Hanging by a Thread: One girl's sewing adventures

First Alder!

2014-07-28T23:07:00.002-04:00

I finished my first Alder, using Robert Kaufman cotton/linen chambray. If you haven't checked out this new pattern from Grainline yet, you should. The pattern is well drafted, and the directions are pro. Now that I've made one, all the fabric in my stash is looking like 'Alder material'.

Things I like this week: holiday inspiration, yummy links and new tunes

2012-12-15T14:33:00.001-05:00

Ok friends, I've been an absentee blogger for awhile now. To be honest, I got tired of using the blog just to plug my etsy shop. If you're interested in that stuff, you know where it is. But what I'd really like to share with you is new, interesting, inspiring stuffs. I've been in a bit of a creative rut recently, which for me means that although I'm surrounded by fabric and yarn, nothing is getting made. A month ago Sunni wrote a really good post on starting projects and not finishing them. I'm guilty of the very same thing, but I haven't yet committed to limiting myself to one project at a time; i.e. I'm too stubborn to put parameters on my creativity.

The good news is that I'm busy collecting new inspiration and lots of vintage sweaters. I hope you enjoy the lovely links below. And hopefully next time I will be posting about some finished projects!

Inspirations:

Embroidered Gingerbread felt ornaments from Alicia Paulson's Embroidery Companion
Buy the book here.

Donna Hay– Christmas, Aussie style. I purchased a copy of donna hay magazine this fall and totally fell in love with her approach to food styling. Her aesthetic is at once decadent and minimalist. I'm tempted to buy an iPad subscription (and I don't even have an iPad!), as one paper issue is $9.99 and one year/six e-issues are just $19.99.
Sneak peak of the December issue here. Ipad subscription here.

Martha's Woodland Christmas– adorable holiday decorations featuring woodland animals.
Slideshow here. Needle felted animal and mushroom ornaments here.

Food:

David Chang's The Mind of a Chef series on PBS. Watch here.

Homemade Chestnut Butter from Marisa @ Food in Jars

Music:

WPCD 88.7 Broadcast from Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. They're "reinventing alternative radio". Love it. Listen here.

Other bands I like at the moment:
Plaid Dragon
Naomi
Kishi Bashi (listen to Bright Whites first)
Takenobu

More Etsy Love

2012-10-19T15:36:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday, friends! I just added a few new items to my Etsy store. Like what you see? Come check it out at Love Julia Louise!

New Etsy Listings

2012-10-15T11:53:00.002-04:00

I just listed new items on Etsy this morning. Take a look, and visit my shop. Happy Monday! Here's to another lovely autumn week.

Christian Dior silk scarf

No Label- wool herringbone skirt

Liberty of London blouse

Bobbie Brooks blouse

Peplum Tee

2012-10-08T13:32:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited to share my newest creation with you, the peplum tee! I really love the peplum trend, and after seeing Burda Style's Peplum Top pattern I was inspired to make something similar. The best part? The whole thing took less than a yard of striped jersey fabric, and I was able to sew it up on my new serger in under an hour. The most time-consuming part for me was attaching the neckband.

Just look at that stripe-y goodness!

In other exciting news, I'm going to be teaching a class on how to make the Peplum Tee at Sew Dayton on November 3rd. If you're interested in learning how to sew with knits and make your own top, let me know and I can send you more details!

ETA: I used a self-drafted pattern to make this knit top. I did not use the aforementioned Burda Style Peplum Top pattern, which is designed for wovens. As soon as I complete the graded version, I will make a pattern available for this top. Thanks!

My New Etsy Shop is Open

2012-10-05T10:19:00.000-04:00

Love Julia Louise, my new Etsy shop is now officially open! I have listed some adorable wool sweaters and a couple blouses so far. More items will be added each week, and I will post preview photos here first. Click below to check it out!

Etsy Me

2012-10-03T11:24:00.000-04:00

I have thought about opening an Etsy shop for a long time. There are always those little excuses, including lack of time and not wanting to turn a hobby into a business. Well, now I can no longer entertain those excuses! Not only do I have a bit of extra time at present, I also have a few extra vintage pieces that simply do not fit in my closet!

