MuuMuu Confessions: Zsayla Tunic

“Friends don’t let friends wear MUUMUUS!” said my best friend as she rapidly dismissed me back into the dressing room. Well she’s married now, expecting her first and lives on the opposite end of the US from me. So here I am with two glorious tunic/dress things that I absolutely LOVE!

I bought the Zsayla Tunic pattern during a pattern parcel sale. I really liked its look but was worried it would be a bit too baggy so made it up first in this blue lightweight cotton. It turned out PERFECT! The designers of this pattern really got it right with just enough fullness without us drowning in the fabric. 

With my first success, I cut into my precious Kaffe Fassett fabric that was my big purchase of 2014! Thanks to Sarah, from Rinestones and Telephones, for introducing me to his fabrics. It took several tries to find a matching red for the yoke and sleeves. Finally something surfaced in the stash. I was hoping the length would come out alright and IT DID!!! 

I LOVE THIS DRESS! I really love this dress. The one thing that would make it better would be pockets but I LOVE THIS Dress. It makes me so happy when I wear it or even look at it. I let it hang to air dry and I don't usually need to even iron it. Hurrah for low upkeep. I wore it with a long sleeve shirt and leggings until it got too cold. I can't wait until spring and summer rolls back around! 

The Zsayla is a hit for me! Have you ever had a pattern turn out better than you expected? 

Eliana Love

The burgundy came first. It was a mystery fabric with great drape yet weight. I think it's slowly shrinking in the wash.

Next came the silk sari with vintage mother of pearl buttons.

Finally the lavender wool for my friend. When she tried my burgundy dress on this summer she promptly turned to me and said, "My birthday is March 12th." Over Thanksgiving break, she came and we chose fabric and zipped it up so she could take it to her college Christmas party.

POCKETS!!! The cause of much squealing when they were discovered. 

I won this pattern in a giveaway from Busy Lizzy and it has quickly become an absolute favorite. I've worn my burgundy dress tons!

Pattern Changes

• I can't remember what size I made but I'm 5' 10" and I added about six inches to the skirt. For the silk I added about an inch to the top pieces so it would be more blousey. 
• Did a facing for the front opening instead of the ties. 
• If you remove the ties buttons and loops work better than a hook and eye. Personal experience speaking. :)

My friend and I love our dresses and they are seeing much wear. Thanks to Pauline Alice for drafting a great little dress pattern and Lizzy for letting me win a copy! I'm sold.

Christmas Making

Grab a cuppa' and sit down for a breath.

Well Stashbusters,
Sounds like our Christmas plans are coming right along. If you are a Facebook user make sure to join our group and share in the encouragement and enabling. (psst... we will be doing it again next year)

Awhile ago I got sick of looking AT my pinterest and decided to actually make something! First I used up some strips for these little braided mug rugs... Not sure where these are going.

Then these cute round coasters were tantalizing me so I whipped some up in a weekend. This used up some of my scraps and more importantly a scrap of batting that I'd been hoarding for just such a reason. I was super tickled with my achievements!

The square ones were supposed to be round but the personalized "L" scrapped that idea.
Sewing, the ever evolving art.

As I was energized and ready to go on the next gifts on my list, I got a surprise email saying I made it into the big Christmas MADE Fair that was only three weeks away! What a surprise! I broke out the pliers and my button jars and made up some cute button earrings. (not that you can see the dent in my stash)...

Is it silly how happy I am to have a "butterfly" in Millefiori beads and Mother of Pearl buttons? 

I also made some Tiny Worlds that help grow big imaginations. This put another small dent in my scrap box and used up some of that weird yarn I couldn't get rid of either. It's those odd things that are so satisfying to use.

Ending the random craft supply usage spree was me further ruining some already damaged linens by making some beautiful glass pendants showcasing the lace and embroidery from years gone by.

Sorry for the sad ironing board photo but it was that or nothing!

It may not be a lot, but it is something... I really enjoyed giving new life to the buttons and the linens that could never be used again.

I've got a couple other big projects planned as soon as I go on Christmas break. How about you? Are you in the middle of Christmas Making Mayhem? Or are you waiting for the actual break? Will you get a break with time for sewing or be busy with family and friends?
Whatever you do keep up the good work! Our year is almost over!

