tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69481823000941156372024-02-18T22:08:24.754-08:00thistle & beanirregular tidbits of sewing, knitting, thrifting, & wardrobe curation.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-11250334911341129452019-11-06T14:46:00.001-08:002019-11-06T14:47:41.794-08:00Another no-buy check-in and notes from Mindful Wardrobe course...2019 is nearing a close and I'm pretty content about my mission not to buy new clothes and textiles, thus far. I have learned a great deal, in both the successes and challenges of the year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtgZLxcxXhbqCps9p-LKFVWvbOER-23EGVyNwt4mROVmPEcGgRA9IA3c2l04KNPtCoUvIje1zYHIWIp3iAFtZ8srxPdLTDJiklNvsY3a1q2HLD0oQiISmGnPg7N8BdUoNfc9-42C91bg/s1600/tattoos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtgZLxcxXhbqCps9p-LKFVWvbOER-23EGVyNwt4mROVmPEcGgRA9IA3c2l04KNPtCoUvIje1zYHIWIp3iAFtZ8srxPdLTDJiklNvsY3a1q2HLD0oQiISmGnPg7N8BdUoNfc9-42C91bg/s320/tattoos.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I did make 2 recent new clothes purchases - but I'm okay with them. Both were underthings from Tomboy X. I've long been a fan of their mission to provide size and gender inclusive garments that are ethical and eco-friendly, as well as fairly accessible in price-point.<br />
<br />
They recently advertised a moon phase print on sale for Halloween. I am a sucker for moon phase prints. I got a wonderful deal on a cute lounge bralette and boy short set as an anniversary present to myself. When they arrived, I completely fell in love with how comfortable their boyshorts are. As a curvy pear, I struggle with fit in this department - usually ending up with something that's either a little too small in the hip or a little too big in the waist and thus, never quite truly comfortable. These were magical - they fit everywhere, stayed in place, and made me feel good in my own skin. <br />
<br />
I was even more smitten when I realized they also make period panties that are a lot more affordable than Thinx. I contemplated it for a few days and then ordered some to try, as well as a 3 pack of boy shorts. I'm not sorry in the least. I feel good for supporting a great company and getting something special and comfortable that makes my life better.<br />
<br />
Other than that, I'm still sticking with my mission. I've not purchased any new fabric this year and the new clothes/shoes exceptions were few. Indi yarn was an unexpected rabbit hole, but also one that I am totally happy with delving down this year.<br />
<br />
So what's next?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVDiTCP3iZYKwsB12Enmp-fiXwXpNeohGIhlXSw_cEXhi69C6w132n_FJ_PMWTmTIEQ2UmHqyIDo_i_L8fV8KTb_dnNAkcXOzcmpurypketTYnGQ_9gBYiM2CqLKFyPd3yCe71tX14Vg/s1600/mend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="528" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVDiTCP3iZYKwsB12Enmp-fiXwXpNeohGIhlXSw_cEXhi69C6w132n_FJ_PMWTmTIEQ2UmHqyIDo_i_L8fV8KTb_dnNAkcXOzcmpurypketTYnGQ_9gBYiM2CqLKFyPd3yCe71tX14Vg/s320/mend.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm taking the Sew Liberated Mindful Wardrobe class right now and I have Mending Matters on interlibrary loan, both of which have deepened my curiosity and desire to get better at mending and take care of treasured wardrobe pieces that stay with me for years to come. And not only me, but also my sweet husband... I've been making things for him too!<br />
<br />
We just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary and we do traditional gifts, so this year was wool! I made him a vest and a pair of socks. I also started practicing visible mending on his jeans and he's very excited about it. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGxSnAnMPSj7P0hd88kw_eSWVu_y2mw9AyDSnw_JCi11kcd7_F-GPOmV_OXeKqzmqXblI-eiSSGFFJ0p7zmuoHUK2nxU_ukVQE64Gok5dnmFjpYjTGkVrV2I5mEZgWMwTP7X4xmJ9t8E/s1600/IMG_20191102_102516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGxSnAnMPSj7P0hd88kw_eSWVu_y2mw9AyDSnw_JCi11kcd7_F-GPOmV_OXeKqzmqXblI-eiSSGFFJ0p7zmuoHUK2nxU_ukVQE64Gok5dnmFjpYjTGkVrV2I5mEZgWMwTP7X4xmJ9t8E/s320/IMG_20191102_102516.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9jUG-x_GA2ouuEabWmN2-nCwux9fOWZwaw4FwawpZo-Qm06YHeicyf3dAor1RsV640k3YnMJmaCagSvkM_PKIanL-xcPlJHd2oQEil2OR47wCa9nW3WzTfoIZSixL0h64D7dTa1uUOQ/s1600/IMG_20191102_102154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9jUG-x_GA2ouuEabWmN2-nCwux9fOWZwaw4FwawpZo-Qm06YHeicyf3dAor1RsV640k3YnMJmaCagSvkM_PKIanL-xcPlJHd2oQEil2OR47wCa9nW3WzTfoIZSixL0h64D7dTa1uUOQ/s320/IMG_20191102_102154.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I'm looking forward to incorporating all I'm learning to refine my making, wearing, and buying habits even more in the rest of this year and beyond. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-9997209480981598982019-09-08T18:30:00.000-07:002020-01-03T11:51:29.568-08:00Check-in on not buying new textiles in 2019It's been ages since I blogged. For the last year, I've doing some contract work on top of my regular job. The contract is up and I'm happy to be back to a sustainable work/life balance with more time for creative pursuits and rest.<br />
<br />
I'm excited to get back into chronicling my makes and reflecting on making & ethical/inclusive fashion. Over the last 12 months, I've had to choose between making or blogging with my limited free time... and, of course, making won out!<br />
<br />
For my first foray back into blogging, I'm taking stock of how I've been doing with my resolution not to buy any new clothes/shoes or fabric in 2019 & to cut down on thrifting.<br />
<br />
I have broken the resolution on two occasions, each time resulting in handful of purchases. Only one purchase, I really regret.<br />
<br />
<b>Occasion 1: </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18t11ckS9qIZ9oTvcMwKW82Py3z8SmAWptB2wDL4Cr1vTGpYjyMheQ_8_YltuKLk0MLIcMpZ91SxIY2rTUH7Er2IKFBI3lSBh-qEYmdDpeWTafDVuyXmJGYXlRg6hbqJ_BNtDFNIu1M8/s1600/shoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="586" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18t11ckS9qIZ9oTvcMwKW82Py3z8SmAWptB2wDL4Cr1vTGpYjyMheQ_8_YltuKLk0MLIcMpZ91SxIY2rTUH7Er2IKFBI3lSBh-qEYmdDpeWTafDVuyXmJGYXlRg6hbqJ_BNtDFNIu1M8/s320/shoes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had a really big professional situation for which I decided I needed heels & not just any heels, but comfortable heels I could stand and walk in for a very full day. I pared down my shoes earlier in the year and I didn't have anything remotely workable for this need. I looked at thrift stores and ebay, but I just felt this situation called for something brand new.<br />
<br />
So, I did research, found a pair of black Naturalizer heels I really liked, thought about it for a while, asked friends' opinions, and finally decided to buy them. I love them and they will serve me for a long time for those rare, but important, occasions that call for heels. I think they could be for work or evening wear too, which will make them more versatile. I don't regret this purchase.<br />
<br />
Related to the heels, I also bought some new stockings. I wasn't sure if I wanted to wear black or nude, so I ordered one of each from snag.com, which I had been curious about for my winter staple of opaque tights. Since snag has a pricing model where they give 10% off when you buy 3, I decided to buy a pair of opaque black tights too. I really like them and they have lots of great colors, so I will be able to confidently order from them again when I am ready to restock on tights.<br />
<br />
<b>Occasion 2:</b><br />
<br />
I have 4 pairs of Thinx and I like them a lot, but it wasn't enough to use them exclusively. After talking with my doctor a few months ago, I decided to switch to period panties, so I knew I would need to purchase a few more pairs. I ordered 3 pairs of Thinx (again there is a small discount for ordering 3+) and I have no regrets on that purchase.<br />
<br />
Side note: Thinx are awesome. I bought my first pair 5 years ago and they are still going. 4 years ago, I bought 3 and they are also all still going strong. The only thing that is wearing out on any of them is the lace parts, so this time around, I ordered styles without lace.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I also started getting all these targeted ads for another period panty company called Ruby Love. They are a little cheaper, so I decided to get 2 pairs to top off my collection and make sure I had enough for a full cycle. Terrible mistake. They don't work & they have the worst customer service ever. This company is awful on all counts. JUST DON'T BUY THESE!<br />
<br />
So I feel really bummed that I wasted money and broke my routine to buy something new that I can't use. Instead if trying to save money, I ended up wasting money. I wish I would have spent twice as much and ended up with 3 more pairs of Thinx- the cost per use in the end, would have been more than worth it.<br />
<br />
<b>Thoughts:</b><br />
<br />
I'm actually going to try to Frankenstein these bad ones with two pairs of regular panties I already own, to see if I can make them into something useful, since I have nothing to lose & these are not things you can easily donate. I absolutely<i><b> hated </b></i>the way I felt being disappointed by this purchase so much, that it galvanized me on waiting and thinking things over.<br />
<br />
When I broke the no-buy routine with research, intention, and a specific purpose/occasion, I was excited to add something to my life mindfully and I know I can get a lot of use out those items for years to come. When I got caught up in an impulsive, unresearched bargain... I was very unhappy.<br />
<br />
I'm planning to finish the year with no additional new purchases and they stock up on a few more underthings & possibly an <a href="https://wearpact.com/women/apparel/dresses%20&%20skirts/three%20quarter%20sleeve%20fit%20and%20flare%20dress/wa1-wqd-mah">eco-friendly cotton skater dress</a> from Pact.<br />
<br />
As for fabric - I've been organizing my stash recently and I have lots of fabric I am excited to sew into garments. I'm planning some more sewing, now that my life is calming down, but not too much sewing - as I've realized how easy it is to make more than you need and clutter up your closet. That's hard when you need to make tests and sewing is a self-care activity, but I'm trying to remember what Meg from Sew Liberated has written about slow making. I really want to make some basic workhorse pieces and I have three kind of wild Metamorphic dresses in mind too, though two of them might be able to be made into one...<br />
<br />
Till next time: Happy Making!<br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-87708072122864071082019-02-27T11:49:00.002-08:002020-01-03T11:52:49.944-08:00Resources for supporting an inclusive knitting community.<i>Note: This is a work in progress. I'm starting with compiling compilations of resources. Over time, I would like to synthesize the BIPOC pattern makers and dyers lists into my own single list; but right now it is more important to me to just get some resources in one place. I struggle to track on all the stories on IG, so this is a resource for me & hopefully could be helpful for others too. This page will grow and evolve over time</i>.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Resources to support BIPOC Designers and Dyers: </b></u><br />
<h4>
</h4>
<a href="http://theyarnmission.com/black-yarn-dyers-and-the-case-for-purposeful-support/" target="_blank">Yarn Mission BIPOC Yarn Dyers list for purposeful support </a><br />
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theyarnmission/" target="_blank">@theyarnmission</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://jeanettesloan.wordpress.com/poc-designers-crafters/" target="_blank">Jeanette Sloan post about POC designers & crafters</a><br />
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeanettesloan/" target="_blank">@jeanettesloan</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/solidarity-swap/bundles" target="_blank">Ravelry Solidarity Swap - bundles for pattern designers and yarn dyers</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>History and Voices of BIPOC Makers:</b></u><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.unfinishedobject.com/home" target="_blank">Unfinished Objects </a><br />
Blog by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/su.krita/">@su.krita</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ocean_bythesea/">@ocean_bythesea</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecolormustard/">@thecolormustard</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/astitchtowear/">@astitchtowear</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Resources for anti-racism personal work. </u></b><br />
<h4>
</h4>
<a href="https://www.meandwhitesupremacybook.com/" target="_blank">Me and White Supremacy Workbook</a><br />
Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laylafsaad/" target="_blank">@laylafsaad </a>on Instagram for additional learning & resources, including #learningwithlayla videos. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wherechangestarted.com/the-antiracism-starter-kit/" target="_blank">Where Change Started Anti-racism Starter Kit</a><br />
Follow on Instagram for more resources: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wherechangestarted/" target="_blank">@wherechangestarted</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://speakingofracism.com/" target="_blank">Speaking of Racism Podcast </a><br />
Also excellent content on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/speakingofracism/" target="_blank">@speakingofracism</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8SGAWKOo292BEWV5Nvfmmhcfe74r8dv8WLMyhBA4numxmQY1h9BjRQO1Tzu4q1Hbe8ffHMUN9hiozwQBYlregqnnCFctREGekuRAY_RSOP5DEUGH6NIT6OuhA3n99fQ5A3ost-VbT-E/s1600/yarn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="566" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8SGAWKOo292BEWV5Nvfmmhcfe74r8dv8WLMyhBA4numxmQY1h9BjRQO1Tzu4q1Hbe8ffHMUN9hiozwQBYlregqnnCFctREGekuRAY_RSOP5DEUGH6NIT6OuhA3n99fQ5A3ost-VbT-E/s320/yarn.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-33127555057366840322019-02-19T12:55:00.000-08:002019-02-19T13:30:00.234-08:00Knitting Together - Inclusion and Diversity <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB_jOesOB3jHDp2Sgodxvoz12hbvlGcUS-XqTx-DiZMP8wkSAYH70q7qElaqB7UyLGvmlEwvRARRc9Cu7boBQrd2VxWFOrp3Q7bvaHk1BDiUdfDBJtFQGS9NspwAsZpm-fTtALP2fuIk/s1600/socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfB_jOesOB3jHDp2Sgodxvoz12hbvlGcUS-XqTx-DiZMP8wkSAYH70q7qElaqB7UyLGvmlEwvRARRc9Cu7boBQrd2VxWFOrp3Q7bvaHk1BDiUdfDBJtFQGS9NspwAsZpm-fTtALP2fuIk/s320/socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A lot has transpired in the world of making since my last blog. I feel like I am a completely different person and the world around me is completely different too. I think it's a good thing, but it's also painful for a lot of people and that pain is on the surface for all makers to see now.<br />
<br />
I hadn't even finished a draft of a blog about size inclusivity in the sewing community and the #sewmysize movement, when an even greater issue came to the surface - the issue of racism in the knitting community, which has also shed light on racism in the ethical fashion community.<br />
<br />
I want to be very clear - I am not part of any silent majority that supports or ignores racism. I am here to support Black and Indigenous People of Color (BIPoC) in the making/fashion communities and beyond. Ethical Fashion and Sustainability mean nothing when makers of color are excluded from business opportunities as teachers, designers, yarn dyers, employees at LYSs and as friends and equals in knitting circles and guilds.<br />
<br />
I'm doing internal work, reading, journaling, and being more aware in my day to day life to confront my own relationship with white privilege and white fragility that is part of systemic racism and white supremacy. This isn't the place to talk in depth about that work, but I do plan to put some links together for resources for anyone who wants to do their own internal work against racism. <br />
<br />
What I do want to talk about further in this blog is a very tangible way to support BIPoC knitting businesses - buying and making patterns with yarns that are created by makers of color gives tangible financial support, as well as visibility... and there are some damn good patterns and yarns out there to discover!<br />
<br />
I wasn't really knitting at all any more before January. Last year, I made a couple of little things with thrift store yarn bits, but I had lost interest in knitting as a major part of my life until I started reading statements on Instagram and tried to figure out what was happening. In the process of learning about the events that brought this conversation to the forefront of the Instagram knitting community, I also found so many incredible pattern designers and yarn dyers. <br />
<br />
I decided to buy some patterns and yarn in solidarity with BIPoC sharing their voices and experiences on Instagram. Their creative work is so inspiring and has rekindled my love of knitting. Now I'm so passionate about knitting, I can't stop thinking about it every day. And I am also thinking about dismantling systemic racism every day too. I want to do everything I can to contribute to a making community that is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive of true diversity. <br />
<br />
This weekend, I plan to assemble all the links I've been gathering and show more beautiful yarn and patterns, as well as key resources all in one place because I am getting to be an old lady who has trouble keeping track of all the amazing IG stories sharing resources. <br />
<br />
For now, I will leave you with just one thing - my first finished project since taking up the needles again.<br />
<br />
It is the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kia-socks" target="_blank">Kia Sock</a> (pictured above) - it's free on Ravelry, but please consider buying the designer, Dawn Landix a coffee on <a href="https://ko-fi.com/B0B7ORUY" target="_blank">ko.fi </a>as a thank you for this great pattern! There's a knit-along #kiasockkal that runs all year and it's lovely to see the way this great pattern knits up in different yarns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp5sdxl4QMjgQfPjoI-Y5cdXlIM9ytdeA36-WdVgpBILS7BJTJrintzNjNAps37xpMB0wb1nzUZB2vHHDgVATN6SxW-9s-sgppN4RPHiGMp8Scns1Sxj1-1hupsYcaF6yUUBvsMcgUWM/s1600/kia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="532" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp5sdxl4QMjgQfPjoI-Y5cdXlIM9ytdeA36-WdVgpBILS7BJTJrintzNjNAps37xpMB0wb1nzUZB2vHHDgVATN6SxW-9s-sgppN4RPHiGMp8Scns1Sxj1-1hupsYcaF6yUUBvsMcgUWM/s320/kia.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
The yarn I used is from <a href="https://www.lolabeanyarnco.com/shop.html#/" target="_blank">Lolabean Yarn Co.</a> It's such a pretty pale celadon green with speckles of all different gorgeous colors (called Jack in the Beanstalk).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlZQdPs_EyRxZJ_ct6NPQGiu-2FMXiKm5kJPY7UjoW7TWih81UKokyjDMMDUAnUb_LkKUjpCJdKrPJcOBvWVEdA9iZGKQyJHUDrfiGi7blv7MDE15LKff_IQOIjpKByjOyDDzQndloIo/s1600/jack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="534" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlZQdPs_EyRxZJ_ct6NPQGiu-2FMXiKm5kJPY7UjoW7TWih81UKokyjDMMDUAnUb_LkKUjpCJdKrPJcOBvWVEdA9iZGKQyJHUDrfiGi7blv7MDE15LKff_IQOIjpKByjOyDDzQndloIo/s320/jack.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
<br />
I already ordered another colorway called "I'm a Little Lad who loves Berries and Cream" for another pair of Kia Socks. Here is the creator's photo... isn't it gorgeous? I can't wait to see it when it arrives! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQDA4-5Vt8mu9dnlztlq1Pf_goda0nRulcGa1Sq9IhM9Ro7_MWPmpADIMP_Nx2b6A9hujZFp1MbMyrDY_B1t8xbn_VYXWKRzH9n0Z43kgMpQ_rACC16oiddCL0VeEsR3tMfT_wOp4-G8/s1600/berries+and+cream.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1600" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQDA4-5Vt8mu9dnlztlq1Pf_goda0nRulcGa1Sq9IhM9Ro7_MWPmpADIMP_Nx2b6A9hujZFp1MbMyrDY_B1t8xbn_VYXWKRzH9n0Z43kgMpQ_rACC16oiddCL0VeEsR3tMfT_wOp4-G8/s320/berries+and+cream.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
And I'm also dreaming of making a third pair of socks with the leftovers from both of these skeins together.<br />
<br />
Thank you to the strength and talent of the BIPoC makers who have been speaking up, giving their time and energy to build a better making community. I see you and I appreciate your presence and contributions so much. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-76025099608754996342018-12-29T14:25:00.001-08:002019-01-02T23:30:29.525-08:00Reflections on textile consumption in 2018 and shopping resolutions for 2019.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcnWItwTWcgSX_cm5of93uTB1Vfgs15VCqMenCdWBROcPWXow5-mK1BI3UoOLWZkPN_cfmm5U_Hnkul6ghFJNK5s7rXTjT_x_BxPuqdT_4jhbQoKhd1d25gNRlZ3R5RJTBw6kGESHD3o/s1600/2018+reflections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcnWItwTWcgSX_cm5of93uTB1Vfgs15VCqMenCdWBROcPWXow5-mK1BI3UoOLWZkPN_cfmm5U_Hnkul6ghFJNK5s7rXTjT_x_BxPuqdT_4jhbQoKhd1d25gNRlZ3R5RJTBw6kGESHD3o/s400/2018+reflections.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As 2018 comes to a close, all the projects completed &best photos from the past year and making plans for the year ahead are swirling around and it seems a natural time to take stock and reflect and I've been thinking back about my sewing and clothing consumption in 2018. How did I do? Did my actions match with my goals and ethics? Where did I stumble and what could I do better next year?<br />
<br />
I bought new fabric from a fabric store 4 times in 2018.<br />
<br />
Twice at Joann. One was for a project I thought a friend needed. I had a funny feeling that I should check again before buying 3 yards of black cotton, but I figured I'd use it if they didn't need it... and sure enough, they found a different solution so I ended up with the black fabric.<br />
<br />
I made a Gypsum skirt, but it gets linty if you even look at it, so I only wore it a few times. THe skirt is currently in my Goodwill pile... but I might give it one more try before giving up.<br />
<br />
The other time, I bought a quarter yard of 3 Halloween fabrics on clearance to make some more gift bags for soap vending events. I didn't end up having time and haven't even washed the fabric yet. If I had it to do over, I wouldn't have purchased either time.<br />
<br />
<u>2019 Resolution #1 </u><br />
No fabric at Joann in 2019 & make those gift bags up before the next Dark Arts Market event. <br />
<br />
The other two time were from indie stores. I wouldn't take these purchases back. One is a cut of gray and white ikat from a beautiful little fabric store in Arcata, CA that I bought while on a vacation as a souvenir/birthday present. The other a piece of black and white ikat from Stone Mountain Fabrics, also a birthday present and I had a coupon for 20% off.<br />
<br />
<u>2019 Resolution #2</u> <br />
Stop saving the ikat fabrics for something super-special and sew them into garments this year, while ikat is still at least a little bit trendy.<br />
