/s320/colette+crepe+004.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I may need to invest in a cutting table at some point instead of using the living room floor.... </div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-51255843398250237902013-06-24T20:12:00.002-07:002013-06-24T20:12:56.758-07:00A croquis and decisionsA croquis, in fashion terms, is a figure drawing with the clothing loosely drawn in to show how it could hang on a real person. A croquis based off of your own body can give you an idea of how a particular garment would look. Or, your own croquis will scare the daylights out of you because you are drawing your actual size and proportions, not your perceived size. I, for one, imagine a much smaller size than I really am. I made a croquis based off of my own body by dressing in tight clothing, taking a photo, printing it and then tracing the outline. You don't get to see any of those steps. It wasn't pretty. Trust me, you don't need to see me in skin tight clothes...<br />
<br />
On to why I humiliated myself in the privacy of my own home by taking self-portraits in short shorts and tank tops. I'm trying to decide what style dress to create using my Alfred Shaheen fabric. I have about 2.5 yards of a gorgeous floral print with shades of aqua and purple.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigXy7h7S0-WlBzusPIhqt2JHG-gHr5Qf-oPkQCHivzsCpR26AZZjLQWTJmwPgpH6arJ1cbTK0N8yqAJQKgXDQI3KTvpKGwjCtAjlO9cdj2g7eBvMQOB_ezhGziySD3Q34iXR-UZ6A3o8/s1600/fabric+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigXy7h7S0-WlBzusPIhqt2JHG-gHr5Qf-oPkQCHivzsCpR26AZZjLQWTJmwPgpH6arJ1cbTK0N8yqAJQKgXDQI3KTvpKGwjCtAjlO9cdj2g7eBvMQOB_ezhGziySD3Q34iXR-UZ6A3o8/s320/fabric+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The colors are actually a bit muted in this picture. The background is a very light blue, not white. I wasn't able to find this particular fabric anywhere online, but I did find some similar and I'm guessing this fabric is from the 1970's (but I could totally be wrong...blame Google).<br />
<br />
Here are my inspiration dresses:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaBi3tsFdUkTolp7JH2cp2-78lNUSDVr18f5-ejDDhlMc6vikHHtSnjX2Jd4nkYIeCmyRz7REtgYkkHRCV8ctznQw00M2W_S3IfYMq9eMkQUl7vyOkHh0tjaWaV4a2E6PhQzHg2k_ZMM/s1600/shaheen_70.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaBi3tsFdUkTolp7JH2cp2-78lNUSDVr18f5-ejDDhlMc6vikHHtSnjX2Jd4nkYIeCmyRz7REtgYkkHRCV8ctznQw00M2W_S3IfYMq9eMkQUl7vyOkHh0tjaWaV4a2E6PhQzHg2k_ZMM/s320/shaheen_70.png" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cmadeleines.com/1970s-alfred-shaheen-red-rose-wrap-dress/" target="_blank">Picture from C. Madeleine's</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZ9wcbJZKoLZ1KmHYl85q1Ltd3-36rbo8c8dhbBGU1P0N3Q0u590bo2vNI2Tw3TH-DQUeosGkH6pcvNC9wb4kz52Qrilkdkh88xuW1WspQ0Z8JZm6osUAHWQM6Jbj_eh7F0ocd__4oUE/s1600/posh_girl_vintage_shaheen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZ9wcbJZKoLZ1KmHYl85q1Ltd3-36rbo8c8dhbBGU1P0N3Q0u590bo2vNI2Tw3TH-DQUeosGkH6pcvNC9wb4kz52Qrilkdkh88xuW1WspQ0Z8JZm6osUAHWQM6Jbj_eh7F0ocd__4oUE/s320/posh_girl_vintage_shaheen.png" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poshgirlvintage.com/1950s-alfred-shaheen-hawaiian-sarong-dress-p-79.html" target="_blank">Picture from Posh Girl Vintage</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The top one is a Shaheen wrap dress from the 1970's. I got the idea of a black top and patterned bottom from this one. The next one is a faux sarong style Shaheen dress from the 1950's (again, if I am lying, blame Google). I decided to take a bit from both dresses and create my own.<br />
<br />
I started with Butterick 5850. This is a dress with a wrap style bodice and a tremendous bridesmaid's bow with a straight skirt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibL7SF1QXGVY1VzYBNUYG33RgO5smMwdQxtqWKoPLBw9TwVqn7YnSjnws5jTrswWVKuNtodiwlRwa0BeqtRE3Cof6SRweDj1XI2ILLNf-wfPBEk0s_bEGMoTZ74LACJDJLsoT2ITw0f8/s1600/b5850.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibL7SF1QXGVY1VzYBNUYG33RgO5smMwdQxtqWKoPLBw9TwVqn7YnSjnws5jTrswWVKuNtodiwlRwa0BeqtRE3Cof6SRweDj1XI2ILLNf-wfPBEk0s_bEGMoTZ74LACJDJLsoT2ITw0f8/s320/b5850.png" width="124" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5850-products-44668.php?page_id=147" target="_blank">Butterick 5850</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
