sew wrong.

MMM 12 - May 25

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Fri, 25 May 2012 21:43:00 +0000

Me-Made-Item: Dress, McCalls 4868 (OOP)
Link to Original Review: N/A, made before I started my blog

Cardigan: INC

Wearability Report:

I've gotten a lot of wear out of this dress in the past seven years. Yes, seven years ago, during my first summer out of college, I stitched up this halter dress and have worn it just about every summer since then. I think that speaks pretty highly to its wearability! I forgot all about this dress last summer (buried somewhere in a closet) and pulled it out to pack for my vacation this week. The only bummer about this dress is that since I made it so long ago (specifically after my freshman year...read between the lines on that one) I need to take in the sides quite a bit - it fits a lot looser around the top now. My cardigan covers up the fact that in the back, my strapless bra is showing and there's gape-age around the sides. I'll have to pick it apart when I get home (gulp!) and nip in the sides a bit so that it fits again and I can wear it all summer long.

On My (Mom's) Cutting Table

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:13:00 +0000

I'm home visiting my family on vacation this week and I'm taking full advantage of my mom's sewing room set-up...huge cutting table, nice sewing machine and iron, good lighting, etc. And for my birthday, she got me new scissors! I've wanted a pair of Gingher dressmaker shears for a long time and I finally have my own pair - they're a dream to cut with and I can't believe I've gone so long cutting with my trusty orange Fiskars (not to knock them or anything...these are just nicer).

The above is fabric I bought last year from Mood for a top that I started and finished yesterday - love it when that happens! I'll post pictures of the finished garment next week.

MMM 12 - May 19

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:59:00 +0000

Me-Made Item: Jumpsuit, McCall's 6083
Link to Original Review: May 31, 2011

Belt: J Crew
Shoes: Target
Lipstick: MAC Lovelorn

I just bought a new tripod and I forgot how difficult it is to frame a picture correctly! I'm sure I'll get the hang of it, it helps when my boyfriend aka "photographer" isn't around to snap a quick pic.

Wearability Report:

Honestly, this isn't a garment I get a lot of wear out of. I tend to wear it when I'm home kicking around the apartment in the summertime since it's a comfy, unstructured top-to-bottom outfit solution. I'm not 100% thrilled with the fit either, probably another reason why I don't reach for it very often - I had to do some adjustments to the torso length and now I think I made it too long. I'm also not a fan of how the back looks since it doesn't help me out at all, if you catch my drift. However, I'm really liking the look with my pink and white leopard print belt, it pulls it together a lot nicer than the black fabric belt I made to go with it. The pant length drives me a little bit nuts as well...maybe I'll hem them shorter so it's not as awkward of a length.

Jumpsuits...I don't see a lot of them around, probably due to the fact that they can be hard to pull-off and wear in public. At least they're comfy to wear around the house!

MMM '12 - May 13

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:04:00 +0000

Me-Made Item: Top (self-drafted pattern)
Link to Original Review: N/A

Jeans: Michael Kors
Sandals: Marc Fisher

Wearability Report:

I never got around to blogging about this top when I made it two years ago! This top was based off of my learnings from Cal Patch's book Design-It-Yourself Clothes that I received as a birthday gift that year (along with the mega-huge Patternmaking for Fashion Design). For the longest time I've wanted to learn how to draft my own sewing patterns and I felt completely confident using Cal's book to draft my first bodice sloper and modify it with my own design elements. That other patternmaking book? It's intimidating to say the least...plus, it's a text book. I've cracked it open and looked at certain slash-and-spread techniques, but the measurements that are required to make a basic bodice block from this book are mind-boggling. Design-It-Yourself Clothes isn't as intense and is a good starter book for initially jumping into pattern drafting. Anyway...

Love, love, love this top. I reach for it all the time in my closet and I'm so happy with the fit and how it turned out. Just in case you're curious, all I did to modify it from my original sloper was spreading the bodice wider to add in some ease and allow it to gather, scooped out more of the neckline, and slash-and-spread the sleeves to make them slightly gathered. I then added a casing for the elastic at the bottom of the sleeves and a neckband casing for the self-fabric drawstring. The bottom edge is left raw since it doesn't curl up and I liked the look of it.

The sleeves can be a little fussy and bunch up slightly underneath my armpit, plus I don't think I got where the sleeve seam lays accurate - looks like it should be higher up on my shoulder. But the top is slightly fitted at the bust and loose at the bottom, making it a great, comfy top for relaxing on the weekends. I think I need more separates like this in my closet since they're more versatile to wear than the dresses that I always seem to sew.

