Wallflower

It's a well known fact that I am the world's biggest wimp in the heat. I mean if it gets above 65F I'm already done. I just don't do hot. So life gets pretty miserable fast in So Cal. Honestly this Summer hasn't be so bad so far, but we did have a spell of nasty horrid heat the first week of the month. I made this button front crop top (that needs work, but is fine for now) out of a cotton bedsheet, and oh man does it make hot and sweaty me feel so much more put together! This skirt is an antique one I altered and again is 100% cotton, so it's been my go to outfit for the particularly hot days.

Hat-Thrifted, Shoes-Thrifted, Top- Me Made, Skirt- Thrifted, altered 

Dotty-Spotty

(excuse the wrinkles! This was day three of wearing it because I lurve it so very much!)

I made a dress! A day dress! A day dress than can transition into a slightly fancier or-at-least-as-fancy-as-quilting-cotton-can-get dress! And I like it.

So some of you may remember that back in the early days of this blog I had the above dress that I wore a lot. Like. A. Lot. It was one of the first "vintage"-y items I ever found that fit me, and it was cute and had probably been a maternity dress at some point. I actually always told myself I would keep it until I had kids, but that didn't happen, because I literally wore the thing to shreds. I was a pretty and somewhat rare shade of blue and had a gradient of sizes of white polka dots on it. I loved that dress. It was one of those items of clothing that you put on and just feel happier in. It was a very happy dress, and in it I felt like I could take on any problem the world threw at me. So a recentish trip to Joann found me in the quilting cotton section and I spied a fabric in the same shade of blue with a nice sized white polka dot and I immediately knew I should re-create my long lost favourite dress. I even found a sort of similar bodice pattern that I planned to alter to make like my dear departed beloved dress ( I cannot drive home enough how much I loved that dress).

I ended up using a different pattern than I had originally planned and I'm really glad because I absolutely adore the way this came out! The bodice is a modified Simplicity 1692. I used view C, but gave he back a super deep scoop and made the front scoop a bit wider(when I first tried it on after I finished it, my youngest sister asked me if it was on backwards and I said no and she said "well if you turned it around then maybe you could get a husband." I don't know where she gets this from. And then when I scoffed at her statement she said "I'm kidding. Women don't need husbands, just dignity." 9 going on Sassy. We've decided that Grace was a British Drag Queen in a past life.). The skirt is Simplicity 3688 minus the waistband, and with funky cool patch pockets I added. There's a side zip hiding in there and well I basically think this is the Greatest Dress Ever (and totally not maternity friendly, so this one will probably last me all eternity). I'm actually really tempted to go and buy a ton more of this fabric to save in case of the inevitable unfortunate coffee incident that will stain this dress at some point.

In other news, I got glasses! They're actually only for driving and TV watching, but sometimes I forget they're on. These aren't anything fancy, just some basic frames from the optometrist, but I quite like them. Plus they're grey so the go with everything!

I'm sure by now you've heard that my corner of the planet is going through a ridiculous heat wave right now and apparently I left all my sundresses in Europe. I'll say this, I really don't mind the fact that all the flowers are blooming and everywhere you go the air in my city is perfumed by the magnolias and orange blossoms, but I could do without the 95+ degree weather. So I expect that I'll be making many more of these little dresses as the summer lingers on. I'm actually really, really not looking forward to the real heat setting in. In February we had days that were hotter than any I had last July or August. Now I'm remembering why I always leave here...

Winter on Broadway Hat, Neck & Wristwarmers

I made these for Charissa. They're 100% wool (Pattons from Joann) so they should keep her Californian bones nice and warm during the remaining New York Winter. Not much else to say about them. The hat is, of course, the same one I've been knitting recently, and the wristwarmers are a free pattern from Martha Stewart.  The neckwarmer thing is actually one of two (the other is in the remaining burgundy yarn and is currently on my needles), and the pattern was a free Ravelry one. I liked how it used some of the same techniques as the hat. Super quick, but satisfying knit. Unlike the mittens. Those are the most boring things in the world to knit. The thumb is interesting if you've never done it before, but good lord. So. Boring.  I've promised other family members hats, but I am really ready to move onto something challenging!

Maybe it's time to finally make that sweater I'm terrified of...

Underpinnings

I feel just a tad silly in posting this. It's not my best make ever, nor the most glamorous, but it is definitely useful! Most weekends I don't go out much and a result often find myself on Sunday night still in Friday night's pajamas. It's gross. But I have been trying to be better about at least throwing on clean loungewear each day. My biggest weekend sartorial offence though is my penchant to shed my bra Friday night and not put another on until Monday morning. I'll spare you the boob talk, but let's just say I don't really have the type of chest that can go about braless and still be decent. Anywho, I've been wanting a couple bralets or bandeaus to wear under t's or tanks for a while but they are either way too expensive or just don't fit my chest. So I made one.

The sun had set by the time I took these, so forgive their darkness. The construction was simple (except that I absolutely HATE putting in elastic!) and took maybe half an hour. The fabric I picked up at Joann in the summer of 2012. The over layer is sheer with quite a bit of stretch, while the lining layer is much thicker and less stretchy. Both are some sort of knit and were surprisingly easy to work with. The straps are a total joke! They basically serve no purpose whatsoever, but I like the look. If you want to make your own this is the tutorial I used. 

