Sew What?

Today's accomplishments...

2011-12-27T22:05:00.000-08:00

My back hurts. No, that's not really an accomplishment.

But this is:

How could I not fall madly in love with this fleur de lis cardi? Obviously, I did but I soon noticed there were button issues. I think (more than anything else) age and use contributed to this gem ending up at Goodwill. Note the tiny buttons I removed. The buttonholes were too stretched for those little ones so I ordered some new magnificent fleur de lis buttons and voilà! Perfection!

I also made a top today with my favorite fabric, knit.

Apparently, when I try to take one handed photos anymore, it's too blurry. :/ But at least you can see the sleeve detail.

From Butterick 5497:

And here's the close-up of the fabric:

What do you think? I didn't realize the fabric was so sheer! But I like it otherwise.

Not really...

2011-12-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

So I made these pants:

From McCall's 6403:

The pattern said easy. I hate when patterns lie to me. They wer not easy. I made so many mistakes and I don't even think I like them.

What do you think?

Skirt...

2011-12-20T17:40:00.000-08:00

So I made this skirt:

Here's the overlay fabric:

Here's what it was supposed to look like:

Oops. I'm sure I can fix it. I don't really like how it turned out anyway so I think a redo would be better.

Thoughts?

More knits...

2011-11-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

I'm sure this falls under ending procrastination as I've had this fabric for weeks now. Ever wanna wear something new so you just make something? That's what I did. All in all it took about an hour so the pattern didn't lie. It really was easy. (Forgive my bathroom.)

From Butterick 5388:

I really like how this turned out and it's perfect for winter!

Collar fix...

2011-11-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

You know how you sleep on something and then decide to go a different way. Well, I wasn't going to fix this collar but I swear it was the first thing I did this morning (even before breakfast).

I think it looks so much better!

And Lolita, I am totally planning on wearing this with some leggins'. ;)

Truly quick & easy...

2011-11-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

It's weekend #2 to end procrastination. I'm not purchasing any new fabric until I finish all my old sewing projects.

Tonight I made this:

It took less than an hour. The pattern, Butterick 5528 says tunic and neck ring.

But I thought it was a cowl neck. So I just turned it into one.

Do you think it looks okay?

First look - Halloween 2011...

2011-10-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

First look for blog followers!

First of all it's Trillian from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy which is an awesome book and mediocre movie but I love Zoeey Deschanel. I have some issues with this costume which I would fix if it were going to get massive play which it's not. (But I do keep all my costumes in case of a costuming emergency.) I know the shirt is buttoned too high but that's to hide the tattoo. Maybe I'll undo it and see how it looks tomorrow. I know I'm not as thin as Zooey D and the costume has been taken in many times because the pattern I bought 100 years ago is too big. This is before I realized I had to make my clothes a size down from my actual size because every time I made my size in the past I was tenting it. The crotch is way too long. Maybe the pattern works best with tall women? It's an 80s jumpsuit pattern btw.

And of course now that I look they have my size on eBay. :/

So if anyone knows how to shorten a crotch, let me know. Never tried that in my life. I also need to lengthen the cuffs a little but I have a massive headache and am still in a lot of pain. I might just say forget it tonight. Anyway, I think it turned out okay. It could be better if I wanted to devote more time and effort to it and it also could be better if I was a better seamstress.

Funny, today I read on Zooey D's Facebook that she also puts a lot of time and effort into costumes no one can identify. I guess we're more alike than I thought!

Happy Halloween everyone!

End procrastination!

2011-10-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

I deemed this the weekend to end procrastination. Let me tell you why. I have a cabinet of fabric. Seriously, a whole cabinet. It's fabric I bought with the intention of making vintage dresses out of it. Well since I sold a lot of those patterns and don't wear vintage every day like I used to, it's been sitting in this cabinet for years. Yesterday I pulled it out and thought "It's just sitting there. No longer!" Therefore it's the weekend to end procrastination!

So I spent most of Friday night crawling around on the floor cutting out patterns. This was a poor choice. I can't crawl around on the floor like I used to. I also can't sew well into overtime like I used to. It's my fault really. I don't know when to quit and now my legs ache and my hands are sore. It's hurts to walk. No kidding. So I've been in bed watching movies with a bit of Halloween in them.

Friday night I made this skirt:

Fabric:

It's McCall's 6327 and I bought it the pattern to make the version in the bottom right but thought I would try out another version using the end procrastination fabric.

I think it turned out okay. It sits a little weird dunno why though. Maybe it's all in my head.

Friday night I also started these pants (finished them today):

From Butterick 5044:

I love these pants even though they are a bit transparent (that's white linen for you). Seriously if I had to live in a pair of pants it'd be these. They were super easy too.

Finally I made this:

I am nuts for Peter Pan collars and I love how trendy they are right now. I got this 1960s mail order pattern on eBay (brought to you by Fels soap!):

I love how this dress turned out. So cute! The fabric is quite stiff so the facing doesn't lay easy but maybe it will soften after a few washes.

I also cut out two others. I might make one tomorrow depending on how I feel but I have to take in the Halloween costume tomorrow.

I also still have a bunch of white linen and nothing to do with it. Any ideas? Skirt maybe?

Today...

2011-10-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today I finished the costume which you can see later.

I also made this:

From McCall's 6112. It was pretty easy and I think it will be pretty easy to winterize this dress. It just needs to cool down here first.

Pain in my...

2011-10-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

Yeah this shirt was a huge pain. I messed up the collar and had to redo the whole thing. Then I messed up the sleeves. Then I forgot how to use my machine's buttonhole apparatus (since it's been ages). Sheesh! Also, I have no idea where these cute size buttons came from but I love them!

Anyway I like the way it turned out:

It's from McCall's 6159:

Which is totally a girl's pattern btw but they had girl's plus sizes. I don't think the shirt I made looks little girly at all. I did make some changes though. I did away with the chest pockets. Yuck. I didn't add the sleeve tabs and I also didn't slit the sleeves. In addition, I added another button at the top because without it the collar fell open funny.