<br />
And don't buy any more new fabric until the ikat is made into garments. Then, only from indie stores as an extra-special treat, souvenir, or present to self.<br />
<br />
As for new RTW... I did well most of the year, with a few big slip ups.<br />
<i>(Note all of this is knitwear and underthings... because these are the things I can't make with my machines & that can be harder to thrift. Tees can be
hard to find in good shape & underthings I prefer new for
obvious reasons.) </i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3 bras from True. (On sale. Not in love with any of them. Still searching for a good bra.) </li>
<li>1 new yoga bra from Mika. (LOVE it - and they are a small ethical company! Win!)</li>
<li>2 pairs of undies & a swimsuit top at Target. (Love 'em... definitely fast fashion ethos, but apparently <a href="https://feelgoodstyle.com/articles/shopping-ethical-clothing-target/" target="_blank">making some effort with ethics and sustainability</a>. They also donate their unsold clearance stuff to Goodwill and I see NWT items in my local thriftstore regularly, so I think that's cool, rather than destroying unsold stuff.)</li>
<li>2 lace bralettes, a 1 piece swimsuit and a swimsuit bottom from Aerie (I like this company's clothes and their realistic models... they at least <a href="https://www.ae.com/Images/corpResp/AEBetterWorldNew.pdf" target="_blank">gloss on ethics</a>.)</li>
<li>1 new yoga bra on Amazon. (Don't really like it, wish I hadn't fell prey to Black Friday insanity.) </li>
<li>8 knit dresses, 5 new tee shirts, 1 pair of leggings and 2 new sports bras from Old Navy in three orders made in quick succession because of their stupid "Super Cash" offers... (I felt awful afterward. I really only am wearing 5 of the dresses & the leggings on a regular basis. The rest was impulsive and ill-thought out because of the deals. I'm trying to love and wear the rest since I bought it... but I'm not bonding with all of the stuff & I wish I hadn't any of the tees and 3 of the dresses.)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Everything else I bought this year in fabric and rtw garments & shoes was me-made, thrifted, or purchased second hand on ebay. <br />
<br />
<u>2019 Resolution #3</u><br />
No impulse buying & no new RTW<br />
<br />
(Black Friday 'season' got me all messed this year.) I would like to cultivate a way of thinking about getting before buying any new clothes. I want to think deeply before bringing in any new garments - will they truly pass the #30wears test? <br />
<br />
To this end, I've decided not to buy any new clothes in 2019. No new RTW, no exceptions. Making & making do is preferred. Thrifting is fine, but mindfully. New is out for 2019. <br />
<br />
With these consumption goals and my 2019 Make Nine, I think it's going to be a great year... now to savor the last few days of this year!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-81772305851813308642018-12-26T16:46:00.000-08:002019-01-02T23:01:20.360-08:002019 Make Nine and other plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcEWc0BjFPSJKCjSeoxdl6iGdBB6rzyu-5mfRdbZSEbDU2V0D4jtA2FWTC9oRKEOitgGUiHe8wt62DHUh0icLNIPH8ctpdDJENkApSD0iTMuCCnt4GzMFUnnfW8DERRli34CupbkhgSk/s1600/2019makeninegrid.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="621" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcEWc0BjFPSJKCjSeoxdl6iGdBB6rzyu-5mfRdbZSEbDU2V0D4jtA2FWTC9oRKEOitgGUiHe8wt62DHUh0icLNIPH8ctpdDJENkApSD0iTMuCCnt4GzMFUnnfW8DERRli34CupbkhgSk/s640/2019makeninegrid.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4smhmfdUpNQYx3yd5EWYzk2SCVUF7ZY-PR4mNQmuF6GsM1Ve54q-9crPqR19oCYmWCrT_0Flu0VV2K9vRy_wkMa8UeuvUHNhZB5WggTVA13Xa01Ij91tQHJmaQxm51sHrHA-Eht930BI/s1600/2019makenine2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4smhmfdUpNQYx3yd5EWYzk2SCVUF7ZY-PR4mNQmuF6GsM1Ve54q-9crPqR19oCYmWCrT_0Flu0VV2K9vRy_wkMa8UeuvUHNhZB5WggTVA13Xa01Ij91tQHJmaQxm51sHrHA-Eht930BI/s320/2019makenine2.JPG" width="297" /></a> </div>
1. <a href="https://sewliberated.com/products/strata-top-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Strata Top</a> from Sew Liberated Patterns. Simple kimono sleeve tee - I imagine this to become a TNT and layer well under or over Metamorphic Dresses. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CrUMe756zbs0po3UsTz7hOM5h5d9ULWKa5nZUTJ_47ZCOJ7HrsdUps20sH35j6vH2fbhxtu89gWjP8dOj4OCso5kaHNKwTTQCPDbzabIzCnVLLGvAEwL0gPBSMu9Gcf1NcgQ0cXtxa8/s1600/2019makenine3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="586" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CrUMe756zbs0po3UsTz7hOM5h5d9ULWKa5nZUTJ_47ZCOJ7HrsdUps20sH35j6vH2fbhxtu89gWjP8dOj4OCso5kaHNKwTTQCPDbzabIzCnVLLGvAEwL0gPBSMu9Gcf1NcgQ0cXtxa8/s320/2019makenine3.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
2. <a href="https://sewliberated.com/products/hinterland-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Hinterland Dress </a>by Sew Liberated Patterns - Short-Sleeved and 3/4 Sleeved with no placket, and maxi tank version with full button placket. Just to get started! (Confession: I've started with wearable muslins of this dress over my winter holiday staycation time & I think it's going to be a super TNT after I finish refining the bodice fit... Currently on my 3rd attempt, which is a redo of my first attempt. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Brwo66VHSmv/" target="_blank">2nd attempt </a>actually turned out wearable.) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfC837PT9KghQmzBCV9tyyU3zwyu1I9ExXAPxfGN5OSZ0sGZCSW3rkyBcK7COf8Y2ZTklreb0dX2EYvrLPhiHo_TUens7ciZdS5hdj6qgU8Jzdvaav30jQmlej_Ax0mMmqRSBXhJIou4/s1600/2019makenine4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfC837PT9KghQmzBCV9tyyU3zwyu1I9ExXAPxfGN5OSZ0sGZCSW3rkyBcK7COf8Y2ZTklreb0dX2EYvrLPhiHo_TUens7ciZdS5hdj6qgU8Jzdvaav30jQmlej_Ax0mMmqRSBXhJIou4/s320/2019makenine4.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
3.) <a href="https://shop.truebias.com/product/ogden-cami" target="_blank">Ogden Cami</a> by True / Bias Carry-over from 2018 Make Nine... I still want to make this, just didn't get to it this summer and then I wanted to switch to Fall and Winter makes for the rest of 2018.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi035uaKbh3QI8AIDtugyTmKgOiX-uRUdpEhwXoR6vtTLqmxJjAvKbFEC1YW8De12A6K9HXu1bJG_tY1a7IWMQ36mURGWFTzVX_K55q6Q2MlJE8dUXMSpGhi07cZnoL-Mb6Ue42hPivQUw/s1600/2019makenine5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi035uaKbh3QI8AIDtugyTmKgOiX-uRUdpEhwXoR6vtTLqmxJjAvKbFEC1YW8De12A6K9HXu1bJG_tY1a7IWMQ36mURGWFTzVX_K55q6Q2MlJE8dUXMSpGhi07cZnoL-Mb6Ue42hPivQUw/s320/2019makenine5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
4.) <a href="https://store.closetcasepatterns.com/products/charlie-caftan-pattern" target="_blank">Charlie Caftan</a> by Closet Case Patterns - would have to buy this pattern, but I love caftans so much, just not the fabrics that vintage ones are made from - usually polyester. I have a couple of vintage cottons in mind for a long and a short one for summer... and I would love to make a winter maxi version in cotton flannel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6z7edUfRfYWKiPvoTiVb02COsP0Q9_iLm5WtIBC187QGH9SCTvjQle7y4kBW2cQsjdTbxE5B0t036GXqWaYpTXRC0t-h2KyvZTo4R1QHIPNgNgVgZ-iNYMjH997FIeoPQ5RWx3pNZ3oE/s1600/2019makenine6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6z7edUfRfYWKiPvoTiVb02COsP0Q9_iLm5WtIBC187QGH9SCTvjQle7y4kBW2cQsjdTbxE5B0t036GXqWaYpTXRC0t-h2KyvZTo4R1QHIPNgNgVgZ-iNYMjH997FIeoPQ5RWx3pNZ3oE/s320/2019makenine6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
5.) <a href="https://sewliberated.com/products/gypsum-skirt-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Gypsum Skirt</a> by Sew Liberated Patterns. View B (yes - the one without the awesome giant pocket detail) - I've made 3 Gypsum Skirts, View A, and I loved them over summer - but those fabulous pockets didn't layer up very well with sweaters on my pear shape... so I think some all year versions with side seam pockets would be great in 2019. Probably will start with a chambray or light denim version. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bTVV3WjsrFF-Riz0ywV9kODhPilc2Z877S0dIf-ev0YJb8NbSd5M7oFg5oOuzjbQ1VNqvlTmeAq8gWO80R-6nTJHGRDORUADfB4gxjGCiHzv81wLD_YEcYXsyhXwQhLv2ddO4LdDsjM/s1600/2019makenine7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bTVV3WjsrFF-Riz0ywV9kODhPilc2Z877S0dIf-ev0YJb8NbSd5M7oFg5oOuzjbQ1VNqvlTmeAq8gWO80R-6nTJHGRDORUADfB4gxjGCiHzv81wLD_YEcYXsyhXwQhLv2ddO4LdDsjM/s320/2019makenine7.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
6.) <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/zinnia" target="_blank">Zinnia Skirt</a> by Colette Patterns - I bought this pattern as a birthday present to myself in 2016 and never made it. I think it would be flattering and I love those pocket details - high time to make it in 2019!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AwnbfLU3tNb5FPRwgvXa_8coViep0chSlK8vA7uQBiYnIDTRU8mWt5q4erT_i9MRKK9ZUN8MVxZFiy-ZOuf70yrFwvg52Lyyv3w8Yz5IBIXG0knXAovDAmwVcZxq-7StG0tFeOAvccQ/s1600/2019makenine8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AwnbfLU3tNb5FPRwgvXa_8coViep0chSlK8vA7uQBiYnIDTRU8mWt5q4erT_i9MRKK9ZUN8MVxZFiy-ZOuf70yrFwvg52Lyyv3w8Yz5IBIXG0knXAovDAmwVcZxq-7StG0tFeOAvccQ/s320/2019makenine8.JPG" width="284" /></a></div>
7.) <a href="https://grainlinestudio.com/shop/women/scout-tee-paper/" target="_blank">Scout Tee</a> by Grainline Studio I bought a paper version of this pattern as a souvenir/birthday present to myself last year. I would like to try it out, though the Strata top might end up being my first TNT choice for a top, this one also looks like it could be really nice to add to my TNT basics. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcmD1l6mrY7PBdCML57ugJAGafku-EPU1jHxk1bH5451gxxKfsfY3KGvt-OuDpr-ip3Phw5vQ1MAJOhbr9f5TyTsoU8kK4hgj-v2hkZ-mljX4ySMMdYJRZWoNWMlU7vdyh3-poQfb1OQ/s1600/2019makenine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcmD1l6mrY7PBdCML57ugJAGafku-EPU1jHxk1bH5451gxxKfsfY3KGvt-OuDpr-ip3Phw5vQ1MAJOhbr9f5TyTsoU8kK4hgj-v2hkZ-mljX4ySMMdYJRZWoNWMlU7vdyh3-poQfb1OQ/s320/2019makenine.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbR-lqxCeSQjoEHld5QIdD2cf2YOd68vGBNLQnlsYu1Jbx-KatIrVzBXYGIBpFFnS8jRll-e4Z3TKWBBx5a7xSDghISES9TVVwTBD7A_oN9Sx2gyyv_SWvL8yYfuxFMRBxb7R6gJuPhQ/s1600/2019makenine9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbR-lqxCeSQjoEHld5QIdD2cf2YOd68vGBNLQnlsYu1Jbx-KatIrVzBXYGIBpFFnS8jRll-e4Z3TKWBBx5a7xSDghISES9TVVwTBD7A_oN9Sx2gyyv_SWvL8yYfuxFMRBxb7R6gJuPhQ/s320/2019makenine9.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
8.) <a href="https://sewliberated.com/products/the-matcha-top-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Matcha Top </a>by Sew Liberated Patterns, sleeveless & sleeved versions. I really like the details on this top.<br />
<br />
9.) ???? I don't have a ninth pattern yet. Leaving room for inspiration to strike.<br />
<br />
Other sewing plans for the year ahead include more Metamorphic Dresses and Gypsum Skirts, View A from the 2018 Make Nine... <br />
<br />
I have black and white houndstooth wool and some floral poly left over from my Hinterland wearable muslin to use for the lining for another winter Metamorphic Dress. I made one this month that I haven't blogged (yet?) It's one of my favorite makes ever. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Brdemjdn2Bu/" target="_blank">It's on Instagram</a>. I also have a black and white crazy toile and ikat one in my head that I think will become real sometime in 2019.<br />
<br />
I would also like to use the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/TINA-GIVENS-MADELINE-Sewing-Pattern/dp/B01N6VALO8" target="_blank">Madeline slip</a> bodice that I got to a good place last spring as the basis for a black gauze multi layer sundress. I have about 6 yards of black cotton gauze in my stash to use for this idea.<br />
<br />
Other than that, for my ninth make (if I get to all the rest in 2019) I might make my <a href="https://www.decadesofstyle.com/products/no-103-threes-a-charm-jacket" target="_blank">Three's a Charm Jacket</a> from 2018 Make Nine, since I already have the pattern or I might purchase the <a href="https://sewliberated.com/products/arenite-pants-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Arenite pants</a> pattern and go really outside my comfort zone... or maybe I'll even knit a black cardigan for my last item. I am still waiting to decide till a little further into 2019.<br />
<br />
Mostly I think I'll be making multiples of my 2019 Make Nine patterns and my favorite TNTs from last year. And that makes me happy. <br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-65954598457939673802018-08-11T21:05:00.000-07:002018-08-11T21:05:49.867-07:00Dartless Sorbetto Toile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGGRrb-iHfyI7WW7a5wMCAeHx5Jt0kxNYBk6splmWrqSat-oTitf60nZNIBjmGEUUUiFLF0huXnAssT89jgvyvXgnd0vjxH8pF-XfpS35iBOOHXinz3ubq4hd4ZjZleWQG31n8pacN7E/s1600/nodarts_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="670" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGGRrb-iHfyI7WW7a5wMCAeHx5Jt0kxNYBk6splmWrqSat-oTitf60nZNIBjmGEUUUiFLF0huXnAssT89jgvyvXgnd0vjxH8pF-XfpS35iBOOHXinz3ubq4hd4ZjZleWQG31n8pacN7E/s640/nodarts_02.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Southern Oregon has been under a cloud of wildfire smoke for several weeks. Some days are worse than others - on the bad days, I've been been wearing an N99/carbon filter mask. Not particularly photogenic... but very helpful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I debuted a toile I made last week after reading an instagram post about gender neutral sewing patterns by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BmBiKOdBq2-/?hl=en&taken-by=sewqueer" target="_blank">@sewqueer</a>. A comment mentioned a hack by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/makerandshaker/?hl=en" target="_blank">@makerandshaker </a> to take the darts out the Sorbetto tank. My interest was piqued for sure. The<a href="https://blog.colettehq.com/tutorials/make-a-modern-sorbetto" target="_blank"> tutorial</a> appeared on the Colette blog a couple years ago. It's back before the new release of the pattern, so I used my older version, which I much prefer. I wish SO MUCH that I had a PDF of the old version, as well as my taped-together paper version. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To get outside, I wore a <a href="https://www.vogmask.com/" target="_blank">Vogmask</a>. I have this one and the cheetah print. I thought this one almost matched my outfit of blue/white print with solid black.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD733gfIEHbpcx2B1H8usJ3Citq9v76RlVi-dyKYrsiFmcKlv3qFDiZ8qJa53Hwq0UBv8fD1pz6ll3S2ruH5TS2wjZD4DyeFbFke7wJW1ooD9QB1u-CeQD22YnhwQNEdJs1k5956i4jhI/s1600/nodarts_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="610" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD733gfIEHbpcx2B1H8usJ3Citq9v76RlVi-dyKYrsiFmcKlv3qFDiZ8qJa53Hwq0UBv8fD1pz6ll3S2ruH5TS2wjZD4DyeFbFke7wJW1ooD9QB1u-CeQD22YnhwQNEdJs1k5956i4jhI/s400/nodarts_01.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
Here you can see how there is no dart anymore. It's kind of a weird armpit shot... but the best way to see the difference.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0u21NEi5qoKVzdoFG7z7p_EMgnA_5SO9PEt6HciEebaUl8Bv-4VYDYLwcE24XLoHslbBSzVXSyaSlMi-QgT8C8p8_ZZYiC4r3u5NumQRhyphenhyphenzkfhJ1aCIFt4MFKbi6KtgP96j92fhzcDc/s1600/nodarts_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0u21NEi5qoKVzdoFG7z7p_EMgnA_5SO9PEt6HciEebaUl8Bv-4VYDYLwcE24XLoHslbBSzVXSyaSlMi-QgT8C8p8_ZZYiC4r3u5NumQRhyphenhyphenzkfhJ1aCIFt4MFKbi6KtgP96j92fhzcDc/s320/nodarts_03.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<br />
I really struggled with the old and new Sorbettos on dart placement. The old version, the dart was too high, the new version too low. I recently tried dropping the dart in a muslin of the old version and then it was too low, so I tried redrafting to be a bit higher and cut a second muslin... but then I saw this tutorial and I hacked the pattern piece a 3rd time to get rid of the dart all together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEvNb5H8ebyXXvIacC11id8cDPqLrzG91QU3zIIUJOSC7vsTyHGSrieO1xV0oiU6DLJj0YVlWPA2K3dKKUpna-9rAhZ60dR_8cM6mRaYTZ2b7V4M2TsN9NQICnQYfNVRyVKkBA-qD4-8/s1600/20180811_203855-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEvNb5H8ebyXXvIacC11id8cDPqLrzG91QU3zIIUJOSC7vsTyHGSrieO1xV0oiU6DLJj0YVlWPA2K3dKKUpna-9rAhZ60dR_8cM6mRaYTZ2b7V4M2TsN9NQICnQYfNVRyVKkBA-qD4-8/s320/20180811_203855-01.jpeg" width="251" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I didn't change the hem or add a pocket, but I do think this cut without the center pleat or the bust dart looks better untucked than the original. I probably won't wear it that way often, but it's nice to have options!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaxAztqOs3TEPJv2oolgDb7DRwIIx6aoZ6n16GpUOCcJQ7EZiVovVVZZkJgYgZljaHbOBRToJEEAiNS6V-ve_vV_gGvn-zJn2Frrxp1A6uS8O1FN6w5QtLowrF42D0VZMpEzPhHgNKqg/s1600/nodarts_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaxAztqOs3TEPJv2oolgDb7DRwIIx6aoZ6n16GpUOCcJQ7EZiVovVVZZkJgYgZljaHbOBRToJEEAiNS6V-ve_vV_gGvn-zJn2Frrxp1A6uS8O1FN6w5QtLowrF42D0VZMpEzPhHgNKqg/s320/nodarts_04.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One final note, I played a little with the width of the straps, trimming them down just a bit so I could add the external bias binding and still have a slimmer strap that I had liked on the ones where I turned the bias under (about an inch narrower, altogether.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started small, but I think another 1/2 inch or so off the outer edge of the strap and a little bigger scoop might be just the ticket on the next version. The process for a TNT pattern takes so many makes... but it's fun and interesting too. Sometimes I have more patience than other times... this time, I really enjoyed the process and the outcome.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgwR6xVyap_fTp268Z9t235KnAaIa-vXc-o5_S4aaUhQxrA_EIA_1h2R6IotPTXvOLtGfLGfi32kSvV0w58IU8C5k2WagRqa2rcFdiePbu9rpkk2zezaxKBM5f3ZnOjXgYp3gxp9gDfc/s1600/nodarts_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="591" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgwR6xVyap_fTp268Z9t235KnAaIa-vXc-o5_S4aaUhQxrA_EIA_1h2R6IotPTXvOLtGfLGfi32kSvV0w58IU8C5k2WagRqa2rcFdiePbu9rpkk2zezaxKBM5f3ZnOjXgYp3gxp9gDfc/s320/nodarts_05.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy sewing + clean breathing to all! <3</div>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-30309720528411239762018-08-06T19:46:00.000-07:002018-08-06T22:43:18.820-07:0010x10 Lessons Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I wore:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="background-color: #effceb; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<li>Summer oxfords (used, ebay) <b>10x</b></li>
<li>black floral maxi tank dress (1990's vintage, thrifted + mended) <b>2x</b></li>
<li>white Sorbetto tank (memade) <b>2x</b></li>
<li>blush pink linen cardigan (thrifted + mended) <b>6x</b></li>
<li>navy cotton cardigan (thrifted) <b>3x</b></li>
<li>pale blue linen Peppermint peplum tank (memade) <b>2x</b></li>
<li>moon phase Gypsum skirt (memade) <b>2x</b></li>
<li>copper paisley Gypsum skirt (memade) <b>4x</b></li>
<li>blush pink v-neck short sleeve tee (thrifted and mended) <b>3x</b></li>
<li>WILDCARD - <span style="color: black; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">silk/rayon Metamorphic dress (memade), chosen Day 6. </span></span> <b>2x</b></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXUJHa5zo0q91Wz2O46bWL2QzQokGH99Lcxrdb_mwHWO2qF-hWC0K3bv1lCoYL07yCDHWsCE_J2F1eFzIokhQrHcT72LE79ygq8A7CWP9j2zzKD3Wdf7W2-XKJGaZrKy2fYM83PA5d68/s1600/20180805_170847-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXUJHa5zo0q91Wz2O46bWL2QzQokGH99Lcxrdb_mwHWO2qF-hWC0K3bv1lCoYL07yCDHWsCE_J2F1eFzIokhQrHcT72LE79ygq8A7CWP9j2zzKD3Wdf7W2-XKJGaZrKy2fYM83PA5d68/s320/20180805_170847-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #effceb; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 1: Blush tee + cardi, copper Gypsum skirt</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ05WlhGI585V5ZUsnmEiQ0rhfhgBwS5LtI3rCSIAab8rtcc_PVNxtmyVzmdcodw8CK6m0TE6Ya_xi-ffrQ_4dhVf1lNKXbT-eszjTS9ABUGC5SLlxGLD1fYlFF1-DBZv2kT2BiibdAo/s1600/20180805_171135-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1600" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ05WlhGI585V5ZUsnmEiQ0rhfhgBwS5LtI3rCSIAab8rtcc_PVNxtmyVzmdcodw8CK6m0TE6Ya_xi-ffrQ_4dhVf1lNKXbT-eszjTS9ABUGC5SLlxGLD1fYlFF1-DBZv2kT2BiibdAo/s320/20180805_171135-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #effceb; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 2: Black floral maxi + blush cardi</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEvimG4TqfcBVXJgsJEQKWD7Ny-fRjKbSCUU0BaQIgSg0ORpxTteKq2N23gA2LWeMo4wYyVSIMo5T6LDZp8-2iIE_ijNgHIkvU2ojAVbJ7nvuZXlwkFrmb0OC3-hPo31WjvbS45tO-jE/s1600/20180805_171327-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEvimG4TqfcBVXJgsJEQKWD7Ny-fRjKbSCUU0BaQIgSg0ORpxTteKq2N23gA2LWeMo4wYyVSIMo5T6LDZp8-2iIE_ijNgHIkvU2ojAVbJ7nvuZXlwkFrmb0OC3-hPo31WjvbS45tO-jE/s320/20180805_171327-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #effceb; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 3: blue Peppermint peplum tank, navy cardi, moonphase Gypsum skirt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFqnPprRM5yCevBhSEKu66-HhYwejRcVPUu-nB6vKgnyW2GZUY1BXYwx5JeKL9DpHUk8IRCRGUINyZsJYp2oBT_4hSgnepoK-mdxz7HDGgtdkzgFxAdCMPp4Yjba_AYQR-q0nv8Toq9c/s1600/20180805_171849-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFqnPprRM5yCevBhSEKu66-HhYwejRcVPUu-nB6vKgnyW2GZUY1BXYwx5JeKL9DpHUk8IRCRGUINyZsJYp2oBT_4hSgnepoK-mdxz7HDGgtdkzgFxAdCMPp4Yjba_AYQR-q0nv8Toq9c/s320/20180805_171849-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #effceb; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 4: white Sorbetto tank, blush cardi, copper Gypsum skirt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #effceb; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">(did laundry) NOTE: I messed up my flat lay here with the navy cardi. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-8OcXutcRxYRvtucpaWBArvyjEkxx0zJqt8N8lBet5AzLl2izvHVh8JBsQcusCE4-dkgDSrNNgYWaFOkVb01P2JUUdy_OF7FYnXhOwEHl-_6lIm79OglIMxyj-ZZjitoAYImVvzf628/s1600/20180805_171639-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-8OcXutcRxYRvtucpaWBArvyjEkxx0zJqt8N8lBet5AzLl2izvHVh8JBsQcusCE4-dkgDSrNNgYWaFOkVb01P2JUUdy_OF7FYnXhOwEHl-_6lIm79OglIMxyj-ZZjitoAYImVvzf628/s320/20180805_171639-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #effceb; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 5: black floral maxi over blush tee with blush cardi (cardi not pictured)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNlarNp9JO3WOu7xCND2eNv7YLKtBKx7SlbJ72Jsb6dS1xZysZxfiK6sifRtg83lea1LQTuo3xSieVDdC0eHmxL-hZ2-T5y8d2vdlw9VCzP55LVoBR9yQwypuKHnm6N1lrC0V4fhCbQU/s1600/20180805_172054-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNlarNp9JO3WOu7xCND2eNv7YLKtBKx7SlbJ72Jsb6dS1xZysZxfiK6sifRtg83lea1LQTuo3xSieVDdC0eHmxL-hZ2-T5y8d2vdlw9VCzP55LVoBR9yQwypuKHnm6N1lrC0V4fhCbQU/s320/20180805_172054-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 6: green silk side of the Metamorphic dress with navy cardigan</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZyUaMavzjGgawwficF0CgsQHYIoP4ADcPu6_AC4uOpMzWCIgScelyWKey0DkrwvktiP79J8Aj0NPGhoirB2qmEMC9tX-GNtV_Ot6sdYZzTwZNuPoxrR4hRzoSbELTfTzMvsSr7B0W64/s1600/20180805_171738-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZyUaMavzjGgawwficF0CgsQHYIoP4ADcPu6_AC4uOpMzWCIgScelyWKey0DkrwvktiP79J8Aj0NPGhoirB2qmEMC9tX-GNtV_Ot6sdYZzTwZNuPoxrR4hRzoSbELTfTzMvsSr7B0W64/s320/20180805_171738-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 7: copper paisley Gypsum skirt, pale blue linen peplum tank, blush pink cardi (not pictured)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM0C8sU2d4FSoE1rcod9YcmFYrThW48m11laf2-8CvU9gSxK4Gko5aCh4scdVpcqci3rep6UT4icZyrgWifpgXbD7vh9A6kqlxyepJ0uZ89ogSeJfPTC_V0R4q-JTbwYCIDPj6ValTL4/s1600/20180805_171448-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1593" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM0C8sU2d4FSoE1rcod9YcmFYrThW48m11laf2-8CvU9gSxK4Gko5aCh4scdVpcqci3rep6UT4icZyrgWifpgXbD7vh9A6kqlxyepJ0uZ89ogSeJfPTC_V0R4q-JTbwYCIDPj6ValTL4/s320/20180805_171448-01.