Hanging by a Thread: One girl's sewing adventures

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.

Day Twenty-one

2010-05-21T23:58:00.000-04:00

Wow, I can't believe Me-Made-May is already 2/3 finished! What I wore today:

Blazer - Esprit

Flower power sundress by me (also seen here)

Currently sewing: the hem on this dress and the slip for underneath. Crossing my fingers that I'll be able to finish by tomorrow night!

The perfect day for Raspberry Jacket

2010-05-20T23:11:00.000-04:00

Today was such a busy day at work, I nearly forgot to take photos of what I wore. This one was taken just after I arrived home, and just before I ran out to order pizza. I made this brightly colored jacket with my Flutter Sleeve Cardi pattern, with a couple adjustments. The body of the cardigan has been shortened, while the sleeves were cut straight rather than flared and were lengthened to half-sleeves.

Raspberry jacket by me

Houndstooth print blouse - Stein Mart

Belt - Thrifted

Black Trousers - Esprit

Goodnight! Sweet sewing dreams :)

May 19

2010-05-20T07:33:00.007-04:00

Last night Rem and I biked over to a friend's place for a dinner party and jam session. Among the musicians in attendance, we had a banjo, guitar, bass guitar, saxophone and clarinet. It was really fun to listen to their renditions of The Joker and Como Ves. And now, without further ado, here is what I wore yesterday:

Layered ensemble by me

Jeans - Promod

And here I am with a cross-body bag I made forever ago. It's getting a tad old, but it really is so much easier to bike with! Have you seen Gertie's post on Handbag Strategy? Can you tell by now that I don't have one? I have to admit, when it comes to handbags, my first priorities are cost and convenience. While I've never denied myself fabric that I really love, or cute and comfortable shoes, handbags have never seemed as important to me until just recently. I know that I need a better bag, but where to get it? Should I save money by waiting for a sale at Macy's? (Do I like the bags at Macy's?) Should I buy from etsy to support a fellow craftsperson? The verdict's still out, but I'll get to it one of these days.

A Minty 18th of May

2010-05-18T23:54:00.000-04:00

Here I am, back on a (more) regular blogging schedule. Very little to report on outside of my outfit for me-made day 18. Sewing for myself has come to a screeching halt due the last couple days. This is mostly due to the ramping up of preparations for Rem's upcoming graduation ceremony. I just let out my first pair of men's suit trousers. I'm not sure how I have escaped this type of alteration in the past, but I was very glad to learn that it's not a difficult job. Especially given that I have another three pairs to let out! Now, without further ado, here is what I wore today:

Minty top - American Eagle (?!) via TJMaxx, modified by me

Stripe & Floral Sash - thrifted

Chocolate double knit jersey skirt by me

Goodnight & Happy sewing!

Better Late than Never

2010-05-18T16:48:00.001-04:00

I don't know how I have fallen so far behind in posting! This past weekend was very busy, leaving me too exhausted even to upload photos. I did make sure to take the photos, at least, so that I can share them with you. Here are me-made-may days 13-17:

May 13:

Blouse by me (Burda 117 from 8/09)

Black turtleneck - thrifted

Jeans - DKNY via TJMaxx

Boots - Timberland via Piperlime

On May 14 I neglected to take a photo, as I was feeling a bit sick.

Here is the dress I wore, with black boots and my black cardi:

Ah, and then there was the weekend. The lovely, lovely weekend! On Saturday we trekked out to Virginia to hear some traditional Irish music at Ireland's Four Provinces

May 15:

Tunic by me

Leggings by me

Boots - Timberland via Piperlime

Sunday found us busing further out into Virginia to tour Hillsborough Vineyards. And gave me a chance to model my most recent Burda pattern conquest (118B from 3/2010).

May 16:

Jacket by me

Striped Tunic Top by me

Jeans - DKNY via TJMaxx

Sandals - Birkenstock

Ta Da! A close-up of my new top:

And then it was back to work on Monday.

[Cue The Mamas and the papas Monday, monday]

May 17:

Top - Filene's

Necklace - Macy's

Matte Jersey Pocket Skirt by me

Leggings by me (from BurdaStyle's Carol pattern)

I've done a few variations on this red, white and black theme now. I must say, while I can tell I'm wearing out the concept, it's just so easy to throw on a combination of items in these colors and come out with a (decent) look with minimal effort. Perfect for Mondays!

