More Wedding Dress Thoughts and Ideas

A while back I shared my general idea for my wedding dress. My overall idea is still the same, but I am thinking of approaching it differently. For reference, here is my sketch again...

Rather than a form-fitting corset top I am thinking I want to use New Look 6020 as the basis of the main part of the dress. I can lengthen the skirt panels, add an extra center front panel to overlap and gather up and use the sweetheart neckline bodice (view D). I can also alter the back to insert an invisible zipper there rather than on the side - or maybe just keep it on the side, I'm undecided on zipper placement, but I do know I don't want lacing or buttons as the dress closure. I'm also thinking about possibly doing some simple beading at/along the neckline.

Then for the underskirt I am thinking I can use Simplicity 5006 (view B). And if I am feeling exceptionally brave and daring I may even make the corset. For the underskirt, I am still undecided whether I want to overlay it with lace or some other sheer fabric, but I still want it to be a dark purple color like plum or eggplant.

With this combination I think I can get the fullness I'm looking for in the skirt, without it being all full and ball gown-ish. I won't have to draft my own skirt panels, just lengthen the ones with the pattern to floor length, I won't have to draft a petticoat or the underskirt either. I'll also have to check the hem circumference of the two skirts and make sure they will work together, or alter one so that they do. I plan on making one or two dresses with NL 6020, and potentially even with the sweetheart neckline, so I'll not only have practice with the main dress pattern, I'll also hopefully have resolved any fitting issues I may have. And, overall, if it works the way I am hoping and thinking it will, the dress will still have the same general idea that I am looking for as far as shape and style goes.

So I need to purchase the Simplicity pattern, but I already have the New Look, and I will sit on this idea until I have made a dress from NL 6020 and can see how it fits and falls on me. The more I look at this combination, the more I like this approach over my original thought. I do have 2+ years to do this, but I definitely don't want to wait until the last minute or get into it without a plan.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Wardrobe Planning + More Sewing Goals for 2013

As I mentioned in my last post, I want to sew with a plan (SWAP) and work on wardrobe basics this year.
These are the 10 items I want to try and to make....

1. Black Dress
2. Trench Coat
3. Evening/Cocktail Dress
4. Day Dress
5. Bolero/Shrug
6. Jeans
7. Jacket/Blazer
8. Sweatsuit Alternative
9. All Occassion Top
10. Classic Shirt



I also wanted to make a list of goals (beyond SWAP) for my sewing for the upcoming year.

1. Create items from my SWAP list and that fit my overall theme of Wardrobe Basics

I won't beat myself up over this one, but I really do want the majority of my sewing (for me) to fall within my SWAP

2. Learn to make my own bras and panties

I just would truly love to be able to eventually have a wardrobe of mostly me-made items and to do so, these items need to be conquered - it seems that they are fairly quick to make once you get the process down

3. Organize my sewing room and keep it organized

During the semester I have a horrible habit of letting my sewing room become a catch-all, which prevents me from sewing when I have time to do so, because I don't have the time to tidy up and then sew

4. Sew at least once a week, but ideally 30-60 minutes daily

I know there will be days, and weeks even, that I just won't have time to sew (finals week for example), but if I can get in there regularly I will get items done

5. Start figuring out my wedding dress

If I'm going to make my dress, I need to figure out what I'm doing - so some time must be dedicated to this

6. Attend a sewing expo

This one is a very dear hope of mine! I came across two expos that aren't too far from me - one in MA in April that I could commute to and another in DC in May that I could drive to, but would definitely want to stay the whole weekend if I did. So if I can swing the expense, time, childcare, and whatever else - I desperately want to attend one or both (though that's unlikely), even if it's just going for one day in MA

7. Use fabric and patterns from my stash

I've bought the patterns and the fabrics...it's about time I start using them!

8. Don't buy any new fabrics or patterns without a purpose

I have a habit of saying "Ooooh pretty!" and then buying on a whim (well, kind of, I do wait for sales) and I want to try to change that into me asking myself if I really need it, what I'm using it for, etc.

9. Participate on Pattern Review

I have been lurking on PR for some time now, and I have meant to write reviews for patterns I've done, but I just haven't gotten around to it and I would like to start actively participating on that site.

Here is what I am thinking/planning for the 10 items on my SWAP list...

Black Dress

I am envisioning a sheath dress, but since I don't have any suitable fabric in my stash, I am keeping a slightly open mind and plan to let the fabric I ultimately chose 'tell' me what pattern I should use.

Patterns:

Fabric:
need to purchase...maybe a shantung?