I think it turned out cute but I wanted to do another project tonight and now after that agony I don't feel like it. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Love...

2011-10-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the bigger Joann's today hoping to find McCall's patterns that my Joann's were sold out of. Well I found 3/5 and I was in awe of all their fabric because they have so much more than the smaller one by me. I found this gorgeous plum colored wool blend.

Sadly the picture does not do it justice. But I'm going to make these great highwaters out of it from McCall's 6403.

I haven't even mentioned the best part. The fabric was in it's regular section on sale for 50% off. When she punched it in it was on clearance. I ended up paying $5.31 for a little over 2 yards. I almost cried! This is the second time this has happened. I'm so excited to make these pants. Now I just need the time.

Skirts...

2011-10-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest. I hate this. This was the 60s dress that bombed. When will I learn that I can't just cut a pattern bigger and expect it to go okay? So I thought I'd just turn it into a skirt but I don't like it.

What do you think? I think it never sees the light of day.

In other news I turned this dress my friend didn't like into a super cute skirt (but I forgot to take a before pic). This one did turn out great. I hope she likes it!

Love those knits...

2011-10-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Really I do. I could have a closet full of knits and be happy with life. Since I started sewing with knits in 2009, I've loved working with them. Seriously. I love them!

This is Simplicity 2804 that I bought years ago. Seriously years! And I made the aqua colored top from this pattern (in white with black polka dots). Sometimes I pull out my patterns and see what else I can make from them. I decided on the third one in. Joann's has this great new Project Runway line from April Johnston. The fabric is generally very expensive but it was 50% off so I bought this awesome black with silver polka dot stripes and made this:

Now you may think the bottom is a mistake but it's not. I did that on purpose for two reasons. The first is to make it look unique and the second is horizontal stripes to enhance the bust and vertical stripes to slim the hips. ;)

I also worked on a dress today that ended up in the garbage. (Well, half of it anyway.) I don't know what I did wrong and couldn't for the life of me fix it so I turned the lower half into a skirt which just needs elastic. I'm bummed but at least it's not a total loss.

More of the sewing frenzy...

2011-10-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Do you love these pants? I do!

No idea what they're called though. I know they're trendy in Japan and I've seen them in mags.

Pattern:

I know it's a Learn to Sew pattern. I know how to sew. I just loved the pants. :)

Newest obsession...

2011-10-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

Steampunk. Seriously. Google it. By far the coolest genre I've ever seen.

I bought these two patterns because Simplicity patterns are 99 cents at Joann's:

Could you just die!?!?

Super Sewing Sunday!

2011-10-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today I had a massive sewing spree! I made 3 things plus added the sleeves to the costume.

Basic black pencil skirt:

Supercute zebra bunout knit top:

Trendy plaid longer skirt for fall:

Thanks so much to Kim who made all this possible! Great birthday gift!

Costume hint...

2011-10-09T18:47:00.001-07:00

Costume preview...

2011-09-19T18:46:00.001-07:00

This is all you get, sleeve detail:

Halloween: Made Awesome...

2011-09-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Today I purchased fabric for my Halloween costume. Years ago I decided I wanted to make this costume and purchased a pattern for it. So I've had this pattern and the notion to make this costume for quite some time. Obviously, it never got made.

Initially, I had wanted to be Ella form Cowboys & Aliens.

And I haven't thrown this costume out as a future costume. It's just not for this year.

See for me costuming for me has become quite difficult the past few years as I've accumulated more and more tattoos. Part of the importance for costuming (at least for me) is authenticity and I can't be authentic if I'm sporting a lot of tattoos that you normally wouldn't see on a character. Without the use of make-up my only other option is to cover them with clothing which I don't mind at all as October can be quite chilly. This brings me to my biggest beef with my beloved holiday. It seems that within the last ten years, Halloween has become an excuse for girls to whore it up (or down depending on how you look at it). Costume shops everywhere are telling girls that the less they wear, the better prepared they are to party down on Halloween. This is an atrocity and particularly loathsome to someone like me who takes great pride in costuming.

My next hurdle for the 2012 costume would be that I just cut my bangs. Save for someone like Chuck from sadly short-lived but brilliant "Pushing Daisies" there aren't a lot of choices for girls with bangs who are totally covered by clothes. (No my costume is not Chuck.)

So my 2012 Halloween costume has been carefully chosen and probably no one will know who I am but that's okay. I know that I will look awesome. Stay tuned!

Well vintage...

2011-01-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

It was fun while it lasted. The last of my vintage is on eBay.

My Dresses

Everything else has sold and I did keep a couple of pieces I really love and cannot bear to part with.

Time to move on.

"So long it's been good to know ya..."

More skirts that were once dresses...

2010-11-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Note: I bought NO new fabric. These were all dresses I don't wear anymore.

This one didn't turn out great:

This one turned out okay:

I like how this one turned out:

I love how this one turned out:

And finally the Dick and Jane dress is now a Dick and Jane skirt:

I hope you like!

Dress redux (redo?)...

2010-10-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

So one of my current goals is to turn all these dresses that I no longer wear into skirts that I probably will. This is has been a favorite goal for me so far and I am excited to do it. I bought two packages of elastic today (with 40% off coupons of course) and I guess the thicker the elastic is the less you get so maybe I'll try the next size down. Hopefully, I'll get more than two out of the next package of elastic.

(Crooked stance, not hem)

Okay so technically these two weren't dresses but shirts that were too big. (I guess so if I made them into skirts right!) Anyway, I do have many dresses to skirt up but I ran out of elastic. It's like a whole new skirtdrobe! More to come!

Inspired!

2010-09-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by this blog to do some sewing.

I bought this really cute shirt in Japan. I think it was part of a set. Unfortunately, upon additional attempts to wear it I found that it was made for someone with little to no boobage. (I thought I had little!)

