| the calico lover |

Woven Hemlock Tees #3 and #4 : the loominous and sheeeep versions

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Shortly after making my previous two woven hemlock tees, I decided to cut into some more fabric for some more easy sewing time ... what really put me over the edge with this pattern is that I pulled out 1 1/2 yds of brand spanking new drool-worthy fabric (44" wide) and was able to finagle my way into cutting out the hemlock from this amount.

Hemlock #3 : the "loominous" one ....

I bought this fabric when it first came out, mainly because I was super curious before I invested more in a more time-consuming, larger project. I purchased only 1 1/2 yards (and, note to self, please start buying 2 yards of fabrics!). This really set me back as the only projects I know I can reliably make with 1 1/2 yards are sorbetto tops, everyday skirts, and scout tees. (No wonder I've made so many of those!) So -- I whipped up a quick woven hemlock tee.

Needless to say -- this fabric is divine. I love it -- it's soft, lightweight and perfect for summer garments. There will definitely be more loominous projects in my future!

This fabric, called "Big Love," was really interesting to work with. There are essentially no repeats (that I could see) so that means that I didn't stress too much about matching. It made me think of the classic ACT analogies : "this to this is like that to that." In this case, Noro is to the knitting world like Loominous is to the sewing world. Unique, dreamy and the base for very unique projects.

Can't wait to dream up my next garment!

Hemlock #4 : the "sheeeep" shirt

I have to admit that I probably love sheep just a little more than the average American, and not just because I am a knitter. It's the wooly goodness, the varieties of all the sheep out there, how cute the little lambies are ... I could go on and on. So, I'm generally a goner when it comes to "sheep" stuff. But this amazing Japanese double gauze fabric, put out by Yuwa, especially got to me with all the little sheeps running around being herded by the border collie sheep dog. I especially love the title of the fabric itself -- "sheeeeep". (Try saying that in a sheepy voice and you might understand why I'm off in the search of more colorways of this line.)

It turned out, of course, as an incredible woven hemlock tee. I can't decide if I'd rather make an evening dress so that I feel like I'm wearing pajamas at fancy events (wearing sheep, of course), or just make an entire pajama set and be done with it.

I leave you with sheepy goodness. Yes, this is me, wearing my sheeeep shirt, hangin' with a bunch of sheep, at the Estes Park Wool Market this past weekend. Fun was had by all, and yes, there was some stash enhancement. :)

Notes:
Pattern : Hemlock Tee, in woven fabrics
Mods : the Loominous shirt was cut about 2-3" shorter to accommodate the limited yardage. I like the shorter length!

Woven Hemlock Tees #1 and #2 : the lumberjack version and the fiesta version

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 13:29:00 +0000

I know that there are a lot of people with opinions on what type of fabrics clothing should be sewn with. It's no big secret that I don't sew with knits a lot ... I think that will change one day, but in the meanwhile, as I'm increasing my sewing skills one by one, I feel perfectly at home sewing with quilting cottons and other woven fabrics.

Thus, when I came across a few versions of the Hemlock Tee in woven fabrics (exhibits A and B), I felt compelled to try out this pattern. I'm beyond pleased with the end results!

I present : Woven Hemlock Tee #1 - the "lumberjack" version ...

I bought this flannel in the clearance section of my local Joann's thinking it would be perfect to wear on Fridays at my school where I teach (school colors are black and gold), as well as to try out a future pattern. This was the perfect opportunity to whip up a quick shirt, and I love how it turned out!

This is a perfectly cozy shirt, the flannel is perfect, and it's hard for me to want to change anything on this shirt. It does have the original longer length, but in the flannel it makes it cozy and oversized. I approve!

I was so excited about the lumberjack shirt that I immediately cut into some fabric that had been hanging around my stash waaaay too long ... and so I present :

Woven Hemlock Tee #2 - the "fiesta" version ...

This project started years ago when I bought this fabric with the full intent to make a "fiesta" skirt. This was the beginning of lofty aspirations (or, as I call it, stash enabling ...) and I was happy to finally put this fabric to good use as an experimental muslin of this pattern in quilting cotton.

I had the unfortunate experience of getting a Lionel Richie song stuck in my head and all that I could hear while sewing this shirt was "Fiesta ... Forever ...". Nevertheless, I was happy with how the shirt turned out -- though I think that a heavier quilting cotton is not the BEST choice for this shirt ... a lighter weight cotton, or something like my previous cozy flannel version would be best.

I wore it on Cinco de Mayo this year, though I don't do a huge celebration in my Spanish class. (There are so many lesser-known fiesta days to celebrate!) There are sure to be more fiesta occasions in my class when I will make use of this shirt in the future!

I'd say I'm well on my way to becoming the Frizz ... which is exactly what I want. :)

Notes:
Pattern: Hemlock Tee by Grainline
Mods: no big mods to either shirt, though I might experiment with the length in the future.

Finished top! : Wiksten #2 : the sugar skull version

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 03:29:00 +0000

I made another Wiksten top! I'm embarrassed to say that I made it ... a while ago. (Last fall?) However, it hasn't been blogged, so I might as well get around to it, right? This one was made from an awesome Alexander Henry print of sugar skulls, which translates to "calaveras" (which, not coincidentally, is the name of this print). The skulls have gold glitter on them and I always get a ton of compliments when I wear this top.