See how skinny this croquis is? My own drawings (just wait, you will get to see them) are not quite that small. At all.<br />
<br />
My next idea was to use Butterick 5814. This dress is a retro styled dress with a wide neck and flouncy ruffley thing on the skirt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVrtnRXaQu9r-xuWHRgCRrKX7Y4WmIpwUFVCvY_l0NOMOAzJyZjwoes8nOVbnyS_eZnQEDGVzkGWvBXWwKpzi5-K7xjpgFwZklDcQvkMYIo5sfe6wQoGl-bK8Bgd_byKpV4VGKVT04GI/s1600/b5814.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVrtnRXaQu9r-xuWHRgCRrKX7Y4WmIpwUFVCvY_l0NOMOAzJyZjwoes8nOVbnyS_eZnQEDGVzkGWvBXWwKpzi5-K7xjpgFwZklDcQvkMYIo5sfe6wQoGl-bK8Bgd_byKpV4VGKVT04GI/s320/b5814.png" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5814-products-27962.php?page_id=4453&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Butterick 5814 by Gertie</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wasn't a fan of the bodice, I envisioned myself constantly pulling the shoulders up. Plus the wide neck makes it a little more dressy than what I need.<br />
<br />
So I've created my own dresses by taking the parts that I liked and combining them to create a new dress. I also used a croquis of my own outline so I could get a better idea as to what sized elephant I would look in each.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhS0t0zP5x8lanODWQD3QVWdYYGhOUiQ1sLQFdbxpNk2HvtVoA9QO3VbjK5kdcKR5b5nCt0weL2aAbSzZkw8OujJ-Q3aE-OOW3zZ5WrEpjVxZGg31rx41GkI29twNpvbrkbH6xQOYXeU/s1600/croquis2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhS0t0zP5x8lanODWQD3QVWdYYGhOUiQ1sLQFdbxpNk2HvtVoA9QO3VbjK5kdcKR5b5nCt0weL2aAbSzZkw8OujJ-Q3aE-OOW3zZ5WrEpjVxZGg31rx41GkI29twNpvbrkbH6xQOYXeU/s400/croquis2.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My skirts look a little bit more like fireworks than flowers, but my hands hurt tonight. Therefore by the time I got to the flowers, squiggles were all I could do. The first drawing is Butterick 5850 without any alterations. The second drawing is the bodice from Butterick 5850 and the skirt is from Butterick 5814. The last drawing is again the bodice from B5850 but I removed the bow and added what would be a self-drafted sarong style. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Guess what??? I can't decide! Shocker, I know...since I can't decide on anything without getting opinions from the internet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So please, let me know your thoughts! </div>
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-78555781660429990122013-06-14T12:49:00.004-07:002013-06-14T12:49:47.482-07:00It wasn't a rock, it was a rock lobster!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We were at the beach<br />
Everybody had matching towels<br />
Somebody went under a dock<br />
And there they saw a rock<br />
It wasn't a rock<br />
It was a rock lobster...</i></div>
<br />
Or so sang the B-52s. I also have some lobsters, only mine are wearable...<br />
<br />
I actually finished this skirt a few weeks ago, but I haven't blogged about it because I was waiting on the perfect backdrop, the ocean! Where else would you wear a lobster skirt? Well, besides out to dinner at Red Lobster, of course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqsXk-pnS5h1b7rin5xxgKImJ7jOAqLDO0Vn3uPod5GtOaxmbE40oQa8y7BONgvfUKzRq-yCw_P8MImQBLi-ePEsd4gCEuO6MGfR1dQSmKSc3x7ZY8WkMLavZFnYWPd_aj9RM15Cdtto/s1600/lobster+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqsXk-pnS5h1b7rin5xxgKImJ7jOAqLDO0Vn3uPod5GtOaxmbE40oQa8y7BONgvfUKzRq-yCw_P8MImQBLi-ePEsd4gCEuO6MGfR1dQSmKSc3x7ZY8WkMLavZFnYWPd_aj9RM15Cdtto/s320/lobster+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This skirt is a modified a-line from Deborah Moebes's class on Craftsy. I took my original a-line pattern and added volume to it by slashing and spreading the pattern. My original skirt is <a href="http://augustmorning.blogspot.com/2013/06/self-drafted-line-skirt.html" target="_blank">here</a> in case you missed it. I also fully lined it in a nice white cotton (I had never lined anything before...another