MMM '12 - May 12

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:38:00 +0000

Me-Made Item: Dress
Link to Original Review: Vogue 1224 (July 8, 2011)

Sandals: Marc Fisher
Shades: Bulgari
Nail Polish: Essie "Watermelon"

Wearability Report:

Even though I originally pledged that I was only going to try to wear me-made items on my days off from work, when I came home on Saturday, it was way too warm and beautiful out not to pop on one of my summer dresses. And since my boyfriend and I were going out to dinner (I wanted outdoor seating and Coronas), a dress was something I wanted to wear for our mini "date night."

I wore this dress a bunch last summer after I made it, and I loved it so much that I made it again in another fabric. It's lightweight and cool, and the sleeves aren't really sleeves, it's more like fabric that floats over my shoulders. I'm not surprised at all that this is a "Best Pattern of 2011" on PatternReview.com because it's so flattering on everyone, great to wear, and a cinch to make. I stayed nice and cool all evening in the 80 degree weather.

MMM '12 - May 8

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:33:00 +0000

Me-Made Item: Scarf
Originally Reviewed: Oct. 11, 2009

Raincoat: DKNY
Top: Gap

Wearability Report:

It's a shame, but I always forget to wear my hand-knitted projects that aren't sweaters. Maybe it's because they don't take as much of an investment of time like a big sweater project, but I'll make them, wear them a few times, and forget about them if it isn't cold outside. My challenge last Tuesday (one of my days off from work last week since I had to work on Saturday) was to find something in me-made in my closet to wear on a cold, rainy day. If anything, I've realized so far this month that the majority of my me-sewn wardrobe is for warm weather. Maybe it's because I love sewing dresses and so many of the patterns I find "cute" are for spring and summer, I dunno.

So this scarf...this was the scarf that got me back into knitting after an almost six-month hiatus due to a marathon knitting session that led to major wrist inflammation problems. I love the springy green color and the lace pattern was easy to knit once I got the hang of it (I really don't like knitting lace), but it never lays flat. Even after I blocked it and wore it the first time, it still curled in and became tubular. It's not exactly a cold-weather scarf, it's definitely a "fashion over function" kind of item, which is probably why I forget I even have it in my hand-knit collection and don't wear it often. But it served its purpose on Tuesday to keep the damp out and bring a pop of color to my black raincoat.

MMM '12 - May 6

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:14:00 +0000

Me-Made Item: Skirt (taken off of a failed Vogue 8663 dress pattern)
Originally Reviewed: N/A

Top: INC
Necklace: J Crew
Belt: thrifted

Wearability Review:

I always forget about this skirt in my closet, so this challenge served as a good reminder to dig it out! This wasn't even supposed to be a skirt, it was originally slated to be a dress that ended up looking quite unflattering with the waistline sagging down from the weight of the fabric. The fabric was way too pretty to waste, so I chopped off the skirt of the dress and made a narrow elastic casing at the top. I also left the hem raw since it doesn't curl up.

The skirt is a flattering length and I've worn it with a top tucked in and a belt (to hide the elastic waist) or with a shirt over the skirt. Even though I was a little dressy looking in a skirt, I was so comfortable wearing this for what my boyfriend and I did that day - ran out to grab some coffee, walked around the park, watched the Red Sox lose to the Orioles (booo). The only annoying thing with wearing the skirt with a belt is that I have to make sure that the belt doesn't creep up during the day, exposing the elastic waist. Other than that, I'm happy that I turned lemons into lemonade with this skirt.

MMM '12- May 5

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Sun, 06 May 2012 00:05:00 +0000

Me-Made Item: Dress
Link to original review: McCall's 6200 (Oct. 25, 2011)

Leggings: DKNY Smoothies
Flats: Franco Sarto
Bag: Coach

Wearability Review:

I've worn this dress a bunch since I made it last October. I first wore it in 80 degree weather in Arizona as-is, wore it with leggings, layered a long sweater cardigan over it for work, and paired it with tights and boots all last winter. The style of it and weight of the fabric, along with the color and print I chose, make it an all-season kind of dress depending on how it's styled, and I'm always comfortable wearing it. After thinking about this dress today, I realized I want to make at least one more! Sure, it's not the most exciting dress silhouette that I've made, but when I reflected on how much I've worn the other dresses in my closet, this one definitely wins the "most worn" award. I was even wondering today if I could turn the pattern into a sleeveless dress, eliminating the raglan sleeve and turning the neckband into shoulder straps.

Another bonus: it's great for going out to dinner since there's no defined waist! I ate all the sausage and pasta I wanted to this evening.

Wear Rating: 10/10

Pattern Review - Simplicity 2369

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 01 May 2012 08:30:00 +0000

Pattern: Simplicity 2369
Size: 10 graded to a 12
Fabric: Knit ITY from Joann Fabrics

Jeans: Mek Denim
Sunnies: Bulgari
Necklace: birthday gift!
Wristlet: Michael Michael Kors (birthday gift to myself!)

