....Out with a Clang!

Even with a self-imposed deadline and a 'Project a Month: April' incentive... the Mojo remained ever elusive.

Because I didn't want to be a COMPLETE loser, I did gather myself yesterday to make the dress....

"...That looks more like a top." you say? 

That's because it is.

Halfway through the construction I realized the color and pattern would be a bit much for an entire dress.  So, I decided to forgo the three bottom tiers and make it a peplum top.

It did come out altogether cuter that I expected.  Unfortunately, it came out altogether SMALLER than I expected, too.

I'm going to make it again, adjusting it for wider waist and cross back measurements.  I will also add a few inches for the the peplum as well.  (I just used one of the already cut skirt layers, but it wasn't as long as I would have liked.)

You can't tell from the pictures but, the way I adjusted the dress to be a top, it made it fully lined, and almost reversible if not for the CB zipper.

The bodice was already fully lined with self fabric, with completely enclosed seams.  I ended up using the same technique with the peplum so the hem seam was hidden as well. 

I think I will use an alternative closure method (maybe a large key-hole opening) that would allow for a pull-over top instead of a CB zipper, then it would be completely reversible.

The print was perfect for a top, so I'm headed back the Fulton Fabrics tomorrow to get a few more yards before it's all gone.

I think for May, I will try something where I don't have to worry about it fitting... maybe a quilt or that apron pattern my mom asked me to make her LAST YEAR.....';?



Holla!

Meant to post this earlier...

...  But, as it is want to do... Life got in the way... AGAIN (.....the nerve!)

But I do 'sewlder' on... heeehee.




Holla!

On your mark...

Holla!

Project-a-Month: April aka ...a kick in the pants (.. or skirt... or shirt for that matter...whichever!)

Okay.

I am secure enough in myself to admit that sometimes I need threats incentives to get out of a funk.

I was sitting here watching 'Julie and Julia', being inspired... and getting hungry... but mostly feeling a bit grouchy thinking about all the fabrics and all the patterns I have sitting in their various nooks and crannies around MY house that I should be 'cooking up'!  But as I've droned on about in these last few posts, I'm hard pressed to get up the energy to actually DO anything with them.

The old (less stingy) me would think,"...oh, you just need to get some newer, more interesting patterns and some better, prettier fabric and THEN you'll be RARING to go!".... *ahem*  It was that selfsame thinking that had me storing all manner of patterns and fabric in every available nook and cranny in my house in the first place!

So, I'm reaching out.

I have these three patterns and fabric options - ON HAND!!

This first one is a McCall's pattern that's been chilling at the top of the pile waiting for me to notice it.
This fabric is a cheapy cut I picked up a few weeks ago, just because.
I thought it would make a cute dress.... and what do you know... It just might.

I really do like this fabric.  It's on the sheer side, but I think the shirring effect in the dress layers will help combat that a little.

This pattern I picked up sometime last year online during a 1$ pattern sale... Love the off the shoulder look.

This is a slub knit jersey I picked up at Paron's sometime last year...

I've been wanting to use it for a while and I guess now is as good a time as any.

And some of you might remember this pattern and this fabric...

So.... all this begs the question.... which one should I make?

I'm picking up my 'Project-a-Month' motto I quietly adopted last year, in an effort to keep myself from going crazy trying to do too much at one time.  And, from getting anxious and discouraged for never seeming to have enough time to finish any of them. 

I welcome any thoughts and ideas... and any sewing buddies!... that would like to join me with their own April project.



HELP!.... I mean, Holla!!

Don't START none.... Won't BE none...

... This is true with gun fights, fisticuffs and dance-offs.

And, apparently, home sewing projects...;-|

I just walked past my much ballyhooed sewing table that's been sitting, half open / half closed, in my living room for the last several weeks... *ahem*.... a while, being used a catchall for mail and magazines and all manner of hair and hair related accessories.

Maybe if I move my machine next to my computer, where, it would seem, I am inexorably drawn as soon as I walk into the house, I might actually be able to start another project.


*ssiigghhhh*... if mights and maybe were tulips and daisies, I have a garden.  At least THEN I'd be active outside with a valid excuse for why I'm not SEWING!



Holla.

..... It's Alive...

.... by 'IT' I mean ME, of course.

I'm still here... tweaking the place and contemplating a move... virtually, again, of course.... but also thinking that if I went through the effort to MOVE the site, it would call to question the infrequency with which I actually USE the site... other than for my own personal onestopshop for all the sites that I like to visit...*sniff*

I am shamed to say I haven't even touched my machines since... *gasp*... October!

 *sigh*.... Yes. Dust.

 I will do better.  I MUST do better.



Holla.... (soon, I promise!)

Random Acts of Fabulousness

I've become obsessed highly enamored with Real/Street/Personal style photo blogs over the last several months... largely influenced by the energy the new product development head at my co has infused our product line with at work... this woman can spot a trend a year out ... le sigh...

As you may, or may not, have noticed, I've added several more links to my sidebar feeds list.

The Clackers   -   WhoWhatWear   -   LoveMadeVisible
... both seemingly one stop shops for photo-collages of the new shows. Accompanied by highly opinionated, yet wickedly funny commentary.

Garanace Dore
... Superfine eye.... might be why she and 'The Satorilaist' are so.... ahem... close.

Igore + Andre   -   Fifi Lapin
... How I wish I could sketch... NOTE TO SELF... add beginning sketch to 'Classes I must take' list @ FIT...

The Cherry Blossom Girl   -   Aspirations of Prosperity   -   Karla's Closet
... along with Childhood Flames and The Stylish Wander, these girls really have me wondering what, exactly, their parents do for a living.... I was hard pressed to whine a pair of real live Guess or Jordache or, worst case scenario, Gloria Vanderbilt(!) jeans out of my parents when I was their age.

Le Blog de Big Beauty
... If I'd not already created a 'Random Acts of Fabulousness' blog list, I certainly would have done so after finding this blog last night! THIS CHICK IS HELLA-FAB! She's an excellent example of Super Size meets Super Fashionable.... And she French! (... that last part, and the peppering of other French language blog links, is because I'm amped about starting my first official French foreign language class at the French Institute in a few weeks)

... All in hopes that you would find some of these sites as fascinating and style inspiring as I do...



Holla!!

Must be some kind of record!

... 3 posts in one day!!

Since I was all hot and heavy about looking for Derby dress ideas, I decided to peruse the handy dandy interweb's pattern suppliers.  Low and behold, I think I came up with a few goodies...

For this...

how about...

 

...Butterick's 5324.

And for this...

maybe....

NewLook's 6369.

Just some thoughts.  But, as always, if anybody see's better options... HOLLA!!