first!). I finished off the waist with a red bias tape. I bought it premade as always...I'm still not brave (or patient) enough to try my own bias tape yet. That day will come, I'm sure. The waist sits a little lower than I would like, but I'll live with it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFJCX_3Ii1IonyrWslF9n_7HQ6MlPSdy7ma2GYVYKBil5NuE7tYyDIwGACnRgdTzklLdQ4Ti59G89aIcgmkOtLH0Qwr_ujcxiKcxd5VpIlTKbwUTkEs670CkwZdB4zBQ2E-p92SgLeE4/s1600/lobster+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFJCX_3Ii1IonyrWslF9n_7HQ6MlPSdy7ma2GYVYKBil5NuE7tYyDIwGACnRgdTzklLdQ4Ti59G89aIcgmkOtLH0Qwr_ujcxiKcxd5VpIlTKbwUTkEs670CkwZdB4zBQ2E-p92SgLeE4/s320/lobster+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The fabric is Michael Miller's Shore Thing Lobster Pot. I got the grand idea to do a skirt out of lobsters after watching TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress." A young bride was wearing a dress covered in lobsters while shopping for her dream dress. I immediately pulled up Google and started my search for lobster fabric. I bought four yards because I had envisioned a dress of lobsters. Once I got the fabric I realized that a dress would have been an awful lot of lobsters. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtDDl3tYzy82ZBt_6FUNd9IcqZv97grEg4eUIqEi7_E5h8yaOP6ZynRH6Z9fWh2dKFNSdAVCZBe9nS1J50pjplmlvocBnhjOvNsmZ_7dc8YsHut6fu2IBa4bF-vBrGnm-uJRhZehKaBI/s1600/lobster+007.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtDDl3tYzy82ZBt_6FUNd9IcqZv97grEg4eUIqEi7_E5h8yaOP6ZynRH6Z9fWh2dKFNSdAVCZBe9nS1J50pjplmlvocBnhjOvNsmZ_7dc8YsHut6fu2IBa4bF-vBrGnm-uJRhZehKaBI/s1600/lobster+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The shoes I am posing with are completely unwearable. I bought them because they were only $12 at Belk just over a year ago. I've never worn them. They hurt. But I packed them up and dragged them to the beach just for these pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdqCyDw0jEf5CbDL0yQ9ZMiNFaYiwi9wpsNsQzwVlhqaz1Nw9oiCOPQgbFzApIhlU2ejpyheTVWJvZYLRDSZjnQXnDetSBtEPCZyMyupiWE0XaDmn3h4O467gJiC3DyoGtQqcOSLedIM/s1600/lobster+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdqCyDw0jEf5CbDL0yQ9ZMiNFaYiwi9wpsNsQzwVlhqaz1Nw9oiCOPQgbFzApIhlU2ejpyheTVWJvZYLRDSZjnQXnDetSBtEPCZyMyupiWE0XaDmn3h4O467gJiC3DyoGtQqcOSLedIM/s320/lobster+011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2esmyNP3-iEdRD1EWpvBCNVs4hT0tYcr3G9K7G0HUf1BjNpRQecCmzLjDdEbAHb1q39MfkISj2y5CJg0rT9vPqqsMo4KJJA2VcBecbODgOHzFiW5kQymj8VZlgcTbg484n2ljPiD-p4/s1600/lobster+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2esmyNP3-iEdRD1EWpvBCNVs4hT0tYcr3G9K7G0HUf1BjNpRQecCmzLjDdEbAHb1q39MfkISj2y5CJg0rT9vPqqsMo4KJJA2VcBecbODgOHzFiW5kQymj8VZlgcTbg484n2ljPiD-p4/s320/lobster+013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Mom really liked this picture (above) because of the way the wind made my skirt look like a big triangle. See those heels???? I'm surprised I could walk across the deck in them without spraining an ankle. I've never been accused of being graceful.<br />
<br />
I love my lobsters! I've even gotten compliments from strangers, which I consider the best kind. Now, to go take my skirt and killer shoes off because we are doing a Ghost Walk in Beaufort, NC this evening. I really would break something doing a ghost tour in these shoes. And the wind would catch my skirt. I'm switching to some safe jeans and tennis shoes (for when I have to run away from the ghost of Blackbeard!).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-5276302799023958542013-06-11T19:18:00.001-07:002013-06-11T19:18:57.504-07:00Treasure huntingWhile I've been on vacation, I've done a lot eating, napping, and sun burning. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxV54FvI5j0R6nkD3fhYnZShPDyyEj4zeJExo-NZWPRIp6jJCuDh0jj5GzhMJS4ImaWbMoRZmShm0fy2xNy4UlphuB6ip-R781lT0QqDsmLUGteavedADdcUpZX1w_tD_QTrUlwu4Hvc/s1600/fabric+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxV54FvI5j0R6nkD3fhYnZShPDyyEj4zeJExo-NZWPRIp6jJCuDh0jj5GzhMJS4ImaWbMoRZmShm0fy2xNy4UlphuB6ip-R781lT0QqDsmLUGteavedADdcUpZX1w_tD_QTrUlwu4Hvc/s320/fabric+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have taken copious pictures of Bailey doing nothing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16WcPnNZIIRqOORv-MgWS_wif-gYoOF-ONbRZoqSzQUxmVBsQraQGYt2YPGKpyTL5g6W3bcP-igISizpZ5Nk4P22mEqG3khot7fd_e_Ot74ey9bFZVV4GqbA6XDWGREu41YoIHWrwFHA/s1600/fabric+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16WcPnNZIIRqOORv-MgWS_wif-gYoOF-ONbRZoqSzQUxmVBsQraQGYt2YPGKpyTL5g6W3bcP-igISizpZ5Nk4P22mEqG3khot7fd_e_Ot74ey9bFZVV4GqbA6XDWGREu41YoIHWrwFHA/s320/fabric+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have practiced using the way more settings than I will ever need on my camera. By the way, this is the "night landscape" setting...<br />
