Lake Chelan Central Park Hoodie

If you knit I think it’s almost required to make a Central Park Hoodie (CPH) at some point.  Naturally as I’ve taken up knitting in the past year I dutifully put it in my Ravelry queue and then went ahead and made one.  Now that it’s finally done I’m really glad I did.

Right off the bat the eagle eyed out there may notice that mine looks a little… wrong different than the small army of CPHs out there.  That’s because I completely spaced on how to knit and totally did it wrong – apparently I knitted into the back of the stitches.  My purling ability stayed the same resulting in nonstockinette stitch.

 

But like I remember my mom saying way before I learned to knit: if you’re consistent it’s not a mistake, it’s part of the design.  And I was very consistent.

I knitted this up with Cascade Yarn 220 Heather in the Lake Chelan colorway which is a bluish green with yellow flecks.  I liked using yarn from a local company (they’re located in Seattle) and have fond memories of vacationing on Lake Chelan as a kid.

There’s not much to say about this pattern that a thousand Ravelry members haven’t already.  I ended up knitting the body in one piece to try something new and avoid sewing up the side seams.

I waited to get some help from my mom picking up stitches for the hood and ribbing since I’ve never done it before.

I was looking forward to relearn how to properly knit before starting sweater #2 but wanted to wait until this one was finished.

I love these silver buttons I found during a ½ off sale.  I used the yarn separated into 2 ply to sew on the buttons using a long strand of yarn that is worked from button to button along where the stitches were picked up.  This technique is from Finishing School: AMaster Class for Knitters which includes tons of information on all sorts of finishes.  Not that the lack of buttons stopped me from wearing it.

Now that it’s officially sweater season here in Seattle this hoodie is warm and cozy and will get lots of wear. I’m really excited about finishing my first sweater and have already started on another.

Floral Origami Dress

 I can’t believe how long it’s been since I posted anything.  This is completely due to a lack of me taking photos.  And let's face it: a sewing blog is very, very dull without them.  However I have been sewing!



 This is Simplicity 1877, one of Leanne Marshall’s patterns, and I made version B with the gathered skirt.  I don’t wear a lot of florals but felt like expanding my sewing horizons and loved this lightweight linen I found at Jo-Ann’s.  I felt the colors would transition nicely from late summer into fall with tights and boots.  The pattern went together pretty easily although I complicated things by adding a full lining and then went completely mental and hemmed the skirt by hand.

Hidden pinked center seams

I prefer to line my dresses anyways, but I wasn’t thrilled with the center bodice seam remaining unfinished.  Plus my fabric was a bit sheer.  In order to add the lining I sacrificed the bias binding around the neck and sleeves.  Instead I under stitched and then top stitched ¼” around the edges to try and simulate the look.

Shoulder flounces before being tacked down



  The edges of the “V” in front aren’t perfect but I figured it was good enough since me and my cleavage have the best views and I’m counting on them distracting anyone looking to closely at my seams.

FYI: while this pattern is low cut, it’s not drafted to be quite this low.  When I went to sew my fabric and lining together I went ahead and used a standard 5/8” seam, completely forgetting that the bias binding finish means the edges wouldn’t be reduced at all until after I serged them.  Whoops!  This also meant the armhole was lowered as well but for the most part doesn’t reveal my bra. 

Crazy hair mustache

 Except in this photo where I realized I totally made a dress that matches my bra!

 I debated whether or not to add the shoulder flounces before deciding why not since I don’t have anything else like it in my closet.  Plus they reminded me of origami for some reason.

The skirt is pleated and topstitched in the center and gathered everywhere else.  To keep my lining simple I just used the skirt pieces and made it exactly the same other than shortening it a few inches.

The end result is a nice clean inside and added opaqueness.  Next time I make this dress I’ll raise the underarm slightly and take it in about ½” at the waist.  Although the design is pretty distinctive so that won’t be anytime too soon. 

I braved the cold to take these photos but I’m hoping for a warmish fall day to wear it without tights.  I think with my brown leather jacket, tights and boots it’ll be perfect to wear out while the leaves are changing colors.  I doubt it’ll stay in the rotation throughout winter so I plan on wearing it while I can!

A Little Red Dress

Sometimes you just need a bright red dress.  The LBD has the popular vote and the Little White Dress puts up a good fight in summer, but it's hard to ignore the Little Red Dress.  This is McCall’s M6754, released this summer with a cute tank flared dress or peplum top with sleeved options for the winter.  Made for knits, I decided to try it out in tango red poly/rayon blend ponte.   With a fun color name and a just about circle skirt it feels perfect for dancing.  (And yes, it is this bright red in person!)  I probably should’ve picked a stretcher knit but I was feeling like a rebel and loved the feel and color of the fabric.  It turned out as there’s enough stretch for me to shimmy into it.

