Mini Pip

Knit Circle Top

One day Mood was having a sale. It just popped up on my instagram feed and suddenly, I was on the website purchasing 5 yards of this oatmeal knit fabric. ("Heathered Oatmeal Cotton Blend" is the actual name) It was only $5 a yard and I really wanted to do some experimenting with knits so it was a good opportunity. Right? I'm allowed to tell myself that? Anyway, I have a lot to play with.

So because of this wonderful purchase, I've been browsing the web for quick, simple knit patterns to make. The first one that caught my eye was the "Circle Top" by Raechel Myers. Although it was a top for a toddler, I put in my own measurements and poof! top completed.

This is basically a rectangle with a neck hole and two seams for arms. Realistically, this top could be sewn in as little as an hour. Because I started re-watching LOST on netflix, my time was not within the hour.

Let me tell you, this top is so comfortable. With the measurements I used it came out a little over-sized, which I like, but if I make it again, I would probably make it a little smaller. 

I wore it to work today because the air conditioning makes the store pretty cool. I really can't wait to make more items with this fabric because it is gorgeous. I was looking into a skirt pattern so that might be the next thing. Do you recommend any patterns? I'm open to suggestions!

 

 

The Skirt That Will Never Fit

When I received the book "Sew Serendipity" for Christmas a few years ago, I knew the skirt on the cover would be mine. So I made it last year. What I didn't mention was that I had made the skirt before. This project was a giant flop for multiple reasons, but I still love it so I wanted to share (even though it's a few years late).

The fabric was bought on vacation in Anguilla with my family, my first fabric shopping trip on the island so it's a pretty special piece. I only had a yard of it so whatever project I made couldn't be messed up.

When I decided to use this fabric for the skirt I was extremely careful about cutting out the print to make it as symmetrical as possible. The skirt has a decent amount of pieces but I was only using the majority of the print in two places, front and back.

Construction was simple but I took so much time on every step because I wanted this to be perfect. I actually ironed open each seam after sewing it, which is something I never do (I know, a big no-no). The one step I forgot to do correctly was use my measurements properly. When I made this skirt I had no experience with altering patterns to fit me and just never wanted to take the time to learn. I always figured I could fix it later.

Except I wouldn't fix it later. Once I finished and tried the skirt on, I realized that pencil skirts are not a good style for my body. There was no way I could alter this to make it flattering without just chopping half off and making it a mini skirt. I decided to leave it as is. For now, it's a good piece for my portfolio.

This was also one of my first attempts at zippers, needless to say it didn't go so well.

Even though this one didn't fit, for some reason I thought the same skirt in different fabrics would have worked! Not all projects are perfect, and it's ok that they aren't. This was a great learning experience even if I can't show it off by wearing it.

My Grandma's Dress- A Refashion

Today would have been my Grandma's 86th birthday. It's the first year she isn't with us and I wanted to do something for the occasion. In the last few years of her life, she lost a lot of weight, making her smaller than me! She wasn't able to fit into her old clothes and always wanted me to take them. When I got into sewing I would look through her clothes and want to take some to work on but never had the confidence to complete the project.

I saw this dress in my box of her clothing last night and knew I could finally do something with it. It actually came with a matching jacket- I'm saving that for later.

The Before

I knew I had to take the sides in. It was ultimately a six inch alteration. The length was actually perfect and I had a tough time with whether to leave it as a maxi or shorten it to a cute sundress. A high low option was a good compromise.

The After!

 
 

My grandma had a pretty awesome wardrobe and I love that she let me bring new life into some of the pieces she chose to wear.

 

Bombshell Swim Skirt!

Like most of the sewing community, I purchased the Perfect Pattern Parcel #3 last month. I have to be honest, the main reason for getting this was for the bombshell swimsuit. I've been wanting to make my own bathing suit for the past few years now (and even did a post last year about it!) I'm very tired of teeny tiny bikinis. I'm 23 and HATE showing off so much of my body. I love vintage swimwear and have a mild obsession with the "skirted bottom" because it is more of a covered look. The bombshell 'view c' is the perfect amount of coverage while still being young and fun.

I cannot believe how easy this pattern was to make. Here I've been, sitting for years fearing the worst, and it was so simple!!! I planned on making the one piece but I was so nervous about messing it up that I made the skirt first.

It took me many nights of research to pick my fabric. I have no local stores that sell swimsuit fabric and I'm still a little nervous to go exploring New York fabric stores by myself. I feel like the bombshells I've seen are made in solids or a general polka dot print. I already have a polka dot one-piece so I wanted something fun. Spandex House has a minimum order requirement that I didn't make with my one piece fabric. That's when I decided to make the skirt and chose this tribal print to sew it in.

I had the fourth of july off from all jobs so I took the day as a personal sewing day. This was whipped up pretty quickly, only a few hours and a couple of netflix shows later and I had a skirt. It went together so fast that I only got one 'in progress' shot!

This bottom was an adorable gathered butt, which I didn't think would be flattering but it is!

 

I had my mom take pictures and she is much more patient than Drew so it looks like I found a new photographer. Now I just have to work on my tan! *(Bikini top from an old suit- not handmade)*

 

Mixed Print Infinity Scarf

I had to stop at JoAnn's over the weekend to pick up some fabric for a project. I always like to take a look in the remnants bin to score a good deal, especially when all remnants are 50% off! This lovely little floral print was in the bin and I thought it would make a cute scarf.

Working around apparel all day, I usually start to think "I can make that", and when we get in new scarves almost every day, I know I can make one of those!

I mixed the florals with a sheer polka dot from my stash and made this guy! I've been wanting to work on some quick projects to feel like I'm accomplishing something so this was the perfect project!

I have my first "day off" in months on Friday and I plan on sewing all day! Do you have any plans for the 4th?