Today I turned it into one of those Japanese overshirts that I love so much.

Next, I bought this shirt from YesStyle.com. Unfortunately, it came with a tiny hole due to some machine error I'm sure. Well, since it was an overseas purchase bought on clearance, it wasn't worth the cost to send it back. I pulled up the fabric to add an additional pleat. (The shirt came with about three pleats in the side.) You'd never know!

Anyway, I'm glad I got that done this morning. It makes me wish I wasn't so broke so I could sew something!

Vintage Sale Part 2!

2010-08-08T21:44:00.000-07:00

Comment if you're interested! (All items 40s or 50s unless otherwise noted.)

1. 1930s

2. Repro

3. Swirl dress

5. 70s (Sorry for the short slip.)

Close up:

10.

11.

12.

To help me better serve you please tell me the number of the piece you're interested in. See this blog for my measurement range (though some stuff is a little smaller) as well as other pertinent info.

Please buy my stuff!

Vintage Sale!

2010-08-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

For reasons I don't want to get into here, I've decided to sell a whole bunch of my vintage which is authentic as in not made by me. :)

Everything is in fantastic condition as I take very good care of my stuff. If you see anything you like, please comment your interest and we can work out a deal!

(Note: I am a 38 bust and 32 waist and most of this falls in that category with a range of 30 - 32 waist and 38 to 42 bust. I did measure everything so if you want specifics please let me know!)

4. SOLD!

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

I have a lot more which haven't been photographed. Approximate age of these garments is 40s to 50s. I don't own anything 60s.

Please let me know if you have any questions about anything!

Alice...

2010-07-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Goodness gracious when did I start working on this thing? I think maybe before the movie came out.

Yesterday, I found this ridiculously large pot at Goodwill. The skirt has been finished for some time but the ric rac was in different color blues. It's been hanging in my laundry room for ages. It made me sad to walk by the mismatched thing. Well, I snatched up that pot immediately and dyed it as soon as the pot was clean. It turned out beautifully! A lovely rich blue!

So here she is with a good chunk of the rest of the costume:

There are a few things I need to complete the costume: a scarf, a small crinoline, gloves and the coat (which I do plan on making). I am aware that atop the shirt is supposed to be a vest but I haven't been able to find one and I don't feel like making one. As far as the skirt, I used a basic skirt pattern and sewed the ric rac on in individual strips. It took forever!

Here is the original costume:

How sad was I when I finally saw the film and this costume was in it for a mere minute. :(

What do you think? Despite its imperfections I am quite proud of the skirt.

Next up:

No joke, this red dress was my favorite costume in the film!

Um yeah I made this...

2010-04-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

And I never posted it. Lame.

From this pattern:

What's worse is I never got a chance to wear it because it warmed up really quickly. :/

Anyway, very flattering don't you think? I love Project Runway patterns.

Followers...

2010-03-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

I lose followers sometimes. It makes me kind of sad. They just leave and never say why. Do you not like my creations? Do you not like me? I wonder what it is. I also wonder if I really want to know why they leave or would it just hurt my feelings? I am also aware that this is the internet and I shouldn't take everything so seriously.

You know what else I wish? That idiots would stop spamming my blog with porn links. Can you block users on here?

That's what's going through my head right now.

I wasn't gonna...

2010-03-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

I just went to Joann's to buy a zipper and photo corners. Then I saw this fabric:

Isn't it fucking amazing?!?!?!? Really. I love this fabric!

So I made this today:

From this pattern:

It's the green one minus the quilting. I like this dress but the neckline is weird. It's supposed to look like that so I may just need to secure it with some blind stitches.

Bernie's firsts...

2010-02-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

Isn't the fabric pretty! I actually bought it for a Project Runway dress and I always buy too much fabric for Project Runway patterns. Math eludes me.

Okay so I saw this knit and fell in love. I had to have it for my 80s dress. I love these ridiculous sleeves. They make me look busty!

Bernie's done for tonite. My back hurts from crawling on the floor cutting out patterns.

Wait'll ya see what I'm cookin' up for next time. ;)

Take that, ridiculous fashion trend!

2010-02-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

I just cut a pair of shorts out of a really cute skirt. Take that, ridiculous fashion trend!

(Stupid skorts.)

Welcome my newest family member!

2010-02-13T21:23:00.000-08:00

Say hello to Bernie, my brand new Bernina Bernette 46. I had planned on getting the 56 but while I was down there I saw her and fell in love. It's not a ridiculously fancy machine but then again I'm not a ridiculously fancy seamstress.

It's a Bernina which I'm already familiar with and there's no computer inside. It's all moving parts.

So far I've tried out the button hole foot and started and 80s knit dress and she's been wonderful. I love my new machine!

(Note: This is the very first machine that's my own. Everything I've ever used has been a hand-me-down. I feel like such a grown up seamstress!)

Help!

2010-02-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

This one is for my fellow seamstresses. I'm in the market for a new machine. My mom wants the Bernina back and the federal goverment would like to buy me a new machine. ;)

Well, having never purchased a sewing machine in my life I have no idea what to buy. I don't do a lot of fancy pants work; as you can see I just sew stuff together. I'd like a machine that does easy button holes and I think I'd like it to be around $200. Like I said I don't do a lot of fancy stuff so I don't need a fancy pants machine.

Your thoughts?

EDIT:
I've read some reviews. These two seem to be the best based on user reviews. Anyone have either of these?

Singer 120 Stitch Function Sewing Machine - 7444

Brother CS6000I 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Multiple Stitch Functions

Take that weird sweater!

2010-01-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

Remember that horrible McCall's sweater from a few posts back? The one that looked so cute on the pattern envelope but fit way weird?

Well, I fixed that problem. That annoying sweater is now a dress.

I win!

P.S. - Same pattern as the Simplicity flowered dress from the January 17th post.

Fixed...