See you later tonight for a recap of today's outfit!

Today's Outfit And Project Update

2010-05-12T23:42:00.002-04:00

Blouse - No-iron from Eddie Bauer

Necklace - Macy's

Belt - thrifted

Skirt by me

Leggings - Foot Traffic via sockdreams

Ballet Flats - Me Too via Filene's

I've really fallen for this necklace, despite my initial misgivings. This phenomenon leads me to yet another lesson that me-made-may has taught me-- Accessories are key. I don't have an expansive wardrobe of self-made clothing yet, but accessorizing has helped me pull together very different outfits using some of the same key components. Today's outfit is a good example of this, as last week I wore this same necklace with my red pants and the same belt in black. Last week's outfit was still markedly different, though it incorporated largely the same accessories. Which leads me to another lesson of me-made-may: creativity. I have tried to bring more creativity to my daily outfits in the past, but would always resort back to the age old complaint of nothing to wear. It's pretty neat to find that limiting myself to building outfits around me-made pieces has actually helped me put new outfits together.

Ok, I've rambled on enough. Now it's time for photos of my current project:

The fabric I'm using more of the lovely modal jersey I purchased on Ebay. For the pattern, I started with the HotPatterns Tap Pants free pattern download from fabric.com, and then traced off one of my favorite tank tops for the top half. I've had a time of figuring out how to get the flounces to hang properly at the center, but I'm really happy with how they look at present. Now I just need to add straps and I'll have a comfy summer lounging outfit!

What I wore, May 11

2010-05-11T23:50:00.040-04:00

Today was another one-piece me-made day. What the me-made-may challenge has taught me so far is that I don't make myself many coordinating pieces. Most of the clothes I make are stand alone pieces and do not necessarily play well with the other articles of clothing I've made. Take this sweater, for instance. I first fell in love with the silver hued cotton yarn, and then forgot to think beyond to what I would wear it with. Sadly, the sweater does not get much wear, especially since it is 100% cotton and very heavy. The asymmetrical closure is very dear to me though, and I'm thinking I should try the pattern again with some Lion Brand Cotton Ease.

Sweater by me, gilet asymetrique pattern from Phildar

Purple gingham blouse - GAP, from ages ago

Trousers - Esprit

My current sewing project was a bit fussy tonight, and so I have had to delay photos one more day. Can't wait to show and tell! Goodnight :)

Me Made Days 9 & 10

2010-05-10T20:17:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I wore a surplice bodice dress inspired by Diane Von Furstenberg's wrap dresses. The leggings I finished on Saturday morning are also quickly becoming a staple in my wardrobe as you can see:

Dress by me

Cardigan - TJ Maxx

Scarf - Stein Mart

Leggings by me

Boots - Timberlands via Piperlime

Today I wore a dress I made a couple years ago, #105 from Burda 10-2007. It's been a bit cooler here since Saturday evening, which has allowed me to start wearing cozy layers again. I rather like it!

Dress by me

Top - Kohl's

Necklace - Tord Boontje

Stripey Tights - H&M

Boots - Timberlands via Piperlime

Stay tuned for sewing project updates very soon. I am currently working on a jersey romper, and should be able to post some photos tomorrow. I can't believe that 1/3 of me-made may is over already. This just means I better get to work on some new outfits. Happy sewing!

Flutter Sleeve Cardi Pattern!

2010-05-10T15:25:00.001-04:00

I just realized I have been so busy with a certain project that I forgot to share it with you, dear reader. Perhaps you remember my bold promise last July to post my pattern for my Flutter Sleeve Cardi? Well, I have finally made good by my promise! And, the pattern is currently a featured project on BurdaStyle. Stop by and download the (free!) pdf. Thank you for your patience--enjoy :)

Flutter Sleeve Cardi by me

Lace Print Tunic and Leggings for a Gorgeous May Day

2010-05-08T21:41:00.000-04:00

What a lovely day we had today! Rem and I toured a few embassies with friends, as today was the EU Open House. I was super excited to wear the tunic and leggings I just finished making. I picked up the cotton jersey for the leggings at Paron in NYC, and the modal print jersey is from an awesome shop I found on ebay that sells roll ends from LA designers like Rachel Pally. Look for more details via my BurdaStyle page very soon!

