Running Skort

Hello, long time no see!  We have moved states, started new jobs, and new daily routines with the kids. It's been difficult to sew regularly, but I'm trying to get back to it. My other ambition, aside from sewing, is running. I'm not very good at it but always trying to get better! I've wanted some cute running skorts for quite some time. 

 

I used Jalie Sport Skort pattern. For my first skort, I used some remnant spandex from previous projects. I cheated and used ITY for the accent- but wanted to be able to get some animal print in. 

These were quick and easy to sew. I used my serger for the seams. I used a wide zigzag stitch for the hem. My photos don't capture the cute details but these have a side pocket which was able to fit my smart phone. I love the wide waistband. These are comfortable and didn't shift or ride up anywhere while I ran. They are short- but not too short. The length of the shorts was long enough to protect from thigh chaffing but nice and short to keep cool in the hot Summer heat. 

I have a couple of really cute spandex prints in my stash that I will be using to make more of these up! Until next time... 

~Jenny 

Christmas Dresses

Happy New Year! Before the holidays get too far away from us, I thought I better post my creations for Christmas this year. The story on these dresses is kind of funny. I was in Joann Fabrics and came across this lovely fabric. It has a black lace effect over a nude base with some gold and silver shimmer to it. I end up buying 3.5 yards, imagining I would make it into some sort of party dress for the holiday season. 

We can't take a picture together where we both look normal. I must opt for the ones I look decent in- you understand. 

I got home, washed it, and hung it up to dry. Along comes my 3 year old daughter. As soon as she lays eyes on the fabric, she gasps and exclaims "Mama, I need a dwess (spelling intended)". Being the selfish mama that I am, I hadn't exactly planned on sewing her one as well. But I couldn't disappoint. I scoured my pattern collection for a mama and daughter duo that would fit into the allotted fabric length I purchased. 

For her, I used New Look 6205. I made view A. Her dress went together very quickly. I added some black ribbon to the waistline for a little something special. She wears a 3T in RTW, I ended up going with a size 4 on the pattern- glad I did because it fits her perfectly. I think a 3 would have been too small. 

For my dress, I ended up going with my tried and true Colette Laurel pattern. I've made it twice before- my first (and favorite) rendition is here. It's a basic shift dress that doesn't require a lot of yardage- perfect for my mission to squeeze two garments out of what I got from Joann's. I didn't make any changes except for adding a couple inches of length. 

I am very happy with the way the two dresses turned out. We wore these together for Christmas Eve. We got lots of compliments. I had spent $35 on the fabric- not bad for 2 "fancy" dresses! 

Posing with big brother!

No end of the year wrap up for me. If I posted my top 5 makes, it would be my only 5 makes!! I had made more, but I have a hard time getting all my makes posted. Maybe I can work on posting more frequently this year...

~Jenny 

Color Block Dress

Happy Fall! Today I am showing off my color blocked dress I made from Simplicity 1276. This is a design from the always unique and stylish Mimi G! 

I made view A, with the flared skirt, but used the elbow length sleeves. I used ponte roma knits from Low Price Fabrics. I lined the dress with a white tricot that I believe came from Low Price Fabrics as well. I'm guessing I spent about $30 including notions. 

The dress went together easily. I made my standard one size smaller than recommended by the pattern envelope. The instructions are good. I know Mimi G did some accompanying videos that give you lots of great construction tips. I was lazy though- I just did my own thing. 

The torso came out a bit long on me- I should have shortened this by 1/2 an inch or so. The fit is otherwise decent. My one complaint is that the thick ponte knit tends to bunch up in the back of the dress, creating back fat rolls that I don't have. Perhaps this could have been solved by shortening the torso so that it lays flat. I wear this dress with a jacket though so that no one gets an eyeful of the back. I know, I know- make a muslin! I can't do it people!

Overall I am happy with this dress. It looks great with tights, boots and a jacket in the Fall! 

~ Jenny 

A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

Best Halloween ever!! And probably the last one that I will ever make costumes for the entire family!! In reality, by the time next year rolls around, I will have forgotten the horrors of making four unique costumes in about a week's time (what can I say? I procrastinate), and will do it all over again. 

Let's start with the cute ones, shall we? 

Princess Leia was the easiest to make, hand's down. The white dress is a Little Girl's Skater Dress from Kitschy-Coo patterns. I used a white ponte knit. I lengthened the pattern by a couple of inches. It came together quickly and easily. For her belt, I used a silver metallic cotton blend and simply made a tube belt and glued some squares I made on top. Done! 

For Master Yoda, I used New Look 6170, a pajama pattern for the pants a shirt. These were made of a brown flannel. For the cape, I used Simplicity 1037. I made the cape using a linen blend fabric. I shortened the sleeves a bit. Not too bad so far. Bonus- the kid loves to wear the pajamas as pajamas!

Next, on to the adults. 

Kylo Ren, my husband! I used McCall's 7422 for this monstrosity. Actually, it really wasn't too bad to sew, but is a big fabric eater. There is a lined coat and lined surcoat. Accessories include the faux leather belt and the hood. I either was not paying well enough attention to the instructions, or the instructions were wrong in a few places. If I attached the lining as directed, I would not be able to turn inside out. I sort of did my own thing. The hood is made of linen. The coat is gabardine and lining. The surcoat is broadcloth and lining fabric. 

And finally, our heroine- Ray. I used McCall's 7421. This included a shirt, pants, tabard, gauntlets, and a belt. What the heck is a tabard or a gauntlet? This one was not difficult to sew but tedious. I found the instructions to be fine on this one. The shirt and gauntlets are made from an off-white jersey. Pants are a brown ponte. Tabard is tan gauze. Belt is faux leather. 

I cut corners where I could. If you allow yourself one week to make four costumes, you got to do what you got to do. I avoided hems where possible- particularly on my tabard- none of the edges are finished. 

And there you have it. We really did have a great Halloween this year and enjoyed showing off our group costumes. This was not the most economical proposition. In fact,we probably would have been better off in that regard buying the costumes from the store. We were close to the $200 mark for all four costumes. But mine have a little more detail and love (and anger, aggravation, annoyance, anxiety) poured in. 

~Jenny

Classic Button-downs

Hi all! I've got some catching up to do! This will catch us up on four more garments, one pattern. I've found my Holy Grail for a button-down shirt! Vogue 8772 is the perfect pattern for me! It is a classic button-down shirt with front and back darts that give it a feminine shape. Long-sleeve, short-sleeve, and sleeveless versions are all included and you can even add a tie bow. These aren't earth shattering but they work really great in my new work wardrobe. Check out the collection I'm working on here. 

I made one size smaller than the envelope recommends based on my measurements. I have not made any adjustments to any of the versions. Lucky for me, it fits great right out of the envelope! Instructions are great and this sews up fairly quickly. 

This is made from a blue and white textured cotton I picked up at Joann Fabrics. It's light-weight and great for the warmer weather. 

This one is made from a blue cotton shirting. 

This is made from a cotton lawn from Mood Fabrics


.

This one isn't the greatest pic to show off the fabric and what's up with that wonky collar? Sheesh. This is a white cotton shirting with black polka-dots from Joann Fabrics.

I know I will be making more of these in the future. You can't go wrong with this classic style. I'm currently working on my little family of four's Halloween costumes. Let's just say they are from a galaxy far, far, away... 

~Jenny

Sewaholic Nicola Dress, Version 2

Hello friends! I am excited to post another project. Believe it or not, I actually have 10 finished garments that I need to post; however, I haven't found the time to take pictures of them. I am hoping I can get my husband to do a weekly, or even bi-monthly photo session so I can post more often. 

Before I get into the dress, I want to vent about some shopping stress that only sewcialists can relate to. If you've read previous posts (and thank you if you have), you know that I have made some changes in my career and will be transitioning from wearing scrubs to "business casual" for the medical office setting. For several months I have been focusing my sewing efforts on my work wardrobe. However, I have also been shopping for some ready to wear items to fill in some gaps and continue to build my work wardrobe. It's been much more difficult than I thought. I've been sewing the majority of my clothes for the last few years so had been out of the department stores for quite some time. I've been very discouraged by what I've been seeing so far. Much of the clothing within my price range is just poorly made! Cheap fabric, cheap closures, ill fitting. If I shop above my price comfort zone, it is difficult for me to justify spending at least $100 for a dress that I know I could make for $30 and of equal (or better) quality. 

I made the jacket in my profile picture for about $20. It is cotton seersucker, has a partial lining, bound seam allowances and shoulder pads. I love it- need to wear it more often! I made this jacket back in 2012- however, I saw at least 3 similar jackets of equal or lesser quality for about $100 during my recent shopping expeditions. It just makes me really love sewing even more when I think about what we can do with it! Now there are two stores (one company) that I can never go wrong at: Ann Taylor and Loft. Although their price points are a bit higher, they put on some decent sales. Plus, I am willing to pay more for the quality of fabric and styles. The quality is great. I have slacks from Loft that I've had for 8 years that look just as good as when I first purchased them. 

My husband loves to cut feet off in pictures! Details that only I notice. 

Alright already, back to the dress. I've made the Sewaholic Nicola dress before. I just love the fit and the design details. I knew I had to make one for the warmer weather. 

This time I used a daisy print rayon from an Etsy seller. I bought 4 yards for $20, then buttons and elastic.

There are quite a few steps to sewing this dress but nothing that is difficult. Sewaholic offers great instructions with their patterns. 

I did not make any alterations- sewed the size recommended by my measurements. They are designed for pear shapes- yeah for my curvy hips and big booty! But if you are less curvy, you may need to adjust accordingly. I think this design is universally flattering though- with its flowy design and waist cinching.

This was another winner for me! It is easy to wear and will look great in the office- maybe with a cardigan thrown over it. 

Do you still shop ready to wear? Where do you find your favorite things? 

~Jenny

Floral Lady Skater Dress

Hard to believe almost half a year has passed since my last post! I'm happy to report that I am finished with grad school to become a nurse practitioner! This endeavor has practically consumed me for the last two years. I am excited that it is over and look forward to the new opportunities waiting for me. I will begin my first NP job in a couple of months. In the mean time, I plan on catching up on some much needed sewing and will continue to focus on items that I can wear to my future office job. Check out my work inspired capsule here. 

As usual, I am late to the party. This is my first time making the Kitschy Coo Lady Skater Dress that was all the rage when it first came out three years ago. Don't get me wrong, people are still making it. I'm just never one to jump on the bandwagon right away.  

I used a very pretty floral ponte that I purchased during a trip to Seattle at District Fabric. Coming from a place where we only have Joann Fabrics, District Fabric was a treat to be able to shop at. It is a small store with a huge variety of unique fabrics. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area. They do sell a few fabrics online, but it doesn't compare to going to the store in person. This is one of many fabrics I picked up there. I believe it was between $6 and $7 per yard. 

The sizing of the dress was spot on for me. I made the size as recommended by the measurement chart. I added 2 inches to the length. I wanted it to hit below the knee to make sure it was work-appropriate. 

I sewed this up in one evening, mostly on my serger. It probably took me about 3 hours. The instructions were thorough. I think this would be a great dress for a novice or someone new to sewing knits. 

I got several compliments the first time I wore this. I love that it can be casual or dressed up- perhaps with a blazer or cardigan. I'm sure I will be making this one again. 

~Jenny 

Sewaholic Nicola Dress

Introducing one my my new favorite dresses- the Sewaholic Nicola dress! I was instantly drawn to this pattern. I just love the design. It is very feminine and has a 70's vibe. I knew it would fit perfectly in my Work-Wear Inspired Capsule. 

I love working with prints! I know some people struggle with them but I think I've developed a good eye for what print works with what style. I discovered this print at Joann Fabrics. It is a rayon fabric with these beautiful Fall colors. I knew in an instant that it was meant for this dress. Joann Fabrics isn't one my favorite places to shop for fabrics, but sometimes you happen to find a treasure among all the polar fleece, lol! I spent about $20 for the fabric. 

I printed this pattern as a PDF. I used to dread PDF patterns, but not so much anymore. They are instantly delivered and at a better price. I'm sure with all the paper printing and ink used, it's a wash. But I tell myself I'm doing a better thing for the environment anyway. My ritual includes putting on my favorite show, pouring a glass of wine, and taping that monster up!

The instructions and illustrations are great. I didn't have any issues sewing this up. As for fit, I sewed up the size recommended by the pattern without issue. This dress is meant to have a flow and some ease so is quite accommodating to different sizes and shapes. 

I love the end result. This will look great with heels as pictured, or paired with some boots. I don't mind the fabric belt but I can always switch this out for a different look. It's very easy to wear and will be great for long work days. I'm going to have to make the short sleeved version when the weather warms up again.

And that's probably it for 2015! I've got some other makes that I need to post but don't think they will be up before the new year. I wasn't as productive this year but I feel like everything I made was high-quality and will get tons of wear in my new position coming up this next year. And as school comes to an end this next year, I should have much more time to get back to the sewing room more often. 

Wishing everyone a fabulous and blessed 2016! 

~Jenny 

Black and White Peplum Top

This is a long time overdue. I finished this top several weeks ago as part of my business-casual inspired wardrobe. I'm in a love-hate relationship with it. 

Pictured here with my pencil skirt. Don't mind my curly hair fly-aways. 

I used Vogue 9056. I was drawn to this pattern because I really like the shape of this design.There is a gap in my capsule that needs to be filled with comfortable but stylish tops. 

Photo-bombed by a 4 year old. Hey kid, don't you know that modeling me-makes is serious business?

The fabric is from Joann Fabrics. It is a sweatery double knit fabric. I really like the print. Sure, it reminds me of draperies but I think that's what drew me to it. 

I did need to make a few changes. I'm guilty of not always reading the description and did not realize that this is designed to have a raw finish- yuck! I finished the neckline with seam binding. I hand-sewed the seam binding down to create a cleaner look. And I hand-sewed the hem on both the sleeves and bottom hem. The top as drafted has quite a bit of ease. I took in approximately another 5/8" on each side seam, blending the sleeve seam allowance with the bodice seam allowance. 

Worn with my favorite slacks- from Loft. 

So I've worn this a couple of times already. It is comfortable and goes with different things in my wardrobe. The one drawback is that at certain angles, I'm pretty sure I give off the pregnancy vibe. I'm more vane than I like to admit and not sure I can deal with the insta-pooch. 

What do you think? 

~Jenny 

Jersey Wrap Dress

Wrap dresses are probably one of the most universally flattering styles. I've made this dress before- apparently back in 2009! I love how blogging has allowed me the opportunity to journal my makes! This is a timeless, classic style that will never go out of fashion. And I decided I needed one for my business-casual inspired capsule. The pattern is Vogue 8379.

The fabric is an ITY jersey print from www.LowPriceFabric.com. I ordered a couple of prints during a sale and this was one of them. The colors are black, burgundy, and white. I love the print- it reminds me of some of the classic DVF wraps. I spent about $15 on the fabric. 

I made one size smaller than my first attempt. I also have a serger now and serged most of the seams up. I interfaced the dress from the neck facing, down to the hem along the front edges. And I shortened this a bit by taking up a 2" hem instead of a 1 1/4". 

I think this will be a great piece in my new work wardrobe. It can be styled with different jackets and cardigans, or worn as is. 

~Jenny