Mary Knickers

Who knew sewing your own underpants would be such a self esteem journey? I didn't.

It first started with the name of the pattern, "The Mary Knickers" Now while MeasureTwice did a kind job with her description, no one wants to be Mary from Pride and Prejudice. But a knit undies pattern was what I was looking for and a boy short sounded appealing so I bought it regardless of it's name.

When I tried on my first test pair the front fit beautifully while the back only came 3/4 up my bum. This started a whirlwind of thought.
Is this how boy shorts are supposed to fit? Is my bum really poofy like my grandmother said? Could I make this work as is? If I alter it am I just recreating my granny panties? 

It was at this point that I stopped myself before the insecurities could get loose. It doesn't matter how the pattern was "designed" to fit. It doesn't matter if the pants I end up with could be classified as "granny panties" .  If any part of our sewing is about getting the fit we want PERSONALLY, it should be our underwear. This silenced my moaning and I went back and added a large wedge to the back of the pattern.

Look at the little ruffles

Pattern Notes:

• I added a wedge to CB to bring it up
• Tapered down CF
• Sewed down the short edges of crotch pieces. This puts a seam across the front and back of the undies but I think that's better than having some sort of weird pocket there.
• Marked back and front on the crotch piece. The back is the straight edge!
• Used underwear elastic for top instead of a casing.
• Used elastic thread for shirring in my bobbin to hem my legs. 

Thoughts:

• I got so excited to be using up my scraps, I cut up a shirt I've been saving for a couple years and it will probably get more wear now than it ever did! Because who can resist millefiori on their bum! 
• I'm finally getting to use up all those vintage elastics and I'm loving it!
• I've completed one of my goals for 2015! 

While this hasn't stash busted much in yardage it has decreased the clutter. I've got some sewing planned for today so you have the weekend to finish your projects and post to the Stashbusting Flickr group. I'll be back monday with my totals and a Roundup!

What are your thoughts on undergarments? And more interesting, what are they called where you live?

Make It With Wool Last Garments of the Year

Hello Sewing Buddies!
  I figured it was about time I posted these! I came home from summer camp, found out I was moving and found out I was not only helping my friend enter SD Make it With Wool contest I was entering it too. Cue the exacting frantic sewing, because this was for a contest!

Why yes, I am a perky librarian. 

Notice the flowing sleeves that are so in style as I display how green our leaves still are.

I did add a high waistband to show off my tiny waist with different tops. 

How I'll probably wear this outfit since it is SO MUCH green together!

So fun! Now you can see the guts which were all stash busted! I had to add color somewhere.

Since red is my favorite color and I think topstitching that can't be seen is a waste I opted for this dark magenta. A little spice but not super loud.

This was actually my second top and I loved how it came together. Even if it involved a lot of hand stitching to hide all my seams. 

Thoughts:

• I used Cake's Hummingbird pattern for the pencil skirt since I'd already made it up several times. I used my shaped waistband and simply pleated a silky remnant I had for the skirt lining.
• For the final top I used a vintage Butterick 6856. I knew this era fit me pretty well so I made it up without muslining. Next time I'll lower the bust darts a smidge because I'm not going to wear bullet bras and things quite passable but not quite perfect.
• I really like these as a whole outfit but even more as separates. It's Italian wool and I didn't know wool could feel so nice!
• There was a lot of angst because of the deadline and the perfection needed in sewing but I'm glad I've got these pieces made because they will be nice to wear once we're done working on the house.
• I'm kicking myself for not pretreating the wool. The lady I got it from said, "No, no. You must always dry clean wool" so I just took it home and started cutting.

Any ideas on how to wash wool at home? 

Stashbusted Knitted Christmas Cowl

Look! It's a bird. No, a plane. It's a....

Giant sling! No! A papoose carrier?

Sillies! It's the GAP-Tastic Cowl by Jen Geigley. Brought to you using my best model poses and faces. I've been taking notes!

Drown yourself in this fabulous texture! 

Thoughts:

• A mindless knit was just what I needed in the middle of all this moving. It gave me something creative to do while sitting on the couch in the evening absorbing the new move or resting my aching muscles. 
•  I used Jen's pattern as a jumping off point. I added the contrast bands and kept knitting until I felt the proportions were right.
• This is my one handmade Christmas gift!
• I used some stashed Lion Brand yarn I bought in my teens. It had been ripped out twice before...