Me in front of the Hungarian Embassy:

Here are two more pictures, to show the full effect. My stomach was not hurting in the last one-- I was trying to show how the tunic looks cinched in :)

Lace Print Tunic by me
Cardigan - TJ Maxx
Leggings by me (pattern is BurdaStyle's Carol)
Necklace - Tord Boontje's Charming
Oxford sneakers - Vaneli

A Bit of Contrast for the Seventh Day of Me-Made May

2010-05-07T23:12:00.001-04:00

After coming to the realization that my new outfit was a tad bit NSFW, it was tough figuring out what to wear today. And so I picked out one of my recent favorites, a Burda tunic I made for Spring 09. Originally paired with black leggings, the dark printed tunic seemed a bit casual, but then I pushed myself to come up with something new...and it worked!

Jersey Tunic by me

White Trousers - The Limited

Cincher Belt - thrifted

Ballet Flats - Filene's

With the work week over, I'm hoping to put together some more playful outfits for the next couple days. I'm especially excited to wear my new outfit for EU Open House tomorrow. If all goes as planned, I will also be working in some sewing time, as I am this close to having a couple more dresses to wear.

Goodnight, and happy weekend!

What I Wore Yesterday

2010-05-07T09:38:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, I'm late again with my post... I was up late sewing again last night. Happily, I have a new top and leggings to show for my efforts! My initial plan was to unveil the new outfit today, but after trying on this morning, it proved to be just barely inappropriate for work. That just means there's something to look forward to tomorrow :) And now, for yesterday's me-made outfit:

Top - Tulle

Skirt by me, from a vintage Vogue pattern

Necklace by Rachel

The lovely necklace I am wearing was made by my very talented friend Rachel. I was so surprised when I opened the package she sent and found so many lovely things, including some vintage spools of thread and delicious salted caramels!

Yesterday's clothes

2010-05-06T08:06:00.000-04:00

Top - Filene's Basement worn over...

Camisole - Kohl's

Necklace - Macy's

Belt - thrifted

Trousers by me

Ballet Flats - Filene's

(Photos courtesy of Iliana)

I stayed up too late last night, so I'm just posting May 5's outfit this morning. Thanks for looking, and have a great me-made day! I'm looking forward to the potential unveiling of new wardrobe pieces tomorrow :)

On the fourth day of May I wore...

2010-05-05T00:05:00.000-04:00

A pink dress!

Pink dress by me

Black cardigan - Vertigo Paris

Belt - Stein Mart

Boots - André

Knee Highs - Hue

My favorite part of the dress? The pockets. This was a Burda shift dress pattern that I drafted pockets for. I really think they add to the silhouette, although I would like to try the pattern again with stiffer fabric. A little more oompf here wouldn't be a bad thing. Oh, and I guess I should mention that the inspiration for the dress came from one of Carrie's dresses from the SATC movie. Here it is:

Is it summer already?

2010-05-03T23:32:00.000-04:00

White (no-iron!) dress shirt - Eddie Bauer

Cotton sateen floral skirt by me

Black pumps - Bandolino

Today was warm and humid from the very first. I wore cotton to keep cool and put my hair up as soon as I got to the office. What a day to be without air conditioning. Oh D.C., some days I would do anything to put distance between us!

Day Two

2010-05-02T23:28:00.000-04:00

Deco tankdress by me

Grey cardigan - TJ Maxx

Woven leather belt - Stein Mart

I started off day two of Me-Made-May by waking up slowly with homemade bread, a full french press of coffee, and the New York Times. After finishing my coffee and flipping through some old Burdas, I donned my favorite hot-weather dress (it was predicted to reach 90 F in D.C. today), and headed out to GStreet fabrics. During the time it took me to metro and walk to the store, I somehow rationalized spending all of my clothing budget this month on fabric and notions. It should come as no surprise that I came out of the store with 8 spools of thread, 3 zippers, one piece of madras shirting and countless other notions.

Newly inspired by freshly cut fabric, I returned to my sewing studio-cum-apartment, ready to put my rotary cutter to fabric and my foot to the pedal. While I can't say that I completed a new project, I have nearly completed a dress and a skirt that had been been neglected for the past year or so. Hopefully in a couple days I will have finished projects to show you!