Its the first day of spring, but the weather is playing it cool and acting like its not a big deal. I think a thunderstorm is predicted for later. But our newly planted seeds need some water anyway!
My second skirt for the upcoming season is this floral creation. I’ve already worn it a couple times. The pattern is super simple, and I added a little roundness to the hem in the back. A perfect breezy skirt for when it finally decides to be springtime.
After spending a week in the sunny, almost spring of the northwest, its kind of a bummer to come to the cold, drizzly south. But at least I have this new skirt for sunnier thoughts. Its my first time sewing a knit, and it actually went pretty smoothly. The bottom of the skirt is a flowy, cascading shape, so I had to model it to show it off. I’m looking forward to wearing more skirts this spring!
I ripped this shirt apart more than once. The pattern is very long, and I should have tried it on before sewing on the gathered section (lesson learned). But I think I finally ended up with something wearable!
At first, I was a little nervous that it seemed too big all over, but it fits in the arm area, which keeps it from looking messy. The flowy look is also in right now, so I think it wouldn’t look too out of place if you saw it in a store. I’ve worn it to movie night with jeans, and felt super stylish.
I am proud of this one because 1. Its a silky fabric I’m not used to sewing, and it didn’t bite me. and 2. I made the pattern for the tulip sleeves myself! I used this tutorial for some help, and used my street sewing smarts.
I took a moment to add a hot pink button, because I could and I did.
Fluttery tulip sleeves in action! I always text Jon a picture of what I’m sewing, because he always gets so excited. I didn’t quite match the stripes on the side, but I think they matched up pretty well from the back view. Patting myself on the back for a job well done.
Making good progress on the cute summer shirt collection over here! This week I added a floral sleeveless top, with a peter pan collar, and an asymmetrical hemline for a flowy, breezy look.
The fabric is a lightweight cotton for summer, and I like the watercolor look of the floral print. I also like that this is one of those kinds of pattens where, if I drip ice cream or something, its not completely noticeable (depending on the flavor of ice cream).
I read the directions wrong for the collar. I doubt it would have made much of a difference, and no one would be able to tell, but I would know. So out the stitches came.
And then it looked so much better the correct way, right???
And now, a grainy photo of the shirt being modeled. I ended up taking it in a bit on the sides because it was tooo flowy, but I am real happy with it now. I might add a couple little buttons near the collar too. (Please note the height of the tomato plants. They used to just be babies!)
I managed to finish three new garments last week. (I watch Project Runway while I’m sewing. Makes me feel more legit.) I only planned on two, but I ended up having a little extra fabric, so I was able to squeeze out one more.
First up is this fancy little shirt with a peter pan collar. The fabric is super light and perfect for hot summers. I already want to wear it everywhere.
Next we have a striped tank dress. I have made this pattern before, but with sleeves. I was really nervous to work with a stripe, since its pretty obvious if it turns out crooked then, but I have to start somewhere!
I had a little extra of the stripe material, since I didn’t make any sleeves, so I made it work with another tank top pattern! I like all the different stripe angles. I think this design would lay a little better with a more flowy fabric, but it was nice to get used to the pattern, and its definitely still wearable!
I’m trying out a couple new shirt patterns this week, which means we had to go get some fabric. Oh darn. I get really sucked into sewing. Following the pattern, moving on to the next step, and the next and the next until its magically all done. I have to remind myself to stop to eat. We’ll see how many pieces I can finish this week!
Well looky here. Just last week, this was a pile of fabric. Now it is a dress. I am sure it is very pleased with its transformation. I haven’t tried it on yet, but it looks pretty good on the hanger. 
It has some elastic on the sleeves and on the back at the waist to add some shape.
I had this cool gold button picked out, but I accidentally made the button loop too small. Good thing I had a back-up button ready.
I hand stitched the hem up. It actually didn’t take as long as I thought it would, and made me feel like I was living in a little house on a prairie.
I’m already on the hunt for my next pattern, so let me know if you see anything awesome!
And we have a final product! And it actually looks like a shirt, and is completely wearable in public, so that is a huge plus.
Its not quite perfect, but I think its a pretty solid first attempt. I also feel as if I have uncovered one of the world’s great secrets. Everybody is wearing clothes, but not everybody knows how they are made. I can join that secret club now.
Its fun to look back through the pictures and remember all the “firsts.” Also, all the calls and texts to my ma asking her if it was looking right.
Sometimes I just had to remind myself to go step-by-step, and it would magically become whatever it was supposed to be.
The continuous lap part. Thank goodness for youtube.
I’ve made buttonholes before, but I’ve never sewn on a button with the machine. The button foot is a little scary looking, but we made friends.
I’m excited to make another one! Maybe some spring fabric? Of course, now that my flannel shirt is done, the weather has decided to warm up a bit here.
I am sewing my first shirt! It is a button-up shirt, with a yoke, and sleeves, and everything. I love the idea of sewing some of my own clothes, so I am pumped to start practicing! I am instagramming some of the different stages, if you want to follow along. I got my fingers crossed that it will actually fit once I am finished!
guy and his girl 