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 8: navy cardi, white Sorbetto, moonphase Gypsum skirt</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYdn3gynY4WnhESc9XVPFEnF1ivofkWZQz-zDVKiUygSVdSWT8N-RMS-Y8AIVZQPsB4APufOMqiV86etZ2iELTtS9-37Hb2KD52Juni4yyOrq34bnuK8ZVP4zs2I7X1IzqyBCmJem3JY/s1600/20180805_172218-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYdn3gynY4WnhESc9XVPFEnF1ivofkWZQz-zDVKiUygSVdSWT8N-RMS-Y8AIVZQPsB4APufOMqiV86etZ2iELTtS9-37Hb2KD52Juni4yyOrq34bnuK8ZVP4zs2I7X1IzqyBCmJem3JY/s320/20180805_172218-01.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Day 9: aubergine rayon side of Metamorphic dress with blush pink cardigan</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXUJHa5zo0q91Wz2O46bWL2QzQokGH99Lcxrdb_mwHWO2qF-hWC0K3bv1lCoYL07yCDHWsCE_J2F1eFzIokhQrHcT72LE79ygq8A7CWP9j2zzKD3Wdf7W2-XKJGaZrKy2fYM83PA5d68/s1600/20180805_170847-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXUJHa5zo0q91Wz2O46bWL2QzQokGH99Lcxrdb_mwHWO2qF-hWC0K3bv1lCoYL07yCDHWsCE_J2F1eFzIokhQrHcT72LE79ygq8A7CWP9j2zzKD3Wdf7W2-XKJGaZrKy2fYM83PA5d68/s320/20180805_170847-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "lora" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Day 10: blush tee and copper paisley skirt (with burgundy lace bralette for different look)</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "lora" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">NOTE - I didn't wear the cardi on the last day - it was too hot!</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "lora" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "lora" , serif;">Due to very unhealthy air conditions, I didn't get outside and get action shots of my outfits everyday. I only captured a few on Instagram. The disposable N95 masks are not the greatest fashion accessory.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lora" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VeVyGTuYzuxUPLpmQiCmZZ64vc1U0YtX-W2W9_W4x6ZBzHFVulkx1pumzaQMdyG6lx-C7lXOTrKE2K8RNqH8WtlMWtVr48i9f549ZYmu2k7_GIQwjJ_2ToH-D_daRMrqrABn-IcwEU0/s1600/10x10_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VeVyGTuYzuxUPLpmQiCmZZ64vc1U0YtX-W2W9_W4x6ZBzHFVulkx1pumzaQMdyG6lx-C7lXOTrKE2K8RNqH8WtlMWtVr48i9f549ZYmu2k7_GIQwjJ_2ToH-D_daRMrqrABn-IcwEU0/s320/10x10_1.JPG" width="315" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "lora" , serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "lora" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "lora" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Only slightly more fashionable, but<i> way </i>more comfortable is the <a href="https://www.vogmask.com/" target="_blank">Vogmask</a>. I got a cheetah print one, it's reusable N99 with a charcoal layer too, for ozone. It really sucks that this is a good investment - but it is because some of the fires closest to us are not estimated to be contained until Halloween and that would really add up with the 3M respirator ones. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IjIf2KBwN9-2YlP5Sr4UTeI6RVoRLXar7BbaF5GyCI-2siWYZHj81SrsCZmpIhprbBz6xCmA_Q7YyOinpbSKhLdg_QvnOh_CVLkxtBhniJnQk-41zCiNKwqF09ZuQ7dO2ia2V8cx-3w/s1600/vogmask.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IjIf2KBwN9-2YlP5Sr4UTeI6RVoRLXar7BbaF5GyCI-2siWYZHj81SrsCZmpIhprbBz6xCmA_Q7YyOinpbSKhLdg_QvnOh_CVLkxtBhniJnQk-41zCiNKwqF09ZuQ7dO2ia2V8cx-3w/s320/vogmask.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So - my photos are weak, but my lessons learned were great. I wore all my pieces more than once and never in exactly the same way. I really struggled at times with this challenge and at other times, I felt I could go on much longer with my chosen 10. I had trouble with the heat - not as many interesting or creative layering combinations are possible when it's double digits... but I got into the flow after a couple of days. Part way through, I was having trouble coming up with new combinations and felt like giving up, but I weighed if a different outfit would really make a difference and I decided to press on. I was nervous I would be recognized as wearing the same stuff non-stop at work because I prefer bright and distinct colors/prints. I think the folks who like jeans and neutrals would sneak under the radar undetected longer than I could.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seriously - what's the big deal if you wear the same skirt twice in a work week? As long as your clothes are clean, who cares?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But actually - that brought me to another lesson/question of this challenge: What is the environmental impact of a minimalist wardrobe where you have to wash your few clothes all the time? I have read that <a href="http://theconversation.com/the-dirt-on-clothes-why-washing-less-is-more-sustainable-11531" target="_blank">laundering is a huge problem</a>... so there are a lot of suggestions to wait longer between washes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I tell you what?! - I'm pretty sure that, if you have 5 summer cardigans that you bought for less than $5 each at thrift stores and you are able to cycle them through so you only need to wash them every third or fourth time you wear them, you are probably having a smaller environmental impact than wearing the same sweater 6 times in 10 days and having to hustle together a small load of laundry to wash it and really, really wishing you could wash it a second time around day 8 but only having a tank top to make a whole load... so just going stinky-ish for the last couple days.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://envormation.org/environmental-footprint-of-clothes-washing/" target="_blank">"not fully loading a washing machine has a higher impact on the environment than operating a fully loaded washing machine (per kg of garment washed)"</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I confirmed that I certainly don't need as much as I have - but I truly enjoy and appreciate having more than the bare bones. Inspired by the experience, I did a big clean out - of both my closet and my sewing scraps... The reorg is going well - it's bringing favorite garments to the forefront of my closet for a more cohesive wardrobe and visible places for augmenting... and it also prompted me to organize my making supplies to be more efficient too. I was able to streamline my 4 tubs of various scraps and garments to be upcycled into three. In addition to eliminating a whole big bin of fabric bits, I also got my remaining scraps sorted, with a bin for big yardage for muslins, a bin for garments to be upcycled, and a bin for little scraps for pocket lining, etc - all of my favorite little bits that I really adore and want to use till they vanish completely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Th extra scraps that were way too small or for which I didn't really see a good future were stuffed into this ottoman cover, along with a few old garments that weren't worth donating or fixing. I ordered this from eBay thinking it was actually a pillow, but it's just a pouf-shaped bag with a zipper bottom that is ideal for scrap collecting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3j5spt_mYXdFaELjtv68Y0wUu7sNXK1CB14s4qyQPOE_dreZ2C_C5tOzUYKTs4WYG0M1L3r7pCoP1HerhZUN6KV-Gn_M1q1XI7mhIONo82HjOeHiRBWQP9jVL9BGMdyO5_9uDdCZV5U/s1600/tuffet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="575" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3j5spt_mYXdFaELjtv68Y0wUu7sNXK1CB14s4qyQPOE_dreZ2C_C5tOzUYKTs4WYG0M1L3r7pCoP1HerhZUN6KV-Gn_M1q1XI7mhIONo82HjOeHiRBWQP9jVL9BGMdyO5_9uDdCZV5U/s320/tuffet.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am going to donate this pouf to my church's library where we are creating a comfy lounge area to watch movies. I already ordered another one so I can continue to save all my little fabric scraps over time and donate another ottoman pouf pillow. You could make your own, or order one for about $15-20 on eBay or Amazon (depending on what color you like.) I found that it was so much easier to round up my scraps when I had a place for them to go... so I would recommend either making a cover ahead of time or purchasing one and having it around to fill as you go, rather than trying to save up enough scraps before stuffing... even if it takes a long time, it's a pretty storage container as you are working on filling the pouf!</div>
<br />
Besides the sustainability questions, the biggest lessons I learned came through thinking about the colors that I was wearing a lot and developing wardrobe basics around those colors that can start to tie more distinctive garments together into a wardrobe. For instance, I had no idea that blush pink is so common through my wardrobe and a color I really enjoy wearing.<br />
<br />
Navy, blush, copper, and white were the core of this 10x10 wardrobe. I also incorporated some pale blue, green, deep plum/eggplant purple, and black. I love intense colors, but I also love how my wardrobe is evolving more cohesively - so I think I am going to continue to think carefully and deeply about color, but also enjoy a bigger make/thrift/mend wardrobe.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-4404110203273783312018-07-31T09:11:00.000-07:002018-07-31T09:23:02.464-07:00Summer 10x10!Friday July 27th was the start of the Summer <a href="http://www.stylebee.ca/10-x-10-challenge/" target="_blank">10x10 Challenge</a>.<br />
<br />
I happened to discover it by seeing <a href="https://www.instagram.com/handmadebycarolyn/" target="_blank">Handmade By Carolyn</a>'s post on Instagram of her 10x10. She's a long-time participant in this challenge and I love seeing how she utilizes her handmade wardrobe in new ways on these challenges. Two other 10x10 participants I have admired are Meg from <a href="https://sewliberated.com/products" target="_blank">Sew Liberated patterns</a> and knitwear designer <a href="http://carinaspencer.com/" target="_blank">Carina Spencer</a>. Meg has a <a href="http://blog.mamaliberated.com/sew_liberated/handmade-parade/" target="_blank">great blog post</a> about what she learned from one 10x10and her Instagram photos from different seasons have all been inspiring to me. Especially since she wears a lot of her own patterns and it's so cool to see how creatively she styles them. Another super-inspiring 10x10 that also features Sew Liberated garments (including one of the coolest iterations of the Metamorphic Dress of all time!) is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17921925232098381/" target="_blank">Carina Spencer's Spring 10x10</a>.<br />
<br />
I love these examples that include gorgeous hand-created clothes, knits, and shoes in rich, delicious colors and prints - they are my kind of capsules! Anyone with $$$ can buy a bunch of $200 linen tops in neutral colors and pair them with a $250 designer denim and $300 pairs of shoes and look nicely put together for 10 days... and if that's your jam, that's cool. The standard minimalist fashion color palettes and tropes just don't resonate with me. I like vibrant color, unique items, mixing prints, and no pants please. <br />
<br />
Anyhow, long story longer... Thursday night, when I accidentally discovered the challenge started the very next day, I threw caution into the wind and decided to participate for the very first time. I've been wearing a lot of my new favorites in heavy rotation already, so I thought it would be a fun experiment and might guide future making plans if I realize a hole in my current wardrobe.<br />
<br />
The creators say you can plan you 10 items in 30 minutes & encourage you not to agonize over it... but I got sort of overwhelmed. Here's why.<br />
<br />
I'm going to present at a conference in the middle of this 10 days and I already had an outfit in mind that would have been 3 of the 10 pieces... but none of those items lend themselves to being included in other combinations... so I got stuck on what to choose for the remaining 7 items, until I let go of my preconceived plan. I decided to wear something different to the conference to give myself more flexible pairing options the other 9 days.<br />
<br />
Also - it's crazy hot and smoky these days so I have been wearing light and simple stuff & as little of it as is practical and socially acceptable. When everything just feels gross and exhausting and you want to go swimming instead of get dressed for work, the thrill of combining garments in new ways doesn't feel as alluring as a cooler weather version of the challenge.<br />
<br />
However, once I freed myself from plans, grabbed a bunch of my favorite items and lined them up on my ironing board... I started to get more inspired. I went to bed knowing about half of what I would choose, with an outfit planned for the next morning.<br />
<br />
As the day wore on I mulled over what I wish for from the next 9 days to come and it all started coming together and I actually did chose my final 10 pretty quickly, after 24 hours of contemplation.<br />
<br />
Here's what I chose.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dz2qcnAXvo5vC52qnXrYUdpYTy7nSUqdf2yVX1HcbfE7bobRrfTeVD9xczww8ehhwSBJi5ze-uz38y5tqQWBosRbu91qCf7vgo1W3uRvZOvl5tEDSFPXxsEDbLOvPszSkplmzIhsp_k/s1600/make10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="591" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dz2qcnAXvo5vC52qnXrYUdpYTy7nSUqdf2yVX1HcbfE7bobRrfTeVD9xczww8ehhwSBJi5ze-uz38y5tqQWBosRbu91qCf7vgo1W3uRvZOvl5tEDSFPXxsEDbLOvPszSkplmzIhsp_k/s400/make10.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Summer oxfords (used, ebay)</li>
<li>black floral maxi tank dress (1990's vintage, thrifted + mended)</li>
<li>white Sorbetto tank (memade)</li>
<li>blush pink linen cardigan (thrifted + mended)</li>
<li>navy cotton cardigan (thrifted)</li>
<li>pale blue linen Peppermint peplum tank (memade)</li>
<li>moon phase Gypsum skirt (memade)</li>
<li>copper paisley Gypsum skirt (memade) </li>
<li>blush pink v-neck short sleeve tee (thrifted and mended)</li>
<li>WILDCARD - one thing still to choose as needed</li>
</ol>
What I've worn so far:<br />
Day 1: Blush tee + cardi, copper Gypsum skirt<br />
Day 2: Black floral maxi + blush cardi<br />
Day 3: blue Peppermint peplum tank, navy cardi, moonphase Gypsum skirt<br />
Day 4: white Sorbetto tank, blush cardi, copper Gypsum skirt<br />
(did laundry) <br />
Day 5: black floral maxi over blush tee with blush cardi<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure my wild card item will be my copper/blush Metamorphic dress. I was going to choose it initially but it was SO hot the day I was choosing that I freaked out when I tried it on because it is pretty thick and heavy with two layers of linen.... but now I'm thinking that it will be good for work where it's nicely air-conditioned all day and I'm about ready to cash in the wild card for tomorrow's outfit.<br />
<br />
I have a couple days of photos on Instagram, but it's been so gross with all the smoke and I've been really busy, so I am not going to stress about capturing all the outfits in real-time. Rather, I am going to try my hand a pretty flat lays of all the outfits when I finish up with 'lessons learned' at the end of the 10 days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span> Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-65151167212732595742018-07-24T17:34:00.001-07:002018-07-24T19:26:59.284-07:00Late to the party: summer of basics update. Okay - I said I was, then I said I wasn't ... but now I *finally* have an actual list of Summer of Basics patterns that I want to finish by the end of August, so I'm back in for #summerofbasics2018<br />
<br />
I made my #1 Summer of Basics item earlier this month - the one I was wanting to make for a long time... a black rayon New Look dress. I put it together during my staycation at the beginning of July, but I was really unhappy with the sleeves and neckline, so I remade those a couple weeks later, after thinking through how to fix them. Now I really like it. No pictures yet, though.<br />
<br />
That dress was the only thing I really wanted to plan to make at the time that fell into basics category - everything else was more spontaneous... so I scraped the idea of doing the official challenge and just had fun sewing for the month of July. It turned out to be really productive and I made some good basic pieces in the process too.<br />
<br />
The Gypsum pattern was released and I've made three already - two in crisp cotton prints and one in black lightweight cotton twill.<br />
<br />
First print was a wearable muslin in vintage-looking copper and cream paisley print that I got as a souvenir from a thrift shop on my Oregon Coast weekend at the end of June, the day after the pattern release. As soon as I got home from the trip I printed it out and tested it. I was so happy when the sizing worked out and it was an instant TNT pattern! (I'm wearing it here with the original Sorbetto pattern.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqx8Gw2E836nGHig5bvowTkIDQ4ouBEqcwNYxFgoKneXMb42dwyh-m4x0Rh_jGGqrbu2BuX_Dn5mlyQ7y6Mc5Zad9CZKxHT9SLvcHbuLRf1-GoV-aRzxh5w2Mey5McJ5dVZO5Iem3ZYOc/s1600/gypsum_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="596" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqx8Gw2E836nGHig5bvowTkIDQ4ouBEqcwNYxFgoKneXMb42dwyh-m4x0Rh_jGGqrbu2BuX_Dn5mlyQ7y6Mc5Zad9CZKxHT9SLvcHbuLRf1-GoV-aRzxh5w2Mey5McJ5dVZO5Iem3ZYOc/s400/gypsum_01.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<br />
Second version was the black twill. On this one I did the flat-felled seams and I think the fabric was a little heavy for that... I thought it was a disappointing make at first, so I hung it up and ignored it for a couple weeks. Then last week, I wore it to work with a version of the New Sorbetto and it was quite serviceable as a work skirt, so I like it well enough now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY4w_tbitYmIsThHDEkqTs7dN6D9YgwhEmDSs_gWeNLzaiWVAcKtM6oCPLLFLQY9b_NJu7kGP9EFjBEJ22-Dq5bHQlbQNA6of7K9MbEnZay42KQYIvfuVP4RoMx8InJ-sMDOlaeXpep8/s1600/gypsum_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="482" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfY4w_tbitYmIsThHDEkqTs7dN6D9YgwhEmDSs_gWeNLzaiWVAcKtM6oCPLLFLQY9b_NJu7kGP9EFjBEJ22-Dq5bHQlbQNA6of7K9MbEnZay42KQYIvfuVP4RoMx8InJ-sMDOlaeXpep8/s400/gypsum_02.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The twill was that black fabric I accidentally bought at Joann back in May, thinking I needed it for a project my friend wanted me to make - but then my friend changed plans and I decided to keep the fabric (though they graciously offered to buy it from me so I wasn't out the $). I think part of the reason I didn't like this skirt as much at first is because I felt kind of dumb about accidentally buying new fabric I didn't even really want. There was something healing about turning it into a garment though and once it was made, it started to grow on me. I am very happy the fabric didn't go into a deep stash and never get made into anything & I know I will get a lot of wear out of it. I could have retro-actively counted this as a Summer of Basics item, but that didn't seem quite right.<br />
<br />
The last one is my favorite. Not exactly basic, but I will wear this one a lot. It was totally a random idea - it came to me and I just had to execute it that minute. Luckily I was on staycation and had the time to throw myself into the project and stay up late to finish it.<br />
<br />
I had a sundress cut from this beautiful moonphase fabric a couple of years ago that I never stitched up and then I got bigger and didn't want to make it because I knew it would be too small as it was cut. I was looking through my fabrics after I finished the black skirt and deciding what to make next and I realized that I might have enough to make a Gypsum with the cut pattern pieces if I was careful and clever.<br />
<br />
I had just enough to tetris out a Gypsum and I love it so much more than the dress I was originally planning from it, so I consider that a very serendipitous win! I adore this fabric and I'm so glad I can finally wear it now. Another fabric saved from deep stash doom!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichR1YDcAdajaZXFu8jBfg90dyl5EZANt_PjkiNi2mIV7xw44amqsRCFZDJA-mldJL49BSoQ5l7tHNIDnamLVFXW8wYgmnrvag_zS5gbXZqMMFhlvaCxdoFcT1sNoR_uAxP9D5wky78lg/s1600/gypsum_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="594" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichR1YDcAdajaZXFu8jBfg90dyl5EZANt_PjkiNi2mIV7xw44amqsRCFZDJA-mldJL49BSoQ5l7tHNIDnamLVFXW8wYgmnrvag_zS5gbXZqMMFhlvaCxdoFcT1sNoR_uAxP9D5wky78lg/s400/gypsum_03.JPG" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are a regular reader (which I am pretty sure no one is!) you may have seen my previous post about the Peppermint Peplum Top. I'm wearing a remade crop version of that with this skirt - It is all wrinkly because it is linen... but it fits and flatters much better than my original. I took an inch in at the side seams, cut some volume out of both the width and length of the ruffle, and ended up with something I actually like that works really well with Gypsum. (Still think it would be better in a drapier fabric, if I ever make it again, though.)<br />
<br />
So why all the Gypsum updates in the middle of a Summer of Basics update? Well.... because a chambray Gypsum is my #2 Summer of Basics item!<br />
<br />
I have had the fabric in my stash for a few years, so it's yet another deep stash clean-out and I think it will be a great basic addition to my wardrobe. I really like chambray and denim skirts, but I don't have a good one right now. My old chambray Kelly and Dot Chambray Brumby are too small and have considerable wear even if they did fit. I had a thrifted RTW chambray skirt that I was wearing to take their place, but the fit has always been a little off (too big in the waist and a little too short for my taste in work skirts) so decided to donate it & make myself one that I really like... so yeah, dark chambray Gypsym, here we come!<br />
<br />