 

With only a few pieces to the pattern it was easy to cut out, especially using a rotary cutter.  Construction was pretty easy too and I used my serger on the back and side seams.  The only problem I had was when I serged the bodice to the skirt it resulted in some pulling, despite it not being there when I basted it together.  A belt covers is up pretty much but I may still go back and try and fix it.  Depends if I get in a “seamripping a serged seam” kind of mood or not.  (Probably not)

 I really like how it turned out.  At first I was worried how low the back was until I tried it on and happily discovered I could wear a regular bra without it peeking out.  Things are so much more wearable if I don’t have to worry about wearing special underwear with it!

 

 

 The neck and arm holes were finished with a narrow hem and then topstitched by ballpoint twin needle.  This gives them a nice stretchy and secure seam with the stitching close to the edge.  I figured stitching so close to the edge might look a little weird on the skirt hem so I just serged the edge before pressing it up 5/8”.  The twin stitching is about ½’’ from the edge and took forever!  My machine handles the twin needle best at a slower speed and a circle skirt has a lot of hem to stitch.  Definitely worth the time to avoid ripping it out or a wonky hem.

 

I have plans to make winter versions with sleeves for both a dress and peplum top.  McCall's rated this pattern as easy and it definitely is.  With some focus I could easily whip this up in an afternoon from cutting out to hemming.  It's a simple, comfortable dress for summer that can easily be dressed up or down.  Plus it'll transition nicely into fall with boots and a sweater.  That's my kind of dress!

 

BTW: These photos looked fine on the camera but on the computer I suddenly turned into Casper the ghost.  I may be pale, but not glow in the dark and any adjustments turned me various shades of Oompa Loompa.  But I couldn't be bothered to retake them!

"Hello baby" Chantilly

Whew!  I finally finished the dress I started before getting distracted by my flamingo cross stitch project.  (Which is complete as well.)  This is Colette Pattern’s Chantilly and came together really quickly despite all the interruptions.  Colette drafts for a C cup which I’m not, but figured all the bust gathering wouldn’t require any altering.  (Plus Tasia of Sewaholic has made a couple adorable versions and the enhanced bustiness didn’t look excessive.)  The only alteration I made was to take in the sides about an inch or so for a closer fit.  Next time I will lower the armhole slightly, it feels a teensy bit high after removing so much excess fabric and adjust where the gathering starts on the side.  But I’m already thinking up my next version.

 

I love this polka dot lawn, it’s part of the Sew Lisette fabric line at Jo-Ann’s.  It’s lined in white cotton with the exception of the neck facing which I made out of self-fabric to avoid any white showing.  I thought about a blue or green lining but couldn’t a. find any that matched and b. like how the white intensifies the print.  I’m one of those people who aren’t that into pockets in skirts (I just rarely use them!) but had never put a pocket in a zippered side seam and wanted to try it out.

 

This dress took forever to hem!  It has a six panel gored skirt that required a lot of gathering at the waist but it didn’t sink in until hemming time.  I ran a quick 5/8” basting stitch around the edge to make turning it up and ironing quicker and more even.  Machine hemming went easily but still took a lot of turning and checking if the end was near!  I had one nervous moment when I hung it up and worried if the lining was showing.  Luckily it was just on the hanger weird and didn’t require any seam ripping and rehemming.

 

It was perfect for a sunny Saturday and a BBQ at some friends’ home.  I did have a couple Marilyn moments when the wind caught it and I had to quickly pull it down, but nothing too major.  It’s a fun skirt to twirl in when I can control the flyaway action.

BTW I’ve had “Chantilly Lace” by the Big Bopper stuck in my head all day and most of the time spent making this dress.

 

In other news I’m attending the New York Fashion Academy where I’ll earn a certificate in Fashion Design & Construction.  I applied and was accepted the end of June for the summer quarter which started last week.  I’m really excited about the prospect of turning my obsession hobby into a career and as a bonus the school is located really close to me.  It’s very hands on so I’ve been busy drawing, draping and sewing already.  I may post some projects along the way.  I just hope I continue to have time for some personal sewing as well!

Sewing Swap 2013 - I see a swimsuit in my future!

First off I just want to say that sewing swaps are awesome!  Receiving a surprise package of sewing goodies from someone else who sews is way more exciting than someone who has a list of stuff you like.  (Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but a hint of mystery can be nice!)  I had a lot of fun taking part in the swap and can't decide which was was better - giving or receiving.  Who am i kidding, they were both equally great!  Major thanks to Kerry of Kestrel Makes for organizing a successful Spring Sewing Swap 2013!