Trench Coat

I have been itching to get started on this pattern since I got it. I have the fabric I need, but no buttons yet - and it takes quite a few buttons (I think I need 12 x 1" and 1 x 5/8"). I also plan to add an interior welt pocket to the jacket as long as I don't get lost in the process of making it and forget to add it!

Patterns:

Fabric:
Gray Moleskin + Pink Flannel-Backed Satin (stash)

Evening/Cocktail Dress

I already know exactly what pattern and fabric I am using for this piece, I just need to decide on which bodice I want to use - I'm torn between the sweetheart and the square neckline.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Teal Butterfly Silky Print (stash)

Day Dress

I have a number of fabrics in my stash that I want to make into dresses that would fit this category, so it is a matter of deciding which fabric to use, and then choosing a pattern based on the fabric.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Teal Tropical Cotton (stash) [princess seam dress]
Purple Shantung (stash) [shirt dress]
Pink & Black Floral Silky (stash)

Bolero/Shrug

This is one I need to get fabric for. I'm thinking a basic solid color  - black most likely.

Patterns:

Fabric:

need to purchase

Jeans

I only have one piece of denim in my stash, so that is what I will be making my jeans from, I just need to decide on the style of jeans I want...flared, boot, or straight...

Patterns:

Fabric:
Dark Denim (stash)

Jacket/Blazer

These was a boucle fabric at Joann's I had been eyeing for months but is normally $30/yard. It finally went on sale for 60% off after Christmas, so I grabbed it and it will be perfect for a blazer.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Purple & Black Boucle (stash)

Sweatsuit Alternative

I've got a great striped knit for a top and black spandex for some leggings, which I think fills this category perfectly, it's just a matter of exactly which top I'll make from the two patterns below, or combination thereof.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Striped Knit for top (stash)
Black Spandex Knit for leggings (stash)

All Occasion Top/Sweater

I got a gorgeous sweater knit which I specifically got the pattern below for - it will make a great cowl neck sweater.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Sweater Knit (stash)

Classic Shirt

I have a few different pieces in my stash suitable for making a blouse - it's simply a matter of which I make into one first.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Sheer Black Floral (stash)
Purple Stripe Cotton (stash)
Purple Stripe Silky Sheer (stash)

I'm hoping to finish one piece every 5 weeks or so, which would give me all 10 before the end of the year. If I don't meet my goal I'm not going to beat myself up over it, but at least it gives me a direction with my sewing, and I am super excited to get some of these pieces made! I'm also adding a tab to my blog where I'm (hopefully) going to keep track of my progress.

2013 Sewing Goals

Let me start off with school stuff... I did really well this semester and am super excited (and a little nervous) to be starting at ECSU in a few weeks. Excited because I'm one step closer to graduating, nervous because everything is going to be new, and the campus is much larger and more spread out. But I'm sure I'll adjust soon enough.

I have not gotten into the sewing room since the semester ended because I got a terrible cold that knocked me on my derriere and then there was Christmas, and I absolutely must get in there and organize before I work on anything else. I did get a Fabulous Fit Fitting System from my wonderful fiance for Christmas and I am so pleased with how much it helped my dress form take on my shape - I'll post pictures after I tidy up the sewing room. I am hoping to finish the blouse I started over the summer and finish a sweatshirt for my oldest son (I made one for me and my youngest already) - which I'll post about when I get them finished.


Which leads me to the actual subject of this post...my sewing goals for the upcoming year...

I have decided I need a plan of sorts for my sewing - I have been sewing on a whim, so to speak. I decide I want to make a random item so I do, with no thought to the practicality of it or whether or not I have other pieces to wear with it. I really want to get some fundamentals made this year. As I have been looking around for a good basic list of must have items I came across Tim Gunn's 10 essential wardrobe items, and I think it is a great basic list to start with.

Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Wardrobe Items

1. Basic Black Dress

I haven't owned a basic black dress in years! Definitely need to make one.

2. Trench Coat 

I got a great trench pattern, and have been itching to make it!

3. Classic Trousers 

I do own a number of pairs of dress pants, some I made and some ready to wear - so this one is not high on my to-do list

4. Classic Shirt 

To me, this translates to a button down shirt/blouse. I have a few, but I would definitely like a few more.

5. Jeans

I own a number of pairs of jeans - all ready to wear. I have a jeans pattern I have been itching to make so, even though I don't need jeans I will be making a pair.