And... my #3 Summer of Basics make came to me quite by surprise while at a work conference in Arcata last week. There is a really lovely independent fabric store in downtown Arcata called Fabric Temptations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxG2WullQhxfB3EKBknX92FX_1jk2MQYtD5ZhYietWvoKjae_Oq1FUAG_beqPk__QN6rKS6Us3aEek2MZ9VVmxhwveDvsMrdYjcf3jjzxrY-rPI9alsnstjYTysXi3x7twsOsx1i3HVE/s1600/fabric+temptations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="596" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxG2WullQhxfB3EKBknX92FX_1jk2MQYtD5ZhYietWvoKjae_Oq1FUAG_beqPk__QN6rKS6Us3aEek2MZ9VVmxhwveDvsMrdYjcf3jjzxrY-rPI9alsnstjYTysXi3x7twsOsx1i3HVE/s400/fabric+temptations.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I got to go there and they had a lot of paper Indie Patterns. I wanted to get one, so I picked the Scout Tee. I have always heard wonderful things about Grainline patterns and I had been disappointed with the sleeved version of the Sorbetto, but really interested in a woven tee... so I decided it would be a useful choice. I got some super-soft striped cotton lawn for the pattern, but I have to make a muslin first.<br />
<br />
I recently picked up a jacquard-weave white cotton sheet at a thrift store for muslins, so I am going to use that to make a plain white tee. With a whole sheet, I can even muslin more than once, if needed to get the perfect fit & have a new TNT tee pattern, while also making the most classic basic of all time. What is more basic that a plain white tee?!<br />
<br />
So here it is - an LBD, a chambray skirt (which is about as close as I get to jeans most of the time) and a plain white tee. Super basics!!!!!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-51855547678411318962018-07-16T16:00:00.000-07:002018-07-16T16:47:14.626-07:00In the Folds Peplum Tank from Peppermint Magazine (Make Nine)It's been a while since I blogged. In between doing some traveling, I've been sewing a lot but have not had much motivation to get out and take pictures, as it is over 100 degrees most days now. I do have a little post I can scrape together today, though - with some photos from the end of June of one of my Make Nine patterns... an <a href="http://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/peplum-top/" target="_blank">In the Folds Peplum tank</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrAGuMu10zocve45tKHt3wApGt917BYaL8wy6md7qP4cOzqdSzx1kvKw_RmVDu1vg_wPm3pezbpTec9US2et4mSE_4LwKay1fYfiqI6SD467qVO6AlL8LhZVa_OeJVBA8QKNBnPROauo/s1600/peplum+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1299" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrAGuMu10zocve45tKHt3wApGt917BYaL8wy6md7qP4cOzqdSzx1kvKw_RmVDu1vg_wPm3pezbpTec9US2et4mSE_4LwKay1fYfiqI6SD467qVO6AlL8LhZVa_OeJVBA8QKNBnPROauo/s320/peplum+2.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a popular one on Instagram & it's free! It looks cute & flattering on lots of body types and I've been drawn to that peplum style top since seeing them on some modest clothing RTW sites (<a href="https://cladandcloth.com/" target="_blank">Clad + Cloth</a> and <a href="https://www.piperandscoot.com/" target="_blank">Piper & Scoot</a>). I thought I might really love this style.<br />
<br />
I actually don't love it.<br />
<br />
My lack of love is two-fold. One, the fit is not good. I foolishly cut the pattern looking at the body measurements and not the finished measurements and there is a lot more ease in this pattern than I would have liked. I cut for the 40" bust and the finished measurement for that is 43.5. To me, this is too much ease for a tank because it makes for some baggy armholes<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>. </u></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZNhF0SSzXwpwzvOFNFfnBXzVma48C9eIaa2aDflXuIHIpFWeXIM6asKoZ_zQdGGNajHex4uMVlXiG2ixvi2XROT6ZFXN2u7mgtF8E4zKxlGDp1ARTLW_V5iTYP2gGo5W9qECfJD76fM/s1600/peplum+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyZNhF0SSzXwpwzvOFNFfnBXzVma48C9eIaa2aDflXuIHIpFWeXIM6asKoZ_zQdGGNajHex4uMVlXiG2ixvi2XROT6ZFXN2u7mgtF8E4zKxlGDp1ARTLW_V5iTYP2gGo5W9qECfJD76fM/s320/peplum+side.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
My other issue is just that this style in this fabric is really unflattering on me. It is a linen/cotton blend I salvaged from some drapes I got at by-the-pound. The crisp linen is pretty boxy and tends to stick out away from the body like a tent. I was imaging it as a top to layer over skirts with a nod to Mori style... however the top sticks out and looks goofy instead of layering well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfvcXrEeNFpSlmau7tMvEbPGmBiWSR8jwo2ftmReVPE_2L6oQR-oP9aPjUFb8Ket6iDj21UHB4LoDx89pylch3Nrp-dkqu8jUcc6INO3tZ-o3QxKCiOiQtktcXX8b_z_9EPpMS4RCZi4/s1600/peplum+back2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfvcXrEeNFpSlmau7tMvEbPGmBiWSR8jwo2ftmReVPE_2L6oQR-oP9aPjUFb8Ket6iDj21UHB4LoDx89pylch3Nrp-dkqu8jUcc6INO3tZ-o3QxKCiOiQtktcXX8b_z_9EPpMS4RCZi4/s320/peplum+back2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
When I modelled the finished top for my husband, I wore it over a midi-length skirt. My husband is my biggest fan when it comes to my me-made wardrobe and he is usually vociferously positive about my new makes. With this one, I was met with an awkwardly long silence accompanied by a slightly confused/pained expression. He finally said - "Well... it's really interesting - is it a top? I think it could be nice, but definitely don't wear it with a skirt." So I tried it with jeans instead & he liked it much better.<br />
<br />
I think this top is designed to go with pants more than skirts. It seemed to make sense with jeans, but I felt uncomfortable with this pairing because I feel vulnerable having my hips exposed... usually if I wear jeans, I wear a longer tunic or short dress over them. I just feel a little self conscious and naked.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVlS5AnSz2xl5Uoj28npUIDXlBJpxlS1m3tCmlyHYKFF03kGOmeVWCG8Xvk7m2RDO7TKZkQUR0cgais-10G-6J5cx87bDBbeqBFPozuTX34cRhPA_R4Bt1Fu9zRz_RDGsbhyphenhyphenTW-jOm6E/s1600/peplum+4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1261" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVlS5AnSz2xl5Uoj28npUIDXlBJpxlS1m3tCmlyHYKFF03kGOmeVWCG8Xvk7m2RDO7TKZkQUR0cgais-10G-6J5cx87bDBbeqBFPozuTX34cRhPA_R4Bt1Fu9zRz_RDGsbhyphenhyphenTW-jOm6E/s400/peplum+4.jpeg" width="315" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fitting issues aside, I do like the shape of the back. I could see scraping the idea of a peplum top, but still refining the fit of the top part in order to use it as the bodice of a tank dress. I even thought of sewing another tier of ruffle onto this one in a blue and white pinstripe fabric to turn it into a dress. The extra fabric might weigh it down and tame it - but it could also do the opposite and become even more tent-like and unflattering. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWebKDjzR20fUpGxBVwzaxMZxX4BKlLt2ijrIOBeOfU8xPe2wFmNtVf75MQFwuURqYqlWWlqUXI2hnqkeYPv7A-GTjUeCgNyyqHKp_cQBHim0A7-2osFu1r2Lkp2L93fhQ09Qq9EPaBik/s1600/peplum+back.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1292" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWebKDjzR20fUpGxBVwzaxMZxX4BKlLt2ijrIOBeOfU8xPe2wFmNtVf75MQFwuURqYqlWWlqUXI2hnqkeYPv7A-GTjUeCgNyyqHKp_cQBHim0A7-2osFu1r2Lkp2L93fhQ09Qq9EPaBik/s320/peplum+back.jpeg" width="264" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I haven't worn this out and about yet - if I don't fix it somehow, I think it's destined to be worn only around the house and garden. I'm not sure if it would be worth refining the fitting issues, due to the greater style issue that makes it not a very useful garment for me. I think making it in a smaller size with a softer draping fabric could make a better version - but I think I'll try the Odgen Cami before I do that. I also still have the Sorbetto TNT woven tank pattern too. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All in all, it was a good Make Nine experiment - I'm glad I made it, but I think I can stop coveting peplum tops now and get on with other making projects. </div>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-63128913618674940202018-06-28T12:58:00.000-07:002018-06-28T13:26:28.562-07:00Metamorphic Dress #2.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsYLatpwoHW842TJ0zAQhjcQL1OVw6KZtkkXB-chMpBfF9kasjLZdVwyt5l9HM1mK6YeHZ6_-aKQdGSmXqBfIW0Cs6OkP9ecEtAok1iO5sYCIkcOB_S9OMHYAJdZaG56fehfN-1ll2S8/s1600/meta_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsYLatpwoHW842TJ0zAQhjcQL1OVw6KZtkkXB-chMpBfF9kasjLZdVwyt5l9HM1mK6YeHZ6_-aKQdGSmXqBfIW0Cs6OkP9ecEtAok1iO5sYCIkcOB_S9OMHYAJdZaG56fehfN-1ll2S8/s400/meta_collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I finished my second <a href="https://sewliberated.com/products/reversible-metamorphic-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Metamorphic Dress</a> last weekend and it was love-at-first-make. I've worn it three times already and I was beyond amazed, honored, and surprised to see that Meg of <a href="https://sewliberated.com/" target="_blank">Sew Liberated</a> featured it on her pattern release email for the <a href="https://sewliberated.com/products/gypsum-skirt-pdf-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Gypsum skirt</a> (which I'd bought before I even scrolled down and noticed my picture in the email! She's having a pattern sale: GYPSUMPARTY will give 30% off all her patterns to celebrate the release!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kZhnX06y1sqjH81wUcXBuUig0-tVwxcTR74wQ68WOThvrBKInwCY19qAMW4HhDY7rWsrb85MpnW5EL27J_rgaLUCU-5AATJlboAbvUVMQ4-gl_kapAD4gley6eu6JcsxslsH9Rxxhx0/s1600/sew+liberated+feature02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="554" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kZhnX06y1sqjH81wUcXBuUig0-tVwxcTR74wQ68WOThvrBKInwCY19qAMW4HhDY7rWsrb85MpnW5EL27J_rgaLUCU-5AATJlboAbvUVMQ4-gl_kapAD4gley6eu6JcsxslsH9Rxxhx0/s400/sew+liberated+feature02.JPG" width="338" /></a></div>
The Gypsum skirt is top of my making list for my staycation next week - I plan to make a test version and at least one more with fancy fabric - though deciding which fancy version to make first will be hard because I have several fabrics in my stash that I am imagining as Gypsum skirts already.<br />
<br />
I love the way that Meg has styled it in her Instagram photos leading up to the pattern release, as well as the versions made by the testers. It is equally beautiful in neutrals and prints, in drapy fabrics and crisper linens and cottons. So many options... seems like a good candidate for a TNT pattern. <br />
<br />
But enough about future sewing for now... let me talk about how much I adore my Metamorphic Dress!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9AY7gxicG9ySinlxPIZx-gRkLY7wfGG0NiNL7ITVCom2Us5rMx9ZxnSIY1EOyWcb72ktFxn_LK0kPqGl4ev-R8Ukf3yM3T-8_V9JTerrT-PVfmKgVMD4QbQ-T9y-NGl6x-sOmKRsijk/s1600/MetaB_02.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9AY7gxicG9ySinlxPIZx-gRkLY7wfGG0NiNL7ITVCom2Us5rMx9ZxnSIY1EOyWcb72ktFxn_LK0kPqGl4ev-R8Ukf3yM3T-8_V9JTerrT-PVfmKgVMD4QbQ-T9y-NGl6x-sOmKRsijk/s320/MetaB_02.JPG.jpeg" width="303" /></a></div>
I made a small adjustment to the bodice from the first time around. I graded from a size 8 in the shoulders to a 14 in the bust, instead of a 10. It really did the trick to keep the loose style of the design but prevent the shoulder fit issues <a href="http://thistleandbean.blogspot.com/2018/06/metamorphic-muslin-summer-of-basics.html" target="_blank">I wrote about with the first one</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD7qC7XsMs-MWVNsGEcY-D2yPeehJycRPaKEWEztcSRQ4_s0KxRkqruNkpgkfMISFMCeFbBbMroGDwY1qxZ8NpKg1g_S6xfTp0cSrrnVFA-xDv54vzMnSSlBRMdbO5Wl_dXmJipXIiXM/s1600/metaA_02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="1014" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZD7qC7XsMs-MWVNsGEcY-D2yPeehJycRPaKEWEztcSRQ4_s0KxRkqruNkpgkfMISFMCeFbBbMroGDwY1qxZ8NpKg1g_S6xfTp0cSrrnVFA-xDv54vzMnSSlBRMdbO5Wl_dXmJipXIiXM/s640/metaA_02.jpeg" width="482" /></a></div>
I made the underdress from cognac-colored linen/cotton blend that I found at a thrift store (6 yards for $8) and the over dress from a vintage linen table cloth that I dyed with onion skin and iron mordant. It's a soft blush pink that is really gorgeous. The fabric had a woven jacquard of leaves, flowers, and grapes - so it has a lot of subtle texture that I just love. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7E7Es5Sb7Jfiyx8JzuqS6RlK1EP_f8ykXKJqvTXtUIer3hiAvIVgtuY-4Or98_qUitzQt_qRb0qH5OmG_cIuSRDN48utAs14lJPKGm1-sQzHtNhBJ5WIAfgHg_wT78m6zIsoWXVsUnew/s1600/MetaB_03.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="384" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7E7Es5Sb7Jfiyx8JzuqS6RlK1EP_f8ykXKJqvTXtUIer3hiAvIVgtuY-4Or98_qUitzQt_qRb0qH5OmG_cIuSRDN48utAs14lJPKGm1-sQzHtNhBJ5WIAfgHg_wT78m6zIsoWXVsUnew/s400/MetaB_03.JPG.jpeg" width="291" /></a></div>
It's extra-special because my husband saved all these onion skins for me (he does the day-to-day cooking at our house) and he feels a special connection to the fabric too. He lovingly calls it "the onion dress" and it really makes me smile that he likes it so much.<br />
<br />
The only other changes to the pattern that I made were to cut the size 24 skirt to gather into the bodice so I didn't have to worry about fitting my hips and to put the patch pockets on the brown dress and the inseam pockets on the blush overdress instead of how it is designed. I just thought those styles of pockets better suited the fabrics.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p43fBDkELlyOq9gsLrrqP7QlXfe19EZpOLukPV1bxqiA3S367Q2cdJB04VDmP_oCvfhFsIuZ2scAYTWoejnFvOpkKbKPSLzyNEAao_whp26HxyoqbOJe3VI4fPKNMQ3jD4DgSzZjgpQ/s1600/MetaB_04.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1383" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2p43fBDkELlyOq9gsLrrqP7QlXfe19EZpOLukPV1bxqiA3S367Q2cdJB04VDmP_oCvfhFsIuZ2scAYTWoejnFvOpkKbKPSLzyNEAao_whp26HxyoqbOJe3VI4fPKNMQ3jD4DgSzZjgpQ/s400/MetaB_04.JPG.jpeg" width="345" /></a></div>
Because this version is true love and the Gypsum Skirt was just released, which also recommends silk noil... I've decided to use the olive and hand-dyed noils I had planned for a Metamorphic Dress #3 for a Gypsum Skirt instead. I do still want to make a drapey version of the Metamorphic dress, but I am thinking of some rayons in my collection for now.<br />
<br />
Long story short - I absolutely love this dress. Love the small fitting adjustments and I plan to make several more versions.<br />
<br />
In addition to the weekend I finished it (when I took the dress with me on an overnight out of town and wore one side Saturday and the other side Sunday) I also wore it to work the following Wednesday with the cognac side out, as a pinafore over a navy and white striped tee. I love it both as a sundress and a jumper or pinafore. It is such a fun and versatile pattern. <br />
<br />
Incidentally, I'm quite happy that pinafores seem to be trendy again. Helen's Closet came out with the <a href="https://helenscloset.ca/product/york-pinafore-pdf-pattern/" target="_blank">York Pinafore</a>, Jennifer Lauren has the <a href="http://www.jenniferlaurenvintage.com/2016/10/introducing-ivy-pinafore-dress-sewing.html" target="_blank">Ivy Pinafore</a>, and I see lots of new makes of Tilly and the Buttons <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2016/11/introducing-cleo.html" target="_blank">Cleo Pinafore</a> lately, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gabberdashery/" target="_blank">@gabberdashery</a> wears so many cute makes of <a href="https://kwiksew.mccall.com/k4138" target="_blank">Kwiksew 4138 </a>that I bought the pattern myself during Me Made May. <br />
<br />
I've always loved jumpers and pinafores, but they do seem to be having a fashion moment these days so I am going to take advantage of that.<br />
<br />
Happy Sewing!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-47906215502356795332018-06-26T14:57:00.003-07:002018-06-26T15:49:23.470-07:00Body Positivity, Body Liberation, and SewingCracking the code on my half-elasticated skirt seems to have cracked open something in my feelings about my body in relation to sewing. I felt so happy to figure out how to make a skirt that I feel comfortable in, mind, body, and heart-wise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR_yECMqF9eVq_nYLGt6h4qgx-QcMW_bI8idw3BPSBsxfkVlOoGtTR70-PqUgf9g8V27axQA3805hCcqmKHJjmC4QBMQG-X0Ti6ZMVXDH-SmM81a9hhCn4H99qYXFHfCIE4DVT2OH7BM/s1600/curvy_post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="591" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR_yECMqF9eVq_nYLGt6h4qgx-QcMW_bI8idw3BPSBsxfkVlOoGtTR70-PqUgf9g8V27axQA3805hCcqmKHJjmC4QBMQG-X0Ti6ZMVXDH-SmM81a9hhCn4H99qYXFHfCIE4DVT2OH7BM/s400/curvy_post.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been having trouble knowing how to be with my body, since it changed rapidly from September to December of last year. As a sewist, this is particularly troublesome because we must know our bodies to sew for our bodies. Suddenly, I didn't know my bra size, I didn't know for sure my bust/waist/hips any more. I had to learn how to do an FBA for the first time. I sized out of some pattern companies' designs in the hips. I felt dysphoric in one place that has been a source of confidence in the past and have really struggled with these feelings.<br />
<br />
In the process of documenting my sewing in 2018, I've struggled with how to talk about my body. I felt ashamed to start blogging again when my last round of steady blogging in 2016, I was about 30 pounds less. I felt like I had to joke or apologize or explain or hide the fact that my body has changed... but I also felt guilty for it being a big deal to me because I often read from other women how hard it is when people who are smaller talk about their own issues with their bodies... and there are myriad other ways that bodies and corporeality create and sustain oppression that I will never have to face. The last thing I ever want to do is make anyone else feel bad about their own bodies in writing about my own body, nor do I want to gloss over the intersectionality of corporeal experience and privilege.<br />
<br />
When I posted a picture on Instagram of my new skirt, I put the hashtag bodypositivity on it. That skirt made me feel so much better on so many levels - because I made something that worked for my body and I felt successful, flattered, and comfortable again in a me-made skirt... a garment that was giving me a lot of trouble lately that used to be a TNT for me. Posting that hashtag felt really good - but it also made me think of ways that I have struggled and times that I have not been positive or kind to my body. <br />
<br />
I just had a change of heart about talking about my body and sewing in that moment. Since then, I've read a ton of posts on the Curvy Sewing Collective and other blogs. One quote from <a href="http://curvysewingcollective.com/sharing-your-makes-how-to-create-a-safe-space-for-yourself-on-the-internet/" target="_blank">a post on the Curvy Sewing Collective</a> by Mary Rockcastle of <a href="https://sablecraft.com/" target="_blank">Sablecraft</a> stood out to me so much.<br />
<br />
<i>It is a necessity that I find a lot of people overlook in the sewing
community: it is essential in order to participate in the online union
of seamstresses we must share our bodies online, sometimes in intimate
ways. In order for others to truly appreciate our work and
accomplishments they must study the way our clothes fit our bodies and
thus our bodies themselves. I can think of no other semblance of women
that invite strangers on the internet to look closely at the fit of our
clothes, but we seamstresses are daring and brave.</i><br />
<br />
It truly can feel really vulnerable and challenging to share your body with other sewists online. There's no hiding. When writing about fitting - I often feel a nervous compulsion to try to try to excuse or apologize for my size, joke about my body shape, or compare myself to a fruit - but here's the real T.<br />
<br />
I am almost 5'2". I currently measure 39 bust, 33 waist, 51 low hips. That's an 18" difference between waist and hips, which is my greatest fitting challenge... I am always looking for styles that accommodate this size difference (Size 14 in the waist and 24 in my current favorite pattern company's size chart). My other major fitting challenge that I deal with on nearly all tops and dresses now, is that I have narrow shoulders compared to my bust. 15" from shoulder to shoulder, across the back, so a lot of necklines are too broad and slip off my shoulders.<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>I am not a pear, a spoon, a bell, or an upward triangle.</b> <b> </b><br />
<b>I am a person.</b><i><b> </b></i><br />
<b>These are the measurements of the canvas with which I work to make garments. </b><br />
<b>No one else has the exact same measurements I do - I am unique, as we all are.</b><br />
<b>Sometimes I feel comfortable in my own skin and sometimes I feel uncomfortable. </b><br />
<b>Sometimes I feel beautiful and sometimes I don't.</b><br />
<b>Sometimes I love my body, sometimes I don't.</b><br />
<b>All of this is valid and human. </b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1Pb2PSsGRFn1gYUj_teOxzUGwmqHU2WWO3pX-3t4Dg_neyGiI-yCWvnQZID57-pfe_i2Qan15M6qxqb-ySFY9esjQmgHDAYU5LL9fwcQepo77mmj8RN4qq8cgonxB13MBzVjP9Td3FA/s1600/curvy_joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="590" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1Pb2PSsGRFn1gYUj_teOxzUGwmqHU2WWO3pX-3t4Dg_neyGiI-yCWvnQZID57-pfe_i2Qan15M6qxqb-ySFY9esjQmgHDAYU5LL9fwcQepo77mmj8RN4qq8cgonxB13MBzVjP9Td3FA/s640/curvy_joy.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't post this before because I felt self-conscious when I saw the photo of this me-made Sorbetto... even though I was happy in the moment it was taken. This is me. Flattering or unflattering - I like this picture because I know I was happy in that moment. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
How we talk about our bodies has a lot to do with our relationship to body positivity and peace.<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.themilitantbaker.com/2018/06/why-ive-chosen-body-liberation-over.html" target="_blank">blog</a> that one of my friends recently reposted on Instagram really spoke to me as my mind is shifting around being more open and patient with myself - it talks about body liberation vs. body love.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.themilitantbaker.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">Jes</a> from <a href="http://www.themilitantbaker.com/" target="_blank">The Militant Baker</a> writes:</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What I have come to realize, though, is
that asking someone to achieve body love can quickly become another
unattainable prerequisite, much like the desire to change our body into
what is deemed desirable.</span> </span></i><br />
<br />
This resonated so much because I feel like it's stressful to process all the emotions around your body and the expectation that you are always loving your body may put too much focus on the body as an aesthetic battlefield instead of getting past anxiety and negativity surrounding body issues.<br />
<br />
She also writes:<br />
<i>"Liberation is freedom from </i>all<i> outside expectations, even our
own. Liberation is not having to love your body all the time. Liberation
is not asking permission to be included in society’s ideal of beauty.