Here is a sneak peak at some of the vintage goodies that will be included in my new shop. My first product focus is on winter sweaters. I have found quite a few nice wool pullovers and cardigans, including some super cute fair isle and intarsia knits. Over time I hope to add woven tops, skirts and dresses to the mix.

Happy Wednesday!

Drape Drape Project Updates

2012-10-02T17:18:00.001-04:00

Remember this spring when I mentioned how much I wanted to sew up some projects from the Drape Drape books? Well, I have made a couple things, and had just put off taking photos. Bad, bad me!

The two pieces I've completed are a dress and a tunic. The dress was made with navy ponte knit from Fabricmart, and the tunic was made with bamboo fabric from Banasch Fabrics in Cinci. It was really interesting to work with a woven bamboo fabric, as I had only previously worked with knits. In fact, it's a lot like linen, only a bit more crisp, and very comfortable to wear in the summer months.

Speaking of summer, it's pretty safe to say that season is over. The leaves here in Ohio are slowly turning shades of pumpkin, crimson and burgundy, and the nights now are just right for cozy sweaters, bonfires, and snuggling under the covers. I am inspired to clean out my box of yarn and dig out the old knitting needles. Wardrobe essentials have shifted from slight sundresses to soft sweaters.

Spotify picks of the week:

Autumn Sweater- Yo la Tengo
The Start of Something- Voxtrot
North by North- Faded Paper Figures

Happy sewing!

Garden Updates

2012-07-06T09:35:00.000-04:00

Some photos I took a few days ago before the current heat wave. This week I have been doing evening garden checks, to see how the plants are surviving the hot temperatures. By the time evening hits, my chard has wilted to the ground! The plants eventually revive, but it does take a couple hours.

Eggplant Ichiban

Swiss Chard Bright Lights

Pepper plants are such fruitful producers here, so much that in the past we have ended up throwing many of them away. This is one garden product that's best in small amounts! I pickled some of the Serrano peppers last week, using David Leibovitz's recipe. A brief word of warning though: vinegar really intensifies peppers' heat. I had previously added a whole chopped serrano to a burrito, and hardly noticed it. Then I decided that since they weren't terribly spicy, I could probably eat a pepper straight from the day old brine. Big mistake! After part of one pepper my mouth was on fire, and it took about an hour to knock down the sizzle. If you pickle your peppers, use them carefully :)

Pickled Serrano Peppers

Short Style

2012-07-05T07:45:00.000-04:00

Let me begin by saying that I do not usually wear shorts. You might think my hesitance is in part due to my inability to achieve the adequate amount of summer tanned-skin. In truth this is my least concern when in comes to bearing my naked gams in short pants. They leave more of my legs bare than I am comfortable exposing, allowing my skin to stick to bus seats and diner booths. They also expose my lower half to the elements; Not always a good idea as I get cold easily-- which explains why I enjoy stepping into a sun warmed car after prolonged periods of time in air conditioning.

Despite my reservations on shorts, I do own two pairs of of pleat-front, cuffed shorts. They fit my body type (pear/dewdrop) and style (more Audrey Hepburn than Brigitte Bardot) better than any old denim cutoffs.

Pullover: Yoon

Shorts: Mossimo

Loafers: MTNG

Lately I've been planning a summer shorts wardrobe update. There are so many cute styles to try. Here are my most recent favorites-- please follow the links for fabulous sources of inspiration!

1. Scalloped shorts, 2. Popomomo shorts, 3. Summer white - lace shorts, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs ombre shorts

I hope you're keeping cool! Here it's almost too hot to sew, but I still have some projects in the works, and one recent FO from the Drape Drape books that I can't wait to share...

Happy sewing :)

Cheerful Summer Skirt

2012-07-03T08:45:00.000-04:00

I am excited to share my most recent and most favorite project-- a hot pink bow skirt! The fabric is a Marc Jacobs print from Fabric Mart. Once spied, I was instantly smitten with the fabric (and I must not have been the only one, as it sold out fast!). I made this same skirt two years ago, using a rust colored stretch poplin. You can read about that version here.