I may have mentioned before that, as a Spanish teacher, I love to wear Spanish-themed clothing in my classroom. It may or may not be a secret that I really wish I were The Frizz. I even wore this tank top during Me Made May, on the celebratory last day of the school year ...

I made this one a smaller size than the first version. While roomy and comfy, my husband complained that the first version looks like "a tent" on me and is not flattering. I take his criticism very constructively (that is his intent, after all), and I sized down for this. While I absolutely adore this top for summer wear, the slightly low neckline is a little too hubba-hubba for a high school teacher, which translates to being able to wear this to professional development days before school starts, or in the classroom - but with a scarf. ;) Lesson learned! Watch that pesky neckline in the future. Meanwhile, I do enjoy wearing this top!

Project notes :
Pattern : Wiksten - Tank Top
Fabric : Alexander Henry "Calaveras"
Mods : Size medium - no mods

it's a wrap ! me made may 2015 round up days 25-30 & reflections

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 00:17:00 +0000

All good things come to an end, and Me Made May has come and gone!

To recap, here are Days 1-6, 7-12, 13-18, 19-24 and ...

Days 25-30 :

day 25 : patchwork tee + banner days everyday skirt + noro scarf
day 26 : (unblogged) anna maria horner woven hemlock tee + noro scarf
day 27 : scout tee + arroway shawl
day 28 : day of the dead sorbetto tank + denim everyday skirt
day 29 : day of the dead wiksten tank + denim everyday skirt + charlotte's web shawl
day 30 : t twist tee + charlotte web shawl

Last, but not least, I ended with Day 31 :

... a sewing machine scout tee & a noro scarf :

I first came across Me Made May a few years ago and felt very inspired by all of the great outfits that I saw ... when I began sewing for myself more last summer, I decided to take on the MMM challenge this year. I'm so glad I did!

What I learned while playing along this month ...

--> that Instagram really is fun! I've been on IG for years but have never quite felt like I had the time to engage on any level there. My participation in MMM this month was a game-changer for me ... and I think I'll make the move to have more of an IG presence now. I came across so many inspiring outfits and ideas -- this was really fun! I even posted a "flipagram" of the entire month's outfits on instagram.

--> that despite the fact that I have made many many handknit items -- I only wear a small portion of them! It's probably time to sort them out and let them go.

--> Speaking of handknit scarves ... I have found that there is a specific kind that I LOVE to wear. Namely, large, comfy scarves in fingering weight yarns. My favorites were my Charlotte's Web shawl (which I wasn't even slightly surprised about), and my Stephen West shawls (which I was actually quite surprised at!). But, I really need to make more shawls in this variety in the future.

--> I have definite items I need to add to my handmade wardrobe ... mostly just basic items in the black, white and denim variety. But, I am also inspired to make even more fun, colorful items, as I just love wearing them! I'm currently curating a list of items that I hope to have made by MMM 2016.

So, I was quite pleased with myself that in the midst of one of the busiest times of the year for me (for both family and professional reasons) I managed to pull off the MMM challenge!

me made may 2015 round up days 19-24

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sat, 30 May 2015 02:25:00 +0000

We're nearing the end of Me Made May 2015, and I'll be both relieved to finish, and sad to see it come to an end!

So, before I finish off the month, let me recap days 19-24 for you ...

Day 19 : tea leaves cardigan + (favorite) charlotte's web shawl
Day 20 : catnap bess tunic + sharktooth shawl
Day 21 : hourglass sweater + radiant orchid streak cowl
Day 22 : hand-dyed, handknit socks (+ mystery scarf that day)
Day 23 : flannel hemlock tee + scrollwork hat + wintertime bandit scarf
Day 24 : sheep hemlock tee + clapotis scarf

I'll be updating those hemlock tees soon ... ;)

My next MMM check-in will be the last of this month, and I'll have a lot to say at the end of this experience of all handmade wearables in the month of May! See you then --

Staple Dress #1 : bikes !

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:00:00 +0000

I finished a dress in Me Made May -- a Staple Dress, in fact!

I am so excited to add this dress to my repertoire. I bought the pattern ages ago ... like, at least a year ago, but maybe two?? ... and it was one of the motivations that I had to start making my own things. I am embarrassed that it took this long to make the dress -- because it's quick, and awesome! I can see why there are so many of them out there in the blogosphere.

I used an inexpensive quilting cotton to try this pattern out. I'm glad I did, though I don't think I'll make many serious changes next time I made this. I do think that I'd like to try the hi-low hem in a different fabric, but I'm also pretty happy with the straight hem in a quilting cotton. I see the possibilities ahead of me ...

This is the dress equivalent of the scout tee, or the everyday skirt ... which means I'll end up making somewhere between three and a dozen of them. Expect more to appear here!

Notes:
Pattern: Staple Dress in cheapo quilting cotton
Mods: none! Next time I'll do more rows of shirring, and lower down

me made may 2015 round up days 13-18

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Mon, 25 May 2015 23:32:00 +0000

I'm pretty excited to be able to keep up with my goal of wearing two handmade items per day. I'm sharing here the photos from my instagram, recording days 13-18 of Me Made May ...