<br />
And because I have a pretty severe addiction to fabric, I traveled to a local fabric store in Morehead City, NC.<br />
<br />
I wasn't overly impressed until I saw this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Uxtwk3eMymwkiSJZahHPFCRieKFc0rpDNfl57eInnBz-Nuv6enCWTiG5HT_piSiKmNrgZA3232ResPoaOhTk9eVSPuSHxiQkNjAtE6UXUHp0jkLQSo-wDfA-7UznoO5OfISro94gGw/s1600/fabric+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Uxtwk3eMymwkiSJZahHPFCRieKFc0rpDNfl57eInnBz-Nuv6enCWTiG5HT_piSiKmNrgZA3232ResPoaOhTk9eVSPuSHxiQkNjAtE6UXUHp0jkLQSo-wDfA-7UznoO5OfISro94gGw/s320/fabric+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was only a remnant, about 2.5 yards worth of fabric. I thought it was beautiful but I was about to leave it behind until I saw this along the selvedge: </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_TaMDm1CkG1JKRARbTwmb21RP3rAgFg9weK2a_5-rGZkranUyIWqBPVO1-CUqTyP3nAB9Pw4Tcx-dxx6WaOT3I8bTGn9QjJh1XTcjTzbya9_NoivsgieEgrQu3NuwRMLJ_B_MZ3qnIM/s1600/fabric+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_TaMDm1CkG1JKRARbTwmb21RP3rAgFg9weK2a_5-rGZkranUyIWqBPVO1-CUqTyP3nAB9Pw4Tcx-dxx6WaOT3I8bTGn9QjJh1XTcjTzbya9_NoivsgieEgrQu3NuwRMLJ_B_MZ3qnIM/s320/fabric+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Was this real Alfred Shaheen fabric??? Wait, who is Alfred Shaheen you ask? He was a fabric and fashion designer from Hawaii. He is probably best known for his women's dresses and hand printed fabrics. He also created traditional Aloha shirts for men. You can find vintage Alfred Shaheen dresses and the prices range from $100 up to $500. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzs1LTH3igLsCteUlv0ch2wJJAb-faRmZyIt74QG4em4gGI-a1-DcD5Oz8xNYtKpwEPtpAcElhICG43HCS3z-vBmNX80k3prNrALsWXfzvVZj-RUL8EDTh_FmdHqfUjfE6R52kcUH2sE/s1600/poshgirlvintage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzs1LTH3igLsCteUlv0ch2wJJAb-faRmZyIt74QG4em4gGI-a1-DcD5Oz8xNYtKpwEPtpAcElhICG43HCS3z-vBmNX80k3prNrALsWXfzvVZj-RUL8EDTh_FmdHqfUjfE6R52kcUH2sE/s320/poshgirlvintage.png" width="183" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.poshvintagegirl.com/">www.poshgirlvintage.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This one above is a bombshell style dress. The bodice is fitted and the bottom is a sarong style skirt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfs0ntiT1yDnJjFYK1Zn3TPmL1-vV6oBv2oDEKdmDvwXZy7uftOvPcUz6XiO7dFFea05s_eV0ujnX-goG3a5bqQgjMupCOvmUM5Wtxa7bDVS0i0hGclon728rvUFVhsOmaUMFdMawJtE/s1600/etsy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfs0ntiT1yDnJjFYK1Zn3TPmL1-vV6oBv2oDEKdmDvwXZy7uftOvPcUz6XiO7dFFea05s_eV0ujnX-goG3a5bqQgjMupCOvmUM5Wtxa7bDVS0i0hGclon728rvUFVhsOmaUMFdMawJtE/s320/etsy.png" width="215" /></a></div>
Here is another beauty that was for sale on etsy. Again, it has a fitted bodice with a shirred back and a full skirt.<br />
<br />
I thought about just taking my treasured find home and stashing it away for a while. Instead I have been designing in my head. I only have 2.5 yards of fabric, so I can't do a full dress. I thought about a skirt, either a full skirt or a sarong style skirt. But I really want to stay true to the Shaheen style which means a dress. <br />
<br />