How are the holiday preparations coming for you? Are all your gifts ready to go?

La La La Lola!

It seems 2014 is quickly coming to a close so I guess I better get my bum in gear and finish blogging about my makes! Here's one I whipped out and photographed right before the move. It's my first Lola by Victory Patterns.

Nananananana, Disco! Or maybe Ninja! 

Dog, how did you find me? 

Obligatory, all around view.

Thoughts

• So this is very bright and I'm not sure I'm brave enough to wear it around in public... but it makes a smashing around the house dress.
• I'm 5' 10" and I added 3 inches to lengthen the bodice pieces and skirt. I probably did something to the sleeves as well but I can't remember what.
• Between adding the length and the stretch of the pink fabric I'm feeling proportions are a bit off?
• The pink fabric is probably too light for this design as I can see it really stretched and bags a bit. 
• When I was researching this pattern a lot of people questioned the amount of pieces for a knit dress. Well it's superb for color blocking which gives you the look of a body con dress with the comfort of your favorite sweatshirt. (Don't believe me, wait till you see my second version.)
• Pattern went together super easily and really pretty quick for all those pieces. ;)
• These both came from the stash and I'm pretty sure this was one of my FESA makes!

I think that's about it... any questions please ask and I'll try to remember... 

Question for YOU! Would you wear something this bright out in public? Are you a solid or a print fan?

Tank Top Hack Or When I Actually Sewed On Theme

Well hello there bloggy friends! I'm feeling a bit crazy right now because I'm leaving a week earlier than planned! Cue the crazy pre-trip sewing! I know I'm not the only one who does it....

One of the things I've been wanting to make is a shelf bra tank top for pajamas. It turned out to be super simple. I used my TNT knit top pattern and cut the front and back twice. The second set I just cut to my measurements from shoulder to under bust plus seam allowance. I made a casing and inserted elastic that was snug around my ribcage. I tested it for a week and it works great! Its also made from thrifted jersey bedsheets so it's soft and cozy.

That's it for today guys! Crazy Sewing Lady, Over and Out!

Stashbusting By Proxy Sorbetto Hack

My little friend came for sewing day and as we were browsing through my projects she caught sight of this great abstract print in the stash. After pulling it from the pile and deciding she really liked it we cooked up a plan that involved an asymmetric hem and a tunic. I was left to ponder how we were going to accomplish that.

Thankfully I remembered the Sorbetto pattern would be a great sleeveless base and already had the extra fullness in the pleat that we would need for this design. We found her size for the chest and I measured from the shoulder seam to the the lengths we wanted the hem to be. I flared the side seams out from the armhole so I didn't even have to mess with drafting out the bust dart.

Since the fabric was semi sheer I taught her how to do french seams and we used white bias tape on the neckline and armholes. The armholes are a bit snug in the finished product so make sure to check the fit before you sew the bias tape on. We were on a time frame and she'd already had to rip out some seams so getting her to redo the armholes wasn't an option. When you're eleven, everything is fine because you just made a shirt!

I'm so proud of her and how well her skills are improving over the years. She sewed this up all by herself even though it was fraying and shifting like crazy. She didn't even complain when we had to redo the shoulder seams. I got a bonus too because some super fun fabric finally gets to live off my shelf and I didn't have to do much to stash bust it! It's late so I'm going to leave you now! Night night.

Cotton Friend Shorts and Sewing Japanese Patterns

I finally managed to finish something this month! I needed an easy project after feeling crummy and I had already tested these in some heavy polyester so I knew the fit and construction.

Pre elastic. 

With the test pair I learned these look best in a lightweight press-able fabric. So I had to go back to the stash and reevaluate my choices.

I found this lightweight twill and a solid meant it would match with all my printed tops and I could do the cute little bow belt. I stash busted almost all of this fabric up which was very exciting! Lying right next to it was an "ugly" cotton floral I've had for years. Suddenly it looked very attractive made up as skirty shorts.

In a lightweight cotton you get the twirly factory even though it's shorts. Can you wear floral and polka dots together? I look like an upside down flower....