The me-mades :
#13 : catnap scout tee + noro striped scarf
#14 : bikes staple dress + (another) noro scarf
#15 : day of the dead scout tee + denim everyday skirt + (yet another) noro scarf (in Matsuri, project not on ravelry)
#16 : refashioned sorbetto top + mara shawlette
#17 : bikes everyday skirt + color affection shawl
#18 : portfolio shirt + charlotte's web shawl

This has been an interesting challenge and I've had a few ah-ha! moments about my wardrobe, what I wear, what I have in my closet, and what goals I will set for myself upon finishing this month. I'll have a lot to share at the end of this challenge!

me made may 2015 round up days 7-12

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sat, 16 May 2015 20:40:00 +0000

This year's Me Made May is continuing ... I'm holding strong in managing to snap a photo a day, though I will admit it's becoming more of a chore to accomplish this, especially in this busy time of the year. However, trends are emerging in my wardrobe and I am starting to have some big ah-ha! moments in terms of what my wardrobe is, and what I want it to be. At the end of the month I think I'll be ready to articulate it all.

Here are my days 7 - 12, as recorded on my instagram ...

How about you? Are you participating this year? What knowledge has creating a handmade wardrobe sparked for you?

Scout Tee #7 -- surprise, a catnap version!

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sun, 10 May 2015 00:00:00 +0000

So, yes, I have a Scout Woven Tee problem. I was feeling pretty bad about my lack of diversity until I came across the blog One Million Dresses and the amazing Sarah who has made over one hundred Emery Dresses, and blogs them all. I decided that my Scout Tee addiction isn't so bad after all, and that other seamstresses like to make and re-make easy and favorite patterns just like me. (I wouldn't mind moving on to the Emery Dress one day and making a million cute frocks like Sarah's ...)

Having said that, I am actually venturing out into some other patterns, but had already cut out these two Scout Tees and felt like I needed to finish them up.

Presenting Scout Tee #7 : yet another miáucoles tee shirt, a.k.a. another catnap top.

I had cut this out before I made my recent double-catnap bess top ... and actually, for the record, I don't see anything wrong with owning an entire wardrobe of catnap clothing. (Lizzy House might have told me that she's considering a Catnap 2 line ...)

I so love this cute print, called "Cattitude." It's perfect for miáucoles (my version of Spanish-Wednesday-meets-cats), right?

It made an appearance in my instagram Me Made May wardrobe before I had a chance to blog it here. I'm also wearing a hitchhiker scarf and a really really old Koigu hat (unfortunately, so old it was never recorded in ravelry!). If I look grumpy, it's because I was standing in the rain, though you might catch a glimpse at the amazing rainbow that was *right* behind me. (I almost ran away to look for the gold!) It's been raining straight for the past week here in Colorado, which is highly unusual -- and we're expecting up to 10" of snow for Mother's Day this weekend!

(Waiting for summertime ...)

Notes :
Pattern : Scout Woven Tee
Fabric : Catnap by Lizzy House
Mods : slightly longer hemline

me made may 2015 round up days 1-6

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Fri, 08 May 2015 01:00:00 +0000

I've been having a lot of fun participating in this year's Me Made May ... I had set the goal to participate some time last year after having sat out on the sidelines for the last few years. I'm really glad that I jumped on the bandwagon this year! If you are so inclined, feel free to visit me on my Instagram account -- though I joined years and years ago, it hasn't seen a lot of action until now.

Here's my first round-up of my me made outfits :

Day 1 : bicycle skirt + arroway shawl
Day 2 : purple Debbie Bliss Grace cardigan + day of the dead Wiksten tank + Charlotte's Web shawl
Day 3 : galaxy Everyday Skirt + sharktooth shawl
Day 4 : long-sleeved Nani Iro Scout Tee + Purl Bee Quilted Vest + Esjan shawl
Day 5 : Piñata Hemlime Tee + shawktooth shawl + Purl Bee Quilted Vest
Day 6 : Catnap Scout Tee + hitchhiker shawl + really old Koigu KPPPM hat

my sewing corner {& stash!}

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 03:45:00 +0000

I've been having fun the last couple of weeks participating in Gray All Day's link up of finished projects. This week Helena decided to do something different -- a "show-your-stash" link up party. I once showed a part of my craft room (ahem, three years ago?) here on this blog -- but that craft room, which I never got around to completely documenting, is now gone. It was the fourth bedroom in my house, and when organized and tiny, though it is a small bedroom, it was glorious. I loved it! But, when it become untidy it became a place where I shut the door, and did my crafting in other places. It became a reminder of everything that I *don't* want in my crafting -- obligations (of things I needed to make for others), unfinished objects (that I didn't really want to finish), and languishing piles (which were a result of not having enough time in my craft room!). You may or may not know what I'm talking about here. ;)

Enter the decision to turn the guest room back into a guest room, and the random back corner of my basement into my crafting area. This is, in fact, a much longer story, but let's leave it at the point in Spring 2014 when my basement flooded, and we decided to take everything out and put it all back -- in a more re-organized way.

Now -- I'm left with a craft room I can use, and when it's tidy, I love! The "tidy" part is ongoing, by the way, so excuse the "in-progress" look of my following photos, which were taken after about 30 seconds of tidying.

First, I have my "yarn wall." Who doesn't want a yarn wall? (Okay, maybe a non-yarn addict wouldn't, but still ... ) This is the wall that divides my basement from my crafting area and it houses a good portion of my yarn and my crafting books. Stuffed into cubbies are the "significant" amounts of yarn, and in the boxes are the smaller amounts of yarn (generally 1-3 balls), sorted by weight. This is of course catalogued in ravelry (my for-sale-stash is located here if you are interested!) and I frequently consult my stash to see what's there before I make an impulse buy (thank you, Dizzy Sheep, for the enabling moments you've given me).