Liberation is bucking the concept of beauty as currency altogether.
Liberation is recognizing the systemic issues that surround us and
acknowledging that perhaps we’re not able to fix them all on our own.
Liberation is personally giving ourselves permission to live life."</i><br />
<br />
The word "Liberation" speaks to me so strongly and it has really shifted something in me to be able to write and think and sew more honestly, more freely, with less expectation, fear, or shame. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZc-HS_3TIVsk-ynq9ZM5Y2f6nVNGxPEgZZCKm1S1hwlJXCy-kbfss6PM5tZQi2xf5pMyStYxUnQpxiSiyI1QFuXkPQTvLxazm1Ssimg-rdrRec3gLHv0Vl1pr_TYDuUWdaOA75_Nc1Y/s1600/metamorphic_cuvy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="590" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZc-HS_3TIVsk-ynq9ZM5Y2f6nVNGxPEgZZCKm1S1hwlJXCy-kbfss6PM5tZQi2xf5pMyStYxUnQpxiSiyI1QFuXkPQTvLxazm1Ssimg-rdrRec3gLHv0Vl1pr_TYDuUWdaOA75_Nc1Y/s640/metamorphic_cuvy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-62552170492116716642018-06-22T17:30:00.000-07:002018-06-23T10:29:42.925-07:00you'll only find love if you stop looking... Half-Elasticated Skirt edition.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxpJrqMYrfrSATbBs2g2X7gi4Js1vCy4iuVzaaBFwLykqz9r0kirlC9F-mHSNE8wENOSfxGp9YZObC6QBxGgboi6WFiVXt1UR_BREHHCzHJjDjxEJ3tW8nPG-FISIe_TZj9ngIywkNSs/s1600/Kebly01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1550" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxpJrqMYrfrSATbBs2g2X7gi4Js1vCy4iuVzaaBFwLykqz9r0kirlC9F-mHSNE8wENOSfxGp9YZObC6QBxGgboi6WFiVXt1UR_BREHHCzHJjDjxEJ3tW8nPG-FISIe_TZj9ngIywkNSs/s400/Kebly01.jpeg" width="387" /></a></div>
So a few weeks ago, near the end of Me-Made-May, I made a mash-up of the Megan Neilsen <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Liesl-Co-LC005ES-Everyday-Pattern/dp/B00XJOS15A" target="_blank">Brumby</a> and <a href="https://megannielsen.com/collections/bottoms/products/kelly-skirt-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Kelly</a> skirt patterns. I like the deeper pockets and gathered waist of the Brumby, but the button front of the Kelly. I also wanted to try the more a-line shape of the Midi-Length Brumby because I thought it would give my pear-shaped figure a little more room to breathe.<br />
<br />
It's 100% linen, so it's always kind of rumpled, even though I ironed it in the morning before work... but I don't mind at all - I really love a lot of things about this skirt.<br />
<br />
I tried a new construction method, based on a couple of things - one, a waistband construction that I learned when making my sadly unwearable <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Liesl-Co-LC005ES-Everyday-Pattern/dp/B00XJOS15A" target="_blank">Liesel + Co Everyday Skirt</a> muslin (That was also just blogged about <a href="https://lladybird.com/2018/06/18/oal2018-belt-loops-waistband/" target="_blank">for pants on Lladybird's blog</a>) where you sew the right side of the waistband to the wrong side of the skirt on the inside and flip it outward, to get a smooth finish on both sides. PS - I am completely in love with this method! <br />
<br />
I had so wanted that Everyday Skirt to be a TNT pattern because I have some RTW half-elasticated waist skirts that I love & had failed a <a href="http://annaelizabethmade.blogspot.com/2013/04/favorite-skirt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> of making my own pretty badly too, due to my extreme pearness.<br />
<br />
So I decided to give up on half-elastic and think of other ways to make a forgiving skirt for my new size, since I've gained weight. I had read a Cashmerette blog post on <a href="https://blog.cashmerette.com/2017/01/what-to-sew-when-your-weight-fluctuates.html" target="_blank">"What to sew when your weight fluctuates?"</a> that talked about sewing wider seam allowances and the comments to this post suggested sewing the back and front of skirts separately - which is exactly how the half-elasticated patterns are put together...<br />
<br />
I tried it, but I think that front/back with wide seam allowances approach only works for straight seams, like a rectangle dirndl - not the gathered waist a-line shape of the pattern I was using... the gathers bunched up in an awkward way when I tried to sew a wide seam allowance, so I sewed it regular 5/8" + ended up with a skirt that was way too big. Like 6" too big.<br />
<br />
I unpicked the back waistband, cut it smaller and gathered the fabric more tightly to take some of the extra ease out. It was better, but still sitting low on my waist. I wore it to work a couple of times, but was worried about my tummy showing between my top and waistband, so I set it aside until last week when I had an epiphany.<br />
<br />
I had been waiting till I had the patience and time to unpick/recut the waist and attempt to gather even more tightly when I realized, I could just unpick the waist side seam and add elastic!!!! I only wanted to take about 2-3 inches out of the back half and the elastic could do just that by sewing a channel for elastic in the back waistband piece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQKX4vvROyYg7YdDntLvm93_ybwYCb5M4jfte5FKObhh1RcmrtKzYbCUqt7qrEvuOKEabgSKtTwSC_HacFVipG8-EcJ6yLtswcIjNDAk52ehAoOPF6R69RU9Oi2gztagxywwI9jOmv94/s1600/Kelby02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="878" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQKX4vvROyYg7YdDntLvm93_ybwYCb5M4jfte5FKObhh1RcmrtKzYbCUqt7qrEvuOKEabgSKtTwSC_HacFVipG8-EcJ6yLtswcIjNDAk52ehAoOPF6R69RU9Oi2gztagxywwI9jOmv94/s320/Kelby02.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
It worked!!! Rather than having to gather up several times its length in fabric, which is what was happening with the previous skirts I tried making... this elastic is only being asked to take up a small amount of slack... but it makes a world of difference to having a polished, yet comfortable and forgiving skirt. I love it & it's not particularly obvious like it was with those other attempts.<br />
<br />
I think the real key with hips so much larger than waist is to make a skirt that it just a little too big and cinch it a few inches with the buttons in the front to get it on and off, rather than asking the elastic to do too much work to create the shape of the garment. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tJmz9sTNKppjCGswJISydvMbStGPXhwA5zEoq-AMR0we235JiLEXLU01E41l8pPKRmt-n7YgNwDxzTNTZndWyq6dixUb1MmNWBWrDE-Y4mDRRY-WrwNbCEcqHDF3kQs_6PqVXuRJN0I/s1600/kelby03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1148" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tJmz9sTNKppjCGswJISydvMbStGPXhwA5zEoq-AMR0we235JiLEXLU01E41l8pPKRmt-n7YgNwDxzTNTZndWyq6dixUb1MmNWBWrDE-Y4mDRRY-WrwNbCEcqHDF3kQs_6PqVXuRJN0I/s400/kelby03.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love all the buttons - I've really been loving the slower parts of slow fashion and just savoring the details - 12 buttons? Yes please! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w9xbeEFihiVvIo6pCadafL_ySUxGEvND6v6fJtcrWiO1QNzYTatoB1Xu1yTB6iEAfN-NBRKksRuul60hRdzt66yifreevoey03OccBSiEvgCMwIKbv_Em-_6IYMaCZguNRDYEPvk0_U/s1600/20180622_130458_Burst01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w9xbeEFihiVvIo6pCadafL_ySUxGEvND6v6fJtcrWiO1QNzYTatoB1Xu1yTB6iEAfN-NBRKksRuul60hRdzt66yifreevoey03OccBSiEvgCMwIKbv_Em-_6IYMaCZguNRDYEPvk0_U/s400/20180622_130458_Burst01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's a good picture of the skirt and silly picture of my face... why did I end up in the banking and finance section of the library to take selfies on my lunch hour? So boring - I guess that's why it was totally empty and I could geek out in peace... however it shows on my face as I am contemplating these titles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Bg-Pfuy5DAnzHtz2jF0StXLFahJK_oB77dsps0dB_Y5JRP5Aw0lBWafP9BaaeoFcfcnSK1TpW6R_sztT4hmsJHLesPbA3j_o3MRQtGRTMzAn0O9mR1RVelg02RA9m4cQsQ2wBoIlwDg/s1600/kelby04.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="695" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Bg-Pfuy5DAnzHtz2jF0StXLFahJK_oB77dsps0dB_Y5JRP5Aw0lBWafP9BaaeoFcfcnSK1TpW6R_sztT4hmsJHLesPbA3j_o3MRQtGRTMzAn0O9mR1RVelg02RA9m4cQsQ2wBoIlwDg/s640/kelby04.jpeg" width="564" /></a></div>
Also wearing new shoes today - I went to the doctor and got a "medically stable" status on my ankle and she said I can stop wearing boots all the time, but still have to wear "supportive shoes" for 6 months... so no sandals, flipflops, wedges, or ballet flats for the whole summer. Sadness.<br />
<br />
I bought myself these oxfords to console myself. They're a sort of distressed shiny copper color with open cut-outs... the closest I can get to summer shoes this summer. I actually really like them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTEzv23lrmjH48ejNu3RlrPVsZdRPg7JjvYLXs4UkvdgkseNrk7nCgpD3fV8yRNH8X21GBxMQYn-v-yZMJx8iRpjbkTEy172nPYwB-WMNtRCZoTCZlTZzpwR1Owu3nBlmWL9gFQax_mg/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTEzv23lrmjH48ejNu3RlrPVsZdRPg7JjvYLXs4UkvdgkseNrk7nCgpD3fV8yRNH8X21GBxMQYn-v-yZMJx8iRpjbkTEy172nPYwB-WMNtRCZoTCZlTZzpwR1Owu3nBlmWL9gFQax_mg/s320/shoes.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
Happy to make one of my <a href="https://luckylucille.com/2017/12/2018-make-nine/" target="_blank">Make Nine</a> items work for me and I look forward to making more of these skirts - slowly making headway toward TNT status. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-41803724752556894472018-06-19T12:48:00.000-07:002018-06-19T22:43:02.598-07:00Metamorphic Muslin + summer of basics musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhjG_vukLCa57Y0AkEZnVGcAyVcPU2O5w_Porhdxk2YoNIFtVtF1PC4SnMHJ1Y4UsLrSb7-w1aktBTkdQLuyg2nfHB1Z4Yewrvj6184FwGWz5x1K4fN5uyIPBHs_KabliKkyqvvWDfxI/s1600/metamorphic08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="788" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhjG_vukLCa57Y0AkEZnVGcAyVcPU2O5w_Porhdxk2YoNIFtVtF1PC4SnMHJ1Y4UsLrSb7-w1aktBTkdQLuyg2nfHB1Z4Yewrvj6184FwGWz5x1K4fN5uyIPBHs_KabliKkyqvvWDfxI/s400/metamorphic08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I made a wearable muslin of the <a href="http://sewliberated.com/products/reversible-metamorphic-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern">Sew Liberated Metamorphic dress.</a> It's on my <a href="https://luckylucille.com/2017/12/2018-make-nine/">Make Nine 2018</a> list and I am already planning 2 more versions... so I think it's on it's way to being a TNT pattern.<br />
<br />
I really like it the wearable muslin. I was so excited to share with the <a href="http://www.hungryhippiesews.com/2018/05/metamorphic-dress-sew-long.html">Summer Dress Along</a> participants, that I realized only after I took my photos - one of my favorite spots to prop my phone is now facing a bunch of dead rhododendron blooms. They lack the Gothic appeal of dead roses and just look a bit dreary. I have to get out in the garden and tidy up soon! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGntjFTby5Li6mublY2E90044UTa7TDhiDoiLgaJtxjM-eWXqxcQL0XCozlHyQ5VGlJJxFVsPGOphku9AZWYLIvdac0CUl0GUW_fmiIXiznAzu_EiENkHx4XrerjjeGXdnR03i2l5OAAI/s1600/metamorphic03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="590" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGntjFTby5Li6mublY2E90044UTa7TDhiDoiLgaJtxjM-eWXqxcQL0XCozlHyQ5VGlJJxFVsPGOphku9AZWYLIvdac0CUl0GUW_fmiIXiznAzu_EiENkHx4XrerjjeGXdnR03i2l5OAAI/s400/metamorphic03.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I am very happy with the way the dress turned out. I used two vintage plaid cottons from my stash. I thrifted these a few years ago. I had to get creative on this top layer because I had cut out a vintage shirt-dress pattern with the fabric a couple of years ago and it was in a lot of smaller pieces... so the 4 main pieces of the dress became 10 pieces patched together! I think I did alright matching the plaids. Here's the center front 4 pieces converging. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme3eaVzqETw7ylARGgGPNLfSeW85kJoyoaLaSsj-k7Q9RhH69gq8mSsYKnrWqZl9BfVnoaZ5fw_7Lfwlx7P4sdf5TzAkiKP5Sh9USKHWBoGRq5uoiAteP_ngX2XrRz1xsvNySwYh-64Y/s1600/metamorphic04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1082" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme3eaVzqETw7ylARGgGPNLfSeW85kJoyoaLaSsj-k7Q9RhH69gq8mSsYKnrWqZl9BfVnoaZ5fw_7Lfwlx7P4sdf5TzAkiKP5Sh9USKHWBoGRq5uoiAteP_ngX2XrRz1xsvNySwYh-64Y/s320/metamorphic04.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love how it's reversible - not only because you get two choices in the same garment, but also the double layer of fabrics gives a really nice quality and weight to the dress and it's perfectly finished inside and out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdQiQTeTqAZb8NnKJKz2UvHakN5VEFoER2XT3y3oYbro-AKv7mTweGD91_1C4q144hyphenhyphen9Dk3te3jCjwEX9N-zRoJ_RIF0M-QTW0BLAyLjHiwyAjM47CwWhe-Q8dKM_zeialxTboaDzcNA/s1600/metamorphic06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdQiQTeTqAZb8NnKJKz2UvHakN5VEFoER2XT3y3oYbro-AKv7mTweGD91_1C4q144hyphenhyphen9Dk3te3jCjwEX9N-zRoJ_RIF0M-QTW0BLAyLjHiwyAjM47CwWhe-Q8dKM_zeialxTboaDzcNA/s320/metamorphic06.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was so enjoyable to put together. I was afraid that turning the "burrito method" with the skirts attached already would be difficult - but it was actually very easy. The construction is quite fun - simple yet very clever. It creates a fantastic finished garment. If you are thinking making it and are a beginner or just want some intel on the construction process - <a href="http://www.hungryhippiesews.com/">Sew Hungry Hippie's weekly blogs</a> are fantastic at coaching you through the process and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/172973270054561/?ref=bookmarks">Summer Dress Along Facebook Group</a> is super-helpful & supportive if you have questions or just want to share your progress and get inspired by others' makes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10srKcDvJ2O1GNixQFPd8_7FVrOXdZX1eZ5mNbLJD3s8eY76nQkKaZW3JzxPFoYBEYcPnUDnLAJcL-vMwMg7PVexrSrdOnvWMrLYrM0-fNstZCRkb0CIrvkny_hm-1TTHH7qAh6NnuOE/s1600/metamorphic07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="589" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10srKcDvJ2O1GNixQFPd8_7FVrOXdZX1eZ5mNbLJD3s8eY76nQkKaZW3JzxPFoYBEYcPnUDnLAJcL-vMwMg7PVexrSrdOnvWMrLYrM0-fNstZCRkb0CIrvkny_hm-1TTHH7qAh6NnuOE/s320/metamorphic07.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, I consider this wearable muslin a success - but there were some fitting issues that really only crop up when I am sitting down. I have a fitting problem with tank/sleeveless bodices - being short + having a smaller frame but a bigger bust, my shoulders are narrower than most patterns for the bust size that fits me... so I have to do some fiddling to get things right in both places. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a loose-fit sleeveless dress like this that doesn't have any bust darts to alter... I usually just grade between the correct size in the shoulders and larger correct size for the full bust... for this make, I tried going between a 10 and a 14. Since I have wide hips, I cut the skirt pieces as the largest size and just gathered in the extra fabric so I would have plenty of ease. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The skirt trick worked perfectly, by the way. I'm quite happy to have some extra room there. The bodice looks pretty well-fitting when I am standing, but there is still extra room in the top of shoulders that sort of pops up when I sit down. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, I love a garment that has ease in the right places... but shoulder seams are not one of the right places. Here is a bad photo of what I'm talking about snapped while I was a passenger in a car & first noticed the issue. It's a bit exaggerated here, but you can see how there's just too much fabric at the shoulder. Let's make it grayscale so my bra strap looks artsy instead of gauche. Yeah, still not very classy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwldCdOJlht_C8DxMPVQX81jzN_yjwe_tEW5HlBDII2Lx5PDydYlIWlP3RWi5AyEP5ksy0oadp9KbK-2y-HLXZcuE700qKh4RlCgCgLvaogzvnOmbVX5jy2ulKn-PjlnCl3OCty1qRDqM/s1600/metamorphic02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="867" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwldCdOJlht_C8DxMPVQX81jzN_yjwe_tEW5HlBDII2Lx5PDydYlIWlP3RWi5AyEP5ksy0oadp9KbK-2y-HLXZcuE700qKh4RlCgCgLvaogzvnOmbVX5jy2ulKn-PjlnCl3OCty1qRDqM/s320/metamorphic02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On my next (currently under construction) I tried to solve this by grading between a 14 and a size 8 and took about 1/2" off the top of each shoulder seam to get rid of some of that extra fabric while still keeping a loose fit.<br />
<br />
Going into the size 8 at the shoulders/upper bust should also hopefully fix the other fitting issue I have with some oversized garments - that is extra neck gaping fabric. Here is another rather bad photo that tries to show the gape when the upper bust and shoulder part is too wide for me and an awkward triangle of fabric bunches in the middle of my neckline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGf9DodeNYxHl7o1OsMWC4317u3M3AtVpZbVzl6rQUJF5miyxja_hVsI4fI9ZKjtz2uiJS2qV1otP3JFHtjS0snIoKxW_joShk-00lNeONvlRI7hf_rPL73-D2Q78jD9vFo5YVErsEmI/s1600/metamorphic01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="786" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGf9DodeNYxHl7o1OsMWC4317u3M3AtVpZbVzl6rQUJF5miyxja_hVsI4fI9ZKjtz2uiJS2qV1otP3JFHtjS0snIoKxW_joShk-00lNeONvlRI7hf_rPL73-D2Q78jD9vFo5YVErsEmI/s320/metamorphic01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Again, this is much more apparent and annoying when I am sitting down. Since I have a sedentary job, I don't want a dress I can only wear standing up... so I think it is worth making subtle adjustments to refine the fit. Even with a loose-fitting, unstructured garment, there are so many small details to perfect the fit. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm making Metamorphic #2 in two fabrics that I love... I'm confident the fit will be close enough that I've cut into some special fabric. The underdress will be thrifted coppery tobacco brown linen and the hi-lo overdress will be a thrifted vintage linen tablecloth that I dyed with onion skin, eucalyptus, and manzanita.. I love the faded blush color of the natural dye. I'm just starting to learn about natural dye and this is from my first try. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg-SAsguR1xb_OVCGZqq1gwHb9-Mlzd21XJ-Ok3k6dDu0L6x1DLQDlqHPbp1fMLWfCBypRkYi830K2ySxuMq5R6ujWc90nkF55mTRcVewfCfmYbqX3zyJLZCS8tsKptJChhDy7PflDhE/s1600/metamorphic09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="593" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizg-SAsguR1xb_OVCGZqq1gwHb9-Mlzd21XJ-Ok3k6dDu0L6x1DLQDlqHPbp1fMLWfCBypRkYi830K2ySxuMq5R6ujWc90nkF55mTRcVewfCfmYbqX3zyJLZCS8tsKptJChhDy7PflDhE/s320/metamorphic09.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was dyed in iron pot and I've heard that iron "saddens" colors. Using the same dye stuffs in an aluminum "pot-as-mordant" produced a bit warmer orange-brown. Here's a cream and tan cotton from the first bath.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rhs-9WugnZhFonEzsZkLe_6z7IzBr81oPrn7YH6Jcp98tcIu9sny8kpgqI72x6MvV99XmatLTejza5I2NVN-UyTWRTxQH0jLd_h_cyapglG36d1nWpffFN6vaU-52vQ6hkRwjYGZwQ4/s1600/onion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="462" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rhs-9WugnZhFonEzsZkLe_6z7IzBr81oPrn7YH6Jcp98tcIu9sny8kpgqI72x6MvV99XmatLTejza5I2NVN-UyTWRTxQH0jLd_h_cyapglG36d1nWpffFN6vaU-52vQ6hkRwjYGZwQ4/s400/onion.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After my first use of the dye bath in the aluminum pot, I tried experimenting by pouring it into an iron pot and attempting an eco print with eucalyptus and manzinita - the ecoprint didn't come through very well, so dyed it again allover - and it has a faded blush pinky-brown mottled color now. I know many dyers strive for an all-over uniform color, but I quite like the variations that came from overdying the ecoprint attempt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll make a post when the dress is done with some more natural dyeing details... as well as notes on another Make Nine that went from pattern hack to serendipity last night. For now, I'll just close with this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://fringeassociation.com/2018/04/27/get-planning-summer-of-basics-2018-is-coming/">Summer of Basics</a> in its official form is off my docket. It sounds like a pretty mellow make-along; but, for some reason, it was really stressing me out to choose 3 things to make for this particular set of parameters. So I'm just not going to officially participate in it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I do feel like I am celebrating the spirit of the challenge by creating some really versatile pieces this summer but something about curating 3 pieces was making me anxious and drawing me away from just making what my heart wants to make from day to day... so I am still going to make that black rayon New Look 6305, make my current metamorphic dress and then make the silk noil one... and whatever else I want to this summer... the. end. <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-72021629536128549452018-06-07T13:25:00.000-07:002018-06-09T12:32:30.327-07:00Time Capsule + Summer of BasicsFrom April 2014, my <a href="https://thistleandbean.blogspot.com/2014/04/action-shots-and-stash-envy.html">4th ever blog post</a> on Thistle & Bean.<br />
<i><br />
Isn't this the beauty and glory of aging? Getting to know ourselves?