I've had this top finished and in my closet for about a month and realized that I never had an opportunity to share it here, partially due to my "photographer" not being available when I was as well as the hours I'm working for my new job (I got a promotion!). It was cool in Boston on Sunday and I wanted to feel comfy but look cute for my birthday mini-golf outing - it was definitely a jeans and tee kinda day.

Yes, it was my birthday! I noticed a fine line forming on my forehead in the bathroom that morning and my roots need to be colored since my grays are showing through. Hooray.

Construction

I was apprehensive about how this top was going to fit since wrap tops are always too big on me due to the cross-over piece being too long. This isn't a "true" wrap top since it's only a half piece that wraps across the front, and I think that attributed to the correct fitting of this top. I did my usual mods, a 10 graded out to a 12 from waist to hip, and I think I could have gone a bit smaller up top. But I was too lazy to re-cut the top and take in the sides, it wasn't that major of a fit issue.

My machine, however, did not care for the ITY I was sewing with. I never sewed with an ITY before, even though I have heard rave things about them and it seems to be quite the fabric in the knit fabric world, but I'm not sure I would sew with it again. I love my little Bernina 1005 but it had a hard time stitching consistently and kept skipping stitches, zigging when it should have zagged. I changed the stitch length, even switched to a straight stitch and stretched while I sewed, but it didn't like that either. Maybe someone reading this has insight into this problem?

I decided to do a neck band instead of a facing for this top, figuring I could benefit from additional fabric being added to an already low neckline. I followed the instructions to make the binding and opted not to turn it to the inside. The only downside is that since I didn't plan ahead to do this, I have raw edges on the inside. I also have to tie this top pretty tight and watch the neckline during the day, but having worn this top twice now, I haven't had any gap-age issues. Whew, what a relief!

I loved this pattern - I made the pants to go along with this top as well - and I definitely want to make the dress, too. Since I already attempted to make a test garment for a wrap dress that failed, I bet this pattern will be the pattern I pick to make the wrap dress off of my 12 in 2012 list.

Me-Made May - I'm All In!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 01 May 2012 01:04:00 +0000

The last time I took part in a challenge, I didn't come even close to hitting my goal (back in 2008, a wardrobe sewing challenge on patternreview.com). That's going to change in May-Made-May!

I love the premise of this challenge:

"a challenge designed to encourage people who sew/knit/crochet/refashion/upcycle/insert-other-creative-discipline-here garments for themselves."

Because we all can admit to it, we spend time slaving over our machines or needles churning out garments that get pushed to the back of our closets in favor of other RTW items we purchased. So let May be the month that we proudly wear our one-of-a-kind creations!

So here's my pledge:

I, Lucinda of Sew Wrong, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '12. I endeavour to wear at least one me-made item for each day I'm off from work for the duration of May 2012.

I had to alter it a bit from the original format of the pledge - since I have to wear all black to work and I'm moving around merchandise on the floor, my job doesn't lend itself well to all of the pretty tops and dresses I have in my sewn wardrobe. So weekends are now the days I'll sport my handmade fashions. This Boston weather just needs to warm up a bit more so I can dust off my spring dresses and wear them.

The trick now is to make sure I remember to take pictures on my days off from work...

Yarn Shopping in Boston - Windsor Button

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:02:00 +0000

What could be better than a Saturday afternoon out with friends to shop for yarn? That's exactly how I spent this past Saturday with the girls from my knitting group, an idea that came about due to the fact that one of the girls in our group had never been to Windsor Button in Boston (funny enough, she didn't make it. We still love you, Paula!). And then I thought, wouldn't this be the start of a great series to blog about: Yarn Shopping in Boston!

Windsor Button is a crafting gem tucked away between Downtown Crossing and the Commons on Temple Place. Its outside is completely unassuming and is easy to pass by if you don't know of what kinds of odds and ends you'll find inside. One of the girls in my group shared that a LYS turned up its nose about it when mentioning it to her, and she assumed that the kind of yarn that Windsor Button sold was Red Heart and Caron. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Sure, at first glance, it reminds you of an old school mom-and-pop type of crafting store that don't seem to exist anymore (thanks, Walmart). But once you start exploring, it's more than that: they have everything from Malabrigo and Rowan to Plymouth and Lion Brand. I was stunned on my first trip about the selection of Twinkle Soft Chunky I found hiding in the bulky yarn section. They also have a great assortment of craft supplies for sewing, like zippers and interfacing, along with a whole wall of trims, beading supplies, floral arrangment items, and embroidery floss.

