The days go by...

Well apparently I haven't been keeping up with documenting my sewing, as there are a number of project I have finished since my last post!

Project #18,19 & 20: I made 3 pewter bridesmaid dresses for an Oct. 11 wedding

Project #21: On Oct. 20 I finished a knit empire top in a white rayon blend jersey with black and silver print. I made it tunic length but am thinking I may wear it more often if I shorten it to hip length.

Projects #22-34: I have sewn 13 corsets for my new job I started at the end of October.

My goal for this year is to finish at least one garment a month for myself, and to get my personal UFO total down to no more than 20.

Unfortunately this past couple months I have been so busy I haven't sewn for myself at all since June.

Hopefully now that things are slowing down a bit work-wise I will be able to get back to my own sewing.

In the meantime I have missed documenting a few work projects:
1 Navy Taffeta Mother of the Bride dress
2 Silk chiffon jr. bridesmaid dresses
1 chiffon Mother of the Groom jacket
and 1 2pc bridemaid dress.

I hope to get back on track with documenting my projects, and also start delving more into my wardrobe clean-out and revision.

UFO #7: Summer Robe

Simplicity 5931

I cut this out last summer, as my fleece robe (done the same way from the same pattern) was feeling much to warm in the summer weather. I didn't get around to sewing it up before fall though, so it sat folded in a drawer, still pinned to the pattern pieces, until today. I had been thinking about this robe for the last week, as the weather starts to warm up and I mull over my UFO mountain thinking about what to tackle next. So I pulled this out after dinner, and 2 hours later tried on my brand new summer-weight robe :)

Pattern Changes: Remove collar extension and add 2" wide folded band instead of collar. Contrast Band, Pockets, Belt and Loops.

Printed Cotton.

Project #17: Black Crepe Trousers

AKA: The search for the perfect pants.

I took my best-fitting pair of RTW pants (a Black Poly Jessica Petite from Sears) and my most promising Trouser style Pants pattern with a contour waistband (McCall's 4926) and compared the two. Mostly the shapes were similar, except that my RTW pants matched with different sizes at different points in the McCall's pattern. I altered the McCall's pattern to match my RTW pants, with the exception of the leg width (I wanted a leg that went straight down from the hip for using with stripes and plaids, which was the leg drafted on the McCall's pattern - the Jessica pants tapered in a bit to the knee and then straight down).



I cut a pair out of a heavy poly crepe I wouldn't miss if it didn't work out, but would have the body not to cling too much, and sewed them up with my fingers crossed, omitting the pockets and beltloops in order to focus on fit. A couple minor adjustments while sewing, and they're already better than anything I could get off the rack. I can't wait for the next pair!

Project # 16: Royal Blue Satin Prom Dress & Bolero

Project # 15: White Chiffon & Satin Prom Dress & Corset

Project #14: Mauve Lace & Satin Prom Dress

Simplicity #3769 Kahliah Ali Dress

Project #13: Puffed Sleeve T-Shirt

Vogue 8451 View A - with added long sleeve = Juliet Sleeve

Added 1" to hem. Moved in shoulders 5/8" and neckline 1". Added long sleeve lower section from View C instead of cuff/band (creating full length 2 pc. sleeve with puffy top - called a Juliet sleeve).

Size 8. I normally use a size 12 in woven tops, but compared the measurements of this to a t shirt I bought and decided to go with the 8. I like a close fit in knit tops. I probably didn't need to move in the shoulders or neckline but I do like the way mine turned out.

If I do a Juliet sleeve again I will probably shorten the puffed section by 2-3" so it ends above the bustline. This seems to give a lighter, more slimming look. I made this long sleeved because it's still chilly now in early spring and I get cold easily. I may take the lower sections off and add the band after the weather warms up, or make another one with the short sleeves.

I normally disdain facings and interfacing with knit tops, but I really like the way the neckline turned out on this one. I used a light 'fusi-knit' interfacing on the facing, basted from the wrong side close to the facing edge, the top stitched with my coverstitch machine 3/4" from the neck edge and trimmed the facing close to the second row of stitching with my applique scissors.

I didn't use my serger to sew this, although normally I would use a 4 thread overlock stitch for the seams. I did coverstitch the hem and sleeves at 1". I like the way the double-stitched neckline matches the hems

The pattern did not have any finished measurements on the pieces, and instead said something about stretch knits only.

Moving into Spring..

I've been in a bit of a sewing slump lately. I think most of the problem is that there are too many things I want to do, and too may other things I need to do, and my attempts to prioritize are not quite effective.

