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.