2010-01-24T11:39:00.000-08:00

This is the Project Runway top with the fixed cuffs:

Looks much better. Sorry but my face refused to look good in this picture.

One dress...

2010-01-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

So I made this a while ago. I just hadn't got a chance to wear it until recently. The flowered dress:

I got a lot of compliments on this outfit. :)

I used the pattern from here.

Just kidding...

2010-01-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Found some leftover fabric. So I made another Project Runway tunic. I didn't have enough of the black so the cuffs are a little tiny. I'll probably fix that at a later date.

I am for sure done now. My back hurts and I'm hungry and still stuffy. Plus I need a shower. Yeah, definitely done.

This is the last of it...

2010-01-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

Not forever (now don't get excited) just for little bit. I have to go back to work tomorrow.

Well, I finally got the three Project Runway patterns in the mail.

The hem isn't finished in the photo. Do you remember me raving about this fabric that I bought before I had the pattern? That's it. I FREAKIN' LOVE IT! It looks like galaxies in space. And the best news of all is that I have about a yard extra so I can use it as a contrast in something else. Win!

This is the pattern:

At the last minute I decided I would cut the flat sleeve (far bottom right) because I've done so many things with puff sleeves lately (not that I don't love them, just needed different). This is by far my favorite of all the vacation sewing I've done. I decided on contrast bows rather than matching bows. I made them with bias tape and don't care what anyone thinks about that! :p

Bow detail & fabric close up:

I think I'll definitely make this again.

Next:

Again, forgive the unfinished hem. I think I bought a baby knit. It was with other baby knits but it doesn't really look like one. So whatever, I guess. I forgot to put in the elastic at the waist. I'm still debating whether it needs it or not. I really like how this turned out but I am surprised how low the neckline ended up being.

From this pattern:

I bought this 80s pattern ages ago and just couldn't decided on a fabric. I settled on broadcloth and to be honest I kinda don't really like this. Is it just me? Or is this weird looking? Plus, the neck feels like it's choking me. I'd appreciate your input, positive or negative.

Finally, I made this sweater:

I know it's kinda hard to see because of the black pants. This is way weird The sleeves sit oddly on me and I thought maybe it might be me but on http://sewing.patternreview.com damn near everyone who made this was not happy with it. I wish I would have read that before doing this.

Well that's it folks. I've had a blast sewing this vacation and I hope you've enjoyed everything I've made. :)

First of the new year...

2010-01-02T17:24:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid the massive onslaught of sewing is going to slow tremendously in a few days when I go back to work. :(

I love my job. I really do but staying home with nothing to do but sew and cook make me happypants.

Would you believe my luck when my trip to Joann's yesterday warranted four new patterns because McCall's is on sale for 99 cents!

Anyway, this is officially the first 2010 project (made yesterday):

I'm sure you know just by looking that I fell in love with this fabric immediately.

From this pattern:

McCall's like Simplicity has something similar to Project Runway with these Create It! patterns. I can't tell you how much I hate patterns that list each segment separately. Seriously pick one of these up and you too will be annoyed.

I made this today (please forgive the unfinished hem):

Funny thing. The Beatle boots I'm wearing in the above picture I got at Goodwill today for $5. That was after I bought the above fabric. Well, I had forgotten about the fabric and when compared lo and behold they match pretty well. So I guess the Beatle boots were destined to come home with me. :)

From this pattern:

I have one more cut out but I don't have elastic to finish it. Next week I have new Joann's coupons too. I'm having the best vacation!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T19:46:00.000-08:00

Well, it's officially 2010 on some parts of the planet and I'm not going to be on here when 2010 officially hits AZ so there it is.

Today, I made this lovely:

(I think when I wear this is the real world, I'll need a tank underneath.)

Pattern:

So I combined elements of A and B to make my own tunic. The problems that I had with this weren't pattern problems but fabric problems. Despite being a knit it's a thinner knit and that caused some problems with the neckline facing which kept curling and I ultimately just sewed it down. I really like how this turned out and if I ever make it again I'll use a thicker knit.

Another sewing day...

2009-12-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

I really need to have more weeks off and a disposable income so I could make clothes all day every day.

So I did up the hem on that pink polka Jem dress. And I got two patterns today in the mail. One I had already bought fabric for so I went ahead and made it.

I would like to try wearing this with something other than Spongebob Squarepants jammies.

Pattern:

I had one issue with this pattern. The directions said to turn in the sleeves and sew them like a hem. Well I had a terrible time with that so I just said fuck it and cut out some facing and faced these sleeves. It turned out fine I think.

In addition to leaving my wallet at Joann's (I almost had a heart attack but it was right where I left it) I found some new patterns. Project Runway is sneaky. The have tunics and dresses within the same pattern so I found three really cute ones and went home and promptly ordered them off eBay for way cheap. I even bought THE BEST fabric for one. I just hope it gets here before the 6th when the vacation is officially over.

Sigh. Love = sewing.

I am smilin'...

2009-12-29T16:19:00.000-08:00

I really like this tunic okay! So I just finished this like just now. I bought this fabric a while ago for a dress and it has been sitting in my sewing closet ever since. I couldn't let such pretty fabric go unnoticed. Alas, another Project Runway tunic:

Here's a close up of the fabric:

Outrageous!

2009-12-29T12:49:00.000-08:00

This is the second Jem inspired dress. As you can see it's not an exact replica but I like mine alright. Trying to find pink fabric with black dots was almost impossible so I found fabric with black and dyed it pink. Please forgive the hem not being finished. I have to do that and a few other finishing touches tomorrow. Also, I had a problem with this pattern. While the waist fit perfectly the bust was ridiculous. It was like you could have fit another set of boobs in there. Two darts at the top helped that problem and hopefully it doesn't look bad. I think it looks pretty okay. Man that never happens though. Usually everything fits perfectly without alterations which I'm not good at anyway. Come to think of it I have had issues like this with Butterick patterns before. Note to self: Butterick busts = ridiculous. Stick with Simplicity!