And it isn't called "Windsor Button" for no reason - check out that wall of buttons! The staff is super nice and friendly, and more than happy to pull down a box of buttons from the wall for you to paw through and find the perfect button. One of my friends ended up finding just the right navy blue buttons with anchors for a sweater she's currently working on. They were also really accommodating when we asked multiple times for them to check to see if they had more of a certain color or dye lot in stock. It's not easy keeping up with a group of yarn-hungry girls!

Pros:

Great yarn selection and prices - we found Classic Elite, Noro, Brown Sheep, Crystal Palace, Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Malabrigo, Katia, Berroco, Nashua Hand Knits...the list goes on and on.
Wide range of needle selection - Susan Bates, Clover, and Addi Turbo (ask for them, they're at the counter)
Friendly and knowledgeable staff - they helped us out with opinions on which buttons to pick and advice on how much Soak solution to use for one sweater.
If you have other crafty interests (who doesn't) they probably have stuff for you as well

Cons:

If you like cotton, you'll have a hard time finding what you want - I found the cotton I needed for a sweater, but their selection is mostly wooly-based. Which is a pro if you like wool!
It's a little musty - but hey, they've been around since 1936
Early hours - they close at 6 PM just about each day and are closed on Sundays

Windsor Button

35 Temple Place

Boston, MA 02111

617-482-4969

Taking the T: Green or Red Line to Park Street, Orange Line to Downtown Crossing, Silver Line to Temple Place

DIY Spring 2012 Fashion Trends: The High-Low Hem

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:12:00 +0000

Some like it and some hate it, but the High-Low Hem is a hot trend for spring. I'll admit that it's a trend I wasn't initially on board with (heck, let's call it what it is: a mullet!), but the more I see pictures in magazines or skirts and dresses in stores with this type of hem, it's grown on me. It's a lady-like hem that can range anywhere from demure to daring depending on the length of the front hem. There aren't a whole lot of options when it comes to finding patterns to copy this trend, but I imagine it'd be fairly easy to adapt a skirt or dress pattern of your liking with a french curve to alter and grade the front of a pattern.

Skirts:

McCall's 6567

This McCall's skirt pattern was the only pattern in the Big 3 that I could find with this type of hem. The patterns seems like a versatile collection of skirts with varying hem styles, including your plain ol' regular hem.

Dresses:

McCall's 6504

Simplicity 1881

If you're looking for a dress pattern, these two from McCall's and Simplicity seem to be your best bet - McCall's for a shorter dress and Simplicity for a longer, evening style dress.

Tops:

Vogue 8771

This trend isn't just for skirts and dresses! There are also a lot of RTW tops now with this short in the front/long in the back hem. Vogue 8771, which I featured in my color-blocking post, also has a view with a slightly curved hem that fits this trend. This is a much more subtle look than a lot of high/low tops available at a store near you.

12 in 2012 - A Sewing Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:58:00 +0000

So I may be a little late to the game (like three months late), but I'm jumping on-board and participating in Suzie's 12 in 2012 Sewing Challenge. I think this is a great way to expand sewing skills and push boundaries and not stick to sewing projects that are easy and safe. How else are you supposed to grow in sewing?

So above are the 12 projects that I picked and plan to tackle and accomplish before December 31, 2012. Most of them are a little scary to me, like making pants (so hard to fit!), a strapless dress (ack boning!), and swimsuit (ummm...pretty obvious why that's scary!). But if it wasn't for this challenge, I don't think I would have thought to make a list of projects that could take my sewing to the next level. Now it's just a matter of finding the time to sit down and make them!

If you'd like to try out your own 12 in 2012, click on over to Suzie's blog and learn more:

McCall's Fashion Star Patterns!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:39:00 +0000

Have you watched Fashion Star? I love the real-world aspect of it: designing clothes that could be sold in retail stores and bought by the masses. A lot of the designs that have been purchased by Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and H&M are cute and fashionable, but as a sewist, I can't justify the price tag on some of those items because the designs are simple. Well, now us sew-at-home fashionistas can make our own Fashion Star looks!

McCall's just launched their Fashion Star pattern line, which mimics the winning designs on the show. The construction is simple, which is great for a budding seamstress who wants to sew her own on-trend looks. I can't wait to see what other patterns are released as the show continues. I think I want to make them all so far!

Sew Wrong Top 5: Must-Have Knitting Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:43:00 +0000

Earlier this month, Haley of The Zen of Making did a round-up of her must have crochet tools, which made me think: what are my must-have knitting tools? Here are my top five tools that I gotta have in my bag or else!

1. Row Counter - A row counter is an integral part of your knitting basket - it keeps track of where you are in a pattern repeat, how many rows until you need to change colors, or when it's time to start increasing or decreasing. There's rarely a knitting pattern where you don't need to keep track of something row-related.