I have 3 custom prom dresses on the go at the moment:

1. A mauve lace over satin empire dress and wrap, which is almost finished, and has been 'resting' that way for too long now. It needs the lining finished up, a hem, neckline trim, and some beadwork. I would like to wrap it up and send it happily home. The other two are just beginning and are going to end up being a bit rushed at this rate:
2. A royal blue satin empire halter dress and bolero. I have got all the bits and pieces (although I may need more lining), but I *really* need to get going on cutting and sewing.
3. A white chiffon over charmeuse dress with a basque waist, sheer off-shoulder sleeves, and a double-circle skirt. Also a Duchess satin corset with external bias boning channels, to wear over the dress. I have gotten the corset muslin cut and ready to sew, and all the fabrics arrived today.

I was also *very* interested in participating in the Pattern Review Wardrobe Contest, but it doesn't look like I will have the time after waiting so long to start. I have a really great plan in my head and it is nagging and nagging at me.

I went to the Victoria Sewing and Crafts show the last week of March, and got a paper-tape dressform of myself made. That is pretty exciting to make it a bit easier to meet my exacting fit standards. I think a lot of the time I put off starting and finishing my own projects because I am worried I will not be satisfied with how they turn out, particularly the fit. There are a couple more steps to get the dressform finished. Cleaning up all the edges, and getting it mounted on a stand, then covering it with fabric so I can pin into it and it is nice and smooth and tidy looking.

My current sewing ambitions include creating my own customized set of blocks for patterndrafting, and making a 'perfect pant' pattern, so I can finally have pants that fit well and be able to whip up new pairs of pants without a lot of fit anxiety! After that comes rounding out my wardrobe with more things I've made myself, and using up some of that huge stash I've almost finished measuring, sorting, and cataloging!

At this point though, what I've mostly been doing is procrastinating, and the clock is ticking away. I need to get myself more excited about what I need to do, and get it done.

Project #12: Girls' Sweatpants

This was stash fabric that needed to be used before her legs got too long for the fabric :)

UFO #6: Tiered Lace Skirt

Simplicity 4420 - View C (Shown in teal on pattern image)




Fabric Used: 2.2m Raspberry Satin, 2.9m Black lace with shirred ribbon (cut crosswise)


I also have a second version of this skirt in a soft purple cut out and ready to sew. We'll see how long it takes to get to that one, as it's not on the top of the list of UFO's now that I have one tiered lace skirt finished.

UFO #5: Skull Print Blouse

New Look 6621 - View B

This goes with the skirt I made last October. I cut out the blouse but didn't get around to sewing it up until the Fitted Blouse Contest started on Pattern Review. I was hoping to use this as my practice blouse and make another one for the contest, but ended up running out of time to finish the second one. In the meantime, I *love* how this blouse turned out and want to make a bunch more in more 'everyday' fabrics!

UFO #4: Brown Print Dress

New Look 6557 - View B (Modified)

I cut this out at the end of the summer last year. I used a different pattern for the upper back as I wanted this to be a summer to fall dress with a bit more coverage in the back. I didn't get around to sewing it until now, but it turned out really nice. I have a brown unlined suit jacket that goes nicely with it for cooler weather/office. I wouldn't mind using the pattern again as I quite like a few of the other views as well. I think the colours of this particular print are not my best colours, so I don't love this dress as much as I might have hoped, but I can accessorize with cooler tones and make it work for me.

Fabric used: 2m Petula Sueded Herringbone Prints (grey & camel floral on brown), Brown Poly Pongee lining for bodice.

UFO #2 & 3: Houndstooth Jackets

Burda 7878 - View C

This was a project I started last November but ran into some trouble because the instructions were incomplete. I finally got the jackets finished after getting the PDF from Burda of the missing instructions. More details in the Review

Bridal Show Finished!

Whew!

What a week. I'm looking forward to slowing down the pace a bit for the next couple weeks!

The cocktail dress is finished and turned out great. I forgot to take pics before letting it out the door but have been promised some soon (crossing fingers)

I got 4 new pieces done for the bridal fashion show, as well as creating 5 new UFOs of things I cut out but didn't sew. Three are from an outfit I decided was a lower priority than other pieces because it would take a lot longer, one is a long cape which I ran into a fabric shortage because of matching the print motif (I did pick up more to finish it, but not in time for the show), and one is a nifty bridal gown I really would have liked to have in the show but it was the last piece and I just ran out of time.

I have posted individual entries for the items completed.

Project #11: Sandwashed Satin Slip Dress

Simplicity 8773 - View A without back drape.

Project # 10: Cabbage Rose Short Cape

Combination of 2 patterns, shortened

lined

Project #9: Embroidered Organza Tea Length Bridal

Very Easy Vogue 8381

I made this for the Bridal Exhibition fashion show. I was looking for something young and summery-looking for an informal destination wedding dress. This Vogue pattern was in my stash and caught my eye.

Fabric used: White embroidered organza underlined with sandwashed-looking satin.

Added 8" length. Waist is very fitted, upper edge a bit loose.

I really like how this turned out and would like to make one for myself for the summer, probably in a cotton or rayon print.