6. All Occasion Top/Sweater (This one is technically a cashmere sweater on the list)

To me, this means a top that can be worn with a skirt, slacks, or jeans. I have many tops that I would classify as such (and sweaters!) but I have a gorgeous sweater knit that I can't wait to cut into.

7. Skirt

Another item I have a fair amount of. But they are usually simple and quick to make so I will most likely make at least one skirt this year, even if it doesn't make my 'must make' list.

8. Day Dress 

Something that is not all fancy, but is could work for a date night. I have a few dresses that would qualify as a day dress, but I will probably make a dress that fits this category anyways.

9. Jacket/Blazer 

I have been wanting to make a blazer for some time, and I recently acquired a fabulous boucle I have been eyeing for months that I have every intent of turning into a jacket/blazer.

10. Sweatsuit Alternative

To me, this means something comfortable, yet put-together. I don't own any leggings, and have been meaning to make a pair, so leggings and a simple knit top is what I'm thinking for this.

I also have a few items I would consider essential/fundamental...

1. Bolero/Shrug

Something to put on over a dress, or cami, or sleeveless top, that isn't a jacket or sweater, and works well year-round. I'm always wanting something to put on as a cover up without necessarily grabbing a sweater or jacket.

2. Evening/Cocktail Dress

Something to wear to a party, wedding, on a special night out, whatever. I have a few nice dresses, but I would like something extra special.

3. Basic Knit Tops (not a shapeless T-Shirt)

A knit shirt - short sleeve, long sleeve, sleeveless...casual or dressy. I haven't made many knits items for myself, so this is definitely something I may do.

4. Three-Piece Suit

A coordinating blazer, pants, and skirt - preferably in black or dark gray. I have mismatched pieces in my closet, but not a full coordinated set.

5. Shells/Camisoles

Simple, basic, and a staple in my wardrobe. They are great with a pair of jeans, under a jacket or shrug, under a top with a low neckline, etc. 

So my sewing goal for 2013 is Sewing With A Purpose - Wardrobe Basics. I want to make some classic and basic wardrobe staples. I'm going to think a little more on what items I most need and chose 10 to make for 2013.

"Free" Drawing for Studio Art

Unfortunately, I have not gotten into my sewing room as I had planned. It's the end of the semester and, as usual, there are a million things I need to get done. As much as I hope to get some sewing done, it's very unlikely to happen until after the semester is over, but there are only two more weeks left, so its almost done.

One assignment that took up more time than I had thought was my free drawing for art. This was the project we could do anything we wanted, it just had to be at least 15"x22" and we could only use paint or graphite. I had originally considered a still life with a wine theme, but came across a few pictures of images reflected in a wine glass when I was looking for inspiration. So I took a ton of photos and ended up drawing Chapman Falls at Devil's Hopyard.

I am really pleased with my drawing, although I doubt I will ever use graphite on such a large scale again (the drawing itself is 19"x25") - very time consuming, and graphite doesn't move and respond like charcoal and pastels do (my preferred medium for drawing). This picture doesn't really do the drawing justice - there are more variances in the value than this shows, but my scanner can't copy a drawing this size so the pic will have to do.

For reference, here is my drawing next to my reference picture... My goal wasn't to recreate the picture, but to make it recognizable as Chapman Falls without all the extra distractions in the photo. And I think I accomplished that rather well.

Paintings for Studio Art

First and foremost - there are a few more things I need to submit, but for all intents and purposes, I am an officially an ECSU student!!! I am very excited to be moving on to the next stage of school, but also nervous about a larger campus, and parking in particular. The couple times I have gone to the campus it looks like parking could be a nightmare.

Now onto some kind of fun stuff (even if it isn't sewing). We got into paints in my art class a while ago, but I am only just now getting around to sharing my painting with you. Keep in mind I definitely prefer dry mediums, paint always seems to misbehave and not do what I want it to.

We started with black and white gouache. First, we had to create something within a 6" x 6" frame using at least 6 different textures, and this is what I came up with.

I like this little guy. I just wish I had washed out the background some so it wasn't as prominent.


Then, still using black and white gouache, we had to create an abstract piece.

I was not a fan of this assignment. I like abstract works just fine, but I would prefer to create something definable (and I just barely conformed to the rule of no definable person, place, or thing).


And our last painting was either "My day so far..." or "My week so far..." using color acrylics (finally). I did have fun with this one.

It was supposed to be abstract, but I made the artistic decision to simply have an abstract element. I don't know if you can tell, but the green line is supposed to be thread, and has a needle hanging off the end of it.

So, yes, I have snuck in some sewing, but I am not sharing it until after Thanksgiving.

Why?