Row counters can be the traditional kind that you slip onto the end of a needle, hang off of a pair of circular needles, or the kind that you "click" after each row or repeat. I have one of each kind and use all of them frequently. Find an assortment of row counters here: Row Counters from Dreamweaver Yarns

2. Tape Measure - Knitting patterns will tell you to knit until a piece measures a certain length before shaping, binding off, or maybe switching needle sizes. Plus, it's important to make sure you take your body measurements to make sure that whatever it is that you're knitting will fit you!

I have a penchant for cute, functional things, which is probably why I gravitated towards the sheep tape measure that I use. Pull out it's tail to measure your knitting progress: Lantern Moon Sheep Tape Measure

3. Addi Turbo Needles - For years, I refused to pony up the cash for these needles. They seemed just like the trusty Susan Bates that I used and anyway, I preferred bamboo to metal needles. Boy was I wrong! These needles have made knitting such a dream and are worth their weight in gold. I don't consider myself a fast knitter, but my stitches glide with ease and I find myself finishing rows quicker than on my polished wooden needles. I highly recommend these, especially when knitting projects that require small needle sizes.

There's a whole range of tips, cables, and DPNs available at Yarn Market.

4. Point Protectors - If you don't want your stitches slipping off your needles, you've got to have point protectors. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of needles, even ones that work on circulars or DPNs. Plus, who wants a big hole poked in their knitting bag?

I love the cute colors of the Hiya Hiya point protectors, available at Just Yarn.

5. Stitch Markers - When I'm working a pattern with repeats, or maybe I'm adding some waist shaping to a sweater, I have to have stitch markers to let me know when something important needs to be done. I'd be lost without them, and it makes knitting lace patterns a little more bearable!

And again, why settle for boring plastic stitch markers when you can use something cute? I adore these ladybug stitch markers, but maybe you'd prefer their bumble bees or sheep: Lantern Moon Ladybug Stitch Markers

DIY Spring 2012 Fashion Trends - Color Blocking

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:21:00 +0000

From left to right: Nanette Lepore, Milly, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Carolina Herrera

In case you haven't noticed, color blocking is everywhere! I thought that this was a trend that had gone away, but apparently I was wrong when I cracked open my spring fashion magazines (or when I said to one of my coworkers that "color blocking was so last season" and she pointed to the new pairs of color blocked shoes that we got in the store. Oi.) This trend was surprisingly easy to find patterns for from every major pattern company. McCall's new spring line even included a few patterns that allowed for color blocking variations.

So how do you wear this loud, bold trend and not look like Rainbow Brite? Keep the maximum number of colors to three. Based on the runway pictures above, it seems the easiest color combinations are with a white or black added in to the mix. Or, keep the colors in the family - try mixing different shades of blues together to get a monochromatic but still color blocked look. Depending on the pattern shapes, this can also be a figure flattering trend utilizing the technique of "trompe l'oeil" - some of the dresses and skirts below have a slenderizing look to them. Below is a compilation of patterns that you can use at home to try out one of the easiest spring fashion trends.

Dresses:

Butterick 5673

Butterick 5751 (Maggy London)

Tops:

Skirts:

On The Needles: Knit Night Cardigan

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:30:00 +0000

I love my Wednesday night knitting group. We've been meeting at our local Panera Bread every week since last August and I've gotta say, it's a great group of girls. Some of us are new to knitting, have been knitting for years, work in super smart science/tech jobs, but we all share a love for the craft and gathering to trade ideas and get inspiration. Forming this group initially on Meetup.org is one of the best things I've done since moving to the city - I'm so glad we all met!

I'm calling this cardigan my "Knit Night Cardigan" since the yarn I'm using for this project was purchased at a LYS using a gift card that the girls chipped in and gave me as a thank you for starting the group - they're the sweetest! (Funny enough, the LYS is across the street from where we meet and they have a knitting group that meets every Wednesday as well. And there's a bookstore in the shopping center where we meet that has a Wednesday night knitting group. Wednesday is a knitting night I guess!) I'm using Sublime Yarns Baby Cashmere Merino Silk DK, which has such a nice feel and stitch definition, but it's a little on the splitty side if you're not careful and paying attention to your knitting.

I'm really enjoying the knitting on this project, which is originally called the Whole Wheat Cardigan by Alexandra Charlotte Dafoe. It's not mind-numbing stockinette and it's not overly complicated that I can't talk while I'm working on it. The above picture is my progress so far on the back, but I'm actually further along than what you can see above. I'm right at where the neck shaping takes place, and then it's time to bind off and start the fronts.