I signed up for a Craftsy class over a year ago and haven't done anything with it. It is Gertie's Bombshell Dress class. Would this be perfect or what???<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVNfT2BH0YLhr_IYY4QxvcyOqZlKfxIo6hB__7oCAJTmKVrxkuKizj_8hKIBb0F4Yclv6USbf1796NXjcvXdSjIFaJs58nXuTNxPzWiLf15KP_O_kHs18JYrJ4EcPpechwQKnyLZLOyw/s1600/gertie_new_blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVNfT2BH0YLhr_IYY4QxvcyOqZlKfxIo6hB__7oCAJTmKVrxkuKizj_8hKIBb0F4Yclv6USbf1796NXjcvXdSjIFaJs58nXuTNxPzWiLf15KP_O_kHs18JYrJ4EcPpechwQKnyLZLOyw/s320/gertie_new_blog.png" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/">www.blogforbettersewing.com</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I bought the pattern and another fabric to create this dress. My pattern has a full skirt attached to the fitted bodice. As much as I love the sarong style, the pattern above doesn't come close to my size and I don't trust myself to grade it up that much. So unless I find another bombshell style dress pattern for the curvy, I'll stick with my full-skirted version. I envision my purple and teal fabric forming the skirt and a solid black as the bodice. <br />
<br />
I can't wait to get started! I've got a few more projects in the works that I want to finish before I attempt my Alfred Shaheen style dress out of vintage Alfred Shaheen fabric. I also want to gain a little more experience and confidence before I cut that fabric since it is truly irreplaceable. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-41946055604991044512013-06-10T18:59:00.000-07:002013-06-10T18:59:51.709-07:00Self Drafted A-Line SkirtI signed up for an online class on how to make your own a-line skirt by Deborah Moebes. I ended up with two skirts and two self drafted patterns that I can use over and over. I took the class on Craftsy.com, and I learned quite a lot about drafting patterns as well as some sewing tips.<br />
<br />
As someone who is a bit larger than the typical purchased pattern, I have found it difficult to follow patterns without making numerous adjustments. At first I was scared to write my measurements down, but Deborah eased me through that by telling us it was just a number, that that no one would EVER see it. So don't look for my measurements here! They are a secret...shhh....<br />
<br />
I was shocked that I managed to follow her directions and come out with a very wearable skirt! My first skirt is a traditional a-line with two back darts and two front darts. I love that the darts are shaped to my curves perfectly. I also added in a facing around the waistband instead of doing a bias tape waist. I felt like I needed a little more support to the top of the skirt. <br />
<br />
The fabric I purchased on whim from a local quilting store. I had never visited the shop before and I was the only person in there and sort of felt obligated to buy something. So I left with two yards of Honey Honey Violet Tea Rose by Kate Spain with really no idea what I would do with it. And I grabbed it when it came time to make my skirt. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpWGMzX5TNlDf-8nJtg4lLyT21nAY_zbSSfnz_TNkxWmbS6IxqPPV4peJGn0j0hvN_02Q8sZ8OsN3iozTrJwp0vhGmQ8ENzmVdngr1_KndEiOGk4TqJEQTB97fGRbDAuZUkELvlWBQOo/s1600/a+line+skirt+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpWGMzX5TNlDf-8nJtg4lLyT21nAY_zbSSfnz_TNkxWmbS6IxqPPV4peJGn0j0hvN_02Q8sZ8OsN3iozTrJwp0vhGmQ8ENzmVdngr1_KndEiOGk4TqJEQTB97fGRbDAuZUkELvlWBQOo/s320/a+line+skirt+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
See that pattern??? I drew it all by myself! On wrapping paper. Which I figured was a step up from my usual habit of using newspaper. They make pattern tracing paper, but I am a cheapskate and used the backside of ugly wrapping paper I've bought from school fundraisers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvyl2ITAqrzJf1yGg1PChychb3kVNrRnayYgaxn2exRb1diO3LJtZ2Ma1t87gHiIl7LigaD7oiqNX265CjKDLZAj2CINEBrDCHI_nmEH90ZbBhLCPW4r-HWpvK9Sj0aT1wHNxlep4v8c/s1600/a+line+skirt+on+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvyl2ITAqrzJf1yGg1PChychb3kVNrRnayYgaxn2exRb1diO3LJtZ2Ma1t87gHiIl7LigaD7oiqNX265CjKDLZAj2CINEBrDCHI_nmEH90ZbBhLCPW4r-HWpvK9Sj0aT1wHNxlep4v8c/s320/a+line+skirt+on+wall.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