Becoming aware of my own life and habits is like figuring out an
intricate mechanical contraption that does something sort of alchemical
and fantastic... my teens were a time to play. My twenties were a time
to experiment. My early 30s were a time of getting serious about
cutting things away and clearing a path for myself. As I prepare to
enter the second half of my 30s, I feel like it's all about self-care
and self-knowledge. This is a peak time. My mom always says - "the 40s
are glorious!" I am getting ready. I am getting ready for my goal of
being the best me I've ever been when I turn 40. I have 5 years to get
ready. For my year of turning 40... right before I do that, I would
like to do the Me-Made May challenge (if it is still even a thing!) and
have 5 years worth of garments that I love in my closet along with
accessories and basics that pair well with my hand-sewn pieces. Who
knows, I may even knit something plain in an impossibly small gauge that
I like to wear.</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>I wrote this over 4 years ago as I was just starting my sewing blog. I was cleaning up the labels for Me Made May and was surprised to see this aspirational post to participate in Me Made May right before turning 40. Guess what?!<br />
<br />
Me Made May is definitely "still a thing" and I did it! (Sadly <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/menditmay/">#menditmay</a> didn't fare so well.)<br />
<br />
I didn't even remember this was my goal from 2014... but I decided to tackle wearing a me-made and taking an instagram photo every day for 2018 and I happily completed my goal for #mmm18. In 2016, I also completed #mmm16. I also knit some fine gauge cardigans.<br />
<br />
I'm certainly still working on that part about being the best me I've ever been.<br />
<br />
I actually think I am the best me I've been - in most given moments, these days - but not the same way that I thought I would be a few years ago. I'm just always learning new things and adjusting to how life unfolds - I try not to worry as much as I used to... and slow down to enjoy the process of being alive because I have so much life left, yet a lot behind me too. It's a feeling of equipoise, approaching the official place where you can't escape, by any rubric, being "middle age".<br />
<br />
There's a certain wonderful balance between feeling old enough to have some life-perspective and not care about a lot of things I used to worry about... and young (or shall I just say <i>healthy</i>) enough to be able to do things I care about doing and be relatively comfortable most of the time.<br />
<br />
And since this is a maker-focused blog... I'll loop back around to that to say that I feel my making is shifting as I am shifting - it takes so long to figure things out. We're always tinkering, refining, reflecting, learning... I have always been making, but not always making things that I truly loved or that stood the test of time... but with 5 years of on/off sewing and knitting, I'm starting to get more of that perspective about what items stand the test of time and will make into the <a href="http://www.thesustainableedit.com/the-30-wears-campaign/">30 Wears</a> club & beyond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMePzg81PUtI3BJKQJFsf3PYjaCC-mpTvDqcO39biDOwgV0tO2GR6EvtwFkbZel01681V0dsrFmq7gOLI0SQ5hqnWKAut0cuVzDzISjjCWXS_qbyy70fAGDI04U1T0D2zJHUpv_Pa5nUk/s1600/newlook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="472" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMePzg81PUtI3BJKQJFsf3PYjaCC-mpTvDqcO39biDOwgV0tO2GR6EvtwFkbZel01681V0dsrFmq7gOLI0SQ5hqnWKAut0cuVzDzISjjCWXS_qbyy70fAGDI04U1T0D2zJHUpv_Pa5nUk/s400/newlook.JPG" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
The <a href="http://thistleandbean.blogspot.com/2016/05/new-look-6305-90s-babydoll-dress.html">New Look hack I tried from the 90s 6305 pattern</a> has been the most surprising TNT champion of all my makes - it is so forgiving in fitting and, without any closures to go bad, it's easy to maintain. My favorite one (this thrifted dark tapestry print rayon one) has had mends to the armpit and where the skirt attaches to the body... and it's too short to be worn without tights/jeans by my taste any more - but it still gets lots of wear. (I always wished it was longer - barely eeked out the length I got on it since I was working with a thrifted piece that was under the recommended yardage.) <br />
<br />
I have 5 of these dresses, if you count the original muslin one, which I actually recently brought back into rotation for Me Made May 2018. Still not in love with that print, I wear it mostly as a house/garden dress now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRar8DnjR47LUWckeo46xhHgQ0-nV3LlNzm6JWLstkwbhM9B3JUeHcK52-z08aGavJ7bA3MzodBR1HFXkQR4JNDuCeb0sCKkFMEhRHtHvUd4ux3rP44-dfahGGT28cEWxBlyXC1op0RPg/s1600/June+5+2018+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRar8DnjR47LUWckeo46xhHgQ0-nV3LlNzm6JWLstkwbhM9B3JUeHcK52-z08aGavJ7bA3MzodBR1HFXkQR4JNDuCeb0sCKkFMEhRHtHvUd4ux3rP44-dfahGGT28cEWxBlyXC1op0RPg/s400/June+5+2018+027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
So, in honor of my 40th birthday and the <a href="https://fringeassociation.com/2017/06/01/summer-of-basics-make-along-starts-now/">#summerofbasics</a> make-along - I want to make at least one more New Look 6305 - this time, a plain black one. I might also make a plain burgundy one, with some rayon in my stash.<br />
<br />
I'm waffling on the other 2 basics to pick... but I definitely want a solid black New Look 6305 hack dress.<br />
<br />
Short list (I have patterns/fabric for all these possibilities already):<br />
<ul>
<li>a black gauze Tina Givens Annabelle Slip & a black Madeline slip to wear under it.</li>
<li>a chambray Dottie Angel Frock</li>
<li>a black "Kelby" (Brumby-Kelly mashup) or possibly a <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/zinnia">Colette Zinnia Version 1</a></li>
<li>a Metamorphic dress from thrifted black-with-white-nubby-bits rayon (both layers) </li>
</ul>
I'm not going to get too fixated on challenges and make-alongs... I'm enjoying the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/summerdressalong/">#summerdressalong</a> and the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/summerofbasics/">#summerofbasics</a> as guides to my #2018makenine experience... and even that "gentle challenge", <a href="http://lovetosewpodcast.com/episodes/episode-29-craft-real-magic-with-rochelle-new/">as its inventor calls it</a>, is up for negotiation along the way. <br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-91927106903237753232018-06-06T14:08:00.000-07:002018-06-27T11:41:07.834-07:00notes and tidbits: skirts, dresses, body positivity, FOMO, sustainability, etc. Post Me-Made May, I feel that my making mind is spinning in overdrive and I have a lot of ideas, inspiration, and motivation - but the surge of energy also feels a bit manic and overwhelming.<br />
<br />
Two makers have helped me to temper this "make all the things yesterday" feeling. First, the creator of the <a href="https://luckylucille.com/2017/12/2018-make-nine/">Make Nine</a> challenge, Rochelle of Lucky Lucille. Her <a href="https://luckylucille.com/2018/05/makers-guilt-and-me-made-may/">Makers' Guilt</a> blog during MMM18 really helped calm and slow down that buzzing, over-stimulated creative urgency that can arise from seeing so much content & inspiration all at once.<br />
<br />
I've gotten really good about being very methodical in my pattern and fabric purchases so as to be more sustainable and avoid buying new things, but in May I got a little swept away. I bought more than I needed in a short period of time. I bought three new PDF patterns and printed out two more free ones (a lot of paper and a lot of ink!). I accidentally bought some black cotton brand new from Joann
Fabrics that I thought was needed for a commission, but the plan changed
and I ended up with it in my stash. It's a good basic fabric, but I
didn't need it at all and if I had been calmer in checking in with my
patron and figuring things out ahead of time, I would have saved that
unnecessary purchase.<br />
<br />
I also bought some new hand dyed silk noil on ebay to go with some thrifted silk noil for the reversible <a href="http://sewliberated.com/products/reversible-metamorphic-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern">Metamorphic dress</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9Tl1uMnaoQraOpm97dM2DzT8gGhiBbC4aQDJ2dEdXGsi6kWLcW0J_QrGtgiqOg-ptIYnEN0uFFsxiWFfG1OY_f4nT42x4LHCtUCLFiPsYJM-pqZ4Xpi7A7b0QHXVmGt0jr0Wfu3dkjs/s1600/noil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="592" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9Tl1uMnaoQraOpm97dM2DzT8gGhiBbC4aQDJ2dEdXGsi6kWLcW0J_QrGtgiqOg-ptIYnEN0uFFsxiWFfG1OY_f4nT42x4LHCtUCLFiPsYJM-pqZ4Xpi7A7b0QHXVmGt0jr0Wfu3dkjs/s400/noil.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not going to beat myself up for buying this silk, though. It's really pretty and I am glad I was supporting an individual dye artist... but I didn't need really need it, the way that I felt I did in the moment of purchasing it - and that was the feeling that concerned me in this process.<br />
<br />
When I bought it, I could feel this <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ritual-and-the-brain/201804/the-science-fomo-and-what-we-re-really-missing-out">FOMO</a> anxiety welling up when I realized there would be a <a href="http://www.hungryhippiesews.com/search/label/sewing%20Metamorphic%20dress">sew along</a> for this dress starting June 1st. Suddenly I felt my Make Nine aspirations pushed into high gear with this sense of urgency to be a part of this thing at the same time as all the other makers on Instagram. Rather than wait for the right match to my fabric to come along through thrifting or repurposing & making this on my own organic schedule, I had to get matching fabric right away to participate in #summerdressalong that is happening *right now*. So, in addition to all the deadlines I have at work with the end of the academic year... I also need to sew a dress on a deadline?! And what about #summerofbasics too? Plans and purchases and creative gears spinning out of control were leading me to stress out a bit and that is not what I want from my making. <br />
<br />
Whew, Kate. Pause. Take a deep breath. S-L-O-W down... <br />
<br />
Ironically, the pattern designer of this very dress is also the author who is most helping me mitigate these feelings. Meg of <a href="http://sewliberated.com/products">Sew Liberated</a> patterns has a <a href="http://blog.mamaliberated.com/sew_liberated/2016/04/a-philosophy-of-sewing-a-habit-of-mendfulness.html">sewing philosophy</a> that really puts things in perspective.<br />
<br />
She talks about slowing down with sewing - finding the joy in the process, <a href="http://blog.mamaliberated.com/sew_liberated/2018/02/9-items-of-clothing-for-10-days-winter-10-x-10-wardrobe-challenge-re-cap.html">thinking carefully about how/if you want to grow your wardrobe</a>, and how to create heirloom garments that will make you feel comfortable and beautiful for years to come. Many of her more recent designs are focused on comfort, flexibility, and creative combinations to get more with fewer pieces. I really love her personal style and philosophy. I'm not going to do her beautiful dress design a disservice by stressing over it and rushing the making - I'm going to savor the process and enjoy it in my own time. Maybe I finish with the sewalong folks, maybe not.<br />
<br />
I've really become a fan of the slow-and-steady construction method, with periodic immersive creative days. The makers' guide you can get from signing up for the Sew Liberated newsletter talks through this process in great detail and it really is a nourishing and mindful way to work.<br />
<br />
I made myself a new skirt this way - with an immersive session mid-May to get it designed and cut out, then stitched on it bit by bit for a couple weeks, until I had time last weekend to spend a an immersive session on the fitting and 12 buttons running down the front placket. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYakrRE8XpL9bYYB5ykE_yliUaRfC3hKlZr3yz4ogUgEq57Pz4aqff9GxQCzyn_TgU4VqixII7w30a1frTN4bv1c2XATleyndPGdtcASSPBks5P2Q8e_C6lx5xAPMxO18fC5TGQX7issg/s1600/brukelly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="596" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYakrRE8XpL9bYYB5ykE_yliUaRfC3hKlZr3yz4ogUgEq57Pz4aqff9GxQCzyn_TgU4VqixII7w30a1frTN4bv1c2XATleyndPGdtcASSPBks5P2Q8e_C6lx5xAPMxO18fC5TGQX7issg/s400/brukelly.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I love slowing down and enjoying even the tough parts of the process. Fitting and finishing things just so sometimes requires a lot of seam ripping and reworking. I'm okay with that. I used to be impatient for the final result, but the biggest reason that I sew is because I love to sew - the garments are a satisfying result of that work... but the work is what I long for - that process is what nourishes me... so stretching it out is like savoring a delicious dessert. Make the process last, make the most out of the experience, stay relaxed, notice the little details along the way... these are my sewing "goals" to counter that busy-mind that can crop up with too many ideas or desire for finished objects.<br />
<br />
Also, taking time in the fitting process is a healing and reconciling with my body. It is a new size and so I don't feel like I know it as well as I did. I feel like each new project, I get to know my new body better. I dramatically over-estimated my waist size on this skirt and ended up recutting the waistband and accidentally ending up with 6" of ease... so I had to re-work it a lot to get the fit to a happy place. This kind of work would have frustrated me in the past, but I don't mind undoing and redoing any more. I sit with a cup of tea or a glass of wine in the kitchen with my family and do the unraveling in a social setting, before ducking back into the solitude of my sewing room to put it back together, better the next time around. <br />
<br />
Figuring out my actual measurements and fitting patterns to work for me now, just as I am, not how I will be (bigger or smaller) in the future. I tried with this skirt to do a method of construction that would make altering easier in the future, but I decided I didn't like the finished product as well as more traditional waistband construction and there is no sense making for the future, whatever it is, best to just make something that fits how I would like it to fit right now in this present moment. <br />
<br />
I used to have this all worked out for several Megan Neilsen skirts that I loved. I made Brumby 5 times, Kelly 4 times, and Veronika 3 times. I wore them a lot - so much that I had to replace the zippers on a couple of my Brumbys. I could make them without thinking about measurements after a while and that was nice - just pull out the pieces, cut, and sew. But now, my TNT patterns don't work any more because my size has changed. I have to create new ones & the size, fitting needs, and style are all different that 2 years ago or 4 years ago when I previously went through periods of high-productivity.<br />
<br />
Those periods were like production mode, I kind of maxed out what I needed and then lost steam... but now that I have a sewing room and I can work slow and steady, I don't want to be so on/off about it... I love sewing and I love methodically building my wardrobe to work together, be comfy, and reflect my own personal style ethically and sustainably... and also make peace with myself, where ever I may be, physically, mentally, or emotionally, in a given moment. Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-16999303576113941002018-06-03T14:33:00.003-07:002018-06-03T14:41:22.146-07:00#memademay18 recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7K-myzLmeriBkInTi_-xAJpaVf8OkJfkSP5iixwvRuhfjnl-ih-ZNDiVx-Ab90dhSHmzsmchqRNQMs9kUgYdYhthZytmskYNpiCtRE5VbCtU2p9lIEfLeyaxIqr4efTMUL1Og18VehI/s1600/mmm18+part+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7K-myzLmeriBkInTi_-xAJpaVf8OkJfkSP5iixwvRuhfjnl-ih-ZNDiVx-Ab90dhSHmzsmchqRNQMs9kUgYdYhthZytmskYNpiCtRE5VbCtU2p9lIEfLeyaxIqr4efTMUL1Og18VehI/s640/mmm18+part+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We made it through an entire month of selfies and me-made treasures! I loved seeing all the lovely photos on instagram, finding new makers to follow, and getting re-connected with my own handmade wardrobe - items both old and new.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVPyK8GYPuzzOd3m3YFeLTchsqoAE98X52IdDAZ5zI9jdo64MtxTGVHu_JZafUXo_VMWffHDCO38ob0_xY5RRi7uqBsCgSoUostmBwTBV3GQlzySELyhjCsOMYEyBieqMf-Wqirpy0Kw/s1600/mmm18+part+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVPyK8GYPuzzOd3m3YFeLTchsqoAE98X52IdDAZ5zI9jdo64MtxTGVHu_JZafUXo_VMWffHDCO38ob0_xY5RRi7uqBsCgSoUostmBwTBV3GQlzySELyhjCsOMYEyBieqMf-Wqirpy0Kw/s640/mmm18+part+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I wore many iterations of my New Look 6305 oversized babydoll dress... including digging up the very first muslin I ever made of it. I was never thrilled with the fabric, but it was nice to have something "new" to wear when I got near the end of the month and was into heavy outfit repeating territory. (More on that later - I have no shame in outfit repeating!)<br />
<br />
I also wore my brick red sheet version of Tina Givens Madeline Slip 4 times, in 4 different ways. Another dress in heavy rotation was a new one that I made this month... refashioned from the yoke of an ill-fitting Old Navy peasant blouse in a gorgeous mustard yellow and a vintage linen table cloth, with vintage lace trim added. It made it's debut on May 9th and I wore it again on the 13th, 19th, and 28th... all in slightly different styles or combinations. I love it alone, over my white half-slip eyelet petticoat, over my ivory sheet version of the Madeline Slip, and over jeans. I really got into wearing short sack dresses over jeans.<br />
<br />
I loved what I was able to do with a relatively small number of me-made items. I wore 24 different things that I've made over the years. 20 were sewn and 4 knitted. 11 of the pieces I wore multiple times.<br />
<br />
Tina Givens brick red Madeline Slip - 4 times<br />
Mustard + Creme Upcycled dress - 4 times<br />
White Eyelet half-slip - 4 times<br />
New Look plaid - 3 times<br />
New Look dark floral - 3 times<br />
New Look linen patchwork tank - 2 times<br />
Tina Givens ivory Madeline Slip - 2 times<br />
Tina Givens patchwork flannel Madeline mini - 2 times<br />
Upcycled navy silk and rayon print re-refashioned babydoll tunic - 2 times<br />
Black Oasis Soy Silk knitted cardigan - 2 times<br />
Tan Oasis Soy Silk knitted cardigan - 2 times (Day 19 was not pictured in photo)<br />
<br />
I loved bonding with my relatively new me-made items, re-connecting with older items, and finding some that just aren't really a match, but still needed a little love and provided some variety throughout the month.<br />
<br />
What did I learn?<br />
<br />
1.) I really missed all the Megan Neilsen skirts I've made over the years. I've become too pudgy to wear them any more. I thought maybe my style was changing away from skirts - but I miss having a few good skirts to get the most out of the possibilities of separates. I need to make some new go-to skirts. Elastic waist is fine for underskirts, but I don't like it for regular skirts. I also discovered that I have major fitting issues with half-elasticated waists... so I am working on a new TNT skirt that is a mash-up of the Kelly and Brumby.<br />
<br />
2.) I like woven tops instead of knit tees and tanks. They accomplish the same thing, are fun to make, and look nicely put-together.<br />
<br />
3.) I love sack dresses - no shame. I know I'm fat. I know they are boxy as f*uck and make me look even fatter... I don't care. They are incredibly comfortable, practical, and happy-making to me. The End.<br />
<br />
4.) While Mori Kei got me back into sewing... most days, I'm more into low-key lagenlook style layers than Mori fantasy extravaganza. Mori is really fun for dressing up, though. I like pieces like my new refashioned mustard/creme dress that can dress up with layered under skirts and lacy over-layers or down with jeans and oxfords.<br />
<br />
5.) RTW thrifted pieces will always have a part in my wardrobe & I'm totally okay with that.<br />
<br />
6.) Sustainable fashion is really important to me. I learned a lot about and reflected more deeply on different approaches to sustainability that different people take - from thrifting to capsule wardrobes, upcycling to natural dying, 30 wears to laundering less - there is a lot to think about. There is also a lot to think about in the production & sourcing of fabric. And the paper and ink that goes into making a lot of different patterns (I never thought about TNT patterns being better for the environment until this month!)<br />
<br />
Making & wearing clothes is a resource-rich pursuit. I feel blessed to be fortunate enough to have time time and resources to reflect on it. I want to honor that by making good decisions about my making - for the earth and for my fellow humans.<br />
<br />
I have no shame in wearing the same clothes over again on fairly heavy rotation. I also think that having a little bigger wardrobe lets things "air out" a bit between wears so that you can wear a lot of pieces more than once between washes, which has a <a href="https://frasercrowe.com/blogs/bigger-picture/environmental-impact-of-laundering-our-clothes">huge impact on use of resources</a>. (One thing this article recommends is wearing looser clothing - it doesn't sit as close to the body to get so dirty. I find I can wear my baggy sack dresses a few times without even thinking about needing to wash them. I also have been falling in love with jumpers, pinafores, or "slips" as Tina Givens calls them - they can be worn many times between washes with no stinky effects.<br />
<br />
To this end, one of my June projects this month is the Metamorphic Dress, which is meant to be worn like a jumper. I was really excited to see there is going to be a <a href="http://www.hungryhippiesews.com/2018/05/metamorphic-dress-sew-long.html">sew-along</a> for this dress this month, hosted by Sew Happy Hippie. Also on my mind for June is to test the Peppermint Peplum top and the Ogden cami and planning my #summerofbasics items.<br />
<br />
Happy stitching.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-7871486058420299282018-05-23T20:59:00.002-07:002018-06-09T12:05:10.713-07:00Updated Make Nine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZy90EFAWTPonM49yAa-pI4hXqdaH2Cth0G5tgzT3ZBWhSeMYuU9-XiNf8EH8m2v8iAlWU95TlQI97r0Lf4Loev9qwdTNvmFthTKtRkEkvU69x1A0GntDXC6nrAA8HmWRI9Lla6tssJCU/s1600/make+9+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="767" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZy90EFAWTPonM49yAa-pI4hXqdaH2Cth0G5tgzT3ZBWhSeMYuU9-XiNf8EH8m2v8iAlWU95TlQI97r0Lf4Loev9qwdTNvmFthTKtRkEkvU69x1A0GntDXC6nrAA8HmWRI9Lla6tssJCU/s640/make+9+collage+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I'm updating my Make Nine 2018 to focus more on making "TNT" patterns in basic garments I can make over and over again. Fitting my short curvy body is very challenging... so I take a loooong time getting a pattern perfected. Some patterns, I make in a muslin and give up on without ever getting a finished product (I've had two of those lately) so making 9 patterns means a lot more than 9 makes.<br />
<br />
I'm on my way with the <a href="https://www.sewtinagivens.com/madeline-crop-top-and-slip-pdf">Madeline Slip</a>, having made 4 bodice muslins and 2 wearable muslins and one actual dress version of the pattern. Still want to try the 'crop top' to layer over it too.<br />
<br />
Also happy with the <a href="https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-pattern-1080-misses-dress-or-tunic/1080.html">Dottie Angel Frock</a> - I adjusted the neckline just a bit... Next, I think I may try one size down in the top half too, in a simple chambray or all one print for a basic work-appropriate version.<br />
