The Sew Weekly

The 'Razzle Dazzle' Blouse | Debi Fry

 

The Facts

Fabric: 1.5 metres red polyester fabric £6 from Edinburgh Fabrics
Pattern: McCall 1192
Year: c.  1945
Notions: 12 metres red sequins £6

Time to complete: 12 hours previously, 7 hours more this week!

Wear again? OH yes!!!

Total Cost: ~£12

You may recall that I had originally started this 1940's blouse in May and it was nicknamed the 'Life Happens' blouse.  During the week that I originally started the blouse we found out that we had to move apartments AND I received a redundancy notification at work! Sheesh!  That led this blouse to land in the UFO pile.

Call me superstitious but I felt that I needed to figure those two things out before I brought this blouse back out of the UFO pile.  Turns out we moved to an even better apartment that we love and that I got an extension to my contract at work!!  YAY!

 
So I still had to add half of the sequins and to put the blouse together and finish the neck and armholes.  The sequins took a good amount of time to finish but it was very relaxing.  I really, really love how it looks! Also the great thing about finishing both the neck edge and armholes was that I could slipstitch the facing so that the stitches were under sequins--so it's not visible from the front!

I like how the back looks as well.  I should have placed the design a bit further apart in the middle (where the closing is).  I haven't yet had a chance to iron this blouse but that slight gap in the closing might behave with a good press.  It closes with a small button at the top--a button I got on my recent trip to San Francisco! 

You can't see it in the pictures but there are also tucks on either side of the bodice front so that the blouse can be easily tucked into high waisted trousers.  I also added shoulder pads to the blouse--which really gives it that great 40's shape!

 
YAY! So happy to have finished this blouse.  It's really become so much more than a blouse and more of a lesson that when life happens--you've got to give it a bit of 'razzle dazzle' and things will start to get better!

A Sporty Sprinkled Pink Affair | Veronica Darling

The Facts

Fabric: thrifted 70s 'Sport' knit, 20c and blue stretch knit, jersey(?) 50c
Pattern: McCall's 5123, gift
Year: 1989
Notions: none
Time to complete: 1 hour
First worn: September 2011
Wear again? Yes for my 'sports'!

Total Cost: ~$.70c - YES, that's seventy cents!

If the ball's in my court, which it is right now for this post, a dash of pink is just enough! I'm not sure if the colour suits me, and being a shorter woman, I could potentially get mistaken for an 8 year old child if I wear too much of it. For this week's pinky theme, I couldn't shake this 'SPORT' printed 1970s fabric, and I kept putting it back on the shelf and it kept bouncing, volleying and serving itself up to me. Every other pink thing in my stash just didn't look as fun and when I was tidying up I found this aqua blue stretch knit, so I knew I had to make a sport ensemble!

This McCalls pattern was a hand-me-down and was really straight forward with 2 pieces, front and back which actually really look the same. I've NEVER made leggings before, and thinking about it, I rarely wear them outside of dog walking and yoga attempts. BUT, they were 20 minutes to make up, so you can't really argue with that. More dog walking time for me this week! I ditched the elastic around the top, as they're extremely highwaisted, and I made them a bit tighter than the original seams so they stay up fine.

As for my 'pink bits' (don't laugh!), the tshirt material was of course an op shop remnant, and you may be able to see the misprinted pieces along the tshirt hem (probably why it was only $20c)? I ummed about cutting it off (to be more crop top Fame-esque) but saved it instead and didn't bother to hem it... nor the sleeves... or the neckline! It's stretch knit and as I've learnt from watching Oona's blog for a few years now, some knits you don't have to hem if you cut them with super sharp scissors for they don't fray. 

To make up the tshirt, as it was a long rectangle piece, I folded it horizontally, so the words all matched up (kind of) and used an existing dress just laid flat over  the fabric as my 'pattern' and cut a square. Still with right sides together, I  pinned the shoulders sections together, and the under arm side seams together, and for fear of botching the fit, I zig zagged stitched those seams. 