Without further ado:

I made B minus the pockets.

Success!

2009-12-28T23:04:00.000-08:00

So it's 11:45PM and I've just finished my first Project Runway pattern. They're weird. They have a create your own design system and the measurements for fabric pieces are listed separately. Assembling isn't hard at all though. I'm on this tunic kick right now. Like I need to have a closet full of tunics. They hide my body flaws so I love them. Anyway, I made this:

I love the fabric I chose. I should. I forever agonized over fabric combos while in the store.

Here's a close up of the main fabric:

Finally the pattern:

Bottom right is the one I made.

I totally want to make this again as it turned out really cute!

Two new dresses...

2009-12-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

This is the first of the Jem/Jerrica series. After Halloween I rediscovered my love of Jem. This is a still from the first episode:

This is my dress minus accessories (which I still need):

Not bad with the fabric choice if I do say so myself! The neckband is having some fusible interfacing issues. I'm gonna wash it and hope those issues are resolved otherwise I'll just have to go back in and rip out the interfacing which is gonna be a pain in the neck. No pun intended.

This is the pattern I used:

It's got four great lookin' pleats in the back and I simply did away with the side cut out thing. It was super easy.

Next I fell in love with this knit fabric:

And I made this dress with it:

I used the same pattern as the previous two posts (you know the one I made incorrectly). This one was really easy too.

I just cut out the last of the dresses and will start on that later. My super awesome cousin got me a Joann's gift card so I might pedal up there tomorrow and see what I can get. I ordered three patterns from eBay and I bought fabric for one tunic. I think it's a great combo. I'm just waiting for the pattern to come in the mail and then I can start it. :)

That's all the sewing news that's fit to print!

Knit #2...

2009-12-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

Here's the 2nd knit top I made. Proof you should read things in their entirety. I figured I wouldn't need the lining because I never line things but the lining is what makes the bottom bubble. Duh.

Anyway:

Pattern:

I made the dress version though I don't think I could ever wear it as a dress. It'd be too short for me. The fabric is a cute little tomato print.

I love my face in that picture so much I couldn't crop it out (which is what I was initially going to do).

The final knit I made is also this pattern. It's the other dress. I just haven't gotten a chance to wear it because it's been cold. Pics of that as soon as I wear it!

Problem solved...

2009-12-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

So I fixed the dress that was supposed to be a top from my last post.

Here's what it looks like now:

Honestly, I like it much better this way.

No fear though! I am making the dress from that pattern (the right way) because I found the sweetest knit fabric. It's partially cut out. I promise pics when it's finished. I have a lot of free time on my hands up and coming so I also cut out two more dresses. It's gonna be good. :)

The first of the knits...

2009-12-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

Obviously I made this wrong. See the pattern:

See mine:

I completely missed where it said cut here for view B so I ended up making a dress length top. (BTW It's not crooked it's just the way I'm standing.)

So I need your help. Should I fix it to the correct length for the top or leave it as is? The girls at work said it looked okay as is.

Your thoughts?

What have you been up to?

2009-11-29T14:42:00.000-08:00

Well not sewing until this weekend. I meat to update this with stuffs I did in October. Yeah, I'm a little late on that.

Anyway, here's that stuffs.

The pirate coat was 1 of 4 Halloween costumes I wore this year. Okay so a little advice if you ever undertake a pirate coat you should know that's it's hard! I think I have arthritis from sewing on 23457961 buttons. But it's damn cool lookin'!

Here's the pattern:

Next I made this:

I'm not sure if I did the skirt correctly as it sits a little weird. And whose brilliant idea was it to have 6457893 pleats on a skirt?!?!? Whoever that was, I hate you. I hate you with the burning fire of a thousand suns. But I sure look skinny don't I?

Here's the pattern:

I was inspired by Julianne Moore's very similar outfit in The Hours.

As you can see, I still need to add that braiding to my skirt. I also need to buy some shoes like hers to go with.

The shoes look like that but they are all the same color as the heel. Anyone know what the heck these shoes are called? I know they're popular in the summer.

Anyway, I tried my hand at knit fabrics for the first time this weekend. I haven't been very happy lately but I find I am excruciatingly happy when I'm sewing. Thank the PTB for Joann's coupons. Without them I could never fuel this hobby of mine.

Knits are interesting to work with. I learned the hard way you have to stretch the fabric while sewing since I have no idea how to work the zig-zag on the Bernina. I could probably read pattern instructions. That may help because it said to stretch the fabric. Sheesh, I can be an arrogant chick sometimes.

Anyway, I made two tops and a jacket. I promise to update this with them as soon as I take pictures. Hopefully they won't be unwearable due to the weather. It's currently raining which is good since it hasn't for some 90 days. The tops are kind summery but can probably be layered quit effectively. I also have one more top on hiatus because I forgot to buy the lining and I ran out of coupons.

I'm also working on a secret costume which won't be done until I can track down some notions. I've bought out all the surrounding Joann's. You'll see as soon as I'm finished. I promise.

That's all the update I have for now.

Dear Santa...

2009-11-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

Please bring me a cutting table so my back and legs don't hurt for days. I have been a very good girl this year.

Sincerely,
Pink

The Wendybird...

2009-11-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

Peter Pan has got to be my favorite story of all time. Of. All. Time. If I ever go mad and deiced to spawn I want to start a tradition with my children including Peter Pan. I love the character Wendy. I love the fact that she's maternal yet has no desire to grow up. In that sense I can relate. For a while I've wanted to make her costume from Disney's Peter Pan because it could be easily recognized out and about on Halloween. I bought a couple patterns some time ago. I decided on one that was perfect and it wasn't even a nightgown pattern!

I used Simplicity 4055 and I combined aspects of both dresses to make Wendy's nightgown.

I used a light blue flannel because hello it's supposed to be a nightgown!

The pattern is quite simple. The only problem I had was the ribbon. It wouldn't stay in place so close to the girls. In the end I just sewed it on the front.

I think I did pretty good with this one. In fact I won third in a costume contest. Not bad if I do say so myself. :)

By the seaside, by the beautiful sea!

2009-11-06T19:45:00.001-08:00

I easily count Sweeney Todd as one of my favorite movies. When it came out, I saw it twice in the theater in the span of a week. Mrs. Lovett (Helene Bonham Carter) quickly became my favorite character and after that I scoured the internet for pictures of her. I could identify with her tragic character. Here was a woman so in love with a man that she would do ANYTHING for him. (I won't spoil for those who haven't seen it.) Alas, Mr. Todd (Johnny Depp) was so consumed with revenge he could never reciprocate those feelings.

In my scourings I decided I would make Mrs. Lovett's "By the Sea" dress. Sweeney Todd is clearly Victorian (if you didn't know). Within a few months I found the perfect red and white striped fabric and bought some nine yards of it. (Thank the PTB for Joann's coupons!) I also found a perfect pattern. Then the fabric and pattern sat in a bag at the bottom of my sewing closet for damn near two years! No joke. I was so overwhelmed at the thought of making a dress of that magnitude (something I had never done before) that I put it aside. Come August 2009 I decided this was it. I was going to make this costume for Halloween come hell or high water!

The rest they say is history. Sure it wasn't easy and sure it isn't perfect but I received a helluva lot of compliments on it and despite how modest I may seem I am quite proud of it. Enjoy!

Here is Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Tood on the boardwalk followed by Toby:

Here's my dress:

So you can see how full the skirt is:

Close up of hair and make-up:

This is the pattern I used McCall's 5414:

Because you demanded it!

2009-11-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

I officially welcome you to my new blog (formed from my old blog).

I'm calling it "Sew What?" because I like puns.

This blog will no longer be limited to only 1920s fashions but everything I make! I am very excited to share my creations with you and I hope you will enjoy what I make.

Thanks for sticking around!

Velma Kelly End Dress...

2009-10-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

I whipped up this Velma Kelly End Dress in about four hours minus time for lunch.

Hers:

Mine:

Pattern:

I don't know why the dress photographs blue. It's more purpely IRL. It's just waiting to be hemmed. What do we think?

Question for my readers...

2009-10-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

I pose a question to my readers.

Would you still follow this blog if I changed it to something like The Sewing Addiction rather than The 1920s Addiction?

As you can see I've not posted much here lately.

Get ready!

2009-08-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

We're going way back! Further than the 20s to the 1800s.

I started working on a Mrs. Lovett dress that I've been planning since oh I dunno the movie came out in theaters. I bought the fabric way back then too which hopefully doesn't cause trouble now because I need a little more of it.

The progress thus far is the skirt is assembled and gathered. The bodice is half done. I need another color of fabric to finish it.

I am very excited about this dress. Don't worry you'll see it when it's done. Watch out lame Halloween costumes!

Anyway I don't have any other place to showcase this so it's going here!

OMG!

2009-08-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Commercial Pattern Archive is opening its doors until Wednesday, August 19th.

So many patterns! I haven't even made it though the first 500 of 1920s yet!

Do you feel abandoned?

2009-07-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well, don't even though I am kind of all about my new blog that no one's reading. :(

The news is my sewing machine hates me. It was my mom's. It's a Sears Kenmore from the 70s. So yeah it old but it's a machine and not a computer. It's been in and out of the Sears store. It's been in and out of a shop that specializes in sewing machine repair. Recently they told me that the belt keeps falling off for no reason whatsoever. Yes, there is no perfectly logical explanation for this happening. It just hates me. Nevermind the fact that my mom used it for thirty years and I used it for three before it decided to hate. So the verdict is that I currently have it back. I am working on this:
In this beautiful dragonfly brocade:

And one day I will finish it if my machine ever decides to love me again. :(

New blog!

2009-06-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know if any of you vintage junkies would be into this but here it is!

*J-Style*

Tell your friends.

Last update...

2009-06-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I've been kinda lagging on the posts lately. I haven't really made anything major and I've been trying to get my sewing machine up and running so I can give my mom's back to her.

Anyway, I bought this pattern:
It's my first of this kind, a double layered dress. I'm quite excited about it.

This will be my last post for some two weeks because I'm going to Japan! I visited a vintage shoppe while there once but I doubt I'll stumble across anything 20s.

Sayonara! I'll catch up with you when I return!

Lookee what we have here...

2009-05-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

That's right, Pink, before you start something NEW finish what you've been working on. Duh.

Okay so I am aware that whilst playing dress up I did forget the long beads. Damn. When I actually wear this out and about, I won't forget them.

So I think this turned out not bad. Since the material was sheer and would look crappy faced, I finished the neckline, armholes and hem with bias tape. I don't know if this is period correct so if you see the 1920s police holla. Oh shit, the chesttoo isn't period correct either!

Actually, I think the bias tape brings out the definition in the handkerchief hem.

What do you think?

I dig it!

New & old patterns...

2009-05-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Well I bought fabric for this one. I can't wait to make it!
I also won two patterns recently on eBay, both under $15!

I'm totally makin' that short sleeve sucker!
This is an historic occasion for me. The above is officially my first 1920s top pattern. Yay!

Too bad, so sad...

2009-05-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

This went outside my price range. *SOB*

WTF?!?!?!?

2009-05-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

I just saw two 1920s patterns on eBay listed for $49.88 EACH as a BIN. Are you kidding me? PATTERNS?!?!? I could buy an authentic dress for less than that because I have paid less than that for an authentic 20s dress. Good luck selling those patterns lady! Oh, they come with a free bar of GOLD. Carry on then.

Update...

2009-05-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

So I'm on vacation and still I have 20 days until I leave for Japan. I figured in that time I would do a little sewing. I bought this fabric a while ago and I'm currently in the process of cutting it out. The contrast isn't as light as the picture makes it out to be. It's more peachy.

