« Where Does The Time Go? | Main | Actual Progress »
July 19, 2007
A Sewing Project I'm Happy With
Well, despite my lack of blogging I have been busy. And I've been doing some of nothing to counteract the busy times. Sewing is satisfying and faster than knitting, but still time consuming and requires attention to detail. When you're not that skilled in a particular craft, there's a lot of ripping and re-doing - just like knitting. However, in this case my persistence and analness paid off.
The pattern is the Plain & Simple A-Line Skirt from Hot Patterns. The fit is very updated and the pattern is well drafted. I had some trouble getting things put together, but not because of the pattern itself but because the directions assume you know what you're doing and know how to sew. There were times I wasn't sure exactly what I was supposed to do, but when I looked it up in my new Vogue Sewing I managed to get things put together nicely.
The fabric is Embroidered Cotton Voile and it is lined with Italian Cotton Batiste.
I had nothing but wonderful luck with Gorgeous Things. The customer service is outstanding and Ann was extremely helpful. I love the selection of fabrics she has - so many wonderful things to choose from. I ended up with a lot of left over fabric - mostly because I was able to lay my pattern pieces out side by side. I really don't mind having the extra fabric because I love both of them and I'm sure I'll find a use for them down the line.
I made the size 10 and ended up taking a little bit out of the curve of the hip on both sides, but otherwise the pattern fit me extremely well. It always makes me happy when I can take something out rather than adding more ease. I added 2 inches to the length, which is no surprise - sometimes being tall is a pain in the ass. And I used an invisible zipper rather than the regular one the pattern calls for. I just think the invisible zipper looks better and I think it's easier to install.
Next up on the sewing list is the Hippy Chick Dress in some funky black and cream jersey. Keep your fingers crossed - I'm going to need a lot of help with that one.
Comments
That looks awesome! And I love that smile on your face. I've missed you A LOT.
Posted by: Carole at July 20, 2007 4:43 AM
great job! what a cute skirt!!!! sewing is so much fun when you finally understand all the steps and what to do!
cute dress - can't wait to see that one!
Posted by: stacey at July 20, 2007 4:48 AM
What a fabulous outfit, with such an exquisite skirt. Well done to you!
Posted by: Sulafaye at July 20, 2007 5:17 AM
You did a terrific job-it looks great! Sewing is a lot like knitting in that it's lots of little techniques to learn before it all comes together. You are definitely making me think about dragging out the old Bernina!
Posted by: Marcia Cooke at July 20, 2007 5:40 AM
wow! that looks gorgeous. you look lovely in that outfit! great work, steph!!
Posted by: blossom at July 20, 2007 5:59 AM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Cara at July 20, 2007 6:51 AM
What a lovely skirt! The fabric and lining are ones I would have easily chosen for myself!!! I'm going to have to bookmark that fabric store - thanks for the link.
Posted by: grumperina at July 20, 2007 7:03 AM
Beautiful, Steph! You look great! Your hair has gotten longer :)
Posted by: Lolly at July 20, 2007 7:46 AM
It is gorgeous!
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool at July 20, 2007 7:46 AM
Lovely skirt! It looks gorgeous on you!
Posted by: diana at July 20, 2007 8:25 AM
Yay! It looks awesome and you look really happy with it!
Posted by: yaiAnn at July 20, 2007 8:28 AM
The skirt is fabulous! Very nice job and it looks great on you, too.
Posted by: margene at July 20, 2007 8:34 AM
that skirt looks lovely... exquisite taste!
Posted by: stinkerbell at July 20, 2007 1:39 PM
Found your site from Gorgeous things gallery. Love the skirt. I'm just learning to sew too and I also realized that to make things nice it takes time. Instant gratification it is, just not as instant as expected.
Posted by: loopylulu at July 20, 2007 3:33 PM
Love the skirt, it looks professionally sewn. Good luck with the dress.
Posted by: Barbara at July 20, 2007 3:54 PM
welcome back! the skirt looks great, i like that fabric a lot. the dress you have your eye on is really cool..i can't wait!
Posted by: kaetlyn at July 20, 2007 6:09 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Valerie at July 20, 2007 8:16 PM
great to see you back!
Posted by: faille at July 20, 2007 8:40 PM
Absolutely fabulous! Thanks for sharing - I've never been to Gorgeous things. I'll definitely have to spend more time perusing there!
Posted by: wendee at July 20, 2007 11:55 PM
Super cute! It looks great on you. My sewing skills are still extremely rusty, but I hope to be able to handle making clothes someday!
Posted by: Coleen at July 21, 2007 8:56 AM
Beautiful! The fabric is gorgeous, and you look terrific. (And those shoes are really cute, too!)
Posted by: seedless grape at July 21, 2007 12:09 PM
Gorgeous fabric, and I think the skirt turned out so well too. The invisible zipper does look great too, and you cant even tell it is there. I am sure that there will be many lovely FO's to come.
Posted by: Sue at July 22, 2007 6:17 PM
It turned out beautifully!
Posted by: Chrissy at July 22, 2007 6:54 PM
Beautiful! I love that fabric, and your zipper is something to be proud of!
Posted by: pamela wynne at July 22, 2007 8:33 PM
You and the skirt are STUNNING. I think you should post a picture of you, Travis, and the skirt!! Beautiful couple with skirt would most likely be the caption.
Posted by: elisabeth at July 23, 2007 11:09 AM
That looks awesome!
Posted by: Theresa at July 24, 2007 8:15 AM
Great job! I keep saying that I'll make up with my sewing machine after our last incident, but this time I actually might. And I LOVE the dress you're planning to make, can't wait seeing it come to life!!!
Posted by: Rippedoffknitter at July 26, 2007 4:16 AM
That's an adorable skirt!
Posted by: Becky at July 27, 2007 12:50 PM
Wow congrats on the skirt. I looks wonderful. I hear ya about the sewing taking less time but just as much attention. I have finished quite a bit of sewing lately and I am ready to get back to the slow and steady pacing of knitting.
Posted by: Nubiancraftster at July 29, 2007 2:39 AM
Nice job! I am not the best seamstress in the world (although I did sew my own flannel PJ bottoms because they don't make them long enough for me!). Great skirt, great fabric.
Posted by: jessie at July 31, 2007 6:29 AM
You still look like my beautiful friend. Just cant imagine you and patience in the same sentence...
Posted by: Royalea at August 8, 2007 9:57 PM
