Skirt Project

Built by me using a Built by Wendy pattern. While in Portland the husband bought me this book. I spent an afternoon this weekend putting together this skirt after waiting for additional material to arrive. My initial thought was to add a sash to the waist somewhat like these dresses at Anthropologie. However, after the heavy swearing and work it took to get this skirt to come together I decided this was enough and it was time to move on to the next project.

The sizing on this pattern was a **little** off. Following measurements it should have fit. But, the waist hit way up on my ribcage and the hips were SO tight. In order to make it fit I had to roll the waist down 6-7 inches and create the elastic waist band. Does that make sense? I'm really glad I didn't try to put in a zipper this time. I'll save that until I can adjust the pattern to fit. I think next time I'm just going to follow this tutorial when I want to make an elastic waist skirt.

And a bad picture of it on. I really do like it though. It's a nice casual skirt.

Vintage Plaid Skirt

Vintage Plaid Skirt
Originally uploaded by jtothee

I made a stop today at the Nearly New Shop in Atlanta since I was in the area. I scored big I think--vintage plaid skirt, high-waist, leather belt, pleated in front. Reminds me of a 1950s skirt. i bought it thinking I'd chop it off but I'm kind of loving it now. I cannot get enough of plaid right now. I think this will hold me over until I find a plaid dress to love.

By the way. This weekend's goal: Big Full Size Mirror.

If you come to Atlanta...

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by jtothee

these will be yours!

In all seriousness, what do you think of the flag? Didn't have birthday candles but I always have scrapbooking paper. btw...these are so so good. Red Velvet, Peanut Butter Chocolate Hi tops, and Italian Cream Cake.

Lots of cutting and organizing going on here. I planned on making two dresses for our anniversary trip and then I realized that was next weekend. So we'll see...

$4.95 later...

Right now is the first time in about a week I have had longer than 5 min. to sit and peruse the internet. Thanks to your 2 minutes of etsy-ing, you found me a great pattern for a clothespin bag. I chose this pattern, and with a few clicks of the mouse, it was delivered within hours to my inbox! I have not yet chose a fabric; I have several great ones stashed away that I buy when they are on sale. (BTW, this is not really a good idea, becuase when you go to use it, it seems as though you never bought quite enough). Something bright and colorful for sure; maybe even a retro print, which is a genre I am madly in love with right now.

Speaking of Etsy-ing, my friend has her own shop on Esty, if you ever want to check it out. She makes all kinds of custom designed note cards, invitations, etc. Her company is Behind the Scene Design. She created not only my wedding invitations, but many, many others for our friends. Very talented chica! I am 95% finished on a clutch I have created for her...I just need to finish that rouched flower and I can post about it!

Store bought vs. Homemade

Back to curtains...it seems these days it's all I have time for. I promise after October 17th, I plan to delve into much more complex projects. In one week, I have a 2day, 150 mile fundraising bike ride to put on for work that is consuming SO MUCH of my time. Very stressful, yet fun at the same time.

Back to the curtains. We needed something to cover our bathroom window becuause my husband is so tall, he was afraid people were seeing his naked chest (why that matters, I'm not sure). I told him I would find something. I didn't want it to be too bulky becuase our bathroom is light and airy. I had gone to the fabric store and purchased some sheer clearance fabric to get me buy until I found what I really wanted. Last weekend, Lance and I were shopping and I drug him to Bed, Bath and Beyond so he could pick out bathroom curtains and feel like he was part of the process. He picked out a great sheer fabrick with a diamond design and decorative edging.

Just like this!

Except they were designed for an 84" high window. Obviously that was not appropriate for our bathroom, so since I liked the fabric so much, I just bought a panel (with a coupon, of course!) and brought it home to modify to the right size. So, I just finished them and they turned out like this:

It is jsut one panel, so you can't really open these curtains. I probably should have 2 panels to make it look "proper" but I think having just the one is just right for this window. I doubt I will go back and purchase another. It has a slight gather and its not like I intend on frequently opening it to see out - it is, after all, the bathroom.

I don't think I would have been able to find something this perfect if I had just soley gone to a fabric store. I am always excited to modify something storebought!

Sophia's Dress

Well after Sunday night's disastrous sewing attempt I needed something with quick results and satisfaction. I started with this tutorial and followed the 2T sizing with a bit of adjustment. I'm hoping the proportions are right. We'll see once my model gets her hands on it.



This was super fun to make and my first time using elastic. The fabric (all 1/2 yard of it) was something in my stash that was already washed and ready to go. I made the top too long (I actually forgot to cut that dimension, oops). That's when I decided to add the casing to the waist using this as inspiration. It's a lot of fun sewing little kid clothes. The best part is trying new things because even if its a complete disaster you're out very little fabric.

Mail's Here!

**Look** at what came in the mail yesterday....



Vintage fabric-covered belt kits I found on Etsy. What did I tell you? That is the place to go when you need to find something. I think that the larger belt buckle will be good for making a belt to go with this blouse. Hopefully I can finish it in time for this weekend! The other one? Well, I'm sure I'll think of something...