Next, I have the area to the right of my sewing table (in which my sewing machine is a Pfaff from almost 20 years ago -- my first big purchase after getting married!) ... Here, I have my collection of "garment-amount" fabrics. As I've dived into making a handmade wardrobe this year, this has grown ... a bit. I'm cutting myself off at the space in which I have to house fabric.

It's getting tight, which means I need to start making stuff again! (That is good.)

Then, I have my old Apple computer on a dresser that was once in my daughter's room but now houses assorted crafty goodies (wrapping supplies, shipping supplies, zippers & other notions ... ). And, to the right of that is my "smaller insignificant" fabrics.

These are generally 1/2 yard, or less, and folded as per the ruler fold in order to fit into the cubbies. I actually just moved these from the spare bedroom into this space recently and was unsure what to do when my ruler folding trick didn't work -- then decided to move some extra books into this space as fillers. I think it works pretty well. Here's a close-up of the scrappy goodness ...

To the right of that is the craft room-turned guest room, though I still keep my scraps of fabric on the door to the guest room. When we have guests, I'll move it, but for now it makes an easy spot to store extra fabric scraps. If you can't tell, it's overflowing right now ... I need to get on that whole "using-my-scraps-thing" soon!

All of this reminds me of my favorite quote on housing a "stash" of fabric / yarn / what-have-you. The question is : How much is enough or too much? The answer : "Enough" that keeps you creative, but "too much" stilts your creativity. You decide where you are at! In my current crafting space, I'm just teetering over the edge, which means I need to do some sorting and some making. (That isn't a bad thing.)

So, thanks for taking a look at my little crafting haven in my basement!

What about you -- do you have a space to create? Do you have a way to organize your supplies? And, most importantly, do you have a favorite scrap quilt or scrap project to use fabric scraps in??

Everyday Skirt #4 : the denim version

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 21:00:00 +0000

Thinking ahead to MeMadeMay, and my first time participating in the event, I was wondering what basic items I could add to my wardrobe. A staple for me are denim skirts that I wear once or twice a week -- so it was a foregone conclusion that I would need to add a me-made denim skirt to my handmade wardrobe. It was an equally easy decision to use my favorite skirt pattern -- the Everyday Skirt!

Being a heavier denim (8oz?), the skirt is rather full and does not drape terribly well. Without the elastic gathering in the back, I think this would be a perfect weight for this skirt. With the fabric gathering, however, the skirt comes off as a little too large. Not so large that it will keep me from wearing it, of course, but something to consider for this pattern.

Overall, I still feel very pleased with the fit. My husband snapped this shot in our garden before we left for work one morning. (Here I'm wearing it with my color affection scarf, tied as an infinity scarf.) I still need to figure out how I am going to manage a daily photoshoot of my Me Made outfits, if I decide to even go the daily-photo-route. (But, why not try?) I'm not so sure the "early morning photo in the garden" is a strategy I'll be keeping, however.

I don't have a lot to add about this pattern that I haven't already said, except that in going with the denim-clothing theme, I added a gold thread in a wide zig-zag stitch. Though my zig-zag is a little uneven, it turned out pretty well and was a fun addition to this skirt. I think I'll keep the zig-zag topstitching around!

Notes :

Pattern : Everyday skirt by Liesl & Co

Fabric : Heavier denim (I'd like to try this in a chambray!)

Notes : Size small

Purl Soho Quilted Vest

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 22:35:00 +0000

In all of the things I've knit for myself, I have to admit that there are a few garments I've never made ... I'm talking about things like :

knitted skirts (this one and this one are both high up in my queue, though I should probably just make this pattern first)

knitted dresses (not sure I'll ever make this one but I'd like to)

knitted underwear (okay, I'm joking, I have no plans there, though I do find this pattern intriguing as a layering piece)

Likewise, in sewing, I'd like to make:

a coat (this one has caught my eye!)
undergarments (though this simple bralette is high on my list of to-dos)
athletic wear (or my favorite new term, athleisure wear) ... and this may change one day.

So, I'm excited to share that I just completed a Purl Bee reversible quilted vest! You can imagine my overjoyment with my most recent garment, not only a pattern that is totally new to me, but also one that leaves me only two sleeves away from completing an actual coat one day.

In addition to the place that I anticipate this vest taking in my #MeMadeMay15 wardrobe, it is simply an amazing thing to have made. I wanted to make this when Purl Bee came out with the first version a year ago ... then when they updated the design this year, I had to cave. I mixed elements from both vests to come up with my final version. Here, I'm wearing the vest over a sweater I made ages ago (really!) but still love -- so the warm vest over a handknit sweater is a match made in heaven. It's only upon blogging this pair that I realize how perfect they are -- the hourglass sweater is a pattern by Joelle Hoverson, owner of Purl Soho, orignator of the quilted vest pattern.

I used a simple horizontal line quilting across the denim I chose for the outer fabric paired with wool batting for the middle. How have I never purchased wool batting before? I'm in love, and am dying to make a winter bed quilt with wool batting now. I used a fabric I had been coveting for the interior -- a simple geometric print by Carolyn Friedlander from her Doe collection. I just love her aesthetic! I could make an entire wardrobe out of her prints and be happy. (Okay, with some key Catnap, Nani Iro, and just a few others thrown in ...) I did not quilt the interior to the exterior, but followed the instructions on the second quilted vest so the lining would not be attached.