The lighting here is pretty bad, and my living room walls are the same color green as the leaves in the skirt. So I added a fancy border hoping that would distract everyone from the poorly lit photo. But you can see the shape of the skirt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqvPS-iEi0gQh_RkebmFZ0VYu2GmfYp89U3vbITN_VRiXjSmtqTR3kZtloH9ftHNJoYSiqePxUw5QmubgkT3kh4wQo6PQM9mCM5RkcqB-7hOVHrji7SZIGOdE1P7hZAz5ihSC8RBRq1A/s1600/a+line+skirt+front+porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqvPS-iEi0gQh_RkebmFZ0VYu2GmfYp89U3vbITN_VRiXjSmtqTR3kZtloH9ftHNJoYSiqePxUw5QmubgkT3kh4wQo6PQM9mCM5RkcqB-7hOVHrji7SZIGOdE1P7hZAz5ihSC8RBRq1A/s320/a+line+skirt+front+porch.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />
We are at the beach right now which is why the wind is blowing everything to the left. See the Dodge Durango in the corner? That is my "minivan" I rented to get us down here. Love the rental car process! I'm just glad we didn't end up with an Escort. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBeP26I_7glQ2VHFLX41n4ypBn1dul9k-HqmqfUWpRcXbuk6nSbiqiYTci4TFcgUcQWaW3CGgdc4YamuRHoBwAxWIHyshwxLn-NXU79VnNbsl_DHzhx0MaPb-Yi-caxny0J7NUoXS-x0/s1600/a+line+skirt+only.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBeP26I_7glQ2VHFLX41n4ypBn1dul9k-HqmqfUWpRcXbuk6nSbiqiYTci4TFcgUcQWaW3CGgdc4YamuRHoBwAxWIHyshwxLn-NXU79VnNbsl_DHzhx0MaPb-Yi-caxny0J7NUoXS-x0/s320/a+line+skirt+only.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's a good picture! I do not like to show my knees, so I hem everything below the knee. But I've already decided to make this skirt in a wool for winter and I would hem that one a little higher because I would wear knee camouflaging tights.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCoMmbQhyphenhyphenVLyD9R_8LJ8o-R96go-aZsvKevFAGG3VJh63dQj2IYnuAurlNl4Qb1yFD2CM_6hsYq3nljYH1dR9u3Z4cDitssQG_9miJzWNh_0G3dSm1GautUMJKIMd5EywWKO35_AEfjs/s1600/a+line+skirt+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCoMmbQhyphenhyphenVLyD9R_8LJ8o-R96go-aZsvKevFAGG3VJh63dQj2IYnuAurlNl4Qb1yFD2CM_6hsYq3nljYH1dR9u3Z4cDitssQG_9miJzWNh_0G3dSm1GautUMJKIMd5EywWKO35_AEfjs/s320/a+line+skirt+side.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
Here is the side view. My rear end forms a nice little shelf at the top. And I've noticed that exercise only increases my shelf size. So I loved that I was able to create darts that allowed the skirt to fit right over my shelf. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q2oH0m-dQ-3Rig74ol1Q6V8TDyI7H_U_0jEH9AbDjfmDeJqai7cewD20NjXCZyoBu50s-hsVzEiBAkljugHj1b_-7S4iU_QzOHypfkInCzZ77E8BrMmfWc2U9YCifJhIZSWYtRuaf_k/s1600/a+line+skirt+bailey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Q2oH0m-dQ-3Rig74ol1Q6V8TDyI7H_U_0jEH9AbDjfmDeJqai7cewD20NjXCZyoBu50s-hsVzEiBAkljugHj1b_-7S4iU_QzOHypfkInCzZ77E8BrMmfWc2U9YCifJhIZSWYtRuaf_k/s320/a+line+skirt+bailey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And here is Bailey closing her eyes for the camera. The sea breeze keeps picking her little ears up like wings. I think it is adorable! I also think she is tired of me chasing her around with the camera....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-51286268139749670752013-06-06T19:23:00.002-07:002013-06-07T10:00:07.106-07:00Serendipity Studio "Marilyn"I was so excited when this pattern came out and bought it immediately. For my fabric I used Amy Butler's Lark Souvenir in Persimmon. Nothing could go wrong, right? Beautiful dress pattern, beautiful fabric, I was ready!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWdMaCRaIntW13iomYdZrZPc7q7TGKDd0sB8Rji80FT04pnBbgF23AvXeyot2O_iQxonjHXhDZX7K-VIGGEfdEQTt5HVwi50Rcj9Dr0l9VL896SWuZhJllXZm0pFPDv5fhz75Ei95n6E/s1600/lark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWdMaCRaIntW13iomYdZrZPc7q7TGKDd0sB8Rji80FT04pnBbgF23AvXeyot2O_iQxonjHXhDZX7K-VIGGEfdEQTt5HVwi50Rcj9Dr0l9VL896SWuZhJllXZm0pFPDv5fhz75Ei95n6E/s1600/lark.png" /></a></div>
Except once again my body is WAY outside the pattern sizings. My waist fit, but that was it. The pattern states that it is sized for the average woman: 5'4" with a B or C bust. My almost 5'9" frame with, well, let's just say 'larger bustline', required a few pattern adjustments.<br />
<br />