 

I was teamed up with Ms. McCall from Brown Paper Patterns.  She first started sewing a few years ago and has fearlessly tackled projects like jeans, swimsuits, bras and even wetsuit repair.  It was a fun challenge shopping for someone you know only through her blog but I had some immediate ideas.  Having sewing in common helped a lot and I had to take one pattern of my idea list when I discovered in an older post that she already owned it.  I took that to mean I was on the right track.

 So I was very excited when this arrived on my doorstep. I managed to hold back my desire to rip it open just long enough to take a picture.  I didn’t even bother to check if it was in focus.

 

Eep!  I literally squealed when I saw the contents.

 

Pattern?  Check.  Fabric?  Check.  Lining?  Check.  Elastic?  Check.

 

KwikSew K3695

 

Just in time for summer and the swimsuit mania sweeping the Internet I am now in possession of everything necessary to make my very own swimsuit.  I'm planning on making View A on the left with the scoop neck rather than the cutouts.  (I don't tan but imagine View B could lead to some interesting tan lines.)  And the fabric!  A lovely Hawaiian paisley print in white and my very favorite color: aqua.  Like if I had to pick a color to wear for the rest of my life it would be in the aqua/teal/turquoise family and I’d never tire of it.

 

This was perfect timing since a swimsuit has been on my list of things I want to sew this year.  Which is funny since I hardly ever have the need to wear one. As in once a year when I take part in the local polar bear dip on New Year’s Day in the lake I think is too cold in summer.  (I actually used to spend a lot of time in college at the beach or pool so swimsuits were a crucial part of my wardrobe but that’s Miami for you.)   So next year I plan to be one of the best dressed crazies out there.  I’m hoping for a warm summer so I can find a reason to wear it before then!

 

Thank you so much Ms. McCall!!!!!

 

 

In the meantime I ran out of paper to trace pattern pieces and ended up at Costco.  It’s one nearby that has a specialized restaurant section where you can buy pizza delivery bags, steam tray covers, industrial coffee makers and plastic fast food baskets to your heart’s content.  Unsurprisingly they also had massive rolls of butcher paper to cover tables with.  Naturally I decided to be practical and bring a 20lb roll home with me.

 

I’m scared of the day when it runs out because I know that someday it WILL run out and I will have to come to terms with the fact I went through 1,000 feet of paper.  Finishing off a roll of freezer paper always surprises me so I can only imagine what that day will be like.  Plus if I have people over to eat and the food isn’t ready yet I can pull out crayons for entertainment.

Here's some gifts wrapped using just a paper grocery bag, tape and a few staples.  I like how the bow made out of the handles turned out.

 

 

I’m still slogging away on my cross stitch project and have a few FOs to share but my computer and camera are feuding right now and this was all I was able to get.

Distractions From Sewing...

Usually sewing occupies a lot of my free time… but not lately.  I’ve been on a big cross stitch kick and it has definitely pushed sewing to the side.  It doesn’t help that I picked the largest project that I have ever attempted.  It's from the Cross Stitcher magazine Designer Stitches special issue.  Once I saw the flamingos I knew I had to make it up!

 

But I’ve really enjoyed watching it take shape.  Despite the long hours of stitching I’m starting to feel like I’m in the home stretch.

 

These are in progress photos taken about a week apart.  I really need to use the large frame and it gets awkward and in the way frequently – adding a fair amount of time as I rotate it around trying to find the most comfortable (i.e. easiest) position to stitch in.

 

 

I took a small break the other day to work on my Chantilly and just have the zipper, sideseams and hems to finish.  Ideally this will happen this week.  I also traced off a couple McCall’s patterns for some cute summery knit dresses, including refashioning a dress I made last year but never really wear.
 

Because I can’t spend all my time stitching I’ve also picked up working on the sleeves for my Central Park Hoodie.  The body is done and the sleeves are knitting up quickly.  Once done it will totally coordinate with my Chantilly.

 

 

On top of all this I’m planning on whipping up some PJs in time to join Karen’s Pajama Party.  Some pretty lofty goals for the rest of the month.  Hopefully I’ll have everything done soon so I can do some more FO posts soon!

Me-Made-May Week 5 Round Up

Hooray!  Me-Made-May is officially over.  Ironically today I reached for a me-made to wear today out of habit.  I’m glad I completed my goal and didn’t find myself struggling too much.  It was nice to focus on making sure my makes are part of my everyday wardrobe but I will admit to missing some of my favorite RTW pieces.