Guts and details. 

Pattern Details: Cotton Friend Autumn Edition 2012 vol. 44

I traced the largest size and they fit fine without me adding seam allowance. I do think if I were to make these up in a very lightweight fabric I would add more fullness down the center of the patterns so they would look as full as the magazine photos.

Modifications: 

1. I only ran 3 pieces of elastic through instead of the 4 the pattern called for because of the width of elastic I had. Inserting the elastic like this ensures perfect fit to you and lovely precise gathers.

2. Since the back and front are IDENTICAL I added ribbon tags to center back.

3. I added pockets because who wants to run around summer camp without pockets. You always need a place to stash treasures no matter how old you are.

4. On the solid red pair I added the fold over amount to the pattern again so the crotch drop would be lower so I can hike them up higher when I have painful infusion sets which was part of the point of me making these.

I think these will be a fun addition to my summer wardrobe and am delighted by how much stash they used up! I'm adding these to the Sew Japanese Sew-Along I stumbled upon. I was so excited to find it as I'm always looking for more people who sew these lovely styles. I've realized part of my style is heavily influenced by Japanese styles, specifically mori kei... but I think that post will have to come later...

Chicken Sewing Hummingbird Skirts

Earlier this month I got on Twitter... why I don't know because now I have yet another place to browse online for inspiration and temptation. Sometimes it can be helpful and productive, though. Like when I dared HeatherB to sew up a brand new skirt pattern in the time it took me to make three skirts from a TNT pattern. She wasn't sure about it so I asked if she was a chicken and the race was on! (The older I get the more I realize we never really grow up :)

My three skirts were going to be from Sewing Cake's Hummingbird pencil skirt pattern. I had to make one for Mom's Wardrobe UpGrade from a wool blend, one as an skirt and nighty up cycle, and one out of a BEAutiful brown and cream pinstripe fabric I've had for YEARS!

Thankfully our measurements were close enough that I didn't have to trace out a new size for my Mom. I just had to actually put a hem in her skirt. Her skirt was the Only one made according to the pattern. I used a wool polyester blend fabric so she could throw it in the washer. It has a bit of gold thread running through it and an almost nubbly texture. I love it!

It's a great basic neutral that pairs with tops she already has as well as with some I've planned to make her.
The straight skirt silhouette is such a good look on her too!

Happy with the skirt,
Getting comfortable on camera...

My next skirt was this lovely wool plaid from a skirt taken from my Mom's closet. I had all these dreams about turning this old nighty into a cute summer top but decided to quit kidding myself and use it as a lining.

Sorry guys, indoor camera is having some issues. Trying to learn fast...

I had to cut what I could cut and hope the plaid would match. Thanks in part to the pattern itself all I had to do was a
bit of fudging on the side seam to get them to line up! I love this skirt a bunch!

I pleated the "lining" to fit into the skirt, basted and stitched on my waistband. I simply cut a slit for the zipper and so far it hangs free and far away when I go to zip it up! As you can see I had to take in the side seams after the fact. I think there
is some stretch in this wool.
Oh! I also used a snap to close the back waistband since I did some piecing to the old waistband so I could reuse it.

Lastly, I added my TNT waistband to my new summer staple skirt! I love my neon floral skirt but I needed something a bit more neutral to pair with the summer tops I already had. I decided to use this stashed favorite.

It was so fun getting to play with the subtle stripes! I cut the top pocket pieces on the bias and interfaced them with a featherweight interfacing so they would not stretch out of shape, I love how they almost chevron with the waistband.

The insides are as pretty as the outside! I used some vintage iron on seam tape to hem it.
FINALLY I had an invisible zipper I could get to insert! Up until now I've been putting lapped zippers in because I never had the right color...
The pocket and waistband fabric I absolutely love and am happy to get to finally use it in a successful project.

The pockets in this skirt will never cease to please me! I love that I am able to use fun fabrics!

Whew! Three skirts in about six days. All of them successes! Hurrah! In case you're wondering, Heather beat me by two days because I had no hook and eye closures and by adding the waistband and working with the challenges of up cycling I had to rethink things which slowed me down a bit. It was great fun and great motivation for me to get them done! That's three projects knocked out of my stash busting and three fabulous garments ready to go!