<br />
Also on my way with the new <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/sorbetto">Sorbetto</a> - still want to get the tee version fitted and I am happy to say that I found the paper pieces of the old version, graded to fit me and I really liked the way that it fit when I stitched up that first navy linen one a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to using Sorbetto with some of my natural dying experiment fabrics.<br />
<br />
I am really loving the 3 woven tank versions I have already made and would like to make more woven tops, as an alternative to knit separates. I don't like sewing knits on my vintage machine and I have found myself wearing fewer knits lately - I like the structure and feeling of woven garments - they make me feel "put together".<br />
<br />
To that end, I think I have to arrive late to another party - the <a href="http://shop.truebias.com/product/ogden-cami">Odgen Cami </a>party. It seems the perfect pattern for showing off natural dye experiments and making up some lovely silk and linen basic layering pieces.<br />
<br />
I have also been coveting a peplum top and found a <a href="http://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/peplum-top/">free & adorable pattern from Peppermint Magazine</a>. This looks great and would also make a nice dress bodice once the fit is perfected.<br />
<br />
Tops require skirts and I've had awful luck with half-elasticated skirt muslins in the last month, so I think it's time to return to a trusty pattern in a new version - the <a href="https://megannielsen.com/products/brumby-skirt-sewing-pattern">Brumby</a>. I want to make the midi a-line version and also adapt the closure to be buttons like the <a href="https://megannielsen.com/products/kelly-skirt-sewing-pattern">Kelly</a> skirt. I found that zippers are the first things to wear out in my me-mades and so I prefer to avoid them and go for more lasting closures like buttons or just unstructured styles I can pull on.<br />
<br />
My last three are a bit more involved projects, but still basic pieces... I already have the <a href="https://www.decadesofstyle.com/products/no-103-threes-a-charm-jacket">Three's a Charm Jacket</a> pattern from Decades of Style. I want to get the fit right and make a solid black one and then, when construction and fit are mastered... make a tapestry version! I think this little jacket would look great over dresses and skirts.<br />
<br />
Also, I want to buy the <a href="http://sewliberated.com/products/reversible-metamorphic-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern">Metamorphic Dress</a> - this was recommended to me by a kind stranger on Instagram when I put my first #2018makenine photo up. I originally thought of it as a "bonus" if I made all the other patterns... but I recently saw @carinaspencer's amazing version on the #mmmay18 and that sealed the deal - it has to be added to my Make Nine, officially!<br />
<br />
Finally the Tina Givens <a href="https://www.sewtinagivens.com/annabelle-ruffle">Annabelle ruffle slip</a>. I want to make a muslin with this pretty blush pima cotton sheet set I thrifted... and then a black gauze one to layer over a black Madeline slip... as part of my #summerofbasics plans...<br />
<br />
So there you have it... my new <a href="https://luckylucille.com/2017/12/2018-make-nine/">Make Nine 2018</a>.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-51802649514743711732018-05-20T15:50:00.001-07:002018-06-07T15:15:44.847-07:00Sorbetto 2.0 + more toile tribulations...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though I had my doubts, I'm happy to report that I've refined the fit of the new version of Sorbetto to something that pleases me quite a lot. It was not a process without difficulty and dejection, though. I've recently made peace with the fact that it just takes me a while to get fit worked out. </div>
<br />
Starting to collect vintage and fancy 100% cotton sheets at thrift stores has made me more patient in the process... because I always have a lot of fabric on hand for toiles or muslins... and I'm less attached to whether they turn out to be wearable or not. Sometimes I end up with a great addition to my wardrobe... other times, it's quite liberating to just give up on something, knowing that you gave fitting the old college try. Here are a couple that are headed that way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pt1EXoXQvFQYbONtkuyK1KapeJknA5MvsokYhTVmExrw6lXGOsdwHITeor-ev0Ur_NBGPnJD_AszWmveFiMQB6pRi_aM924M7sTCDOUGfeqb_dQoHnxA7uSNLVDWYTWMVwkZvInSvQY/s1600/20180519_213808-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pt1EXoXQvFQYbONtkuyK1KapeJknA5MvsokYhTVmExrw6lXGOsdwHITeor-ev0Ur_NBGPnJD_AszWmveFiMQB6pRi_aM924M7sTCDOUGfeqb_dQoHnxA7uSNLVDWYTWMVwkZvInSvQY/s400/20180519_213808-01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The <a href="https://oliverands.com/shop/digital-everyday-skirt-sewing-pattern.html">Lisel Everyday Skirt</a> had insurmountable fitting issues for my shape. I'm giving the pattern away to a friend and giving up on partially elasticized waistbands with my ridiculously pear-shaped body. If you have slim hips, or your are more "apple" shaped, this is a very well-designed and cool pattern. I learned a lot from sewing it, even if it's not right for my figure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are have said figure variations and are curious about a half-elastic waist, but don't want to spring for a fancy pattern, <a href="http://annaelizabethmade.blogspot.com/2013/04/favorite-skirt-tutorial.html">this tutorial</a> is good too. But not for my big bum. I was hoping a "real pattern" would fix my woes, but it's actually just a style that is not going to work for my shape, for a myriad of reasons I don't really want to talk about because it just makes me feel gross about my body and sewing should do the opposite. So, <i>buh-bye</i> to half-elasticated dreams. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The shell is my first attempt at <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/sorbetto">Colette's latest version of Sorbetto</a>. I tried a toile of the sleeved version, eliminating the pleat so I could show off the giant roses on this vintage sheet... but the fitting was horrid. The grace with which I was able to grade between the size of my bust and hips is lost on the new version because my hip size is the smallest size of the plus sized version and my bust is right in the middle of the 0-16 size block. I also really need that pleat to be stitched at the top and open at the bottom to give the nice swingy fit that was so flattering about the first one I made.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Note: This is the <a href="http://www.alliemjackson.com/2017/04/sorbetto-vs-sorbetto.html">most amazing blog comparing the fit of the two versions</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My first try with the new version was graded between 12 and 16 with the pleat eliminated. It ended up being huge in the upper part and a bit snug in the bottom half with tons of extra fabric around the armpit with the sleeves. I tried to salvage it by eliminating the sleeves, but the armholes were too low. Also the bust darts that were previously too high on the 2011 version are now laughably low. Like 2" below the apex of my bust. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've learned through trial and error, that too high is better than too low. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Having spent a lot of sewing time on these two unwearable gems, I was feeling pretty dejected... but after I looked at the photo of my failure, I realized that the rose sheet fabric made a really cute top and I had enough left to give it another try, so I was re-inspired to try fixing some fit issues with the new Sorbetto pattern.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Second time around, I graded between a 10 up top and a little over a 16 at the bottom & included the pleat. I read a lot of blogs about Sorbetto fitting issues while I was recovering from the disappointment of my first one... and in this research, I discovered the idea of inverting the pleat and leaving it unstitched. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORzLCYly1SC9kVnGClqfQqrKtTUTs4JIkJjosLVJ1XWlSVMe5x95ePfG-IvjvnU2HfjniGbgtscjM8_ctP1AefuMqtbqMnvhqRmsgqvQgyIeOPZjBcPEZ13fVicrrLEir5ofVryW-UnY/s1600/20180520_155822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="939" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORzLCYly1SC9kVnGClqfQqrKtTUTs4JIkJjosLVJ1XWlSVMe5x95ePfG-IvjvnU2HfjniGbgtscjM8_ctP1AefuMqtbqMnvhqRmsgqvQgyIeOPZjBcPEZ13fVicrrLEir5ofVryW-UnY/s640/20180520_155822.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Bust darts were still super saggy and there was a weird bit of bagginess on the back of the neckline. I added little tiny neck darts in the back and did some research on raising the apex of a bust dart for version 3. This <a href="https://mellysews.com/2016/10/adjust-bust-apex-pattern.html">Melly Sews tutorial</a> was super-helpful. Just cut the dart part out of the pattern, raise or lower as needed, grade the lines back into the side seam and add back in some paper where you cut the original dart out. Boom! No more saggy bust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNyIi6gB2JqS_fCxuhuYrWPdUyryvhiGZkz947qr4jMHadbcIRFuGtivkXeFnonjZEuwwtnaFrawSyOu9Awd3Dq36gXPm0vx6eBsxdzZW0Wn3EbS1MkZF1SblexYF5Q462KP4R4NWQNA/s1600/20180520_150608_Burst01-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNyIi6gB2JqS_fCxuhuYrWPdUyryvhiGZkz947qr4jMHadbcIRFuGtivkXeFnonjZEuwwtnaFrawSyOu9Awd3Dq36gXPm0vx6eBsxdzZW0Wn3EbS1MkZF1SblexYF5Q462KP4R4NWQNA/s640/20180520_150608_Burst01-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I tested the newly positions darts out on a third version. No more rose sheets this time. I will actually wear the 2nd rose one, saggy bust darts and all, so I thought I'd try a different fabric. I went with something from my deep stash... a bit of vintage mercerized cotton. I think it's early 60s and the Sorbetto is inspired by that same time period, so I thought they would go together nicely. In my book, I wasn't wrong.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV9z5EfQ34GeLFSi2e-QSakunu442fhL5UF9-lKfTFtDy1ve_ApSdLwnuLBw8qemyhVbqPBVxVti6K4UN2lMQEh9ZzVmZBobOxcAQt5FbN6hfM1A599DLmCnYXVGS_h4QZobfWaDdHgg/s1600/20180520_143246_Burst01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOV9z5EfQ34GeLFSi2e-QSakunu442fhL5UF9-lKfTFtDy1ve_ApSdLwnuLBw8qemyhVbqPBVxVti6K4UN2lMQEh9ZzVmZBobOxcAQt5FbN6hfM1A599DLmCnYXVGS_h4QZobfWaDdHgg/s640/20180520_143246_Burst01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll have pictures wearing it soon enough, since we're in the thick of <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/p/about-me-made-may.html">Me-Made May</a> Right now, I just want to note the inverted pleat, stitched down about 1" and the back neck darts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTGLpbPz1tTuLG6eV575uc9J_NBNqK53FjsEO-F7MK-f3_cHEj3raGG1Cqm10tzj-cqRY_D3corsRUAfzRfZ3i16YRCJoN9O_WW6Q7ReHteZVCqFGFrtUFkLrgojAjBLETAt2UUonKIc/s1600/20180520_143300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTGLpbPz1tTuLG6eV575uc9J_NBNqK53FjsEO-F7MK-f3_cHEj3raGG1Cqm10tzj-cqRY_D3corsRUAfzRfZ3i16YRCJoN9O_WW6Q7ReHteZVCqFGFrtUFkLrgojAjBLETAt2UUonKIc/s640/20180520_143300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This make took about 1 1/8th yards of 40" wide fabric, with enough to make the self-binding too. I did have to cut the back in two pieces along the selvage edge (with a 1/2" extra for seam allowance) and stitch the back together, as there wasn't enough length to cut both pieces on the fold. The print isn't matched, but it's small and busy enough that is doesn't bother me. That cut would also work for a solid, but could be hard on a larger print... 1.5 yards would be better, or a wider fabric.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to making more Sorbettos and experimenting with how the pattern can be used as a block or a starting-off point for other creations.<br />
<br />
As such, I'm adding it to my Make Nine 2018. I'm changing the focus of my Make Nine since fitting is such a tough challenge for me. I want to make 9 patterns into TNT patterns.<br />
<br />
Madeline Slip<br />
Sorbetto<br />
Dottie Angel Frock<br />
<br />
are well on their way.<br />
<br />
I also want to make some adjustments to the neckline on my favorite New Look 6305.<br />
<br />
I want to see if I can get a good fit so I can make a few versions of the <a href="https://www.decadesofstyle.com/products/no-103-threes-a-charm-jacket">Three's A Charm Jacket</a> & the <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/hazel">Hazel Dress</a>.<br />
<br />
I bought the pattern for <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stillwater-4">Olive Knits Stillwater cardigan</a> too. It's going to be part of my <a href="https://fringeassociation.com/tag/summerofbasics/">#summerofbasics</a> in black soy silk. I want to make it shorter than the example photos - so it comes just to my natural waist. I can see it becoming a go-to in multiple colors and weights of yarn, for a short-waisted sweater that is just right to wear with a lot of me-made dresses.<br />
<br />
I also want to perfect a skirt pattern for my new size... and it sure-as-heck will not be including elastic... but I'm not that into zippers right now. I'm thinking of some type of Brumby/Kelly mash-up with the a-line version of Brumby and the button front style of Kelly.<br />
<br />
That leaves one more thing to arise. I think maybe it will be the Anabelle Slip... not really sure right now. I've also been fantasizing about a peplum top for a while... and recently discovered a <a href="http://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/peplum-top/">cute + free one</a>, thanks to checking out everyone's Me Made makes on Instagram<br />
<br />
Come June, I'll try to pin down and re-write my Make Nine. I'm also staying open to deals that are coming from a lot of the indie pattern companies during the last week of Me Made May - if one of my top covets comes up... I might splurge on a new pattern or two.<br />
<br />
Overall, feeling inspired, patient, and motivated by Me Made May so far... which is really the idea, right?! :)<br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-62134656435403703562018-05-11T12:43:00.000-07:002018-06-07T15:16:02.673-07:00Better late than never - ad hoc Sorbetto.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM3ZBJ7elw09CHh1secLoqThpJ0H-e38b5LuMdoJzdic47Fa_D_cs-Sy1It6dEDlWq8CSZtrRm7DLt2zQdWAAbGao19VaxiYKCQ95KLdUEUH4qzkdM1I3_ec6C0HsOB_u1lW7ZsRpqac/s1600/sorbetto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="476" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM3ZBJ7elw09CHh1secLoqThpJ0H-e38b5LuMdoJzdic47Fa_D_cs-Sy1It6dEDlWq8CSZtrRm7DLt2zQdWAAbGao19VaxiYKCQ95KLdUEUH4qzkdM1I3_ec6C0HsOB_u1lW7ZsRpqac/s400/sorbetto.JPG" width="337" /></a></div>
I finally made a <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/catalog/sorbetto">Sorbetto</a>! Yes, I am SO late to this party that they have totally redesigned and re-released the pattern since I cut this out two years ago!<br />
<br />
Short story: I love it & will definitely make it again!<br />
<br />
Long story: I never cut a bias binding for it and didn't have any of this fabric left... so I just looked at the two cut pieces, vaguely recalled seeing the buzz about the pattern and lots of cute photos from other bloggers years ago and figured that it was simple enough to put together without instructions.<br />
<br />
I used singlefold commercial bias flipped to the inside on the neck and arms. I also left the box pleat free at the bottom hem unintentionally - I just forgot that it was meant to be sewn in at the bottom too. I love the effect, though and will do it again on purpose when I make more Sorbettos in the future. I have no idea what size this was originally cut out as... but I believe that I graded between a larger hip size and a smaller waist/bust. It was from the old version of the pattern.<br />
<br />
The open pleat gives a nice fit to the neckline, so it's not slipping off my shoulders... and leaves room for my bust and hips, so my curves don't pull the garment out of whack. I am wearing it tucked in the photo, but I also like it untucked too... and I think the new version of the pattern with the tunic length would be a great make too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_pvacYH9t73F1-IlUwpLOrprRBW3h_QRi36nL8YOtJV3tcwfr-_W__lG7v_9ZyqyANuuZmy_yyg2ATMHQiYZqYwSyiSMm3PpSlRcGmDKKN9sutkqwSf0XzFqAwdgkRjpTVXwW8NbZnA/s1600/colette+tunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_pvacYH9t73F1-IlUwpLOrprRBW3h_QRi36nL8YOtJV3tcwfr-_W__lG7v_9ZyqyANuuZmy_yyg2ATMHQiYZqYwSyiSMm3PpSlRcGmDKKN9sutkqwSf0XzFqAwdgkRjpTVXwW8NbZnA/s320/colette+tunic.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh and the one with little sleeves too... I want to make them all!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJJ6afzILdqcW3nvMOYk6SgDDUtZq8AvsP4o8gG0ep1A8RNdGXC4fRXznrihWfwFQzq3wWgtFmcVkCn6etqL4Gplij9DRAy_DFjYM9eh-sbW9lJsAifoEjURD3NkxRQZ24QD3gmK2XKA/s1600/collete+sleeves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJJ6afzILdqcW3nvMOYk6SgDDUtZq8AvsP4o8gG0ep1A8RNdGXC4fRXznrihWfwFQzq3wWgtFmcVkCn6etqL4Gplij9DRAy_DFjYM9eh-sbW9lJsAifoEjURD3NkxRQZ24QD3gmK2XKA/s320/collete+sleeves.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
The sleeved one as a woven tee is next on my list because it seems like the perfect summer work top.<br />
<br />
I used to wear a lot of menswear style blouses with me-made skirts as a work uniform. My size and style have changed and I only have a couple of blouses left in my wardrobe now. <br />
<br />
I didn't miss woven blouses a lot in the winter. This year, I usually wore an RTW knit tee with a sweater over it, if I wore a skirt to work... but now that summer's coming, I am feeling a lack of basic warm weather tops in my wardrobe, which has me choosing dresses over skirts at the moment.<br />
<br />
I don't really like to wear knit tees to work on their own. Especially with my new bust size, they just look either too dumpy if they are loose enough in the bust or too slutty if they are fitted enough in the rest of my upper body.<br />
<br />
So, this cute woven tee pattern (tweaked to fit me just right) seems the perfect thing to make in multiples.<br />
<br />
Me Made May 2018 has definitely gotten me thinking about my future sewing needs and wardrobe development. I think I am going to add Sorbetto to my Make Nine and have been contemplating some other changes to the list to focus more on developing TNT patterns for myself that can be made in multiples and also serve as blocks for getting creative later.<br />
<br />
Being short, curvy, and a different "standard" size in bust/waist/hips... it takes a lot of energy to figure out the fit on just about any garment... so focusing on getting more patterns to TNT status seems like an exciting and productive goal for the year that dovetails nicely with the Make Nine. I'm also planning to participate in the <a href="https://fringeassociation.com/2018/04/27/get-planning-summer-of-basics-2018-is-coming/">Summer of Basics 2018</a>. (which is definitely a fantastic follow-up to Me Made May!)<br />
<br />
I'm still reflecting on my lists for both so that I don't write a dozen different updates to my #makenine18 and #summerofbasics all this month... whatever ends up on the short-list at the end of May, I'm looking forward to a happy summer of sewing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-73546771300008701882018-05-08T13:57:00.000-07:002018-06-07T15:16:15.930-07:00#mmmay18 week 1, part 2 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE9iM5WLRgkx2yDe-vLYqyjTwmYSPrab9aH9z9FAP-gW3_wYcM1jKNSvZxBcrAUd21qXvcTtWIDJBF53qDPukshvYXuc81ZmiR7-eYaYBUf_wQ6cUJRycEADGM4qeuOA0FJk0hNkmy2s/s1600/mmm04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="588" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE9iM5WLRgkx2yDe-vLYqyjTwmYSPrab9aH9z9FAP-gW3_wYcM1jKNSvZxBcrAUd21qXvcTtWIDJBF53qDPukshvYXuc81ZmiR7-eYaYBUf_wQ6cUJRycEADGM4qeuOA0FJk0hNkmy2s/s400/mmm04.JPG" width="397" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Day 4: <a href="https://www.sewtinagivens.com/madeline-crop-top-and-slip-pdf">Tina Givens Madeline Slip</a> bodice with self-made skirt - all refashioned from 4 men's plaid shirts from By-the-Pound Goodwill... finally a version of the <a href="https://thistleandbean.blogspot.com/2014/05/babydoll-20.html">plaid babydoll dress that's been in my head since 2014</a> has been made real. Making it out of old plaid shirts turned out to be infinitely better than trying to collect scraps of fabric over the years. I saw these near each other in the bin and a lightbulb went off that made the project come to fruition really quickly. I liked the Madeline slip bodice because it had straps that could be a different plaid and the bodice could be cut from a shirt from, to use the buttons strategically. Leaving elements of the shirts, such as the button and cuff plackets, pockets, etc made it even more fun + a great nod to the ubiquitous 90s flannel shirts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_w2RDtGA58eFNlVB8PHQY23UWbJWP60bkKfGbb0CR5cb8LO-wYmV-cDEO1ScE0ZzMLlfiRw2O3zdndCIVuYNx6eoLk9E76UctvHKPg7SgD7yCloQ-sy05gR-MmKKtxHUkil3e41vaNE/s1600/mmm05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="469" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_w2RDtGA58eFNlVB8PHQY23UWbJWP60bkKfGbb0CR5cb8LO-wYmV-cDEO1ScE0ZzMLlfiRw2O3zdndCIVuYNx6eoLk9E76UctvHKPg7SgD7yCloQ-sy05gR-MmKKtxHUkil3e41vaNE/s400/mmm05.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
Day 5: My shorter <a href="https://thistleandbean.blogspot.com/2018/04/two-dottie-angel-frocks-and-musings-on.html">Dottie Angel frock</a> with an <a href="https://thistleandbean.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-bit-more-about-cardi.html">old hand-knit cardigan from back in 2014</a>. I got that yarn for free for being a test knitter for a pattern back in 2005 and then I didn't knit it up until 2014 because I wasn't crazy about the color. However the yarn is a dream.<br />
<br />
I don't wear it often, but found it is one of the only cardigans I own that is a good length and shape to layer over the Dottie Angel frock, so it's recently come back in rotation just in time for Me Made May. I made a second <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/katikhu/lace-merino-worsted-cardigan-er1012-2">black one</a> from this same Southwest Trading Company Oasis soy silk & pattern but I tried to modify the pattern to a V-neck instead of a curved neck and my pattern hack ended up sitting really far on the edge of the shoulders... as you can see in this picture. I recently found 5 left-over skeins from this project and decided that, after May is over, I will frog the black sweater and use all the yarn make a new cropped black cardigan that I really like... because this yarn is yummy and definitely stands the test of time... and I need more boxy cardigans that sit at my natural waist to wear with loose-fitting dresses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvFi3FgA6eZbdhKm3v7JBZX2AbxKumkg-Hv1ZqQ3ew0H5boNHEKtLknZKMLXtvobZteeDVwnkz61kJYWTFnPzOQz3hmJBsR_DgvjgXAf8MwjXRPGlFC-xFHWsxI-nkfxb3GbiLKjHs8s/s1600/dottie2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="283" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvFi3FgA6eZbdhKm3v7JBZX2AbxKumkg-Hv1ZqQ3ew0H5boNHEKtLknZKMLXtvobZteeDVwnkz61kJYWTFnPzOQz3hmJBsR_DgvjgXAf8MwjXRPGlFC-xFHWsxI-nkfxb3GbiLKjHs8s/s320/dottie2.JPG" width="165" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Pause to say: WOW - it was hard to look back at those older blog posts and see how thin I was back then and remember how I thought I was really fat at the time... but now I am a lot heavier than I was back then. I have thyroid issues that make weight loss difficult and weight gain easy, and I was stress eating a lot at the end of my old job and through the moving process. In 2017 I gained a lot of weight and have managed to stop gaining (which was actually a big accomplishment) but I haven't been able to budge the scale to lose weight.<br />