 



Day 25

• Sewaholic Renfrew in white cotton interlock
• I have a list of basics I want to make and this white t-shirt was on the list.  It may not be a make as exciting as a cocktail dress but will definitely get worn a lot more.  I seem to be a bit obsessed with both this pattern and this fabric but I don’t care.  It goes with everything and fits better than any of my other white t-shirts.

 

Day 26

• Sewaholic Renfrew in turquoise stripe jersey
• This is my all-time favorite Renfrew.  It’s my favorite neckline, color and as a bonus: stripes.  The jersey has more drape than my interlock versions which made it a bit more fiddly to make but not too bad.  I probably would’ve worn this more if I wasn’t taking photos every day!

Day 27

• Sewaholic Renfrew in red cotton interlock
• Sewaholic Crescent in blue seersucker
• It’s Memorial Day and I was feeling patriotic hence the red, white and blue.  It wasn’t until the evening I remembered that this Friday’s theme was red and I planned on wearing it then.  Whoops!  Oh well, I won’t be seeing the same people both days and will just wear it again.  The weather was a little cool for a summer skirt but most of the day was spent inside.

 

Day 28

• Sewaholic Renfrew mini dress in navy cotton interlock
• I wanted a navy knit miniskirt and figured altering my favorite pattern was a good place to start.  I had wanted it to be slightly drop waisted so I just added a simple gathered skirt instead of the waistband.  This made it too low and just looked off.  So I unpicked the serged seam and chopped a few inches off the shirt and reattached the skirt.  I also redid the hem preserve some length – I wanted it to stay a mini dress, not a tunic that required pants!  This winter I forgot I had eggplant tights but I love them with the grey boots and will be repeating this look in the fall.  The purplish shade is fun without making me look like a little girl.

 

Day 29

• Simplicity Project Runway 2473 OOP in navy cotton stretch sateen
• This is a dress that I made a few years ago but always felt was a bit off.  I wish it fit my waist a bit better but don’t really feel like ripping out the serged seams and topstitching.  But my first time sewing a kick pleat turned out pretty good.  I thought of adding a belt but none really looked right at the time.  I’ve since picked up this one and think it works.

 

Day 30

• Sewaholic Renfrew in turquoise cotton interlock
• Simplicity Project Runway 3538 in yellow ikat printed twill
• Yet another Renfrew… not much to say about this one except this time I used the scoop neck.  I figured not every version needed a v-neck.  This jacket is a highly modified version of Simplicity 3538.  It’s drafted with a yoke in front and back but I really didn’t want to break up the ikat print and knew there was no way I could perfectly match everything up.  Despite having made this a few years ago I have yet to add the buttons, perhaps this year.  After deciding I needed to add more yellow and blue/turquoise combos to my wardrobe I was excited to remember I had this jacket.

 

 

Day 31

• Sewaholic Renfrew in red cotton interlock
• Sewaholic Crescent in dark denim
• This is probably my favorite skirt I’ve made and fits better than any other denim skirt I’ve owned.  I finished this up just the other day and learned the lesson that cold medicine and sewing don't always mix when I realized I was removing the wrong line of topstitching.  I'm debating whether or not to just finish ripping it out or going back and fixing it.  Didn't stop me from wearing it today however.  Also I decided my cold was really allergies and have much better (non-drowsy) medicine for it.

 

 PJ Bonus #2

• Colette Sorbetto & Madeleine mini bloomers in lime seersucker
• I made these bloomers out of left over fabric when I made my seersucker Cambie.  I like how they fit but replaced the leg ties with an elastic casing.  This works better for PJs as I don’t have to worry about the bows coming undone or the ribbon slipping out of the casing.  Then I went and bought more fabric to try out the Sorbetto.  There was about a year between the purchases and I definitely prefer the bloomers fabric.  It’s softer and doesn’t seem to get quite so crinkly.  Next time I make a Sorbetto I will take in the side seams some and also maybe take width out of the center front and back as well.  But this was always meant for PJs so I didn’t feel the need to go back and make the adjustments.



• I also made KwikSew 3554 view B with the shorter length and ruffle.  No picture of this one since I’m not posting photos on the Internet of a slip I can’t wear a bra with for modesty!  But it’s made out of the same turquoise stripe jersey as my Renfrew with white lace trim.  Very comfy but the spaghetti straps totally grew a few extra inches the first time I wore it so I had to take them up.

 I haven’t quite finished looking over my entire month of outfits to determine what I wore the most (other than Renfrew of course) and any gaps I need to fill.  That’ll be a quick post later.