The most shameful part of this whole bit is that I cut this out after I bought the fabric. This has been languishing in my UFO pile for over a year! Of course, now that I've made it I can't believe I let it sit there that long, but at least I have it now! Definitely excited to make up a few more of these!

P.S. Here is a little pic of it in action from Instagram. It's so comfy!

Sweet Dreams

 I made something out of bed sheets again.

But with a twist! I actually used to sleep on these! These were my sheets from my dorm room at OSU. They're from Target and while I don't really understand why you would want white sheets, I really liked the print on these (and maybe also they were the only non neon ones left by the time I went to fit my dorm...). I managed to get this nightgown out of the flat sheet (keep in mind this was one of those dorm twin sheets, so it is a little longer than most) and have a little left over (pocket fabric!).  As much as I liked these as sheets, I much prefer them as pajamas. They are soft and cozy and recycled! Plus if the weather keeps on acting like a mega jerk, at least now I have some non flannel pajamas to wear.

The pattern I used is Butterick 5723, view "E." I have no memory of buying this pattern, which means it must have been during a 99cent sale, and frankly this isn't a pattern I'd typically buy. But I'm thinking I must have bought it for this specific view, although to be honest, this pattern is growing on me. I'm in need of a robe, and sans the terrible ruffle, I may take a crack at this one.  However, this specific view was incredibly wonderful to stitch up. I got most of the construction done in two episodes of Ancient Aliens, and this last week's Sherlock ( at the risk of sounding like a major fangirl (but, it's true) can we take a moment to discuss who amazingly brilliant and fantastic that episode was? I have not laughed at a tv show that much in forever. Also, Mary is quite possibly the best thing to have ever happened to this show.). Considering that there are only four pattern pieces it really takes no time to cut and stitch up. A really great easy pattern with cozy, pretty results. There's something about having freshly washed bedding and a cozy new nightgown (especially after an entire week of being sick!) that is so relaxing and comfy. These have definitely brought me sweet dreams!

  

P.S. My goal has been to get up to posting twice a week this month, but good lord it has just not worked out! So maybe we'll try once a week? Regardless I hope your week has been fantastic! So far 2014 is treating me very well!

Mustard, Zinnia, Katniss

Dress as a top- Old Navy, Skirt- Me Made, Jacket- Ralph Lauren via Thrift Store, Belt & Boots- Target, Earrings- World Market, Bangle- Vintage, Rummage Sale, Mocking Jay Pin- Gift

As soon as Colette released their newest pattern for ladies (don't even get me started on their new men's/unisex line. I died. So good!), Zinnia, I was elated. Literally the perfect skirt. At the time though I was a bit skint so I put it on my wishlist. To my surprise it arrived in my mailbox a few days later. My mom had also seen it and snapped it up right away. Yay!! There are so many fabrics I want to make this in but for my first one I chose a lovely Mustard Linen-Rayon blend.

Attempting to demonstrate the spinability of this skirt, and failing.

I really feel like I should not that in nearly every single one of the photos I took I either looked wildly angry or was doing something weird with my hands...

I've been dying for a mustard skirt for ages and actually found a maxi skirt one this summer that I intended on shortening. It's not my favourite though and has remained at the bottom of my mending/altering pile since I bought it. A couple weeks ago I was out to dinner and saw a girl in a FANTASTIC mustard skirt. I wish I'd asked her for a photo, because her whole ensemble was adorable, but her skirt was what caught my attention and I knew I needed one ASAP (as well as the PERFECT emerald coloured cigarette pants her friend had on!). So I made this one and it is perfect. I have another one waiting to be cut out in a beautiful pumpkin linen too, but that will probably have to wait until closer to Thanksgiving.

The skirt is definitely well suited for a beginner, but still fun for a more advanced seamstress. I love the shape and the cut, and the button placket.... I just love it. I keep dreaming up new fabrics to make this in. I found a grey wool that as soon as I can afford the $30 a yard (thank goodness for half off coupons!) I plan on pairing it with some real wooden buttons. And I want a navy, and a red, and a green, and a....

I also kinda dressed like Katniss. I have a weird habit of  accidentally dressing like fictional characters, but this is probably one of my favourites. Truthfully, I'm really not opposed to dressing like someone from District 12 everyday.

The Great Pumpkin

As much as I enjoy knitting, it is definitely something I can't get behind during the hot months, which for us is February-October. But come those cold nights, there is absolutely nothing I'd rather be doing than clicking away with a pair of knitting needles. 

We had a Cold Snap right before Halloween and I took the opportunity to open my bedroom window, put on all my woolens, and pick up a knitting project. I've been wanting more knit hats for Winter in fun colours, and even bought this pumpkin Lion Brand Wool Ease yarn to knit last year but never got around to it.  I'd intended to make it into one of these, but after a quick looksy through my knitting books, I decided upon the Hollywood Beret from Knitting Vintage.