Well, because I am making three of the same item, and only two are currently completed. The third should be done by the end of the week.

And as far as the art class goes, we have only two more assignments. A free drawing/painting, that our only limitations is we can only use graphite or gouache or acrylics and it can be no smaller than 15" x 22" - otherwise we can create whatever we like. Then we are making sculptures, which will take up the remaining few classes of the semester.

Tiered Maxi Skirt

I have been craving a tiered maxi skirt...so I got some fabric at Joann's - on sale, of course.

Silky prints for dresses

For the skirt

Knit remnants

The teal and black butterfly print (and yes - there are sparklies on it!) and the pink and black floral will be dresses eventually. The purple stripe is what I made my skirt from. It is kind of sheer, so as I waited in line at the cutting table I poked through the remnants and found two thin knits as potential attached slips. Either would have worked - there was just enough ivory, so I chose it for this one, the white had more than enough, so I'm saving it for a future project.

I spent a few minutes tidying the sewing room (which has become a catch-all since the semester started) and I converted my serger from cover stitch to serge again. Then I spent a little bit of time here and there working on the skirt, and a few days later - viola!

It took about 2 yards of the purple stripe (I still have 1.25 yards left - I bought what was left on the bolt) and 0.67 of a yard of the knit for the attached slip. I did a baby hem and I serged all the seams - and even figured out how to serge 'in the round', between the tiers.

I absolutely love it! And I'm thinking I will probably finish up the silver blouse that I started over the summer in the next few weeks, as long as I keep on top of my homework and don't let myself get lost in the sewing room.

More from Studio Art

For the past three weeks, we have been doing values in my art class, and have had two assignments.

The first assignment was to draw our paper sculpture in black and white. It could be the whole sculpture or just part of it. So here is the photo of what I chose to draw next to my drawing...

The second assignment was a "Triangular Planes Portrait." We had to do a portrait in black and white using only triangles, and each triangle had to be a single value.

I am very pleased with both of my drawings, especially since I have not done anything like it since high school!


On another note I have done some sewing, and will have a finished skirt by the end of the week!!!

School Update

So, as I figured, I have had no time to sew yet this semester. My blouse is still sitting unfinished on the serger table. But I have an art project I thought I'd share and some general school updates.

First, I switched up my schedule. The science class I signed up for just was not going to work, for a number of reasons, and my ability to do the work was not one of them. I decided to drop the science for a history that fills a different elective and I am much happier for it. Also, I have officially applied to Eastern - fingers crossed - now is the hard part, waiting for them to decide my fate!

Now, this is part of the 2nd project I have had in my art class (the first one wasn't all that exciting). We had to create a 'fierce animal' out of noting but paper, and we were limited to a single color. That being said...lo and behold my Phoenix...

And that's all I got for now - my homework needs me.....

Update

Summer break is basically over...and, as always, it went by way too fast!

Since my last post, I have not done any sewing...I have been busy with the kids and sidetracked by other things. I don't know if I will have any time to sew during the upcoming semester, but I am hoping I will have at least a little time. If for nothing else, then to at least finish the blouse that is still sitting in the sewing room.

I made the decision to add yet another class to my course load this semester, putting me up to 16 credit hours. If I can manage and I continue with more than 12 or 13 credit hours a semester I will be able to graduate a year earlier than I originally planned.

These are all my books and art supplies for the semester. Yes, there is a glue gun in the bag of art supplies! I am looking forward to the art class, it has been years since I have done anything artsy. So even if I don't get much done in the way of sewing, I may have some fun projects from my art class to share.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and I will try and post occasionally, as time permits (and if there is anything interesting to actually share).

Weekly Round Up - 7/13

This week has been a busy one. All the hustle and bustle has been out with the kids, and not one moment was spent in the sewing room. If I hadn't decided to make a weekly post with what I have (or have not) gotten done with my sewing I wouldn't even be posting this...maybe I should do a 'round-up' post monthly...

Enjoy your weekend! Hopefully, I'll actually get into the sewing room next week and get something done.

Projects Completed

none

Works in Progress

Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - black chiffon in stash
Jeans - Butterick 5682 - dark blue denim in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - teal floral in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - grey tropical print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Fun In The Sun

My 'baby' turned 11 this week. And we have been busy soaking up the sunshine.

Just the little man and I went to The Dinosaur Place. He had a blast and brought home lots of treasures.

A friend of mine has a single and a double kayak, so she invited us over so we could try them out. No pictures of me in them, but we all had a great time. I may have to invest in some kayaks for us in the future.

