Remember when I said that I was fine with the sleeves ties of this dress being kind of (too) longish?  Well I guess that was a lie because I kept thinking about those dang sleeve ties after I posted about them.  That is actually a really great thing about taking photos of your work: you see things (aka problems) you would normally miss otherwise.  And overall I thought the dresses were a bit too plain although simplicity is what I was going for.

So back to the drawing–sewing–board!  I re-cut and sewed the sleeve ties and added a slouchy little pocket.  Much better I think.  Now it looks finished.

The denim dress needed a little extra love too and got a sassy heart-shaped pocket added to it.

Sorry, this detail pic out of focus; my camera did not want to cooperate with me.  Just wanted to show the stitching a bit close up.  The opening is in fact reinforced (like I did with the pocket on this skirt) but that’s done in navy thread so it would blend in with the fabric.  These photos were snapped after I washed the dress and you can see the edges now have that nice, faded rumply-ness you see on jeans.

Did you have any grand plans for the weekend?  I’ll be playing housekeeping catch up for part of it since I was out of commission last weekend.  But I hope to get to some alterations: I’ve got some lovely (and very girlie) vintage dresses that need to be hemmed and repaired.  And a sweater to continue working on before spring really takes hold!

Thank you for your “get well” wishes–I’m feeling much better today with the exception of the occasion coughing fit.  I had to leave the house to drop off some packages at the P.O. so I threw on this outfit.  (It’s quite warm and Spring-ish today so no jacket needed!)  I decided to snap a couple of pics since I haven’t shared this hankie top with you yet.

It’s a pullover style and has to fit loosely (to avoid tearing while slipping it on) because of the delicate vintage hankies, but it’s looser than I would normally prefer.  My concern with too-loose fitting clothing is looking shapeless, but I think it’s okay with fitted pants.  (Dare I say jeggings?  Yes, jeggings.)   Maybe I should add a ribbon belt to cinch it in a bit?

The pattern I used is Simplicity’s Built by Wendy 3835, my fave as you know.

I’ve been terribly sick all weekend and now that it’s Monday I’ve had to drag myself out of bed to try to have a normal workday and now I’m considering braving this rainstorm to go out and get some TheraFlu.  The one good thing about being under the weather is having a cat who loves to cuddle.

Last week I reworked (embellished, rather) a couple of recent projects but it’ll have to wait for better lighting and for me to feel a little bit better.  Hope you’re having a great start to the week!

Work has been so busy, I’m seriously behind in my sewing!  But I can’t really complain, work is good.

But I guess I’ve been so consumed by it that I completely missed my Burdastyle Feature–BACK IN OCTOBER.  I know, how embarrassing.  Rachel (who interviewed me) was so sweet and nice and I hope I do not come off as unappreciative by posting a reply to the article 3 months late.

Anyway, if you’d like to take a gander it’s here: Featured Member: thefabledneedle!

How cool is this?  Have you seen it before?

(via Happiness is…blog)

Happy 2012!

I’m starting the year off right by sharing not one but two projects I recently completed. Today is the first official day back to work and I’m simply not ready so I’m posting to the blog instead (being used to working into the night and occasionally on weekends, my slowness into getting back to work is not such a big deal).

First up is another Built by Wendy #3835 dress, this time with the sleeve ties.  Honestly I don’t know why the ties on my version are so long compared to what is shown on the pattern cover.  I really think there is some serious funny business when it comes to companies representing finished garments from sewing patterns, at least there seems to be!  But the super long ties don’t really bother me, not enough for me to redo them (I didn’t notice how long they were while I was stitching them on, oh well).  We’ll see…let’s just say they are very fashion statement-y!

The fabric is a lovely cotton voile in a print that reminds me of the night sky.  I’d probably wear a slip under this is real life because the fabric is thin.  I also made this version super short because I’m realizing that short dresses/skirts really does look better on me (being 5’2″) although I’m super self conscious about my legs.  But I’m I’m feeling particularly modest (or cold) I can wear leggings underneath.