The pattern was super easy to follow (which is my one hang up with knitting patterns. Why do they have to be so incredibly confusing!), and was crazy fast to knit. My Instagram feed has a few work-in-progress photos, and it was done after two evenings and a slow work day's lunch break. I made a TON of really bone headed mistakes, didn't use the right yearn weight, never bothered to check the gauge... I even somehow managed to skip a whole ring of the green... But I love it. The green is also Lion Brand Wool Ease and I have so bloody much of it left. I actually have one and a half skeins of the pumpkin still. I'm thinking a matching set of fingerless mitts and a scarf are in order? I love mismatched knits, but I also have always wanted a set. Hmmm...

I'd never done any kind of colour work (this does count as colour work right? I'm still such a knitting n00b.), and was so relieved to learn it wasn't as difficult and terrifying as I thought. I don't know that I would have ever learned to knit if it wasn't for Youtube. God Bless it. 

Once I had changed the yarn I realized I was actually knitting a pumpkin hat. I was actually really worried it would look weird and too much like a pumpkin, but I seriously love the way it looks. All of my sisters, friends, and my mother have all requested one for Christmas. I've got plenty of yarn, so I may have to deliver.

I've actually already got another one for me in the works. This one is a really lovely grey and I'm thinking of using white for the accent colour. Then it can look like a snowflake!

I would highly recommed buying this book. There are some beautiful patterns in there and I'm really looking forward to making quite a few of them.  As for this pattern, I would definitely say it's a more advanced beginner pattern, but a fun one.

Happy Knitting!

Crimson

I knit another hat!  I used the same pattern as my last one. This one ended up being bigger, which I think is because I added a few rows accidentally. But I kind of like that much better!

This one is in a beautiful crimson colour.  I think I'm ready to move on to another pattern now. I was gifted yarn and a Jane Austen knitting pattern booklet. There's a pair of slippers in there calling my name, and with ho cold its been here lately, I could use a pair of warm slippers.

This one's still not perfect, but it's much improved over the last one! Regardless I adore it! I've always loved red hats and have no idea what happened to the last one I owned. This one is definitely going to get a lot of wear!

Fireside Pinafore

Happy Last Day of 2012!!

Details:

Dress- Me Made

Blouse- Target (seriously crappy shirt)

Hat- Me Made

Tights- Target

Shoes- Remix Babydolls, gift

Oh Pinafores how I love thee. I have, in the time I've been sewing, attempted many. But none have come to fruition. A few years ago I found a great denim one at a thrift store that needed a bit of rehabilitation, but somehow it has been gone from my closet for quite some time. I have no idea where it when nor when it went, but I have missed having one. Every year I make very grand plans to sew one up, but it never happens. Until now. I found this "fabric" (it used to be two small rectangular tablecloths!) at Goodwill this past Summer and knew it was destined for greatness. Except I am terrified of sewing with plaids. No joke I have stacks and stacks of plaids in my stash that have never been touched because I am too afraid to match my print. But I adored this colour pallet and knew this would be a great gateway plaid. It cost me a total of $4 for the fabric, so even if it was a bust, I wasn't out much.

Well last Thursday I decided at 11 pm to start making this into something. I decided a pinafore was the obvious choice. I ended up going to bed around 2:30 with an 80% finished dress. I didn't use a pattern, just my measurements. I cut 2 pieces for the bib to fit my chest, a waistband, straps, patch pockets, and used one whole tablecloth for the skirt. The bib, waistband, straps, and pockets all have interfacing for some stability. The waistband is actually in two pieces so it basically pockets the bib and waistband. Everything was top-stitched in a really pretty moss green. The patch pockets are also self-lined then top-stitched on. You can't really tell in these pictures, but I gave it a super deep hem. I always love the look of deep Pillow-case hems on Vintage dresses. The back has a zipper from stash and the waistband has a snap closure. The two buttons are from my stash and I have no idea where the world they came from...

It's definitely not pitch perfect. While all the lines line up, the side seams overlap the print, and the waistband doesn't match the bib part. It's minor really, but still irritating. The pockets are a bit too small (they're good enough to hold my phone, which is really what they're intended for), and because of the way I made the straps I couldn't get a buttonhole in them, so everything is just hand sewn on. I also did a majorly stupid thing in forgetting to stitch one end of the straps, so they are tucked and top-stitched, which I'm not loving, but again, it's really pretty minor.

Delaney snapped these pictures for me before we had a dinner with some extended family. I was instructing Grace on what shade of blue to use for the ocean here... But I kinda like it!

I don't mean to trash talk this dress! I really do love it overall. And even though there are some things that I dislike, I viewed the whole thing as a muslin. This is definitely a very wearable muslin. I think it will be very versatile too in terms of seasons of wear. Granted I own maybe three tops that match it (the one I'm wearing here is possibly my least favourite shirt ever. Whoever drafted this pattern was a crazy person and I hate princess seams. I love the slight puff at the head of the sleeve, but that's about it. Definitely need to replace this thing!), but next month is going to be all about tops, so we shall fix that then! But in the end I am actually very happy with this dress! Plus, it matches my new shoes!!