Yay!

2009-05-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Looka this lovely paper from the scrapbooking store!

I have this area above the closet in my office/sewing room that could use some decorating. I'll post pics when it's complete!

The bug...

2009-05-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I was bitten by the sewing bug today!

Started this one which has been back logged forever!

It's a bit big on top. I don't know if I'll leave it that way or dart it. It's also waaaaaaaaaaaaay too long. It hits my ankles! (A fashion mistake for short me!) I need to trim the bottom and bind the sleeves and neck since the fabric is uber sheer. I also already had a great dark red belt to match. I'm sure this one will be neat when done!

Hey, at least I'm sewing again!

Dress repair...

2009-05-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

If you go back to the March entry "It was a good day..." you'll see the original dress. This dress was one cause of my recent tiny armhole complaint. Today, feeling annoyed with that dress leering at me in the corner while I selfishly watched "Battlestar Galactica" I decided to work a bit on it. After all it's currently not wearable.

First I took off the sleeves (don't know my my arm looks so weird):

I hemmed the bottom of the dress because it was poorly mended with some yellow (on black fabric WTF) thread.

The final two pictures don't really show progress but progress to come. The red insets are badly damaged. There are spots and holes. I figured I would just (seam) rip the red out and replace with fresh new fabric. The black is in damn good condition for being over 80 years old!

Also, on the final picture you can see the close up of the fabric. The reason for this is I need your input. My first thought it that it's too fancy for sleeveless (which will be very easy to do). I still have the sleeves and they are long but I can't fit my giant modern arms in to them. I thought maybe I could take them apart and try some short sleeves but I don't know if that will work. Does anyone have any ideas? Help!

Dear 1920s Additction...

2009-05-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

I have neglected you, 'tis true.

I haven't felt much like sewing these days. I found for me my interest in sewing goes in spurts.

I am currently working on getting myself in shape which is a long road but I'm committed!

Anyway, I have an issue with some garments and I was wondering if anyone knows what the deal is with this. I have purchased a number of authentic 1920s dresses since I started this blog. Two of those dresses have ridiculously small arms holes. Like I can't even get my arm into them! I don't get this. I don't have walrus like arms and the rest of the dress fits my measurements. So I honestly wonder...did women (even those with curves) have stick arms?

I made a drawing to further illustrate my question:

Drawing is copyright ME so don't try to steal this priceless treasure and call it your own!

Anyway, this isn't meant to be a joke entirely because this is really baffling! I mean the above is really what I picture in my head!

Anyone have any insight on this?

The summer of the 1920s...

2009-04-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

Imagine my utter joy whist reading the SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW edition of Entertainment Weekly in finding not one but two 1920s films opening this summer!

First is Easy Virtue (which I believe opened in the UK already):

My first thought on this is "GAH Jessica Biel!" She my least favorite actor in the world. It also appears that from the photos she is dressed more 30s than 20s while the other actresses appear to be 20s accurate (similar to Leatherheads). Despite my misgivings I will probably see this.

Next is Cheri. Boy, Google that and see what kind of porn you get.

In all honesty I don't know much about any place outside of America in the 20s. I would assume that the fashions look similar to ours with the dropped waists. The dress above looks earlier, however. As I mentioned earlier Google was less than helpful in producing any other costume photos. Regardless I am completely in love with this:

Hair!

2009-04-18T14:26:00.001-07:00

Over it...

2009-04-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

Both I and another colleague decided today we are over it. What are we over? Dressing up for work. Morale has sunk so low into the toilet that it's affecting damn near everyone. Even the one of the higher ups was wearing jeans. Jesus it sucks right now.

Regardless of all this my lovely readers shouldn't suffer. And 19 is such a Ka worthy number too.

So here's some of my favorite pics:

Yes, I would like every one of these dresses please.

And to give credit where credit is due I'm pretty sure I stole most if not all of these from Amy Jeanne's glam spam days on LJ.

Disaster set...

2009-04-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

This was disaster pin curl set that I managed to make wearable. Forgive the end of the day pic even though I was quite confident in my hair today.
I was going for this:Yes, I am aware I am not that hot.

I have a blog here?!?!?

2009-04-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of postings lately. Morale at work has tanked lately and I've felt it. Sad to say it has made me not wanna get all dolled up. I can't remember when I wore this, Tuesday?
Face and many chins cut off on purpose. Blah.

These shoes really do go with everything...

2009-03-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

And they look as bit nicer after cleaning since everyone and their mother decided to step on me at The Big Band Dance. This is the not vintage vintage dress from eBay that I posted a couple back. I received many a compliment on this one too.Back button detail:

Dress love!

2009-03-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

Finished the bustle dress! You can find the close up fabric and the pattern a few posts back. I love this dress so much! Especially the big obnoxious "bustle" bow in the back! I got a lot of compliments today on both the shoes and the dress!

Maybe I'm TOO old-fashioned...

2009-03-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

So I was walking to my house in one of my vintage dress and as I walked by my neighbor's one of the 2134634097 kids they have yells through the screen "Hi Grandma!"

On the flip side someone I work with said today "You don't have a dress on today. It's weird." I didn't have a dress on because of my injured ankle. It hurts like hell.

It was a good day...

2009-03-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here's today's dress:
After work I managed to fall and hurt my ankle but would you believe NOT in these shoes...in my freaking driving sandals! It hurts still.

In other news I made out like a bandit today on the bay. $15.49 for the actual 1920s dress. I'll probably have to replace the red. The $30 repro dress (the seller said 70s or 80s) I just HAD to have. (You'll understand when you get to the pic.) Usually 80s 1920s repros are HIDEOUS but I fell in love with this one.

Accessories make the outfit so much better...

2009-03-24T22:48:00.001-07:00

Told you so.

They don't call me Pink for nothin'...

2009-03-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well I just put in an offer on this dress and the seller accepted. 26% off! I can't wait to get it!

Eek!