And I just this morning finished this dress:

I took New Look #6022 that I used for a blouse and merged the top of it with the lower half of BBW #3835 because the latter had more shape and is overall more flattering.  The fabric is a super soft denim and I top-stitched with traditional mustard-gold denim thread.

Seams are pinked because I figured serging them would make them kind of stiff.  I almost added patch pockets but decided to keep this one really simple and to keep the focus on the pleat details.

Now I’m going to trace off this new pattern 6022/3835 hybrid so I can make another dress just like it!

I just ran up and down the hallway 5 times with Spoo Kee on my heels (so that he’ll attack me with his hilarious Matrix moves) so I need to catch my breath before I continue on with the gibberish.

*deep breath*

I’ve been enjoying all the year in review-type posts going around lately, and thought about writing one myself, but seeing as how I feel *meh* about 2011 I’m not particularly motivated to do so.  (Don’t get me wrong, 2011 had its highlights, like watching my 2 year old nephew laugh hysterically while my husband karate-chopped bubbles in my parents’ backyard on Christmas morning.)

Some plans I had this past week fell through so it’s been a nice and quiet few days at home.  Initially (and as usual) I dreamed of all the stuff I’d accomplish but here it is, Saturday, and I don’t have much to show for it!  That’s okay, right?

But I do have these jeans to show you.  I feel kind of silly for posting about PUTTING PATCHES ON MY OLD JEANS but my fave pair just turned into my most favorite-est pair ever.

I wore these jeans to the point of the knees busting open and at first I thought: Cool, now I have authentic holey jeans and I did not have to buy them this way–ha! But the big holes really annoyed me, especially went I bent my knees which was a lot of the time.

So in true “make do and mend” fashion I patched them up with an assortment of denim scraps and calico.

Yes, they are a bit 1930s boxcar hobo but that’s not such a bad thing; I rather like it.  Anyway, Happy New Year to all my blog-friends!  Be safe and see you next year.

I really thought I’d have a sewing project to share (I’m making another Built by Wendy #3835 dress, this time with the sleeve ties!) but I simply don’t have time to finish it before Christmas, what with all the last minute gift-wrapping and pie-making going on.  So, I’m just here to wish you all a joyous and safe holiday with your loved ones.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season so far!  I haven’t been a very good blogger lately and posting has been sporadic the last month or two, even for me.  In a nutshell life has been unusually hectic except for this week which has been gloriously slow-paced; I no longer feel like I’m constantly on the verge of having an anxiety attack.  I’ve also been considering re-thinking my blog, its purpose, etc., and haven’t had a lot to say or was feeling too lazy to write, snap photos and the like.   (I’m still in this mode actually.  These photos were taken with my phone and I didn’t even bother to open Photoshop to edit them, ha.)

Anyway, I hosted Thanksgiving for my parents which was nice especially now that we’ve got a real grown-up table, perfectly rustic and charming.  Out came Grandma and Granpa’s wedding china, their Wedgewood candlesticks (that you can see are still there because they look so festive), and a big leafy bowl to show off persimmons from Mom’s garden (she said she left the stems on because she knows I like that sort of thing).

Now it’s onto Christmas.  I HAD to share this darling old-time kitty that came in a set I bought on Etsy.  Isn’t it sweet?  I favorited another item from this shop months ago but at the time I thought it was actually vintage, I had no idea there was such a wonderful variety of these newly crafted ornaments until I spotted them on the Design is Mine blog.

Do you have any plans for this weekend?  For one thing I am NOT working!  I have to say I’m looking forward to catching up on some sewing.

Sarah Sophie Flicker for Stylelikeu.com from StyleLikeU on Vimeo (via Helmi Otsalla).

I finished a scarflette.  Don’t you love the color?

If you follow along on Facebook you probably know that I got a treadle sewing machine.  Singer model 115, 1921.  Bought it from the original owner (I even have the old, hand-written receipt).   Wonderful condition.  I scrubbed down the parlor cabinet which is why I took the head (machine) out and left it on the built-in in the breakfast nook.  Looks nice there though.  Check out the mermaid details.  Now I just need to learn how to use it.

I’m onto making a cardigan.   My carpal tunnel and tendonitis issues have not really gotten in the way of my knitting, even though I’ve been working up a storm (on the computer).  I’m not going to question it, just accept it and be grateful.  I mean, look how far along I am!  I’m changing up the pattern a bit: 2×2 rib instead of cables, half or 3/4 sleeves instead of short, and adding a mustard-gold stripe or two running through the cuffs and waist ribbing.  I’m looking forward to making the button band as I’ve never made one before.   The main color is “Squirrel Heather,” isn’t that cute?  Both are Knit Picks Swish DK.

Thank you to those who entered in this giveaway!  Without further ado, the winner is #2…Bunny!

Also don’t forget, the Holiday Haberdashery Giveaway ends this Sunday 10p PST.

Happy Weekend!

I made this dress several weeks ago, strictly on a whim, inspired by a wee baby’s dress I found at a yard sale and a blouse spied on Pinterest (via Casey).  In my excitement and haste, I went about things rather haphazardly, throwing all caution to the wind.  It’s made in a typical 1920s fashion, the skirt is created from a series of squares and rectangles sewn in various ways, not wasting too much fabric.  2 rectangles for the front and back, 2 slits cut into each, and a triangle (half a square) set into each slit is all the skirt is, easy to do but looks extra nice.

While I love wearing silk georgette, I simply do not like sewing with it (see my dress using this fabric).  The nude fabric inset’s seams are a bit wonky.  I think if I had planned better and not rushed, stabilized the fabric (or something) it would have turned nicer.  All I can say is the next time I do a fabric inset like this, it won’t be with georgette!  The bodice and hem are finished with a zigzag stitch and the back closes with a single vintage button (that I forgot to photography).   I like to think it looks like an actual vintage garment and not something newly created.

But, despite the issues, I adore this dress.  Unlike many projects I have sewn, I wore this out and about–to the pet store of all places…ha!  Why wait for a fancy occasion to wear a fancy dress?  And the color is gorgeous.  I’m not sure how it looks on your monitor but I would describe it as salmon pink.

I have other sewing projects in the queue (as usual) that I hope to continue working on this weekend but I’m also going to start a knitting project, something I haven’t done in quite a while.  (And it’s all I can think about even though it was 98 degrees yesterday!)  I bought a skein of the prettiest mermaid green yarn that I’ll use to make this little scarflette.  I’m just going to ease into knitting slowly before I jump into anything more complicated!

Have a splendid weekend.

Hi peeps!  Last month on my Facebook page I briefly mentioned doing a haberdashery giveaway and it’s finally up!

I have an abundance of craft supplies–I could probably open a little shop!  Ha!  But a de-stash giveaway is more fun and just in time for holiday crafting.  Anyway, there’s new and vintage rick rack in red, white and green–in different sizes–red double fold bias tape, tiny red craft pompoms, a baker’s dozen of red/white striped twist ties and wooden spools (oh, and a Japanese squirrel paper clip thrown in for fun).

To enter just leave a comment and let me know what you look forward (or hope) to make for the holidays.  It doesn’t have to be craft specific meaning it could involve cooking, photography, etc.

Comments will close Sunday October 23rd, 10p PST. The winner will be randomly selected and announced  soon after.  Open to everyone.

…

By the way, I LOVED reading your mischievous mouse stories on my last post!   I guess many of us have had such encounters or episodes of nearly losing something that left quite an impression.  It’s funny how the human mind works.

Everyone has idiosyncrasies and I’d like to share a particularly silly one of mine with you.

I rarely remove my wedding ring but I will, on occasion, and I most certainly take off my engagement ring when there’s even a small chance of it getting dirty (as it’s especially delicate because of the old pearl in it).  But I have this habit of washing my hands before taking off a ring and since I don’t want to put a damp ring inside its box (which also happens to be vintage where moisture is a no-no) I’ll have to leave it out.  Naturally I’ll set it somewhere out of harm’s way (a.k.a. Spoo Kee), like inside a cabinet or drawer until I can put it back on or until it’s dry.  Whilst setting the ring down on the shelf inside said cabinet or drawer, I find myself thinking these very words: “But a mouse might get it.”

Headline: “35 YEAR OLD HOUSEWIFE AND COMPUTER-NERD LADY LIVES IN FEAR OF RODENTS TAKING OFF WITH HER JEWELRY!”

OK, it’s not quite that dramatic but still nutty.  (And what kind of newspaper would print such a story anyway? [And did I just say "newspaper"?  Do they still make those?])  But I’m not really embarrassed to tell you since it IS so completely…absurd; I cannot help but be amused by it.

…

In high school my family and I went went on a road trip through the American Southwest: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and so forth.  I will forever associate listening to U2′s “Sunday Bloody Sunday” on my walkman, snacking on half-melted gummy worms (from a 5lb bag, oh the horror of it), reading Garfield comic strips to my little brother (whilst we eagerly found coloring mistakes in the illustrations), and eating greasy-good breakfasts sitting inside equally greasy red vinyl booths at diners along the way with this trip.

Anyway, before we hit the road my mom hid some of her jewelry in a plastic bag inside the flour canister.  High tech.  Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Upon our return from the trip, and to our disbelief, the jewelry was gone (perhaps an earring or two was left  behind); only a holey and dusty plastic bag remained.  It was a mystery for a few years and soon forgotten.

Then my parents had the kitchen remodeled–taking out the atomic green formica counter top which I look back on fondly–and what should they find?  The jewelry.  Inside a mouse’s nest.  (We had no idea we even had mice!)   I was–and am– completely fascinated by the fact that these mice (or mouse) wanted the jewelry inside their wee nest.  I guess Magpies are not the only ones attracted to shiny things!

So there you have it, my explanation as to why that crazy thought comes to mind whenever I leave my rings out.

Last year I picked up a couple of vintage dresses that needed some serious altering before I could wear them.  Recently I decided to take a break from fall sewing to make the necessary changes; I don’t buy vintage to simply admire or learn from them but to actually use them and these were hanging in the to-do section of my closet for too long!   They are somewhat delicate but I don’t mind, I’ll wear clothes until they fall apart (much to my mom’s chagrin).

One of the frocks mentioned I’ll share with you here.  Post-alterations it’s now my favorite vintage dress!  Once a 1930s floor-length gown it’s now a saucy, ethereal thing.   It has its original hem; I just moved the whole skirt up to preserve the ruffle whilst moving up the waistline too.  The waist before was more fitted (with a side snap closure) but now I can just slip it over my head. (Yay.)  Lately I’ve been making or altering dresses/skirts to make them hit above my knees–a more flattering length for me–but I didn’t want this to be too short.   Since the dress is sheer, my solution was to wear a slip underneath that was quite a bit shorter.  And don’t you love the capelet?  That tie!

Oh, yes, I added some thread belt loops so I can wear a ribbon when it suits my fancy.  (I just read on Coletterie a great post about how to make such belt loops by machine although I make mine by hand.)

I love the look of winter white or cream during the cooler months.  There is almost celebratory about it, especially when contrasted with dark or jewel tones.  (The starry stockings, by the way, are J.Crew tights from the girls’ section that I refashioned.  I no longer have a garter belt and for now they are staying up by sheer willpower.)

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!  Because of our Labor Day holiday here in the U.S. I was able to finish up some sewing that has been sitting around since my last fall outfit post.

Once again, this outfit is 1930s-inspired; perhaps it’s vaguely Carnivale-esque?  The blouse is made up of a muted mint green shirting, off-white cotton-silk voile and embellished with a black silk satin ribbon bow (that’s pinned on and can be removed).  The skirt with large patch pockets is made from a tan/black/orange glen plaid.