By far the most time-consuming aspect was hand-stitching the binding on to finish the vest. Luckily I had been saving the Creativebug series of "How to Design Fabric" for a rainy day, and this was my chance to binge watch three of my favorite fabric designers talk about their process while I slowly slip-stitched the binding.

This was actually my first time to sew in snaps -- such a simple task, and I couldn't believe I'd never done it before! It's fun to slowly check those things off my list of skills or garments that I hadn't ever accomplished, and then I do accomplish them. Quilted garment? Check! Snaps? Check!

In the end, I thought I might like the lining-side out better, but I find the denim-side more wearable. Either way, I just love this vest and can't wait to plan for a second version!

Notes :
Pattern: Purl Soho Quilted Vest version one and two
Fabric: dark denim outer / Carolyn Friedlander Doe "Sharp in Black"
size : medium
Mods: mixture of elements of both vests
{{on kollabora here}}

Finished skirt! : Everyday Skirt #3 : the "far out" one

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 15:08:00 +0000

I made a skirt a while ago but haven't blogged about it yet -- it's an outer space skirt.

The Everyday Skirt by Liesl & Co. has become just that for me -- an everyday skirt. This was my third, and I've settled in on the size small as the best fit -- though I am generally a solid medium in RTW. I have a fourth everyday skirt to blog about, and I actually just showed you my fifth version as well. I have even more planned! Though I haven't made seven of these (yet) -- when I do, I'll have one for every day of the week. (Here I come, MeMadeMay!)

My son snapped a shot of me wearing the skirt in the morning on the way out to work. I might need to come up with a better plan of taking photos of my Me Made outfits ... In this photo I am wearing the skirt + my "winter bandit" scarf. Though it's hard to take photos of a black scarf, it's a great addition to my wardrobe.

What is my most favorite thing about this skirt? The weird looks I get when I'm wearing it! ("Are those ... planets on your skirt??") And, the fact that all my girlfriend science teachers at my high school want one. Geeks unite!

Project notes :
Pattern : Everyday Skirt by Liesl + Co.
Fabric : Something from Hobby Lobby
Mods : Size small
{{On Kollabora here.}}

#mmmay15

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 01:40:00 +0000

So, as I write this, it is April 10. I've been slowing adding garments to my handmade wardrobe this year in anticipation for something I haven't participated in yet, but I've been eavesdropping on for the past two years ... #mmmay15, otherwise known as Me Made May 2015!

Chances are, you've heard of this crafty phenomenon -- sewists, knitters and crocheters (who did I miss?) deck themselves in their finest frocks, their simplest scarves and their awesome accessories to celebrate the handmade garment. This year, there's a pinterest board to keep your eye on, as well as a flickr group and the #mmmay15 hashtag on instagram.

This year, I'm taking the pledge.

I, Jen @ thecalicolover, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '15. I endeavour to wear two or more handmade items each day for the duration of May 2015.

I'll be honest ... most days I wear something handmade, simply because as a knitter I've made a gazillion scarves before. However, I am hopeful that embarking on this challenge I'll identify the holes in my wardrobe so I can focus more mindfully on filling those, rather than creating a lot of "fluff," which I'm sometimes apt to do. (Oh, those colorful hand-dyed skeins of yarn and clever quilting cottons ...)

I'll check in periodically with a round-up of my outfits ... How about you? Are you participating in Me Made May this year?

Easter coord : Sorbetto Top #3 and Everyday Skirt #5

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 19:39:00 +0000

I came across a post on Ada Spragg with coord inspiration a while back ... it's not a new concept, but the general idea is to make a matching top/bottom set that look cute together but can be worn separate. It came in very handy recently when I ordered 3 yards of fabric from a vendor on eBay at a super bargain price ... but what came in the mail were two pieces of fabric -- one a single yard, the second only two yards. This didn't really work out with the pattern I had in mind -- but when I considered the option of a coord outfit, I felt like I could make it work!

I cut out the two patterns and made them in time to wear for Valentine's Day ... and then we had a blizzard and I ended up wearing something totally different for my special date night with my husband. I've been wearing these pieces independently (the color looks great with denim or chambray), but decided to wear the outfit out for Easter today. (Happy Easter!)

I ended up cutting a Sorbetto Top (without the front box pleat) from the one yard piece, and an Everyday Skirt from the two yard piece. I had enough fabric to cut sleeves for the top, as well, so I added those. I also added a commercial bias binding to the edge of the top, and I like the little pop of color it adds.

The skirt, which has become a real go-to pattern for me, turned out super cute (I think). If I had paid more attention to the cutting of the pattern, I would have lined up the sides with the front/backs. It's wearable, of course, as it is, and I kind of think that had I tried to match them it might have been a disaster and it would have been more obvious. So - I'm going with the flow and ignoring that detail for now!

Though I'm wearing the top & bottom together here with the top not tucked in, it's also a cute outfit together with a big belt to make the outfit look like a dress. However, I think the pieces are even cuter worn separately -- again, the color of this fabric looks great with denim or chambray. So, three different outfit possibilities in one outfit -- gotta love that!