His cake was a hit. I used the idea of baking it in a bowl from this recipe, and then this frosting recipe. Not the best pictures of the cake, but you get the idea.

I have been so busy I haven't even looked in the sewing room, but I will be getting back in there....soon.

Weekly Round Up - 7/6

Because of the holiday, I only had two days to sew this week. I started working on my silver blouse, view C from Vogue 8772. Once I got to seam construction, I stopped because I was in no mood to convert my serger from cover stitch to overlock, and this fabric definitely needs to be serged. It isn't overly difficult, I just didn't want to be fiddling with it, so the blouse is sitting on the cutting table for a few more days.

source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

I am hoping to work on tracing and cutting out some patterns for future projects. That is one of the tasks I dislike most about sewing clothes ~ pattern tracing, whether it is a new pattern onto clear vinyl or just tracing the pattern onto the fabric. I find it tedious, making sure everything is properly aligned and transferring multitudes of markings, but it is a necessary evil *sigh*.


I received the jeans buttons I ordered from Dime Buttons via Amazon, but they also have a regular website.

I made a ton of cookies for a picnic/bbq we attended on the 4th. The Chocolate Chip and Chocolate-Chocolate Chip cookies were made with this yummy no-fail recipe, and I also made some No-Bake Cookies.

So, while I did not get much sewing done, it was definitely a productive week. Hope you had a great 4th and enjoy the weekend!

Projects Completed

none

Works in Progress

Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - black chiffon in stash
Jeans - Butterick 5682 - dark blue denim in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - teal floral in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - grey tropical print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Weekly Round Up - 6/29

Not the most productive week, since I technically finished the blouse/dress last week.

Which means I only made one piece this week, another of the maxi dress from Simplicity 2189. I had made this a couple weeks ago in a tan knit, and decided I needed to take in the bust area, which worked perfectly. I also added  six inches to the length so it was a true maxi.

front view

back view

I definitely didn't need more fabric, but I did buy some at Wal-Mart yesterday.

The top two are going to be dresses, but I haven't decided on a pattern for them yet. The bottom left is kind of like a chiffon, it's very lightweight and slightly transparent, I'm planning to make a blouse out of it. The bottom left is a dark blue denim, which will become a pair of jeans.

Have a great weekend!

Projects Completed

Blouse (dress) - Vogue 8772
Maxi Dress - Simplicity 2189

Works in Progress

Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Maxi Dress - Simplicity 2189 - floral knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - black chiffon in stash
Jeans - Butterick 5682 - dark blue denim in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - teal floral in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - grey tropical print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Blouse Turned Dress ~ Vogue 8772

I finished this dress almost a week ago, but I just got around to taking pictures of it.

This dress is the inspiration for the dress I made. I knew the fabric I had did not have the same drape as the original and I wasn't looking to replicate it exactly, I just wanted something kind of similar.

source: venus.com

I used Vogue 8772 (view E).

source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

The changes I made were to not add side vents, move the button placement a bit, secure the overlap below the bottom button, and add two ruffles to the bottom.

front view

back view

side view

Sorry about the washed out pictures, not sure why they came out that way.

I am not totally sold on this dress only because of the 'stiffness' of the cotton fabric on the upper ruffle. I'm going to wash it a time or two, and hope it softens the fabric enough so the top ruffle isn't as poofy as it currently is. I may also top stitch the ruffle down to see if that helps at all, but I'm going to see what washing will do first.

If I can't tame the ruffle, I'll probably end up chopping them off and making it a blouse. I also now know that I don't need any alterations to this pattern for a good fit and I can cut into my more expensive fabric I had gotten to make a blouse out of this pattern. If I was to try and make a dress like this again I would probably only add the bottom ruffle.

Now that the end-of-the-school-year madness is done I'll have more time to spend in the sewing room, the past couple weeks have been crazy with all the extra activities going on for the kids.

Weekly Round Up - 6/22

I had a crazy busy week outside of the sewing room. It's the last week of school for the kids and there were 101 things to do.


I did get together with my friend to make her sandals. I didn't take any pictures but she did take one. She loves them, and they don't cover up any of the stars tattooed on her foot.

I started working on View E of Vogue 8772.

source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

I'm hoping to alter it just a little and make it into a dress, but I have to get a little bit further before I know if that will work out the way I plan or not.

Now I must get ready to attend my oldest's 6th grade graduation. He's going to officially be a Middle-Schooler (gasp)!

Projects Completed

Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial

Works in Progress

Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial
Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - red cotton print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Maxi Dress - Simplicity 2189 - floral knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash