This is MY Confession...

I am a borderline hoarder. I reached that conclusion by taking a look at the last patterns and fabric I just recently purchased. I have no problem with having lots of patterns and fabric if you use it (even occasionally). I have not been doing that. I love sewing but fitting issues have been my deterrent. So since there will always be new patterns and more fabric sales, I have decided to start making things. At least one item a week. I have to justify my purchases to ME. The above statements have no relevance to anyone but me. You do you and I will do the same. As matter of fact I love reading sewing blogs and seeing other people's stash, but I also know that I love even more looking at the garments that they create from their purchases. I need to stop hoarding and start creating!

So, I spent Sunday afternoon considering what to sew next. I decided to watch the Mimi G's DIY Strapless Jumper tutorial. After watching it I thought about trying my hand at a simple down and dirty maxi skirt. I wanted to make one with the fold over like on yoga pants. I went to you.tube and rediscover a young lady whose DIY peplum skirt video I had watched. Her name is tglashen and I fell in love with her. Not only is she very creative but she teaches the obvious without you feeling like duh… What I love the most is that at the beginning and end of each of her videos she displays bible verses. I love, love, love creative people who know from whence their talents flow!

So I went to my basement fabric stash and found some striped knit fabric I was gifted from my mommy. She no longer sews and she has begun sending pieces my way(adding to my hoard stash)… (She makes jewelry now). The fabric I picked was very familiar. When we would fabric shop we often would go home with some of the same pieces. I had (many, many years ago) made my youngest daughter a cute little summer top from my yardage (she says she still has it somewhere in her bedroom).

Following most of tglashen’s instructions I made the following two skirts. The striped one for me and the other for my daughter.

 

Even after using the exact same instructions, because of the difference in the fabric, my daughter’s came out a little more form fitting than I had desired. She, however, loved it. My next iteration will fit with more ease.

I really need more light in my house and a camera phone with flash. Sorry again for the not so great pictures.

 

Love and Blessings,

Dawn

Out with the old, in with the new!

Well, I mentioned in my last post that I was in the process of making the infamous "Regal Maxi Skirt w/ Sash"... I had only the zipper and the hem to finish when my oldest daughter came in. I decided to try it on to get her opinion....I had told her that I was going to wear it the next day to a ministry event that I was a part of. So when I came out in the skirt she said" oh, I did not know that you were doing a praise dance". Well since that was not the look I was going for I figured that I should wear something else.

I did agree with her that my rendition had too many gathers. I will remedy that at a yet-to-be-determined time.

I took Wednesday thru Friday off, so on Wednesday I cleaned my overhead built-in closet in my bedroom. In the process I realized that I am a border-line hoarder. I am proud to say that a recycle bin full of useless papers dating back to 1997 and three bags of shoes have left my home.

Now, I am not so proud to say that on Thursday I went to Gaffney Fabrics and purchased 27 yards of ITY knits (they were on sale for $1.50/yard)  and then I went to Jo Anns and took advantage of the McCalls pattern sale. I bought 12 patterns, but 10 of them were for kints!

Last night I started working on M6752, view B. I used stash fabric(linen blend Jersey knit) purchased online in 2013. Sorry for the dark photo.

Not sure what is up next, but it will be done within the next week!


Love and blessings!
Dawn

The hard and soft of it...

Well, I still cannot get my oldest daughter to pose for a picture in her pleather(purchased from Mood) skirt (McCall's 6706).  And now my youngest is unavailable to pose for pictures in her linen pants(Simplicity 2700). Here are some shots of the two pieces on(and I use the term lightly) Dora. Hopefully I can get a picture of both of them wearing the pieces soon.

 

I used cheap/wrong interfacing (see how wonky waistband looks)

First time using both button hole and button attachments

Leg with ribbon sewn on for a pretty hem

 

Next up is Mimi g’s Regal Maxi skirt. I found this yellow shantung at Jo.Mars in Philly. It fit right into the time of a ministry event that I am part of.

Fail: I am having trouble fitting my large abdomen while making skirts/pants. The trouble I had with was also due to time constraints(I was trying to make it to wear later that day! I am not there yet.. lol ) and I got frustrated when I attached the waistband on upside down. (I was trying to make it to wear later that day! I am not there yet.. lol ) I will finish this…No UFOs in 2013

Love and blessings,

Dawn