I like the floppy-ness of the fabric and being that 1970s polyester knitwear kinda of feel it reminds me of primary school and school sports days. I think our sports top was made of the same shiny stuff!

Realistically, I do little sport, so I know I won't be wearing these a LOT, but when I do I'll feel awesome and at least in the mood to get active! Imagine how thrilled I was finding my old tennis racket (that I hope hope hope I'll use now that the weather is a little lovelier) and sweat bands and how perfect they fit with my dash of pink theme this week! 
 



What about you? Do you get into the colour pink? Or is just a little just enough?

xoxo

oona does it!: rage against the machine.

oh hai.

the machines know i've been talking about them.  ALL the machines know i've been talking about them.  the electronic mafia found me out at my friends wee house in connecticut, and they have cut off all power.  i'm on bride to be's laptop with 7% battery left typing against time.

(i snapped some photos in NY this morning, before heading out to the boonies to help my friend pick out a wedding dress.  i'm in the party.  i have to wear black.  i know.)

CHALLENGES: cathe; use only one color.  emilykate; use pleats.  PATTERN: self draped top with pleats.  pattern runway circle skirt with waistband.  AND in seam pockets.  aw yeah. separates, baby.

time left: 5%.

FULL DISCLOSURE: i used a lavender zipper.  it could not be stopped.  the fact that i had not one, but two fabrics of the exact same shade of grey in my stash was astonishing enough. lace, lining. the zipper was simply asking too much.

time left: 3%.

(my elegant friend, you never said the jewelry had to match.)

time left: 2%.  THAT'S RIGHT, MACHINES!!! TWO PERCENT!!  I WIN!!! and speaking of two... TWO CHALLENGERS WITH ONE STONE!! BOOYAHCASHAH!!!WHAT HAVE YOU GOT?  I'LL TAKE YOU ON!! I'LL TAKE YOU AAAAAALLLLLL ON!!!  

"Oops! Did I wear it the wrong way?" blouse | Adey Lim

The Facts 

Fabric: 2 yards reversible double gauze from fabric mart.com $17.98 
Pattern: 1930s Back Tied blouse pattern 118 from vintage fashion library
Year: c. 1930s
Notions: 2 buttons, fringe trim from stash
Time to complete: 5 hours
First worn: September 2011
Wear again? I think so and tucked in too :)

 Total Cost: ~$17.98

This 1930s back tied blouse pattern has been sitting patiently in my stash for ages and I have been wanting to work on it since I saw Lauren's adorable version. But, I didn't have a fabric which I thought was appropriate for it. Not until I saw this reversible double gauze fabric a couple of months back and thought, "how fun!  I could play around with the reversible print!". One layer of fabric came in a hot pink/ blue and white plaid design while the second layer on the reverse, a pink and white gingham print. I have always coveted such fabrics but they usually cost double of what I paid for so I didn't indulge until I chanced upon this fabulous buy. I used the plaid print for the two front pieces, upper sleeves, back piece and cut on diagonal for the front waist tie piece. The gingham side was used for the front tie facings, front waist facings and 4 pieces of tie waist.

For the tie collar and back of neckline, I inserted remnant red fringe trim between the front pieces and facings, 'left overs' from my very first sew weekly challenge dress and totally adored how it looked.  I paired the blouse with the high waisted scallop skirt I made a few months back.

I chose to sew version B with the tie sleeves but upon completing the blouse, these horizontal ties added quite a bit of bulk to my not too slender arms. It's rather ironic as those peekaboo sleeves were one of the design details which attracted me to this pattern. After pondering for sometime, I decided to create inverted V shaped ties which were attached to the upper sleeve piece with a button. It is a lot more flattering this way and I got to keep the peekaboo effect.  Nonetheless, I am still undecided if I like those sleeves or if I should just remove the entire tie section which will make the design a lot simpler. What do you think? Leave it or rip it?