The skirt has pockets, a nipped in waist, and it's cheerful color makes me smile each time I wear it. This, ladies and gentlemen, is why I sew--sometimes the pieces all come together perfectly, and the result is pure bliss!

Warm wishes, and happy sewing :)

I'm still here!

2012-07-02T07:45:00.000-04:00

I was preparing a couple new blog posts for this week and realized that I never shared pictures of my entries for the Vintage Modern Challenge. How could it have already been three months ago?!! I made a lace shift dress and a pleated skirt for the challenge, both with contrast piping. Have a look:

I will admit, while they are both nice pieces, neither skirt nor dress has made it into my weekly rotation of favorite outfits. Maybe this will help me learn my lesson about participating in contests. I really do get the most out of my sewing when I develop the entire idea, not just the choice of fabric and design elements.

Anyhow, definitely time to clean out my wardrobe! I'd just like to figure out how to find new homes for some of my hand made clothes. It's just so hard to imagine giving them away to Goodwill, after all the long hours put in. How do you come to terms with purging lovingly made clothes from your closet? Please share your thoughts, and happy sewing :)

What I've been up to...in pictures

2012-03-22T10:57:00.000-04:00

It has been busy around here the past couple weeks! I have been spring cleaning, planting early veg outside and starting seedlings inside, completing two projects for Burda Style's Vintage Modern Design Contest, and trying to untangle several balls of yarn (more on that topic later)...

A very sad mess of yarn

A planted row of peas, complete with twigs to support their vines

A couple radish seedlings pushing up

A jaunty row of spinach shoots

A freshly planted spray of viola

And... my Mom's wintered-over strawberry plant already has flowers!

Will issue more updates as time permits! I am also swatching for a spring sweater, and will have pictures soon.

A New Sweater For Renaud

2012-03-09T18:59:00.000-05:00

Renaud finally got to model his new hoodie! See below for lots of pictures, and a link to the pattern on Ravelry.

It was hard to take a picture of the hood, until he was laying down...

The best part about doggie sweaters?
They make for a sleepy pup!

More details about the project can be found on Ravelry. Happy Friday!

Getting Started

2012-03-08T10:59:00.000-05:00

I love the color of this vintage sweater;
It's mainly dusty aqua, but with green flecks to liven it up.
Also love: grograin plackets with real shell buttons!

Little pockets on my new lacey dress from Shae

Cutting out pieces for a new skirt!
The fabric is tencel, which will be underlined with cotton voile.
The black bias strips will make a contrast piping.

There will be more updates later this afternoon, as I am also cutting out for a lace dress with contrast piping. I had plans to photograph Renaud in his new sweater that I finished seaming on Sunday, but right now it is pouring rain out. Will have to wait and see what the day brings. Happy sewing!

Things to come

2012-03-06T15:37:00.001-05:00

Spring is returning and so am I! After nearly two year's hiatus, I am ready to take up long forgotten sewing plans and knitting projects. I hope to be able to share the results of my efforts with you here, and to reconnect with the online sewing community. Airing out and cleaning stored yarns and fabrics has been taking up a lot of my time-- it is so exciting to take these pieces out of their boxes and to remember what I had dreamed up for each one.

Now that I have collected all the drape drape books, I hope to start making a few of the projects!

Right now I am finding mossy patches around the yard...

Even the weeds are starting to bloom! We'll let them think the garden is theirs for now, though I have already started to plant radishes, carrots, spinach and green onions right next door. I'm so excited to pick out seeds for planting once the last frost has passed! Right now I have a variety of heirloom tomatoes, pickle bush cucumbers, hot peppers and ground tomatoes.

Amidst all the excitement of spring's arrival, we also have one tired little boy back from the groomer.

How are you getting ready for spring?

Full Floral Skirt

2010-06-30T23:46:00.003-04:00

Another month has past without a single blog post. I can't believe I've been so lax. Or maybe I can. I've spent much of the last month straightening things out for a big move in August. I have been making time to sew, but the projects I've chosen… Let's just call them high maintenance-- as in I've spent more time hunting for buttons than sewing!