As for the fabric itself, it's an Anna Maria Horner quilting cotton called "Banner Days," celebrating the Mexican art of papel picado. I'll admit I also have this fabric already in blue, in voile weight. What can I say? ... It's perfect for a Spanish teacher to wear! I love the design. (I see there's another colorway I don't own yet ...)

Notes :
Pattern : Sorbetto top by Colette and Everyday Skirt by Liesl & Co
Fabric : AMH Banner Days in magenta
Mods : no box pleat on the top, and added sleeves to the Sorbetto (instructions here)
{{On Kollabora here}}

I'm linking up to GrayAllDay.com's Sew It Chic link party -- check out what other sewists have been up to if you get a chance!

Bess top #1 : the catnap tunic

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:58:00 +0000

You may already know that I have a problem with cat-themed clothing (being the calico lover), but I couldn't help but to make a double-catnap top. But, what top? I went back and forth for a while then decided to forge into a new-to-me pattern -- the Bess Top, tunic version. (I may or may not have been subconsciously influenced by Rachel's Catnap Bess, which I had evidently pinned to my pinterest board previously.) So, I topped off the back of the top with the contrasting fabric and came up with a cat-version color-blocked Bess tunic.

I'm mostly happy overall with how this turned out ... there were a few bumps along the way including my first-ever knit fabric bias trim. I'm not sure if I love this new technique or not -- it felt both easier and more difficult than the previous bias bindings I've used on my Scout tees and other tops.

One problem I had was that I cut out the pockets, but in my excitement to sew up the top, I forgot to include them! It's okay, because after I try out the Cabin tunic pattern, I might opt to add in some faux-placket pockets like the Cabin has. I put on my tunic and headed out for the day (with my husband graciously grabbing a quick iPhone photo in the sunlight) ...

... and I wore it to a class at Fancy Tiger Crafts with Lizzy House! The class that she taught was about the Meadow Quilt -- a very interesting class, where I learned a new technique called the "six-minute-circle." I couldn't tell if I was the coolest person in the class, wearing a double-catnap top in front of Lizzy House, or maybe the strangest person in the class, wearing a double-catnap top in front of Lizzy House. Given that I am used to being strange on a regular basis (hello, high school teacher), I prefer to think of myself as the former, not the latter.

There are some things I'll change next time around in this pattern -- downsizing, pockets, different fabrics, better control of my knit bias facing ... but for now, I'm pretty pleased with my end result. (Oh, and my Meadow Quilt? Not so sure when that will get done ...)

Notes :
Pattern : Bess Top by imagine gnats
Fabric : Catnap by Lizzy House
Mods : none, but size 12 made - next time I'll definitely size down -- though I still intend to add pockets à la Cabin Tunic
{{on kollabora here}}

Scouts #5 (the February one) and #6 (another miaucoles tee)

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 21:54:00 +0000

Despite the fact that I am actually sewing other things, I need to blog a few recent Scout Woven Tees that I completed ...

Scout #5 : the February Scout

My handmade wardrobe plan for the month of February was to insert as many red- and pink-colored garments into my wardrobe as possible. As such, I grabbed this Jennifer Paganelli design from Joann to try out the roomier swing back version of the Scout Tee.

It's funny that I had my son snap this picture on our way out to school in the morning (trying to catch the sunlight while I could get it!) -- I took off my jacket, snapped a quick photo, and realized later that my go-to hat this winter (Rikke in malabrigo worsted) has a strange pooling action going on. I knew this already, but seeing it in a photo made it really stand out to me. In addition, I'd never quite noticed how the tips of my color affection shawl sort of pop out grey! This is an added benefit to blogging what I wear, I suppose.

Project notes :
Pattern : Scout Tee #5
Fabric : Floral Stripe by Jennifer Paganelli
Mods : - Size 6 made, with full back adjustment
{{On Kollabora here}}

That brings us to Scout #6 : another miáucoles tee

I can't get enough cat-themed clothing into my wardrobe. Before you think that it's just about being another crazy cat lady (which, being the calico lover, I of course am), you need to remember that I'm a Spanish teacher and that each Wednesday in my class is celebrated as "miáucoles," or the cat version of the regular (and more boring IMHO) miércoles. (I may or may not insert random cat memes in Spanish throughout my powerpoints on Wednesdays ... while wearing cat-themed clothes, of course.)

I added a bit more oomph in the back, or more swing à la slash-and-spread of clothing design, inspired by Jen's Madewell Scout.

Of note in this tee was my failure at creating a slit in the neck, as Jen did in her Madewell Scout Tee version. It turned out ... okay. By okay, I mean wearable, but I'm not sure pleased with it. I'm not giving up on this technique quite yet. I'm pretty sure my inability to pull off this slit came from the store-purchased binding that I used.

Project notes :
Pattern : Scout Tee #6
Fabric : Catnap by Lizzy House in Finn Pink
Mods : - Size 6 made, neck slit added, swingy back adjustment
{{On Kollabora here}}

Portfolio tunic #1 : the crazy calacas + marionetas version

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 00:51:00 +0000

I'm back today to share something I made recently that I'm super pleased with : my (first) Lisette Portfolio tunic.

