Vintage feather print dress

I have always loved looking at vintage patterns for inspiration, and just recently I got the opportunity to start sewing from some. My grandma let me pick out a few of hers from her stash, and this is the first one I've made up:

The date on the envelope says 1981, but it reminds me of the sort of 70's flowy hippie look, and midi-skirt length. I made it up in a fun feather print that is a silky poly blend. Not the easiest thing to sew with, but I'm happy with how it turned out. It's interesting to see how differently vintage patterns instructions are written, and I feel like I learned quite a bit from this one even though it was fairly simple. I was not sure if the length would be flattering on me, but actually it is as long as it's paired with heels. It's got an elastic waist and could be fun with different belts also. Here it is on the form, and I promise a picture on me in September :)

Black basic Dress

I've been needing to make some more basics for my wardrobe, because I tend to gravitate towards fun crazy prints that go with nothing (imagine that!). This dress is an attempt at that, and after a few alterations I'm very happy with it. It started with Simplicity 3835 and some fabric that was given to me that is maybe a silk crepe. Very nice stuff that resists wrinkles pretty well.


After trying it on, I the fit was really good (the dress form is smaller than me, so it hangs a little more on her), and I loved the pockets. The sleeves had a cute tie detail, but were a little snug. I was too lazy to re-do them, plus my husband said it was a little too much black, and I looked like a nun (not exactly a compliment?). I decided to shorten them to cap sleeves, and here's the after:


I think it turned out really well, and will be a great addition to my wardrobe for work, and I can jazz it up with colorful accessories. A great Little Black Dress. If I make it again in a fun print, I'll try to attempt the tie sleeves again!

Recent Finished Projects

Here are some sewing projects I finished up at the end of the school semester.

This top is an adaptation of the Cynthia Rowley pattern with cut-out shoulders, Simplicity 2406. I like how the top turned out, and I think I'll probably make one of the dress versions later.

Another Cynthia Rowley pattern, Simplicity 2512. I LOVE how this skirt turned out. I realized not long ago that I needed more skirts in my wardrobe because they work for my shape, and are just as comfy as pants. I also loved this fabric that I found at Jo-Ann's (which sadly blew away in the tornado in Joplin!!!). It reminds me of the watercolor prints that have been so hot on recent runways. Also, this skirt is probably the most professionally finished garment I've ever made with everything serged and neat on the inside.

Another skirt, this one pretty simple and self-drafted. Pretty much it's a rectangle with an elastic paper-bag waist. Cute and simple.

A scarf wrap inspired by some I saw on my trip to New York at the DKNY store. I love that place, and it's similar to their cozy, which I wear ALL THE TIME in the winter. It can be worn a couple of different ways:

A fun stripe top made with leftover fabric from this dress. The stripes were white/blue and I dyed it this aqua color because I didn't need more white stripes (I'm clumsy!). Turned out pretty cute, and is just a lengthened version of Simplicity 0447.

That's all for now, but I've got lots more show and tell on the way. Right now I have 8 garments cut out just waiting to be sewn, and a few more already done that just need to be photographed. I'm hoping this fall if I participate in Self-stitched September again, my handmade wardrobe will be a little more well-rounded to make the experience more fun than stressful! The last couple of times I got to a point where I was scraping for outfits, so the goal is lots of options, and more casual clothes this time!

Summer So Far...

This summer has been full of mixed emotions and competing feelings. I'm taking the semester off from school, so I've been trying to soak up every moment of time that I can. It's been tough trying to relax while at the same time trying to accomplish things. I had wanted to blog more, sew a lot and start painting our house, but sometimes life has other plans. My grandpa had been in the hospital since mid-March, and we lost him the first week of June, so needless to say it's been a rough few months for my family.

One of the things I have done to try to push myself to enjoy and document this summer is to keep a journal. This is just a peek of what I've done so far, but I really love how it's turning out so far. It's making me remember to be grateful for all the opportunities this summer is giving me, and document the small moments in life that make me happier. The book is a Summer Mini-Book from Elise Blaha and I can say I will for sure be getting another one for future seasons. I've done art journaling and scrapbooking before, but never found a format I loved until now. I love the idea of keeping track of life based on the season (summer) and the non-intimidating 4x6 size of this little guy. Plus the fact that the photos my printer prints fit right in. Definitely check out her website here because she has examples of her own summer book as well. Enjoy!



I hope you are enjoying every last drop of sunlight and fun this summer :)