<br />
I know losing weight cannot be done by watching eating alone for me. For my body, I have to get a lot of strenuous exercise too. I really want to just dive into exercise... but now I commute over 2 hours a day and time is an issue. My old routine was exercising right after work & that doesn't really work with my new life/job and the time the other people in my family eat dinner (which is a<i> big deal</i> for them.) I get home at 7pm now and dinner is on the table when I walk in the door... and I never end up exercising after dinner... I *have* to think of something... but I also want to be okay with my body how it is in each moment... because self-hatred doesn't do anyone any good + life is short.<br />
<br />
DEEP BREATH. Inhale. Exhale. Regroup. Whew... <br />
<br />
Sewing for myself again & doing Me Made May again has brought body issues up for me and has helped with them too... I got inspired to experiment with a fashion style I've loved for a long time because the pieces I was enjoying wearing were boxier, looser, more forgiving of changing shapes... and more about enjoying garments that worrying about what my body looked like. I did my first FBA recently - never thought that would be an issue for me. Stuff like that... it's different. It can bring up negativity - but the sewing actually makes it better... because I can fit things to my body and enjoy that I've made them and they are interesting and beautiful garments - so I feel happy in them even if I don't feel very happy in my corporeality at the moment. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimbk07Zh96XZ1R6fA1U94kw6NIJCuxtw21DrksTHnpXUijMks9PYABCJX4tZ-aWsr9bIxblpDgmwoYBAx16FuwFgLLlqMUEFjyeUuVqcwEE6TeAMzeU-VUffqZ_eKI8EHrpdUYnwBHYo/s1600/mmm06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="589" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimbk07Zh96XZ1R6fA1U94kw6NIJCuxtw21DrksTHnpXUijMks9PYABCJX4tZ-aWsr9bIxblpDgmwoYBAx16FuwFgLLlqMUEFjyeUuVqcwEE6TeAMzeU-VUffqZ_eKI8EHrpdUYnwBHYo/s400/mmm06.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Day 6: New Look 6305 - the first one I really liked (second make of the pattern.) I freaking love these dresses - I could have an army of them in different fabrics wear one every day throughout the year and be pretty content. In fact, 4 of my 7 outfits in the first week of Me Made May were New Look 6305 hacks!<br />
<br />
Day 7: Here's the last New Look 6305 of the week... most recently made. I hacked the sleeveless version of the bodice for this one - the skirt is two pairs of by-the-pound hemp and linen pants and some vintage napkins + lace trims and some burgundy linen from my stash that I had cut a pattern out of years ago and never stitched together. It was inspired by Mori Kei and really a delight to make. I worry that it looks a bit costume-like, but I wore it on errands on my day off, over a refashioned lace tee and got several enthusiasic compliments from regular looking people... so it must not be that weird.<br />
<br />
(btw: the tee used to be one of those "cold shoulder" open style tops... but I changed it to be more like a classic tee.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCZ90n8Ve-mupsfCHXWG3WOKbqHeOKi5JGr2Zx_8xtWyu1SC1iBoZvGKWUtmCzzJ_0ds9bGiGsR9oGtLFXtvYy_MR57qbmxtkYsk3tb6bOL0BJnuNzFVxJjZWIBIb0B95ErNKteShU3o/s1600/mmm07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCZ90n8Ve-mupsfCHXWG3WOKbqHeOKi5JGr2Zx_8xtWyu1SC1iBoZvGKWUtmCzzJ_0ds9bGiGsR9oGtLFXtvYy_MR57qbmxtkYsk3tb6bOL0BJnuNzFVxJjZWIBIb0B95ErNKteShU3o/s320/mmm07.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that's a wrap for the first week of #mmmay18. </div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-67900847163850030252018-05-04T11:06:00.000-07:002018-05-04T17:26:25.263-07:00Me Made May Kickoff... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHRpZJlAu8JoVWE0oamxJq2Kd86RL-LzEhfLjc0xxpa9I3JUiVorkzwPVO2Rl8dmN7-uoLmuzNBpzNPeCc9daFlUfur2g4D8Jgl2kif04xgdrvdcIAW-U9iyAExOo1pQ7H8JAXHfiWSA/s1600/mmmcollage1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="1241" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHRpZJlAu8JoVWE0oamxJq2Kd86RL-LzEhfLjc0xxpa9I3JUiVorkzwPVO2Rl8dmN7-uoLmuzNBpzNPeCc9daFlUfur2g4D8Jgl2kif04xgdrvdcIAW-U9iyAExOo1pQ7H8JAXHfiWSA/s640/mmmcollage1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2018/04/me-made-may-18-sign-up-here.html">Me Made May 2018</a> is off to a great start on Instagram. There are lots of tags to follow.<br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mmm18/">#mmm18</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/memademay/">#memademay</a> <br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/memademay2018/">#memademay2018</a> <br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mmmay18/">#mmmay18</a><br />
...and many more variations. Some photos are repeated on all of them... but others are unique... so it's fun to poke around and discover new tags and new photos. I've already started to follow some new makers with amazing makes and style. I'm sure before the month is out, there will be lots more!<br />
<br />
I think the community aspect of MMM is my favorite thing - I always see a ton of new patterns I want try and get very inspired by all the makes and styles of me-mades out there. I totally re-organized my pattern <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/katikhu/sew-this/">Pinterest Board</a> to better capture & organize all the great patterns I'm seeing. Yay for the section feature - I love it! <br />
<br />
This year, I decided to do MMM to push myself, since I am just getting back into making clothes for myself after a very hectic year last year. My style and size have changed, so I don't have a lot to fall back on from past years. I'll be wearing a lot of repeats and my old favorite New Look 6305 pattern hacks.<br />
<br />
I'm realizing that the Tina Givens Madeline Slip is also a new favorite - I'm wearing a patchwork version today and I wore the brick red cotton sateen sheet version yesterday. So 4 days and two patterns... and I'll probably wear a third New Look dress to work tomorrow!<br />
<br />
Even before the first week is through, it's clear that I am missing work basics. I've been making lots of fun Mori-inspired frivolities + Dottie Angel smocks, which are great fun to wear on the weekends & evenings... but my work clothes at the moment are more RTW thrifted things...<br />
<br />
That's not bad, necessarily - but another great thing about MMM besides the camaraderie and inspiration, is that you get a chance to learn about what's missing in your wardrobe. For me, I need to re-make some basics.<br />
<br />
Here's what I'm craving right now - hoping before the month is out, I may add some of these missing pieces and once it is over - I'll have more direction for finishing out the Make 9 challenge the rest of this year.<br />
<br />
<b>A basic black dress (or three!) for work and easily looking put-together. </b><br />
I'm thinking a New Look 6305 hack short-sleeve, middie length and an Anabelle Slip (on my make nine list, but no muslin done yet... and the Tina Givens patterns definitely need a muslin or two to perfect.)<br />
<br />
I've got some nice black rayon that would be good for the New Look. Keeping my eyes open for a good fabric for the Anabelle. I'd love black linen or cotton lawn. <br />
<br />
<b>More basic dresses that can be paired with a cardigan and worn to work.</b><br />
Sage brocade Madeline middie length with little ruffle at hem.<br />
Brick Red New Look 6305 hack, short sleeve, drop waist, just below knee.<br />
Chambray Dottie Angel frock in B length. (no frivolous pockets)<br />
Something in burgundy dot chambray from my stash.<br />
<br />
<b>Basic gathered midi skirts.</b><br />
Try the <a href="http://annaelizabethmade.blogspot.com/2013/04/favorite-skirt-tutorial.html">half elastic waist skirt tutorial</a>. <br />
<br />
<b>A simple jacket/cardigan type pattern. </b><br />
I saw someone share their make of this on instagram and fell in love: <a href="https://www.decadesofstyle.com/products/no-103-threes-a-charm-jacket">Decades of Style Three's a Charm Jacket. </a> I'm imagining it in tapestry (I will make at least one tapestry thing before the end of this year - I swear it will be so!) and also basic black, possibly even a heavy low-stretch knit version too. <br />
<br />
The dearth of work clothes has me thinking about my wardrobe in general. It's in a state of change. I got rid of many things when I moved and what was left that fit and I liked, was a really strange and not very functional group of garments.<br />
<br />
I moved in the fall and over the winter, I bought new basic long sleeve tees and replaced all my worn-out or ill-fitting tights to round out my winter work wear and started sewing some new fun clothes. Now that spring is here, the gaps in my warm weather wardrobe are becoming clear - both work-wise and fun/casual/dress-up.<br />
<br />
Here are some other thoughts.<br />
<br />
<b>Remake some old favorite me-mades that have seen better days.</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Chambray Dot Brumby skirt - skirt for a dress, w/dot + stripe patchwork Madeline bodice. </li>
<li>Burgundy Denim Brumby skirt - into a pinafore with extra leftover fabric from that make. </li>
<li>Black linen Veronika skirt - ???</li>
</ul>
<b>Thift and make more dark mori layering basics.</b><br />
Specifically, I need some black base dresses and black skirts of varied lengths for layering. I would also like some black lace tees and a black blouse or two - probably thrifted or upcycled.<br />
<br />
<b>Continue to expand, improve, and edit my Mori/Dolly Kei wardrobe.</b><br />
More base dresses and varied lengths of layering skirts.<br />
Higher-quality or more carefully made layering items - especially petticoats & slips.<br />
Things that harmonize together.<br />
A-line lacy tops, either refashion/upcycle or sewn. <br />
More Tina Givens everything.<br />
Something tapestry.<br />
Some of the half-elastic waist skirts with Mori fabrics and styles too. <br />
<br />
And a reflection on style. Me Made May is bringing me back to my own sense of style more . During the move and as I have gained weight and my some of favorite clothes stopped fitting... I just wore whatever was clean, easy, well-fitting, or practical for a while. I kind of lost sight of myself for a time. Swearing off Facebook and starting to spend more time on my Pinterest rekindled my love of Mori & brought be back to having a sense of dressing creatively - but it's not for me to be stuck with someone else's style rules... so I was starting to feel a little stressed about it and avoiding dressing up.<br />
<br />
Since I have limited wardrobe choices for Me Made May this year, I'm forced to think outside the box and intuit my own style more. It feels good... feels like I'm coming back to myself and I like that.<br />
<br />
May is off to a great start and I look forward to what the rest of the month brings.<br />
<br />
Happy stitching, makers! <3Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-36316891523229213222018-04-26T16:24:00.002-07:002018-06-09T11:44:39.543-07:00Make Nine 2018 update. I'm updating my #makenine2018 - I want to make a tapestry midi-length dirndl skirt rather than a tapestry vest. Maybe a Megan Neilsen pattern... either Brumby or Kelly. Both of which have been TNT patterns for me in the past... or I might just make it up, as that type of skirt is easy to make.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56506170312161465/"><img alt="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56506170312161465/" border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqUthjIpIaanI4-I_SSZOBAAITKk_j1xja6ZvOvvCReG-xXf62eOpyK_CrK2NI3n2G1_dpnCNajzZzBRtVoixyB6hw0Yjercv8GlC5-tWjpBN8tYbm6PCqP25y0aeJaZDSznBKn6iD8Q/s400/skirt.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
<br />
Why did I change my mind? Well, I got a cute embroidered patchwork linen vest at the by-the-pound Goodwill that has a very Dolly Kei vibe to it... but I tried it on with all sorts of things from my closet and I just couldn't pull it off.<br />
<br />
I know vests are on-trend with 90s revival looks, so I thought I could get away with my own quirky interpretation of this type of trend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/527273068851046654/"><img alt="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/527273068851046654/" border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OF3UjtyLdlq5GEtcHVZeLJ5f82RQjwt5OP7W18iot0pj3epUodOVQ5VM7ULvBtxI_1G97vF7ShjDRUwWLODFH8i0fEam1qeENTKLSZ5K3LQcDEeI3PZSy3ckvQ4u6wJuukbBjmy8F0k/s320/hipster.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Dolly Kei look incorporates a lot of different vest styles... as well as those fraternal collars that look like vests too...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://snowroseblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/dolly-kei-en.html"><img alt="http://snowroseblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/dolly-kei-en.html" border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="482" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOiN5sI5KngwWxrdLZjdYS5leHhzD7An5rujuq9fFDQj2pNIE1S84rUi6XyE7IBM0uZg_J6oYkpZI3mr6SmrQ3k27iCQfeZfpJ0oO7YnG-PjVS7LRIvCKuSEUBUmU4PWL1KRb-iNo_tw/s400/fraternal+collars.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In my head, a Dolly Kei-inspired patchwork tapestry vest made from a vintage pattern worked with my clothes and style... something like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/157414949449736434/"><img alt="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/157414949449736434/" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="337" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF5Hjg_r1wcKfXslqPTk9KX_iKFBA4tg3tYTKPfsv3OEZE69pNs9BCJrEi0vdYl8MLahVeVj3n4n1kN40J8gqRPTzsRMdczh20TqrmrtSOnxnUmmiGl-teCYA2kwo0nEo3JoqgAVIbNE/s400/vest+fantasy.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I do like my chunky ivory cable-knit sweater vest and burgundy herringbone wool menswear-inspired vest in the winter between a shirt and a cardigan...<br />
<br />
...but in actuality a crazy summer vest was way more unironically frumpy 90s mom than anything remotely fashion-forward. I just don't think it's worth my time to end up looking like this. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsystudio.com/listing/520756558/free-us-ship-sewing-pattern-retro-1990s"><img alt="https://www.etsystudio.com/listing/520756558/free-us-ship-sewing-pattern-retro-1990s" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1001" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIIrtNMjB25qA5Bqg3L1_bXl6tTiOVOeBIMRweYTI_-i03vZ-JMR7bpI097YgHJl0HGZM_2KUm_KE2XDvt4WoK-IuWt_5JatKNnnNTqqzZLx-TGuM59Lyc5vhc9OhCRGQDLG-ykwAOow/s400/90svest.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So yeah, I'm still collecting tapestry fabric and loving it... but I think I will rock it better as a skirt or dress element, rather than a vest. I am also not giving up on my vest idea completely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am still on the lookout for a velveteen cropped vest as a thrift item... but not going to put the energy into making one. And with that, I will leave you with some <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=dolly%20kei%20vest&rs=typed&term_meta[]=dolly%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=kei%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=vest%7Ctyped">Dolly Kei vest fantasy images from Pinterest</a>, to cleanse your palette after the hideous mom vest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIus5PgkTd_Kk2taBgVEnobvyQJa3mqqxfehLVqtbDR_0dfE0aFRRShcKFFH4zM0epFb5JCCztj0-4PcQMxP0NSJxhkwGSNJAcbe0O4I-ZbS8kyCq3l6EW5sclTxgCjpA6H5YQwH-XD58/s1600/dollyvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIus5PgkTd_Kk2taBgVEnobvyQJa3mqqxfehLVqtbDR_0dfE0aFRRShcKFFH4zM0epFb5JCCztj0-4PcQMxP0NSJxhkwGSNJAcbe0O4I-ZbS8kyCq3l6EW5sclTxgCjpA6H5YQwH-XD58/s320/dollyvest.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAzwhSYqd7EjA01BfCrcfo-MbZOViLDyVSoQmC_OytiasUsZOYZQO4IzcNy3JEh_EeDQRaiaItKOp8NlM1pi6gzhanAjiPXG6fQyddDN8WTbg2oIgPZhGpUpM0TUeONVlqMN2VkF9Dsw/s1600/dollyvest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAzwhSYqd7EjA01BfCrcfo-MbZOViLDyVSoQmC_OytiasUsZOYZQO4IzcNy3JEh_EeDQRaiaItKOp8NlM1pi6gzhanAjiPXG6fQyddDN8WTbg2oIgPZhGpUpM0TUeONVlqMN2VkF9Dsw/s320/dollyvest2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCiZFVxNaG2KQZ5rNwyWduX-G8lvjdboqV3ZDsuN3cSn2msODEaHTdabZXtFDdfKf7FhvZmk5WvQTuoskF9qs0l97X-yCp8oXOCP8kaIjUIp6aP43ScmZeiVKcDwDM9ZOsZET-q04FTM/s1600/dollyvest3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCiZFVxNaG2KQZ5rNwyWduX-G8lvjdboqV3ZDsuN3cSn2msODEaHTdabZXtFDdfKf7FhvZmk5WvQTuoskF9qs0l97X-yCp8oXOCP8kaIjUIp6aP43ScmZeiVKcDwDM9ZOsZET-q04FTM/s320/dollyvest3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P9wzZWCOqfV0Fe5LaJTHhfWJP7fKUpwowoxTzikuJL8Czfl2hp4q3NgZ7K5zykY6aJuwjHrrfL1aF05O19CIxH75IPyF0G23v-PiTB_5-yaDOuxsrZaCfxYcIJJMlJDVSfOHJiNF9JQ/s1600/dollyvest4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P9wzZWCOqfV0Fe5LaJTHhfWJP7fKUpwowoxTzikuJL8Czfl2hp4q3NgZ7K5zykY6aJuwjHrrfL1aF05O19CIxH75IPyF0G23v-PiTB_5-yaDOuxsrZaCfxYcIJJMlJDVSfOHJiNF9JQ/s320/dollyvest4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5EUHWCEpmhDhrXqkKTq78aD4LkDjMYsGPoJWrZexI29L0GYZcOSC9ajnRBCD73FeGOj3m5BwRRcE7dOtADYigZcmKCrpAN_HRUZhUn3N9-G0z6KzE78bwlHJNjoSwD1JWSsmNigmdKs/s1600/dollyvest5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5EUHWCEpmhDhrXqkKTq78aD4LkDjMYsGPoJWrZexI29L0GYZcOSC9ajnRBCD73FeGOj3m5BwRRcE7dOtADYigZcmKCrpAN_HRUZhUn3N9-G0z6KzE78bwlHJNjoSwD1JWSsmNigmdKs/s320/dollyvest5.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn7bDRnLsynaJ0QcrJLugA5HdeGDTGL0nPrj_fIJtCJBe4cIUk2tIb6VTW-SYvEPc-LvPk3o9KBMn9sC1GQUa2qJ5TuX0KPGxQJI-FteVEsxv2IKp1zrpYCJ2bX980xb7TJbnXlUPYhk/s1600/dollyvest7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKn7bDRnLsynaJ0QcrJLugA5HdeGDTGL0nPrj_fIJtCJBe4cIUk2tIb6VTW-SYvEPc-LvPk3o9KBMn9sC1GQUa2qJ5TuX0KPGxQJI-FteVEsxv2IKp1zrpYCJ2bX980xb7TJbnXlUPYhk/s320/dollyvest7.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6948182300094115637.post-80301664431899302832018-04-25T15:21:00.000-07:002018-06-09T11:56:02.055-07:00Madeline Slip - on the path to a "TNT" & sustainable fashion...I finished wearable muslin #2 of the Madeline slip dress and #3 version that is actually a real project... my 90s grunge-inspired patchwork plaid babydoll dress, that I've been dreaming about since I first started making the New Look 6305 dresses.<br />
<br />
Sneak peak:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphID5wEZIPEgXvYSDYAbRdegBQsxwjAxHpYTeuaauxWNWxg7kDfz0qP43hf-YLwxYNz2jqWqQ5DAMeojKZW4n0YBXaWmPQ7yyFeaTjbQsw1zbwDVmimrAqzLeFwKXzbMqBKrb_U7Eru4/s1600/20180423_205002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphID5wEZIPEgXvYSDYAbRdegBQsxwjAxHpYTeuaauxWNWxg7kDfz0qP43hf-YLwxYNz2jqWqQ5DAMeojKZW4n0YBXaWmPQ7yyFeaTjbQsw1zbwDVmimrAqzLeFwKXzbMqBKrb_U7Eru4/s400/20180423_205002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'll make another Madeline-centric post when I've got some fashion photos together... but I want to think more about fitting, in general, today. I'm still tweaking fit issues around the bust and I'm preparing to make another wearable muslin... after making a second unwearable test last night... with my first ever FBA. Never thought that would be an issue with me - but being small in stature, but not totally flat-chested... the fit on the Madeline bodice has been strangely challenging for such an apparently shapeless oversized garment.<br />
<br />
So, I did some research and learned how to do an FBA on a pattern that doesn't have a dart. I found this <a href="https://helenscloset.ca/2017/03/21/how-to-do-a-full-bust-adjustment-without-any-darts/">tutorial from Helen's Closet</a> to be the most helpful. It starts out by actually creating a dart where there wasn't one, then redistributing the ease through the pattern... but I was excited about just stopping with the new dart. (at the first part of step 4) so I gave it a try.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz6hgqc8wH05sL0wbwLl6jb39aljiDpIO7Zpe0s4JhzN4C5uFuzLxTorCMnv6FWYNyTz07q7fWL3sFlcsoTGgFfGP546V0YlB471lg-rdjLx2-MiinjkAe66zUtA66WZwaaYohFPG-zo/s1600/IMG_20180424_220117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1600" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz6hgqc8wH05sL0wbwLl6jb39aljiDpIO7Zpe0s4JhzN4C5uFuzLxTorCMnv6FWYNyTz07q7fWL3sFlcsoTGgFfGP546V0YlB471lg-rdjLx2-MiinjkAe66zUtA66WZwaaYohFPG-zo/s400/IMG_20180424_220117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This is my third tracing of the bodice piece. It's normally a cut 4, same front and back piece... but I am going to make a back and a front - the back being a little higher cut and the front having a dart. So far the non-wearable muslin turned out promisingly well.<br />
<br />
I am really interested in turning the bodice of this slip dress into a TNT or tried and true pattern. It's a lot of work... but I think it will be worth it to have a tank dress bodice that can have a wide variety of different skirt options attached.<br />
<br />
The #makenine2018 challenge has been really fruitful so far, for encouraging this kind of deep work. I'm enjoying very much the methodical slow fashion of working and re-working the pattern. It ties in well with the <a href="https://www.fashionrevolution.org/about/why-do-we-need-a-fashion-revolution/">Fashion Revolution</a> movement going on right now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS7GUChw0fOeXM9CCRtbHrllOoOHF_P9TgNiwepeWkUlRVqI9mysZh9zkasNKrv-7BgQJVFjkdeMK6C__OXXnzdPrK1EvUrHaVwytv-4u64B9Fge_b2_ZCptht80HtbLPteuKsplpJ2A/s1600/imademyclothes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="393" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqS7GUChw0fOeXM9CCRtbHrllOoOHF_P9TgNiwepeWkUlRVqI9mysZh9zkasNKrv-7BgQJVFjkdeMK6C__OXXnzdPrK1EvUrHaVwytv-4u64B9Fge_b2_ZCptht80HtbLPteuKsplpJ2A/s640/imademyclothes.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
I really appreciate this conversation and movement around sustainability and ethics in fashion - but I'd like to suggest that people also take it a step deeper to the production of their textiles. Sewing your own clothes is an important piece of the puzzle - but the fabric and notions must also be ethically produced to have a full impact on creating more ethical fashion.<br />
<br />
For me, the answer is to rely heavily on vintage, thrifted, and reclaimed/resused fabric and notions. This is sustainable in that it's using things that have already been produced - it isn't encouraging new cycles of production and fast fashion. Think of how fabric designers come out with trending collections just like fashion designers do - sometimes we get so caught up in collecting fabrics that we are still just stuck in a loop of over-consumption and we don't know where these fabrics came from, the labor practices & chemicals/resources used in their creation, and the overall impact that has on the makers and us as the wearers of the garments.<br />
<br />
If you want to reflect more deeply on this, I'd suggest checking out <a href="http://prophet-of-bloom.blogspot.com/">India Flint</a>'s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Second-Skin-Choosing-textiles-clothing/dp/174196721X">Second Skin: Choosing and Caring for Textiles and Clothing</a>. It's really mind-blowing and amazing to begin to think about all the details that go into the garments we wear.<br />
<br />
Another really thoughtful and sweet reflection on ethical fashion on a budget is from youtuber Kaara Mary. I love her effervescent enthusiasm. She has a lot of great videos on refashioning and ethical fashion. <br />
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1W_q6xqCpOc" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
That's all for now... happy making! <3 Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00641891332347200129noreply@blogger.com0