Though I finished my first Lisette Portfolio top as practice for this tunic, I dove straight into my "nice fabric" to make this as quickly as possible. Officially, this was supposed to be one of my February sews -- my colors of the month to add into my handmade wardrobe were pink + red -- but I just finished this up this week. Actually, I think I would have made my self-imposed February deadline but I unfortunately dropped my Rowenta iron in exactly the wrong way and it exploded. (Or, it at least broke into too many pieces to fix.) This left me agonizing over what kind of iron to replace it with for several days, and then waiting for Amazon Prime to deliver it. Needless to say, I was able to finish it finally. I made it out of a Day of the Dead Alexander Henry fabric that only a crazy Spanish teacher would wear. (Enter me ...) :)

There's not much to say about this amazing tunic that I will love for years on end -- except, did I mention how much I love it?? The fit is perfect -- thanks to the experimental top I was able to size down confidently and I think my smaller size fits well.

The pockets are sublime. They are perfect for my days spent running around as a teacher with euros stuffed in the pockets (my classroom equivalent of participation points), white board markers, and remote control powerpoint clickers.

I think my little front detail turned out great - I used a gold top stitching and I managed to sew it all rather straight so it looks pretty even all the way around the neckline.

And, I love the button detail on the back, once again. I see myself making many more of these tunics ... though I'll perhaps vary the fabric choice (dark linen would be nice?) or sleeve length (longer sleeves for the winter, perhaps?). We'll see ...

Notes :
Pattern : Lisette Portfolio (unavailable but the updated Cappuccino dress is here)
Fabric : Alexander Henry Marionetas in Pink
Mods : none - size 14 made.
{{on Kollabora here.}}

Portfolio shirt #1 : the steampunk mardi gras version

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 22:25:00 +0000

I've found a new pattern to obsess over : the Lisette Portfolio shirt (Simplicity 2245 View C). I'd been eyeing the Cappuccino Dress (which is the updated, available version of the Portfolio dress) when I remembered I'd purchased this Lisette pattern a while back before I had my sewing mojo going. I figured I'd give this pattern a go with some fairly inexpensive fabric I had sitting around in my stash.

I was glad I gave it a first shot in this fabric because it turned out a little large and there were definitely some tricks I had to figure out before I attempt this in a more cherished fabric.

However, I am definitely pleased with the shirt overall, though the fabric admittedly is quite strange ... it's like a steampunk version of mardi gras : fleur-de-lis + spectacles with floating eyebrows + pocketwatches-cum-moths ... in a mardi gras colorway. I don't know what I was thinking when I purchased this fabric, but I will admit that the busy pattern totally hides my learning curve mistakes. This was officially my first version of a self facing neckband, which was tricky for me to figure out but it seems to have come together!

The little button tab detail in the back was brilliant -- also a first -- and if I continue to make a gazillion Scout Tees then I will definitely consider this as a modification.

In these pictures I'm wearing the shirt (on two different occasions) with my 2014 Pantone scarf, my so-called "radiant orchid streak." If you're a knitter, I totally recommend this quick infinity scarf pattern, the Blue Streak.

Now ... the Portfolio Tunic is definitely an upcoming project !

Notes :

Pattern : Lisette Portfolio shirt, view C

Fabric : random fabric purchased at Hobby Lobby

Mods : none, size 16. Turned out large so next time I'll make a 14.

continental blouse #1 : the wearable muslin

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 21:31:00 +0000

So, now that I'm sewing for myself more (and a 2015 goal is to put more wearables into my handmade wardrobe), I thought I'd venture out of my scout tee and everyday skirt comfort zone into the world of the umpteen patterns I've purchased but not used. There are several patterns I'm dying to try in the Liesl & Co range -- the Cappuccino dress, Bistro dress and Late Lunch Tunic come to mind. Some digging around on the internets led me to the fact that the Cappuccino dress is an update to the now-out-of-production Liesette pattern for Simplicity, pattern 2245, the Portfolio Tunic. I realized, then, that I had bought this paper pattern ages ago -- and while digging around my stash I also found the Simplicity pattern #2059, aka Continental pieces, as well.

I thought I'd start with the Continental blouse ... then move on to the Portfolio outfit ... and then start sewing through the Liesl & Co. patterns that I still want to make. (This might take me the better part of 2015!)

So -- here is my first version of the Continental blouse, in a wearable muslin (aka, Country Classics navy blue purchased for $2.50/yard). I'm pretty please that it turned out pretty well on my first try, and was incredible easy to put together. If it doesn't work out, the two yards or $5.00 investment won't be too much of a disappointment. I think that in a different fabric, the gathering at the back will hang very nicely -- until then, in a heavier cotton, they do have a bit of a poofy look.

However, given that this is such a super easy sew and that I love the look of the gathers on the back, I think I'll stick with this for a few more garments before moving on. I loved that I was able to use certain details that I learned from my Scout Tee(s) such as french seaming the insides (including the armscyes), as well as the bias binding on the neck. A different print on the bias binding on the neck gives a nice, special touch.

I'm also so glad that my 2011-self thought of purchasing these Lisette patterns on a super craft store sale, so that my 2015-self could make them up. Sometimes it pays off to be a bit of a hoarder! :)

I'd like to make this longer in the future (more of a tunic length) and maybe try some of the Liesl-suggested variations. I also think I'll size down next time around - this one is rather roomy.

Notes :
Pattern : Continental Blouse by Lisette
Fabric : Country Classics cheap cotton
Mods : None - Size 16 made. Next time - I'll cut a size 14.
{{On Kollabora here.}}

scout tee #4 : long-sleeved nani iro version

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:35:00 +0000

Well, it's another day, and I'm back with another Scout Tee ... that's how it rolls around here. The reality is that, as a rather inexperienced and beginner sewer, the Scout Tee remains that perfect mixture of a wearable design along with skills that I possess. So, until I feel like venturing into more complicated patterns, I might be happy making an endless number of these with a few variations thrown in.