And yes, this really is a shockingly loud pink yarn. Perfect for all of those black and white dresses and tops I've been sewing!

On My Cutting Table: Vogue 1250

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:55:00 +0000

It feels like I'm the last sewing blogger to attempt this DKNY dress pattern that came out last spring, but I kept my eye on it until I found the right fabric. It's not often that I find a sewing pattern that a) looks good on all body types, b) is super easy to make, and c) is a designer sewing pattern.

I took the pattern out of the envelope this afternoon and marveled at the construction of this dress: it's essentially only two pieces (minus the neck facing)! The whole front and lower back skirt are one piece that join in a seam in the back, and the upper back piece is then connected to the shoulders, lower skirt, and sides. It's a brilliantly constructed pattern and I can't wait to cut this one out - looks like it'll be a quick enough sew for me to wear to work this week with a blazer.

Also - I must be on a black and white kick. The last dress I made was b&w, I just finished my Simplicity 2369, a black and white top with black pants (pics to come), and now this dress. Plus, I bought fabric for two button-up tops that are black and white floral prints! Now I know I need to inject some color into my sewing!

Joan Holloway Brooch - Featured on Mad In Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:18:00 +0000

I'm so lucky to be a participant on Jessica's blog, Mad In Crafts, for her "Mad For Mad Men" feature! Each day through March 25 (the season 5 premiere of Mad Men), she'll be showcasing a craft blogger with a Mad Men inspired craft. Click on over today to see my tutorial for a Joan Holloway-esque brooch.

Vogue 8138 - Three Hour Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:40:00 +0000

Pattern: Vogue 8138 (OOP), View C
Fabric: Matte jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics
Size: 10 graded to a 12, with fit modifications

Cardigan: INC
Lipstick: NARS Manhunt

This dress sprung from an idea one night on a train ride home from work. I work in retail, and on that particular day I was in my dress department for most of the day - organizing racks, putting out new merchandise, etc. So while I was sitting on the train, listening to my iPod, I kept thinking about all of the cute spring dresses I was playing with all day and how I really wanted a new dress to wear. As in, to wear to work. Tomorrow. Hmmm....

I ordered a swirly matte jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics a few weeks prior and couldn't remember what I bought it for - it was probably one of those "ooo I want to put that in my shopping cart!" kind of purchases. One thing I've learned about sewing with knits is that simplicity is key: a busy print like this doesn't demand a complicated garment design. It seemed like a simple pull-over dress would be the right choice, and lucky enough, I had a basic pattern in my collection.

For some reason, I felt it necessary to post on Facebook, " I'm crazy...sewing a dress tonight to wear to work tomorrow. " And of course, the follow-up comments were "can't wait to see!" and "pics plz." So it was on! People knew and there was no turning back!

Honestly, I can't remember a time I made something this quickly, and I really think I am the world's slowest stitcher. The dress is only a two piece tank dress with four seams total: the side seams and shoulder seams. I think the most time consuming part was fitting the dress since my typical cutting mods (10 graded out to a 12 from waist to hip) ended up fitting too loosely, or at least, not how I wanted this dress to fit. I pulled it on, pinned it how I wanted it to fit, and marked stitching lines to take it in. I probably ended up making the top a size 8 and the skirt a size 10 based on how much I took the dress in, but I'm not certain.

So yes, I pulled it off and wore this to work the following day! It was slightly not in dress code (I'm supposed to wear mostly black), but I think I sneaked by because when asked about what I was wearing, I told everyone that I whipped the dress up the previous evening - that was enough to distract from the fact that really, I was out of dress code. A little. Maybe.

This pattern has been hanging out in my stash since 2008 when I first sewed the failed convertible cardigan, a very popular cardigan at the time. It's nice to go back and resurrect a pattern that didn't work the first time, kind of like what I did for my Vogue 1020 pattern. Sometimes patterns are worth a second shot, especially if it's a wardrobe pattern with multiple basic garment options. I can definitely see making this dress again in the summer with a bright floral fabric, or maybe altering the neckline and coming up with an entirely new design. This dud is now a keeper.

DIY Spring 2012 Fashion Trends - The Peplum

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:39:00 +0000

The "Big 3" sewing pattern companies introduce new pattern lines each season and I've always wondered how on-trend they are. In this round, I'm seeing what patterns could be used to copy current runway trends. First up: the peplum.

From left to right: Jason Wu, Alexander McQueen, Aqua, Giambattista Valli

A peplum is essentially a short overskirt attached to a fitted garment, such as a skirt, jacket, or top. In modern day clothing, they became popular in the 1940's (hello, Dior New Look), faded way after a few years, and then came roaring back in the 80's and 90's with power suits and shoulder pads. Today's peplum seen on the spring runways is a slightly longer version of what was seen in the early 2000's. What I love about peplums for my straight-up-and-down body type is that it gives the illusion of an hourglass shape.