The top pattern is McCall’s M5977.  Remember how I said I thought the armhole ruffles were weird?  Well, I decided to add them for this version but I redrafted the ruffles so they would be the least narrow under my arms (which is more flattering in my opinion).  I knew going in that this shirting fabric was not ideal for a pullover style top; it’s a little stiff and would be better suited to a button-down shirt.   I was stubborn and envisioned it being made into this very blouse anyway.  The shirt is meant to be tucked in so to reduce the bulk around my waist I added darts to both the front and back, keeping in mind that I still needed to be able to slip this on over my head!

The skirt fabric is a really soft cotton, not the wool you would expect.  (So soft in fact that Spoo Kee is sleeping on top of it as I write this.)  I kept the design really simple with patch pockets cut on the bias for a slight contrast.  The pockets are lined with self fabric that is cut with the grain (for stability).

For a bit of fanciness I lined this skirt with silk charmeuse.  I have to say, I love it!  By far so much nicer than polyester or acetate lining.  It feels like wearing a nightie underneath.  And yes, you may notice that I used a navy blue zipper instead of black.  That is simply because I had forgotten to get a black zipper and the fabric store was closed and I did not want to wait!  Ah, impatience.

Have you started your fall sewing yet?

I feel as though I have not posted in ages, it feels a bit awkward right now.  Nor have I sewn in what seems like the same length of time.  Everything was business as usual last week, working on my next early fall outfit, when I found myself driving home from the office, witnessing animal abuse, confronting an unfeeling woman, and loading a terrified and confused puppy into the back of my car.  Oh, and then frantically calling a friend exclaiming “WHAT DO I DO NOW?!”  Yea.  But, the wonderful news is, after several stressful and emotional days said puppy is in her new home with her really awesome, new parents.  (Happy face!)

Suffice it to say making clothes was not a priority at the time.  But now my heart has calmed down a bit and I can get back to fun, non-stressful things.  I truly appreciate all of your comments on my last couple of posts!  I don’t think I’ll be able to respond to them at this point unless you had a specific question.  (I might need some time for that.)

So, since I don’t have any new sewing projects to share I want to show you some old things that I picked up at a yard sale a couple of weekends ago.

Three delicate baby dresses (Don’t you love the coral silk dress?  I want a grown up version for myself)…

…and a couple of dishes.

Perfect, old, little dishes.  My favorite is the mermaid green lustreware saucer with gilded stars.  I mean, really?  Love it.

All I want to do is sew clothes.  I have many ideas for other crafty projects, including shop stuff, but at the end of the day I just want to make a skirt or cut out a new blouse.  Life has been a bit crazy lately and sewing for the pure fun of it is my therapy, I suppose.

The clothes I’m working on are fall items I can wear now.  Because, you know, it’s not really going to get chilly here ’til late October or so.

Here is a blouse I made combining pattern pieces from McCall’s M5977 and New Look 6022.  I shortened the sleeves, drafted the v-neck and made the bows.  I don’t recommend attaching sleeves to bodice pieces meant for a sleeveless top (which is what I did) because the armholes aren’t quite right but I don’t think it’s noticeable and fits comfortably anyway.

The original design had 5 larger, pointier bows going done the front.  Even after testing the placement I didn’t get a feel for what it would truly look like until I had made and attached all the bows.  (You might be able to see bias tape stitched down the center front on the inside; this was placed there to support the bows.)  But I didn’t like it afterall.  Don’t know why, it just seemed too stiff or something.  So I re-cut 2 of the bows and attached them just near the v.

The skirt is my favorite of the 2.  The colors look blown out in the photo where I’m modeling it but the fabric really is so pretty and has a nice, slightly coarse texture.  (By the way, I probably wouldn’t wear those shoes with this skirt out and about because they are too orange but I’m currently without dark brown pumps.)

And yes, I used Simplicity pattern 8418 for this skirt.  Of course!

I’m so glad it’s Friday.  Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?