On the bright side, I found the right project to give me a little instant gratification while I wait for those buttons to materialize. Using some gray floral poplin I bought from fabric.com and Verypurpleperson's very excellent easy full skirt tutorial, I made this:

Styled with...

Racer-back pocket tank - Uniqlo

Drapey Silk Cardigan - TJ Maxx

Gladiators - 80%20

And one last shot-- testing out the twirl factor of the new skirt...

It looks like a keeper to me!

I should add that I made a couple modifications to my full skirt. The waistband was created just like a self-fabric casing, only i left about 2 inches above the casing to make the paper bag effect. I also added side-seam pockets in a contrasting (vivid fuchsia) fabric. All skirts must have pockets!

It feels so good to finally finish a new project, and to be able to twirl in it. What type of projects do pick when you're looking for a quick sewing fix?

May 31: All good things come to an end

2010-06-01T00:48:00.001-04:00

I can't believe Me-Made-May is over! The time has gone by so quickly. My challenge to myself was to wear one self-made garment each day of the month, and I'm proud to say that I did achieve that goal. This has certainly been the longest period of time in which I've worn something I made each day. So often I cultivate a love-hate relationship with the clothing I make. I'll stop sewing for weeks, months, unsatisfied with my own creations-- despite how hard I worked to design and sew them in the first place.

If there's one thing that I've learned from Me-Made-May, it's that most of the garments I've made are actually very versatile pieces. I may need to make a few more pieces in order to create an entire wardrobe, as I don't have very many basics. Instead of making practical, wear-with-anything pieces, I tend to pick the most intriguing patterns (or fabric). The end product of this approach? Mostly stand-alone pieces, unless I'm feeling very daring. And Me-Made-May has made me daring! I have learned that it is just as easy to throw on a self-made ensemble as it is to put on the workhorse jeans and t-shirt. Not only is it easy, it also makes me feel more confident about my sewing.

Here's what I wore:

Swiss-dot overblouse by me

Black shell (worn under) by me

Shorts - Cynthia Steffe

Gladiators - 80%20

The overblouse is the one new item I finished this weekend. This is one of those projects that was in my head for the longest time before I finally made it. And, it only took one day, for both cutting out and sewing! I will share more details soon :)

May 30: A well-loved skirt

2010-05-31T11:04:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I realized I needed to mix thing up a bit and wear a me-made item that hasn't gotten a lot of love recently. So I dug up this skirt that I made about five years ago, from a dress that I made about five years before that. The fabric was given to me by my Grandmother, one of the last pieces of material she had from when she still sewed. I've always been attracted to the bright colors of the print, and the very fine transparent gauze fabric.

Wearing the skirt reminded me that it's time to remake it once more, into a more durable, better lined garment. The skirt that I made from the fabric last time was put together in a hurry, by making a basic casing using the lining fabric, and inserting a ribbon to cinch it up. The construction neither looks very attractive, nor benefits the delicate fabric. After wearing it belted at my natural waist, I think the next go-round I will make this into a high waisted skirt, using a nice cotton voile for lining, darts to shape the back and some gentle pleats to add dimension to the front.

A very sad casing indeed...

But a very pretty fabric!

Here's how I wore it:

Black Leotard - had it forever

where did it come from?

Skirt by me

Belt - Thrifted

Gladiators - 80%20

May 29: Red White & Blue

2010-05-29T23:33:00.005-04:00

Today I wore:

Floral Camisole by me

Tank top (worn under) - Express

Cuffed Shorts - Target

Gladiators - 80%20

Sweater - Forever 21

And for lunch I made:

Bulgar Wheat (cooked up last night)

English cucumber, diced

dash of EVOO

pinch of sea salt

Lime, juiced

New Free Patterns from German BurdaStyle

2010-05-29T18:09:00.003-04:00

Hmm... what do we have here? It looks like Burda (via Burdastyle.de) has some new free patterns up. Don't get too excited though, as one of them seems to be a tutorial? to create a pair of destroyed jeans like the ones Carrie/Sarah Jessica Parker wears in SATC II.

