Bookworm Dress

Another in a long line of Laurel dresses.  This is my bookworm dress.  I have long loved this Anna Maria Horner fabric and thought it went splendidly with this pattern.

This time, I used purchased bias tape for the neck and armholes.  Also, rather than making the dress in the size indicated on the pattern, I cut it down two sizes.  I am actually not as pleased with the fit.  It is a touch boxy on my shape.  I am thinking about taking it in a bit but that would require pulling out the stitches on the armhole bias and the hem.  Sounds like too much work for me.  :)  I'll wait until it gets really boxy and loose and make the change once.

I was thinking this is another dress I can transition to fall with boots, a long-sleeved t-shirt, and a sweater over top.

Meet My New BFF

Laurel.  This lovely pattern from Colette is SO dang versatile.  A simple shift dress, it comes with multiple sleeve options, a blouse option, and a free ebook to make even more styles.  I don't know that I could ever get tired of this.  I did make my first two versions of this dress in the size indicated by the sizing chart.  It was way too loose and boxy and I ended up taking off about three inches on each side seam.  I am super pleased with the resulting fit.  Here is my first Laurel dress.

I've had the Amy Butler fabric sitting around for several months and this was the perfect little start of summer creation for which to use it.
I really like the darts in the back of this dress and feel it adds some good shape.  Also, I found I didn't need to put in a zipper, it slips right over the head and that added to the simplicity of sewing (and subtracted form the amount of time it took to complete!).  I didn't love having to make my own 1/4" bias tape for the neck and arms holes.  I don't have a bias tape maker and hand folding tape that narrow was not easy.  Still, I think it turned out just great.  I wore it to work on one of the last few days and got a lot of compliments.  I think it will really help me to stay cool in our non-air-conditioned schools in August and look adorable with a sweater and boots this fall.  I am super excited about this dress.

Been Sew Busy

I have been sewing like a fiend the past few weeks.  It is the first summer I have really taken off from working in about five years.  No classes.  No coordinating summer school.  It has been amazing!  My husband has been wonderful and has supported my sewing and puttering.

I wanted to share a few creations.  I used this tutorial to create this skirt.

I bought the tutorial off Etsy forever ago and finally got around to making something with it.  The fabric is Joel Dewberry Aviary 2.  The t-shirt

is the lovely Deer and Doe Plantain t-shirt.  I think I am the last person on the planet to make this top from their free pattern.  I love it.  I did raise the neckline just a bit to make it okay to wear to work when I head back in August.  I love how the shirt flares slightly away from the tummy and hips.  I have lots more to show but just wanted to get started with the sharing.  More to come next week!!
 

Snow Snow Snow

I Haven't Stopped Sewing

I understand it may seem like it.  It's been over three months since my last post.  I had two very (very) intense classes this fall.  I have one final class for my program that begins next Tuesday and I am under the impression that it will not be nearly as difficult. (I hope!  I hope!).  This final weekend before my class begins, I plan to finish some sewing and will post pictures and updates.  One of my goals this year is to be far more active here.  As a result, I am most definitely going to stray from sewing.  I want to be able to share more here like what I made for dinner (lots of grain free/sugar free stuff these days!), how my workout is going, and what stupid random person ticked me off that day.  (Sort of kidding about that last part).  Anyway, I am going to broaden my horizons in the blogging world and hope you will come along for the ride.

Sew Selfish

I believe I mentioned in my last post that I generally sew for myself.  My time to sew is really limited and the clothes I make are to expand my wardrobe.  I have one more weekend of sewing before class begins again.  Although now that I think about it, Christmas is very quickly approaching and I should get started on actual gifts.  One more weekend for me and then I will start to think about sewing for others!

Anyway, I was quite productive last week and promise to share photos soon. I made a great dress, finished a top, made the Sew Liberated Simple Skinny Jean, and made a pencil skirt.  I am currently working on the Make it Perfect Poppy Tunic but the bias tape is taking me a little longer that I expected.  Mostly because I am working on pressing it only twenty minutes at a time.  I'll finish up the bias this morning and tonight and tomorrow actually make the dress.  I would love to wear it at the end of the week.

I signed up for a couple of Craftsy classes on fitting patterns.  I am really excited about this class Adjust the Bust and I signed up for this fitting class as well.  Also, CreativeBug had a special price for their unlimited classes at $9.99/month in September.  Have you seen this Amy Butler tunic tutorial?!  I think this is a project I will attempt to tackle this weekend!  Perfect for fall!  I'll be back later this week with photos of all I made last weekend and an update of the plans of what I'll be sewing this weekend before class starts again on Tuesday (groan).

The Stars are Aligning!

I have been out of commission as far as sewing goes for must of the summer.  My machine was giving me fits (and knots of bobbin thread!) but my mom has come to the rescue.  She arrived two days ago and brought her old Pfaff machine for me.  While I have done my best not to ask her and her husband to leave so that I can start sewing, I can't wait to get started.  It needs to be cleaned up a bit and I plan on having a test run tomorrow afternoon to make certain everything is in working order.  In the meantime, three other events have happened to make this a potential sew-out/blow-out.  My husband gave me some cash to buy fabric after I helped him at a catering event (boy, does he know how to make sure he can rope me in again, or what?!).  All my fabric is here, washed and ready to be cut!  Event number two: after I take my exam Monday night, I have a full two weeks before the next class starts!  I have NO life with these classes but this break is just perfectly timed!  And number three:

Admittedly, most of my sewing is selfish sewing but now, I have full permission to sew just for me!  Oh joy!  I have some great projects planned! 

The Skinny Jean and Schoolhouse Tunic both from Sew Liberated.

The Poppy Tunic from Make It Perfect.  And

the dress from Simplicity 2245.  Those are just a few of the projects I have planned for the next two weeks.  I double-pinkie swear, I will post as I create these things.  I am so excited to have a chance to actually create!  Stay tuned for these things as I start stitching them up on Tuesday!