But then, I think I made a boo boo. The diagram of version C above must have stuck in my head so much so that I wore the lower part of the blouse out. I am not sure if this is acceptable? All the ladies on the main pattern envelope picture wore it tucked in so I am assuming that should have been the correct manner to wear the blouse. I only realized the boo boo upon getting home after the photo shoot so I tried tucking the bottom of the blouse into my bella pants and thought it does look better, doesn't it?

Oops! What a boo boo :P

The "Pink Attack!" Shirt | Sarah Gabbart

The Facts 

Fabric: 2 yards of melon-colored bamboo knit from Fabric.com (~$9 a yard; they don't have my color any more, but this is close!)
Pattern: Tessuti Fave Top - free from the internets!
Year: c. 2010
Notions: None
Time to complete: about 45 minutes
First worn: September 2011
Wear again? Yes - a thousand times yes!!

Total Cost: ~$18

Awww yeeaaah - we're making pink stuff! I love this color and especially love that we're taking on this challenge so close to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), where pink is the battle flag against an illness that takes the lives of so many each year. I am lucky - I have never lost anyone close to me to this disease, but I have recently had my own run in with breast cancer: my doctor found a lump during my last well-woman exam. Scared the heck out of me folks! After a mammogram and an ultrasound, I found out it was a false alarm (yay!), but this experience drove home just how important getting yearly check ups and examining yourself are. These exams are the first line of defense when it comes to successful diagnosis and treatment - they could save your life! 

Ok enough about boobs - on to the top!

After digging through my closet one night it dawned on me: I don't have enough basics in my wardrobe! I have a lot of work-type clothes, jeans and t-shirts, but not enough nice casual stuff that's comfortable and stylish. I must make something basic this week that is equally passable for after work drinks or visits to the in-laws, but also do just fine for walking the dog. 

Tex loves walks!

The first step: find a fabric that is pink but not tooooooooooo pink. I want to be bright, not babyish in my pink choice and thankfully, I had some melon-colored bamboo knit already in my stash! Score! But what to make out of it? A dress? Nope. Won't wear it that often. A skirt? No. The Tessuti Fave Top, which I have made before and would wear daily if I thought I can get away with it? Bingo.

The top, as you can see, is mega simple, but also pretty cool. It has a drapey cut and would look awesome with jeans or tucked in to a skirt. It takes less than one hour to complete this top, from cutting to completion - even when your serger is on the fritz and you have to use the stretch stitch on your machine and go back to zig zag the edges. With a serger, this top may take you 20 minutes. It's two pieces people!

The verdict: I will wear this all the time. With everything! Especially when walking Tex.

Join us: New York Meet-Up!

I thought I had mentioned it here, but I didn't. In that case, if you're in the NYC area, you've got to join us (Oona, Meg The Grand, Debi and me) for our meet-up on Friday, September 30th. They've all been planning a bunch of cool things for the day so if you're interested, drop Oona a line or leave a comment over here.  There will be picniking, eating, shopping, eating, and shopping. I can't wait to meet some of the NY sewing folks!

Ask: 9/26/11

Okay, so do you love or hate the color pink for your own wardrobe? 

Theme: Think Pink

Some ladies love it, others hate it. It's the color that, even with a great deal of effort on the parent's part, always manages to sneak onto their daughter's favorite list. It's also the color that is synonymous with breast cancer awareness month, which kicks off the first week of October. We're adding pink to our wardrobes this week, like it or not.

The "Hips Don't Lie" Dress

The Facts

Fabric: Crepe or Crepe de Chine (?) from Missouri Mouse in St. Paul, Minnesota, $13
Pattern: Vogue 8930, $1
Year: c. 1958
Notions: none
Time to complete: 4 hours
First worn: September 2011
Wear again? Yes!