This version is made with 1 1/2 yds of this amazingly soft Nani Iro brushed cotton that I bought from Miss Matatabi. I decided to use every single bit of fabric that I could and I extended the sleeves to a 3/4 length.

I'll admit that seeing Carolyn's shirt heavily influenced my own -- this border print was just too gorgeous to not use it as an accent somehow. I am very happy with the use of the border print on the bottom hem, as well as on the sleeves. If I'd had more yardage, I would have considered a dress -- this version and this version are inspiration for future border-print Nani Iro projects.

I shamelessly copied Carolyn for the sleeve hems, as well, leaving them unfinished. I decided that if I need to hem them later, I can -- for now, I like the whimsy of the unfinished hem and I think it's fun and unique that the selvage print barely shows on one sleeve.

I feel super proud of the process that I took to make this a quality handmade garment that I hope will last well. I serged the lower hem and then used a new-to-me-technique to hem the shirt. On this shirt, I used my "blind hem" stitch and finally figured out how that worked -- this tutorial helped a lot. I am definitely going to use this on future skirts!

My bias facing is really coming along ... I used a commercial facing but ironed it out flat before applying it, which I think helped with the stiffness.

I also extended the lower hem by about two inches and also used Jen's full back tutorial to add volume to the back of the shirt. I **love** the way it turned out and will most likely use this "slash and spread" method again.

Meanwhile, the scarf I'm wearing with this shirt perfectly coordinates. The scarf is pretty much all-time favorite handknit item -- it goes with almost everything in my wardrobe and is amazingly comfortable and versatile. This was one of my first lace patterns that I ever attempted -- the Charlotte's Web scarf that was incredibly popular on knitting blogs in the pre-ravelry days. I have more notes on my ravelry project page, if you're interested. (I made another version in a chunky Noro yarn, too.)

My only regret for this shirt is that it's a tad too tight in the back across the shoulders -- so in my next Scout Tee I will probably add a bit of width there. However, the fit still works, and I'm in love it!

Project notes :
Pattern : Scout Tee
Fabric : Nani Iro Painting Check from Miss Matatabi
Mods : None - Size 6 made.
{{On Kollabora here.}}

scout tee #3 : calaveras de azúcar version

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:58:00 +0000

This is (cough cough) rather late posting -- it's January and I realized that during my blogging absence this last fall I finished (yet another) Scout Tee. This is my third, and I am really feeling like I have got the hang of this pattern.

Not only is this shirt perfect for me to wear in November, or any other month for that matter (I teach Spanish), it's cute, comfy and colorful. What more could a girl ask for?

I am feeling more and more comfortable with doing a bias binding (yay!) and the tip that Jen from Grainline detailed for getting flat bias necklines has really paid off for me.

The fabric was a novelty fabric purchase from Joann's, whose name and designer I can't recall now. I know that it's my third Day of the Dead shirt I've made, but I have to admit -- there are more coming. :) I blame it on watching too much Magic School Bus when my kids were little. (#imthatteacher)

Project notes :

Pattern : Scout Tee

Fabric : Mystery novelty print from Joann's

Mods : None - Size 6 made.

the one-hour top #1 : what's black and white and ... ?

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 00:33:00 +0000

I recently finished a top I'd been wanting to sew since the first time I saw it ... the One Hour Top by Fancy Tiger. (It's a given that I pretty much want to do everything I see the Fancy Tigresses make.)

True confession : though I've been sewing for pretty much my entire life, I have a severe aversion to sewing with knits. I made a dress when I was pregnant with my first child (who just turned 15 ... so it was many years ago) and let's just say that it had that "homemade look" more than the handmade look. You know what I mean! Luckily with all the resources that are available today, and the promise of a cute and comfy top that could be finished in an hour, I felt like I could attack sewing with knits once more.

I would say that for the most part, the pattern went well! I was extremely pleased with myself when I managed to use a twin needle (for the first time, yay!). Let's ignore the imperfections that I won't be highlighting in this blog post, then, and I'll move straight on to the feeling proud of the quickie shirt I made. The black and white print (that is, ahem, not quite centered on the shirt - note to self, remember that next time!) looks really cute with my Skully Jane Market Bag.

I wore the shirt out today with my tote and my "black and white and re(a)d all over" scarf. I love the combo of this tote with this scarf -- add in this cute top, and I'm in handmade heaven.

Project notes :

Pattern : One Hour Top - by Fancy Tiger
Fabric : super cheap knit fabric from Hobby Lobby
Mods : Size M/L -- no mods
{{On Kollabora here.}}

my handmade wardrobe

noreply@blogger.com (jen) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 00:07:00 +0000

One of my goals as a crafter is to create a handmade wardrobe ... what follows are the various clothing items I have made that have been documented here on my blog, and my favorite handmade outfits. My goal in this project is to step back and identify some of the gaps that I need to fill in, and to remember some of my favorite creations.

handmade tanks

wiksten tank #2

scout tee #2

everyday skirt #3

handmade tees and short sleeve shirts

scout tee #3

handmade skirts

handmade dresses

handmade shorts

handmade outerwear

handmade pajamas