Today, I am a knitter who sews. And I'm so glad I'm made that way! If I was told I could never go shopping again, guarantee, I'd find a way to make a dress from the curtains, just like Fraulein Maria did for the VanTrapp kids (or better yet, like Carol Burnett as Scarlett O'Hara!) Go on, watch the video...you need a laugh for the day.
I have had more fun and challenge getting back to my sewing machine. It's been such an interesting process, and I know I've said it before, but it's just so cool to get these 50 year old brain cells firing in a new direction! This past week, I made two dresses...wore them both, too, and I'm really happy with the results. For less than $15 each, in fact!
My modifications? I hate making facings when I don't have to, so I completely lined the inside of the dress. It's so stinking cute! A very simple sleeveless tent or A-line style. I love the version that Rhaelyn did..made from a thrifted sheet! I know I will make more of this dress for summer.
Loving the invisible zipper. I heard about "Steam and Seam" and used the 1/4" version to secure my zipper in place before sewing it in. It worked fabulously! No pins to manipulate...the zipper stays absolutely in place, and gives a much cleaner look. I've been using it with every zipper now!
Next is McCall's 5619. With some major modifications.
After making the dress as per the instructions, I found that the pleating around the waist really made the fabric stand out too much from my middle. So I ripped it out, and modified the skirt to an a-line, without the pleats. Much better.
I need to learn how to take better pictures when my photographer is out of town! It's tough to see the bodice detail on camera given this wild print...it has a wide elastic drawn across the top, so the bust area is gathered on the top and bottom. The other mod is with the bodice....I fully lined it instead of messing with all the facings.
Tonight I will make a muslin for a pencil skirt. After seeing Hot Patterns tutorials on You-tube, I am very motivated to do it. I know that it will be a skirt that I'll make over and over again, so I want it to be juuuust right, and by making that muslin, I'll get a better fit. I have some great black sort of Jacquard that I'll use for my skirt, with a slammin' chunky zipper from top to bottom in the back seam, just like Trudy did! I'm really excited about this one.
So, that's what I've been up to this past week. Creating a Spring and Summer wardrobe on a budget. I have so much to re-learn after all these years of not sewing garments.
Oh, and I made Hot Patterns Riviera Boulevard Cardigan Jacket. Wore it Saturday all day, and I love it! But, I have to go to work now, so I'll share that one with you later!