Total Cost: ~$14

Considering the pink explosion that was my Slow and Steady Dress, I gave myself  a little freedom with this challenge to let a little lavender slip into the palette. Still even with the lavendar, brown and coral, this dress passes the pink test: Does my daughter like the dress? Yes, then it's pink enough.

When I bought this fabric last weekend in St. Paul, I knew that it would end up as a wiggle dress. The yardage was minimal and the texture would lend itself to a close-fitting little number. I don't know how, but this dress only ended up requiring about 1 3/4 yards of 44" wide fabric. Having a pattern in my stash that is a such a small yardage wonder is always a good thing.

Well, I guess I know how it required so little fabric: it only has two pieces, the front and back of the dress. There are no facings (they are built into the main pattern pieces) and the belt is optional. That this dress took me four hours is kind of ridiculous. If I made it again, I should be able to knock it out in two. The problem arose with my inability to follow instructions with regard to the shoulder/neckline. That little overlapping  shoulder part was far more complicated than it should have been. I never quite understood the instructions and decided to just wing it. It SHOULD NOT have been that hard, Vogue 8930! Anyhow, now that I know what to do, it shouldn't be such a time suck.

Oh, and this dressed passed the Mena Test (zipper can be omitted). The good news is that I didn't have to insert a zipper. The bad news is that 2 out of 3 times I try to get this dress off, I start screaming "I'm stuck" and I need my husband to help me out. But, hey, no zipper!

Here's the hat I bought in Minnesota last week:

This week is brought to you by my Spanx, which made wearing this dress possible. There's something about a wiggle dress that just makes me walk a different way. It's like my hips are crossing the street without me.

Vintage Finds: 9/26/11

Or, as an alternate title to this post: Lighting strikes twice in the same spot.

If you have ever talked to me in person about thifting and estate sales, you've no doubt heard me talk about "the estate sale to end all estate sales," the Novato Estate Sale of 2010. For $20, I got an insane mix of fabrics, patterns, buttons and zippers -- stuff that I'm still using as part of my stash today.

Just last night I was lamenting the fact that I needed to replenish my zipper stash -- too many of the zippers from the original haul had already been used or were just not the colors I worked with.  That was my thought last night in my sewing room.

This morning, I checked Craigslist for any Friday estate sales. I haven't done this in quite a few weeks so the fact I looked could only be tied to my zipper thoughts from the previous night. Imagine my surprise when I saw the top listing for an estate sale in Novato. One that had a lot of "material," the word they had used last time.  Oh, and it was the same address (I looked at it on Google Maps street view to be sure and it was the warehouse). Why yes, this was the same exact sale from last year. Apparently they were doing it again with the stuff that didn't sell.

Last year, they sold almost all the fabric: a woman had come by after me and bought everything and loaded it in a U-Haul. This was probably 30-40 boxes of fabric. Even with that fabric gone, I had to see if there was anything I had missed the first time around. So, at around 7:45, I headed 50 minutes north to check it all out.

My initial reaction was dissappointment. There were a few notions, but everything had been picked over last year. I sent a text to my husband:

"Lighting first strike twice in the same place. :( "

Which, now that I look at the text, doesn't make sense at all. I meant to say "Lighting doesn't strike twice in the same place."

I decided to keep on digging when I saw that there were about 10-15 boxes of fabric that were off in the corner. Amongst the boxes, under piles and in bags I found today's haul.

Zippers! Over 150, to be exact and a great proportion of ones in practical colors like navy, black and white. And, a suprisingly good number of invisible ones.

A ton of knitting/crochet magazines from the late 1940s and 1950s. I am making a pledge right here and now to learn how to knit and have made a sweater from one of these books by next year.

Bias tape and seam binding -- that very practical stuff that I *never* have.

Some thread, a few of them are nice silk ones.

A big box of elastics and a few buckle kits and button snaps.

An adorable purse in great condition (it looks worse in the picture) and some gently used Bass saddle shoes that fit!

And some fabric. These are the highlights:

 

The entire haul:

The total cost? 

$12.