Images from Burdastyle.de

The photo on the right is Burda's interpretation. I don't know they're just not the same without the Uggs and tiara-headband are they? heh. Well, if you're still interested, you can find the tutorial? pattern? here. Be forewarned, you will need to register as a user on the burdastyle.de site first.

Now for the good news! Burda has also gifted us a lovely blouse pattern available here.

Images from Burdastyle.de

I'm glad to see a couple new free patterns up on the site, but I hope they will also add patterns for purchase, as I've let my subscription lapse again. I really miss the old Burda World of Fashion some days, as the new trendy reincarnation of the magazine is not as satisfying. If I'm going to spend the time sewing my own togs, I don't usually pick very trendy styles.

That said, I am still hoping for a pattern for the pleated trousers featured in the June issue. After a closer look at the technical drawing, though, I suppose I could try my hand at drafting something similar myself.

Images from Burdastyle.de

Alright, that's enough of my rambling. This has been a nice break from outfit posts, no? Now back to cutting out some new projects! Happy sewing :)

May 28: Sapphire Blouse and Soup

2010-05-29T12:44:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my sapphire blouse made its debut for Me-Made-May. Since I have not yet made many trousers, I did wear a pair that were store bought. This is a problem I hope to remedy in the near future, as the fabric quality of these trousers is not so hot, AND all the pockets in them are fake. What?! Why would you make four completely ornamental pockets on pants? Seriously--I have more functional skirts! Oh, and speaking of functional skirts, have you seen Caroline Woolard's The Work Dress on BurdaStyle? Very cool.

Sapphire Blouse by me

Lace Camisole - Kohl's

Cropped Trousers - The Limited

Ballet Flats - Me Too via Filene's

In addition to my daily Me-Made-May rambles, here are some photos of what I made for dinner last night: Three-Step Lentil Soup and Artichoke with Mayo-Balsamic dip. What a lovely way to begin the long weekend!

Mirepoix

Lentils

Assorted Herbs

SOUP!

And then we had an aftertizer: fancy, I know ;)

Thanks for stopping by-- please come back later for today's outfit and some sewing updates!

Me-Made Day 27: Staying Cool

2010-05-27T23:34:00.001-04:00

Today the temperature reached a bit above 80° F, so I was pretty sure that comfort would be the main goal. What else to wear but a nice crisp poplin dress? And the gray cardigan, of course, for the second day in a row. Because it's cowld in the office during the summer!

Turquoise Dress by me

Cardigan - TJMaxx

Necklace - Macy's

(Gratuitous shot of lace inset)

May 26: Deco Dress Redux

2010-05-26T23:36:00.000-04:00

Today I wore my Deco dress again, accessorized with pearls.

Cardigan - TJ Maxx

Deco dress by me

Belt - Stein Mart

Pearl necklace & Earrings by my very talented friend Rachel

May 24 & 25

2010-05-25T23:51:00.001-04:00

I had a very busy weekend and did not have a chance to take pictures of what I wore either day. Are you wondering what could possibly keep me away from both my sewing machine AND my camera? Well, after three long years of law school, it was Rem's graduation weekend. I was kept occupied posing for many photos taken by others, but didn't manage to catch any on my own camera. Hopefully I can track down some of those lovely photos, so I can show you how my navy dotted dress finally turned out! Until then, here is what I wore so far this week:

May 24:

Peach top by me

Rust skirt by me

Necklace - Tord Boontje's Charming

Full outfit last seen here

May 25:

Striped top by me

Khaki trousers - Gap

Sandals - Birki's

Even though I'm not doing the full challenge of wearing all handmade clothing items, at this point in the month I feel like I've nearly worn all possible me-made combinations in my wardrobe. The good news is this has forced me to come up with a few new outfits, and to face wardrobe shortcomings head-on, rather than copping out and reaching for denim bottoms and a jersey tee each morning. Oh, and I'm seriously looking forward to some quality sewing/project completion time this [long] weekend.