As always, I first made a muslin as is with no changes. It was lovely. The upper waistband hit about mid bust. The arms gaped in all sorts of lovely directions. The entire bodice was about 3 inches too short. And I had no idea how to fix it. In the instructions, Kay (the designer), mentions that you may have to do a full bust adjustment (FBA) and to just Google it. I've never done this. So I follow her directions and looked it up and found loads of tutorials for patterns that have darts. This dress doesn't have darts. Wonderful. I was on a roll at this point. I eventually found a very well done tutorial at <a href="http://www.lazystitching.com/2010/11/full-bust-adjustment-gathered-bodice/" target="_blank">Lazy Stitching</a>.<br />
<br />
I ended up adding two inches in the FBA and another inch in length. My new pattern piece looked nothing like the original. Here is the original pattern placed on top of the new one...(am I really that big??? I can't believe I am posting this for the world to see.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/87194964@N08/8974533750/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Marilyn FBA by StarCityLady, on Flickr"><img alt="Marilyn FBA" height="240" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8974533750_02db574803.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I stitched up muslin #2 and voila! It fit! Now on to the dress! Wait...I'm 5 inches taller than perfect woman that the dress was designed for so now I have to add 6 inches to the skirt pattern. I decided on six inches because the pattern allowed room for a hem band which I wasn't doing. I pulled out all my tissue paper and started cutting and taping all over again. Now can I start sewing?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of these days I'm going to realize that the whole gathered bust/high waist design is not a flattering look for me. I'm too top heavy for it to look even sort of attractive. I almost didn't finish the dress I was so disappointed. But I did and here it is!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkZD6k-ttMky0U0kSOPQgN0yaJVQ9ug1_u8XdII3yni15ObK023oTQ2xvGUBQFGbgKQb_iNSx1FLvGyW0GA65XSo9CgQZt8oHjFSq5RQsJI3jBJRDF-4DueQx6jDcf5jpDAgsf5krvz0/s1600/red+dress+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkZD6k-ttMky0U0kSOPQgN0yaJVQ9ug1_u8XdII3yni15ObK023oTQ2xvGUBQFGbgKQb_iNSx1FLvGyW0GA65XSo9CgQZt8oHjFSq5RQsJI3jBJRDF-4DueQx6jDcf5jpDAgsf5krvz0/s320/red+dress+007.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
I was playing around with settings on this one. This is called "vintage". Do I look vintage-y?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwBzXcxIh-0Rw7S2YZmUUj9FvDC7mlOR8jhNNWt8Cq5L7hjUePM5L7yfv1_0Rro9_WiBPaM7fNLQ4KBveVyBHRAieiPQKviJbo9pP32O3KB7EjMBxZPP6C-bBQsJHMOS6gWPgouvjTxk/s1600/red+dress+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwBzXcxIh-0Rw7S2YZmUUj9FvDC7mlOR8jhNNWt8Cq5L7hjUePM5L7yfv1_0Rro9_WiBPaM7fNLQ4KBveVyBHRAieiPQKviJbo9pP32O3KB7EjMBxZPP6C-bBQsJHMOS6gWPgouvjTxk/s320/red+dress+008.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
Here it is from the side. I didn't realize until I was done that my eye make up was smeared across my cheek. I spent my day filing what felt like a year of special ed paperwork. Plus it was rainy all day. So I'm a hot mess. And that thing on the floor behind my feet? It is not a giant spider, it was once a cat toy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu24mJMJMmf0cL4PEmKPVvX_JnJVtD2IRkwYYxAjh-CVAQfyWmmsuo5QB-akXCAsjP_utYj_7ywuyR2ZD_1QhlR3tWlWwch8djOLAU_LT8bPFeZ_JnzliF2vxEZHjH5iClio5TH9uozI/s1600/red+dress+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu24mJMJMmf0cL4PEmKPVvX_JnJVtD2IRkwYYxAjh-CVAQfyWmmsuo5QB-akXCAsjP_utYj_7ywuyR2ZD_1QhlR3tWlWwch8djOLAU_LT8bPFeZ_JnzliF2vxEZHjH5iClio5TH9uozI/s320/red+dress+006.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt0UTTBazfQUEn52z8weBWAwF6v6u1TRXaIagoKecJraWnPSoE5lZhbfhPX82nImpsVZtgvq2zEwb-9dORiJiTTR8Y0l-9u1Ad55Y2vNxmLXA2N4s1zG9w_0h9hpH7pZQoTG-3S6as18/s1600/red+dress+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt0UTTBazfQUEn52z8weBWAwF6v6u1TRXaIagoKecJraWnPSoE5lZhbfhPX82nImpsVZtgvq2zEwb-9dORiJiTTR8Y0l-9u1Ad55Y2vNxmLXA2N4s1zG9w_0h9hpH7pZQoTG-3S6as18/s320/red+dress+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is a close up of my ginormo bust. It isn't actually as bad as I thought it would be once I got the facing in around the neckline. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I may keep it. I may chop the bodice off and turn it into a skirt. At this point I'm so tired of working on it that it is just going to hang in my closet for a bit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/87194964@N08/8973283093/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Run away! Run away! by StarCityLady, on Flickr"><img alt="Run away! Run away!" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/8973283093_9ea342e5b2.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here is my parting shot...can you tell I haven't quite figured out the timing mode on my camera? It is titled "Run away, run away!". I'll be selling signed prints in my shop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not really. </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-528106315308236214.post-29477806051740235852013-05-28T19:40:00.000-07:002013-05-28T19:40:56.222-07:00This post is rather pointless but I'd appreciate a visit anywayThis is really just a bunch of ADHD ramblings thrown together to make a post. Because I have a headache. And I left my ibuprofen at work because I was digging around for it due to my left hip deciding to quit working today and I forgot to put it back in my purse. <br />
<br />
I have three skirts, a top, and a brief foray into jewelry making to blog about at some point, but I don't think my neighbors would appreciate me knocking on their door with my camera and a load of clothes asking for a photo shoot. So they will have to wait. At this pace, I'll be blogging about my cute summery lobster skirt in November. My new camera does have a delay on it, but I don't have a tripod and I don't trust Phoebe and a camera. It would end badly. So I either have to suck it up and buy a tripod or find a human. <br />
<br />
But onto happier randomness!!! Is anyone else addicted to "Arrested Development"? I'm about halfway through the new Netflix only season...and I have fallen in love. Oh, not with the show. It already had my love. But with Lindsay's jacket...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jKyJL_0kMSmszyWsyX4cgaOHbdGcb8C0nqtCypMjDsecglryg4w7esi5pRfeTxw9EZY6UP4tC_zBLfB3OF5il45_C33hvoiZ2tsmC6wDFf8sGbtc2PGWIhQkS9vYIUpkZxMm8CGxc88/s1600/bluth.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jKyJL_0kMSmszyWsyX4cgaOHbdGcb8C0nqtCypMjDsecglryg4w7esi5pRfeTxw9EZY6UP4tC_zBLfB3OF5il45_C33hvoiZ2tsmC6wDFf8sGbtc2PGWIhQkS9vYIUpkZxMm8CGxc88/s1600/bluth.png" /></a></div>
Yes, it is a pretty crappy picture. About the same quality you can expect from my own photo taking skills. But I'm too lazy (or headachey) to figure out how to do my own screen shot. So you get this.<br />
<br />
Just look at that jacket! It is a Chanel-inspired navy plaid jacket with this wonderful ruffle trim. And the red rosette pinned to the side is the proverbial cherry on top. I forgot what was happening in the show because I was so distracted by this jacket. Oh, and her hair. Love Portia's hair. I would do that same cut except I have about a gajillion times more hair than she does. I'd probably come out looking like a Shih Tzu.<br />
<br />
I would attempt to create my own jacket, except it would take me months to put together and I currently have three dresses and another coat on my to do list. Not to mention actually making some things for my etsy store...turns out I have to start saving for a new sewing machine. Based on the $10 I just made by doing some alterations for someone, I am only about $590 from being able to afford the machine I am currently lusting over.<br />
<br />
I'm still going to add this jacket to my future escapades pile.<br />
<br />
Oh, and about the new blog header. Sorry. I know it is kinda stinky. I don't like my blog design. I have a design in my head, just no computer skills to make from my brain to my screen. I could pay someone to do it but I don't have a bazillion dollars. Don't tell me it doesn't cost that much...I'm entering two months of no income (public school teacher who works for a system that only pays for 10 months - yay!). Therefore anything over $100 is like a bazillion to me right now. My newly earned $10 may have to go towards food or utilities (nah...I'll skip a meal to work towards that new sewing machine!).<br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10472684934233033259noreply@blogger.com2