After some scouring, here's a compilation of patterns that could be used to achieve this runway look at home:

Simplicity 1876

Simplicity 1877

In an abstract sense, these Leanne Marshall (love her!!) dresses could be considered peplum dresses, especially Simplicity 1877, which is similar to the white Aqua dress above. They each have different layers of skirts that fall over each other and create that hourglass look. For both patterns, the top skirt layer could be kept and the under layers eliminated to get a truer peplum look.

Simplicity 2601

Butterick 5709

The peplums on these tops are more restrained and modest in shape than the leopard print Giambattista Valli top above. Maybe they could be redrafted to have more fullness by making the peplum pattern pieces wider, which would result in gathering more fabric at the waist. I think the sleeveless version of the Simplicity pattern with the ruffles down the front is darling.

New Look 6003

New Look is not one of the "Big 3" but falls under the Simplicity umbrella, and since I wanted to feature a skirt pattern this is the only one I could find. The peplums on these skirts aren't dramatic and mirror the shape of the skirt underneath closely, so no worries about added bulk and width to the hip area. I'd love to adapt one of these skirts to recreate the Honeyed Peplum Skirt from Anthropologie.

Vogue 1296

Vogue 1269

If you're looking for a peplum style jacket, Bellville Sassoon and Chado Ralph Rucci have you covered. Vogue 1296 is full of drama and perfect for a fancy evening out, and Vogue 1269 would be a great office outfit - love how the peplum echos the sleeves and skirt.

All in all, I was impressed with how many options I found to recreate this spring 2012 fashion trend. These peplums definitely feel more RTW than runway but are a great springboard for pattern alteration.

Will you be sewing peplums this spring?

Adventures in Dropping Stitches

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:44:00 +0000

There are few things that terrify me when it comes to knitting, such as steeking (I could never cut my knitting!), size 0 needles (I'll never finish anything on those teeny things), and skinny, laceweight yarn (goes hand in hand with the teeny needles). Taking on the Clapotis, a project that has been in my queue for years since it was published in Knitty, is tackling one of those fears: dropping stitches

Dropping stitches has a stigma attached to it: as new knitters, we learn to fear it because it seems like something that impossible to fix. To all knitters, it's sign that oops, you made a mistake. So to incorporate the concept of intentionally dropping stitches into a design seemed to blow my mind. How could it be possible that doing that wouldn't backfire and ruin a loved project?

The Clapotis is such a lovely scarf and oodles of knitters have made it in the last eight years since the pattern was published - that should be testament right there that this is a project with risks well worth the result. And you know what? Dropping that first stitch was ok. I may have panicked when I sent down the stitch to be dropped, watching as it created a ladder down the edge of my knitting. But when it got to the very end of the column and stopped unraveling, I breathed a sigh of relief that my knitting didn't fall apart, that the pattern designer knew what she was doing when she wrote the pattern. Since then, I have sent many other stitches to their dropped-down fate and the outcome of each dropped stitch has been just right. I will say, there's almost a rebellious feel to it - it's making what would traditionally be a mistake into an intentional action. Take that, knitting perfectionists!

I can't say that I'll be tackling any of my other knitting fears soon...especially steeking. I shudder at the thought of taking my scissors to something that I spent hours working on.

So you know what mine are now - what are your knitting fears?

I'm Teaching Sewing Classes!

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:36:00 +0000

It's official: I can now say that I'm a "fiber artist, blogger, and teacher" to describe what I do! Starting April 3, I will be teaching sewing classes at Artisan's Asylum in Somerville, MA.

Back in January I gave a talk at Ignite Craft Boston (videos still aren't posted yet) and met Gui Calvacanti, co-founder and President of Artisan's Asylum. I enjoyed his presentation on how he started the craft studio two years ago and grew it the 31,000 square foot space it is currently in today. It's an impressive space; I toured it two weeks ago when I went to meet with him and Molly Rubenstein, the Director of Operations, about teaching sewing classes. You gotta see it to believe it - welding, carpentry, computers, and sewing machines all in the same space along with studio spaces rented by local artists. Cool stuff.

I will be teaching two classes that build off of each other starting April 3 and running every Tuesday evening until May 1:

Sewing Knits (Without a Serger) April 3 & April 10- The idea for this class actually came from a blog post I started writing but never finished. Every knit garment that you see here is made entirely with my straight-stitch machine, and I want to encourage those new to sewing the knit fabric that it is easy and possible without a serger.