For the first time ever I’m planning out my sewing projects for the next season in advance so that they will complement each other.  It’s fun in a sewing/fashion-nerd sort of way.  I’ve reorganized my fabric stash into fall/winter and spring/summer instead of fabric-type to make it easier to pick out things that work together.  As usual I’ve gotten pretty ambitious with what I’d like to make up but at least I’m getting a head start.  (I’ve already finished one quick project this weekend and have started another.)

I’m showing you two palettes.  There are a lot of browns; no surprise there.  The first one consists of pale muted blues and greens and ivory.  Toile and houndstooth and dots and cotton velvet.

The second palette is warmer although there is some black in there too.  Rust and mauve and mustard yellow brighten up this set.  Faux fur and florals here.  All of it, naturally, very vintage-inspired.  Pretty, faded, old-fashioned prints and textures.  I’ve got some ’30s patterns picked out, some from the ’60s (for basic shapes) as well as modern ones too.

Have you started planning or even working on projects for next season yet?  Do you like to plan in advance and to what degree?

Don’t you love it when you are so inspired to do something that you have to do it RIGHT NOW?

Several weeks ago I saw these 1930s floral-pattern and metallic shoes on Pinterest (from the Thought Patterns blog):

Beautiful!  I immediately bookmarked this image, on Pinterest, and in my mind.  I knew there was a way to make/refashion similar shoes.  I had a starting base:

Very old, maybe 1920s or ’30s Mary Janes.  You can see me wearing them here.  I had been thinking about getting them professionally repainted/dyed a darker color for fall but had been putting it off for no particular reason.  (OMG, I just realized, looking at this photo, the perforations form a heart in the center!)

So I’ve been trying to figure out how I was going to get the roses on here.  Paint them?  (HA!)  Waterslide decals?  (Probably not suited to leather.)  Decoupage with Victorian clip art?  (Might be messy.)  I have a whole bunch of Victorian stickers on my stationery drawer that I haven’t used.  While decorating a package today (for a certain little fairy friend), I realized that the stickers were printed on thin, clear plastic.  Eep! Just the ticket.

I went to work straight away.  No, I don’t know how durable this is and what will happen when I actually wear them out and about.  But I didn’t care, I was having too much fun.

And they are not perfect, there is a wrinkle here and there but I think they look pretty good.  I’m going to wait a while to see if the stickers start to peel off; if so, I might put on a coat of satin clear acrylic paint over them.

To finish these off I painted the trim a pretty, faded gold (“Champagne Gold” metallic acrylic paint from DecorArt).  These are now the prettiest shoes I own!  OK, so where to wear them?

Before I embark on fall sewing (and Sleepy Hollow quilt-making) I want to continue finish up some projects I’ve already started.  I cut out and begin to sew this little dress last fall from Simplicity pattern 2360.  I had some fit issues (I should have cut the smallest size and taken in the center of the bodice) which left me annoyed enough to move onto something else.  But I wasn’t willing to scrap it completely.  I darted the back and trimmed down the side seams a bit to make do.

The fabric is cotton-silk voile with an “embroidered” floral print.  Cotton-silk voile with mauve dots for the collar; the ruffle is cut down quite a bit and I left out the pleating.  The rayon tie is vintage seam binding.

Oh, and before I forget, thank you for your sweet comments on my last few posts!

Another summery project from my favorite skirt pattern, Simplicity 8418.  This pattern is just so good, the possibilities are endless.  (The green is not quite as vibrant as they are in these photos; it’s more like a deep grass green.)

Rounded pockets lined with baby blue and white gingham.

I’ve also converted a couple of vintage pillowcases into grocery bags.  I got tired of the green ones I had.  You know, the ones you get at the store, sometimes for free.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice that many stores offer those reusable bags but they aren’t exactly pretty or machine-washable, which is gross.  And who wants to hand wash their grocery bags?  Not me.

I’m ready to move onto fall sewing.  I figure if I start now I’ll actually have new things to wear in time for cooler weather!