Project #8: Teal Chiffon Cocktail Dress

Self-drafted pattern

Project #7: Organza Skirt

Butterick 4935 - View D: A-Line Skirt

Dark Purple Sparkle Organza - from stash
Dark Purple Lining - from stash
Short invisible zipper

Added 4" length
Cut size 14 front, size 16 back, tapering to 14 at waist. Substitied 5/8" waistband from another skirt pattern for the suggested grosgrain.

New Camera!

*Yay!!*

I finally have a camera again.

I got a new digital camera (my first) for Xmas last year (2007), and it was stolen during a break in this January. I was so disappointed! I only had my camera for a month and it was gone :( Just when I was planning to get caught up on my pattern reviews..

So yesterday the replacements came from the house insurance, and I have my new camera back (one model better even) and am looking forward to taking pictures and filling in the blanks where the photos should be :)

It may take me a little while though, as I am just crazy busy this week:
1. I have a cocktail dress to start, and finish by Feb 15th.
2. I have 2 jackets that are long overdue I need to finish ASAP, and they have been making me feel very guilty and interfering with my ability to focus on other things - I will be SO happy to call them DONE!
3. I also have a Prom dress in progress that I need to finish the adjustments on, sew up the lining, and do a beadwork sample before the next 'fitting' - where we will pin the hem and finalize the beadwork design. After that, the hem and beadwork will be all that's left to finish that project.
4. I have a bunch of new samples to get ready for fittings this Saturday (Feb. 9) for the fashion show at the Bridal Exhibition I am exhibiting at on Feb 17th. Too many samples, not enough time..

Project #6: Jacket/Shrug for Voile Dress

Simplicity 3769 view D

Project #5: Plus-Sized Dress in Embroidered Voile

Simplicity 3769 View A - Khaliah Ali Collection empire dress with princess seams.

Project #4: Plus-Sized Dress in Leopard Print

Simplicity 5110 Khaliah Ali Dress - View A

This dress was for an evening dress for a Caribbean cruise my mother is on.
See Review for more details.

Project #3: Cover-ups

Today I finished 2 A-line tank style cover-ups for a Mexico vacation, copied from an existing garment, and I forgot to take a picture!

Project #2: Child's Robe

I bought this fabric as an Xmas gift for my daughter. Her favorite colour has gone from pink to turquoise over the last few years, and her previous robe (a hand-me-down) was not quite up-to-snuff.


Pattern Used: Simplicity 5874, View E (Robe)

She is very happy with her new robe, and especially loves the colour. It also matches the new rug she got for Xmas.

(photo pending)

Fabric Used: 2m

UFO #1: Bed Curtains and Canopy

This was a UFO (un-finished object) that I entered in the UFO Contest at PatternReview.com

These curtains and canopy are for my daughter's LO bed from IKEA. I found a great deal on the fabric in Feb 2005 and made the curtains right after buying the fabric. I bought the canopy trim a while later but didn't start sewing it up until Feb 2006. After I had put the satin border on, I tried it on the bed to make sure it fit, and ended up leaving it there - not quite finished - until Nov. 2007. I decided I'd better finish it and took it off the bed and to my sewing room, where it sat for another couple months, until I finally finished it, as my first sewing project of 2008!

Fabric Used: 1.5m + remnant from Curtains
Trim Used: 6m

Project #1: Dining Chairs

I went to the New Year's Day sale at Fabricland this year, and picked up a few patterns, and the only fabric I have bought so far this year: a 1m piece of brown striped upholstery fabric to re-cover my dining chairs.

The chairs came with a dark orange/rust coloured suede fabric, which was hard to wipe spills out of and showed every touch/rear-end impression because of the nap. They always looked messy because of the nap, and my daughter still spills from time to time, and spilt milk did nothing to help these chairs (I do love suede generally, but vinyl seemed more practical at this point in my life!).

I got the chairs covered within a couple days of buying the fabric and although I should have bought a bit more in order to have all the edges firmly against the frame, I managed with what I have (the front edges don't make it to the chair frame on the bottom, but they go far enough under that the serged edge is well hidden from above).

I think the chairs look more expensive and are also far more presentable despite rear ends and spills! :)

Fabric Purchased: 1m
Fabric Used: 1m

A sewing (or thinking about sewing) chronicle begins..

This year I have been doing a lot of de-cluttering around the house, and getting more focused on what is important to me.

After beginning the task of measuring, sorting, and cataloging my enormous fabric stash, and also streamlining my wardrobe to a greater percentage of clothes I *love*, I realize that there are whole other wardrobes of clothes I will likely love just waiting in those fabric bins to become something that I will actually be able to wear. Not only that, but the only hope I have of ever finding pants that fit well is to make them!

So this year, by making my life tidier and simpler, I intend to create more time and energy to put into my sewing, and making clothing I love. I will track my progress here, as well as taking note of all those little sewing-related things that used to get lost on various pieces of paper scattered about my home.