Pattern Making: Knock-Off Your Favorite T-Shirt April 17, 24, & May 1- This class picks up where the other leaves off: now that you know how to sew with knits, how do you make patterns? I'm really excited about this class because it shows how to make a pattern from something that you *know* will fit you well and also explores how to add design elements and change the sloper to create a new design. I'm thinking about showing how to change the neckline, add gathered sleeves, and create a A-line top...just some preliminary ideas.

I can't wait to start planning these classes and sharing my knowledge with those looking to expand their sewing skills further. Join me for some sewing fun!

Sewing Studio Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:04:00 +0000

City living is not conducive to crafting. I share a cute, three bedroom apartment with two other girls, so my space is limited when it comes to my sewing and crafting. What you're looking at is my "sewing studio" - yes, it's a corner of my room with a door that joins my room to my roommate's room (which she has her bed in front of - it's a weird setup). It was too small of a space to fit a computer desk, so I converted it into a little sewing nook instead.

The sewing table is my mom's sewing table from the 70's that she gave to me when I first learned how to sew. It's the right size for my trusty Bernina 1005, which you see above sporting a dust cover I made from Alexander Henry's "Perfect Pattern" fabric a few years ago. I keep my sewing basket, originally my grandmother's, and a box of fabric trim underneath my table.

Since I rent, and may move again soon, I can't really invest in a wall-organizing system like a pegboard or shelving to keep all of my tools in place. A long nail is all I need to hang up my Omnigrid ruler, hip curve, and flexible ruler. Yes, that's Christmas wrapping paper in the corner still...

I've always wanted an inspiration board in my sewing space and I finally made one when I moved in and set up my corner. I followed Laura's instructions on how to make her bulletin board with a sheet of plywood and some D rings. It's simple, big, and easy to tack stuff on to! I just updated this the other day with some tear-outs from the March Vogue Magazine.

Some embroideries I stitched up from Sublime Stitching. The bottom one is a quote from a pin on my knitting bag.

I constantly have a long list of sewing patterns that I want to make going in my head, and I find it hard to keep track of them all. I covered an old bulletin board with a woven curtain panel from Ikea I and now use it organize my pattern queue. It's easier to remember which patterns I want to sew when they're always out and visible. Plus, when I've bought fabric for a pattern, I'll attach a swatch onto the pattern envelope on my bulletin board so I can remember which fabric is for which project.

Ikea makes some awesome organizational storage. I purchased the wooden drawers a few years ago to keep my fat quarters, scraps, and other odds and ends tidy - love that each drawer has a little insert where you can write what contents are of each drawer. The mini clear drawers are from Target and are great to keep small things, like spools of thread, needles, and buttons contained.

Another fantastic Ikea find. I can't take credit for this idea since I saw it in the sewing room setup at my local Ikea showroom: it's supposed to be a bathroom accessory stand for soap and such, but they used it instead to keep sewing notions organized. It's great for keeping the things I reach for all the time, like my scissors, seam ripper, and sewing gauge at hand.

I have dreams of one day having an entire room devoted to my sewing/knitting/crafting - like my mom - and I even have a Pinterest board where I've pinned some ideas that I'd like to try when I finally do get the space. But it just goes to show, no matter how small your space is, it's possible to make it work for your crafting needs.

How is your sewing or crafting space set up?

Star Crossed Beret

noreply@blogger.com (Lucinda Campbell) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:13:00 +0000

Pattern: Star Crossed Slouchy Beret by Natalie Larson
Yarn: Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky from Gather Here
Needles: US 9 and 11 16" circs
Size: OS

My sister came up to visit last weekend from NYC and I wanted to show her some of the places that make the Boston area great: the Harpoon Brewery (tour tickets were sold out, dang), Grendel's Den in Harvard Square, and Gather Here in Cambridge. After finishing my Odessa hat last week, and not being too pleased with the outcome, I decided I need to whip up something - fast - to help me get over my hat failure. So taking a cue from what I learned about that hat, I found some yarn at Gather Here to make the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret. My sis? She bought some yarn for the Blue Sky Alpacas "Sporty Mitts" pattern, her first Fair Isle project.

After about four episodes of catching up on Downton Abbey, my hat was finished! Started it Saturday night and finished it Sunday afternoon. I decided to use US 9 circs for the ribbing since I didn't have any size 10 dpns or circs like the pattern called for, and then switched to US 11s for the rest of the hat. I've made a couple of berets over the years and this one is definitely my favorite by far. I love the shape of the hat - it's more fitted at the crown than other beret patterns I've knitted, and the drape starts at the right point, not too soon after the ribbing ends. It lays nicely and doesn't need to be constantly tugged at or pulled on to make sure it's not falling off of my head. I highly recommend knitting this pattern for a no-fail beret/slouchy hat/tam project.

I think I've got my hat-knitting groove back.