2009-03-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

Could you just die!

Elephant love...

2009-03-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

Bought this beautiful 1920s necklace about a week ago:

Two new patterns...

2009-03-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

Which will be all mine once I pay for them!
So the seller listed this New York pattern as 1920s. I didn't think it was 20s and upon further research found that New York ran from '32 to the early '50s. Regardless these jammies are to die for!

Sometimes I love when my hair does beautiful things...

2009-03-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Tuesday wear...

2009-03-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I shoulda cropped out my head. Anyway, made this ages ago for a Gatsby party.

Today I cropped out my head...

2009-03-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

I had to take three pictures of today's dress. Three! And this one is only half decent because my face looked scurry!

Anyway, made this dress to go with them shoes:In other news I'm working with this fabric:
It should be great as it looks great so far!

The rest of the beaded dress...

2009-03-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

Some smashing ads...

2009-03-03T20:40:00.000-08:00

For your viewing pleasure:
I'll take one of each please.

Anyone?

The remake...

2009-03-03T17:52:00.001-08:00

You may remember this (one of my first posts):
Well, I took it apart and made a pattern from it. I used super strong linen for it so provided it doesn't fray too much it should hold up for years.

What do you think? Did I do it justice? Be kind this is the first time I have ever ever done anything like this! (Damn I need that Lacer bra!) *Socks and ghostie not included.

Skinny Minnie!

2009-03-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

I love days when I look all Skinny Minnie. (Trust me they are few and far between.) Got this dress from the same seller as yesterday's. I will be enlarging the armholes. Dear me my arms hurt!

The bust...

2009-03-02T17:59:00.000-08:00

So today's dress was a little snug on the bust. I don't know if you can tell but I could feel it.
I need what the 20s called The Symington Side Lacer. What this bra had was lacing on both sides (kind of like a corset) and you would pull the laces to flatten your bust to get that boyish figure popular in the 20s. I would love to get my hands on a pic of this thing. I can't find one on the internets.

In other news I just finished the beading on this 20s number (Pics of the full dress later):

I don't know if anything in this style appeared in the 20s but I was inspired by this dress:
I don't really care if my dress isn't 20s exact. I mean after all I'm not 20s exact with my hooligan tattoos and such. (Don't get me started on supposed vintage purists.)

New dress...

2009-03-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

I won this the other day for under $40. I think people may have been thrown by the seller's measurements (didn't double). Regardless, it's my prize! Now I have 2 black lace 1920s dresses. Come on some variety in my size and price range please!

Stolen...

2009-03-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

I totally stole this from another site but thought I'd feature it here in case anyone didn't see it. I tell you the minute time travel is possible I'm going just to shop!
The dresses! The shoes! The diamond back seamed stockings!

Changeling...

2009-02-28T10:26:00.000-08:00

I had been wanting to see Changeling since it was out in theaters. I finally got around to it on DVD. It's a very very good film but I don't know if I could watch it again...so sad. Angelina Jolie deserved her Oscar nod. As Christine Collins she's submissive, soft-spoken and highly emotional (the epitome of what men viewed women to be back then). Amazing acting all the way. I'm glad she stuck it to the LAPD for being assholes. I do love Jeffrey Donovan in "Burn Notice" and it was nice to see him play the bad guy and trust me he's a very bad guy.

Oh and also, I want every single one of Jolie's dresses. (I just wish I could fins more pics where they weren't covered by coats or aprons!)

Hey waves, long time no see!

2009-02-25T17:15:00.001-08:00

Pay no attention to the stray bangs. Naughty bangs!

If you could hear me squeal...

2009-02-23T19:51:00.000-08:00

NEW PATTERNS!
Looka those bows on the side! Could you just die! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

The two pleated dresses...

2009-02-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

And I'm done!The last one isn't supposed to be that long. The skirt is supposed to attach to an undress which seems superfluous to me so I just attached it to the top. The end result is the dress is quite long but it wasn't so bad when I put on the shoes so I think I'll keep it that way.

Movies...

2009-02-21T09:39:00.000-08:00

I watched The Cat's Meow which is a supposition of the events which occurred on W.R. Hearst's boat. This movie is by no mean's a happy story. It's about jealously, infidelity, lies, sex and booze (or everything that made the 1920s possible). None of the costumes struck me except for Marion Davies's (Kirsten Dunst's) nautical outfit.

Though I find Dunst adorable she doesn't posses that old Hollywood glamour.

Next I rewatched Bullets Over Broadway. This is the movie that made me love Woody Allen. I pretty much want every costume in this movie. What sucks is there are zero net pictures of all their rehearsal dresses. I'll see what I can do to get some up here.

I bought this pattern:And I plan on making this with it:

In other sewing news, I started putting together the pleated dress I cut out. I hate hate hate pleats. Ugh. I washed that old ripped pink dress from my very early posts and bought some beautiful pink linen fabric to make it up. It's currently drying and then I can take it apart. I cut out the green bustle effect dress and didn't have enough fabric so I'm going back to the fabric store. I hope they still have it.

Stop...buying...shoes...

2009-02-17T19:33:00.000-08:00

The listing says these are fuchsia. They look red to me so I guess we'll be taking them to the fabric store.

Update...

2009-02-15T18:50:00.001-08:00

I completed one dress this weekend.
I made another version of the previous pattern.
One dress is hanging and waiting to be hemmed, probably tomorrow.
Once it's hemmed I will iron on the flower transfer for beading.
I cut out the dragonfly coat (can't do it until I figure out Bernina).
Cut out another damn pleated dress.
Cut out a handkerchief hem dress.
Bought fabric to make 2 dresses to go with the Re-mix shoes. I heart green.
A lot of the black and red beading done (90% complete).

Since this week is a short week (thanks Presidents!) I have about a week and a half of non repeaters. So that means I don't really HAVE to make anything until next weekend. But will I? Who knows? I like to sew and I'm kicking butt on these 20s patterns!