Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Some Summer Sewing

Firstly, thank you for all the wonderful comments and well-wishing on my blogiversary last Friday. Don't worry - there will be a full post on the knitted undies later (I know all are waiting with bated breath), but for now, a little sewing:



Pattern: Simplicity 4233, View C
Fabric: Amy Butler Passion Vine, from the Nigella collection (color River)

Notes: In an effort to improve both my summer wardrobe and my sewing skills, I tackled this pleated skirt. The pleatedness was by far the hardest part. I tend towards knitting much more than sewing because you create the fabric as you go, the shaping built directly into its structure. Sewing depends a lot on precise cutting and folding, things I am very very bad at. Trying to evenly fold and sew down all those pleats was almost as hard as trying to make the hem even after the fact...it almost killed me. But I am happy with the results, even if it's kind of obvious that the skirt is made out of quilting material.



Speaking of fabric meant for home decor, I also had to have this dress from the "Very Easy Vogue" collection...



Pattern: Vogue 2429, View I
Fabric: Got it from the remnants shelves of Britex during a sale, originally intending to make curtains with it. It's a thick linen with embroidered flowers.

Notes: Very Easy was right! There weren't many pieces to this garment and the sewing all involved straight lines. The darts were a little difficult with the bulky embroidered flowers, but they turned out ok, as did the zipper for the FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE! The color is not great on me and makes me look even paler than I am, but I have a deep love for upholstery fabrics made into clothes, so I wear it anyway (when the SF fog subsides). Plus, come fall, I think it will look nice worn with Trina...



Yay for 100% home-made outfits!

7 comments:

Meghan said...

your skirt is adorable!

the Lady said...

I like your sewn garments!

You could dye the dress.

sheepish one said...

really. both (okay, all three, including trina) are great. i have an urge to sew skirts, too, maybe a circle skirt. and i ADORE the amy butler fabric.

and the lady brings up a thought. you could tea-dye it. or maybe it's referred to as tea-staining. i can't remember... in any case, i love it as it is.

jenna said...

Wow! Fantastic sewing projects. They're beautiful! must. learn. to sew...

Teresa said...

Very, very cool. I like them both lots. I'm not very good with them sorts of needles, myself, but if the Very Easy Vogue dress really is that simple, perhaps I should give it a shot (because yours looks so great!)

Also - perfect pairing with the knitting. I love a fully-handmade outfit!

Team Knit said...

Oh wow, that skirt and that dress are incredible!! I'm SO jealous of your sewing skills. They look great, without a shred of that 'homemade' look that some hand-sewn clothes have.

- Julie

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

Ditto what Jenna said! The dress reminds me of the summer dresses that Lanz of Salzbury used to make. Very Grace kelley and classic in style. Enjoy!