Finished Colette Taffy

Hello again!  I'm getting really far behind in posting my finished projects, really because I hate taking photos of myself!!  

Yesterday I was on my way to my yearly IEP meeting at the school, and I always try to look smart for that, so I had James snap a few photos in the driveway.

Here is my version of the Colette Taffy Blouse.  The pattern for this is included in the Colette Sewing Handbook.  This is my second make from the book in recent weeks.  I also made the Meringue Skirt, which of course I need to photograph.

This blouse was fun to make and definitely fun to wear.  The sleeves are ginormous circles.  I made this in some type of light polyester that has a nice silky feel.  I got it when I ordered "navy voile" from Fashion Fabrics Club.  Usually I have overwhelming success shopping there, but once in awhile I get a fabric I wasn't expecting.  This one worked out perfectly for the Taffy though.

The sleeves are kind of crazy, I like them.

I highly recommend The Colette Sewing Handbook. It has so many patterns, techniques and beautiful full color photos.  I only have one gripe to mention.  I really wish the patterns were printed on real paper instead of tissue, so they would be easier to trace and keep.  I wasn't able to trace my meringue skirt pattern, and had to use the original tissue pieces because the ink on the tissue paper was too light to see through the tracing paper without losing my mind.  Luckily my skirt fit perfectly in the size I cut and I won't need a larger size.  

Speaking of skirts, I am honored to be a judge again for Crafterhours Skirt Week!!

Check out all of the amazing skirt tutorials to jump start your summer wardrobe.  

Then make sure to vote for your favorite skirts in the reader's choice poll coming up!

I'll leave you with this photo of my ninja and me:

Sunny Day Laurel Dress

Well the sun has finally come to New Hampshire.  

Yesterday I had a fire going, it was raw and rainy, 40 degrees.  I used that time wisely and finished another Laurel Dress.  Today it was in the 70's and I got to wear it!  Hooray!!  

So I have to stand in the mud to have my photo taken, I'm not complaining!!

This version is in Voile by Anna Maria Horner, bought (on sale) at Pink Chalk Fabrics.

This time I used my self-drafted collar from my previous version.  I also used the keyhole opening idea from the Laurel Extras download (love that!!).  

This time instead of using pleats to shape the waist I drafted in two front darts.

I also used the underlining as suggested in the pattern, it worked very well.  I used a soft cotton and it compliments the voile very well.  This is going to get tons of wear this summer, it's very comfortable!

I got this second one done just in time to enter the Colette Laurel Contest. The Flickr group is full of great ideas for customizing this versatile pattern.

I'm having so much fun sewing for myself, I kind of flaked out on Kids Clothes Week.  Oops!!  I hear now they're actually having it four times a year though, so that's great news, and they have a new blog up and running!

Colette Laurel Dress

Colette Laurel Dress

I've been looking to expand my skills in changing up a basic pattern, and Colette's latest release, the Laurel Dress, seemed like a perfect starting point.  It's a basic shift dress with all kinds of options for customizing.  For this version I actually made a muslin (a real muslin y'all - out of muslin!!) and that was worth the effort because I was able to really try out some ideas.  I wrote on it with a sharpie, ripped it apart and stuff!  I knew it wasn't ever going to be wearable so it gave me freedom to experiment.

Fabric used: Navy brushed twill and red linen "look"

I'm a submarine sailor's daughter, I can't help loving anything remotely nautical.  At least I didn't put an anchor on it.

So for this version the changes were:

- I added pleats at the front sides to add waist definition

-I changed to short sleeves

-drafted a peter pan collar using Gertie's tutorial in her book an also online

-added a bunch of trims like ric-rac, strips of bias, and machine embroidery

The machine embroidery is what almost KILLED the dress.

Let me explain, I worked on the dress over about a two week period due to my time constraints, being a mom of 4 kids.  Everything was going as planned and I was proud I had taken my time.  As a last step I wanted to embroider the swallow and hooped up my finished dress.  Disaster!!!  Let's just say I ruined it.  I actually had to cut off the whole lower portion of the dress.  There ain't no seam ripper that can get out machine embroidery stitches.  So yesterday I took it out when I had a few free hours and had to "Make it Work".  I added on to the lower portion and used the accent trim to hide the join.  The second time I got smart and embroidered the bird separately, then added it as a patch.  If I ruined the project again, I couldn't take it.  So I think it worked out well in the end!

Are you sewing a Laurel Dress?  They even have a contest running until the end of April!  

Check it out!

Colettefest 2012

I must be addicted!  Here are two more projects made using Colette Patterns.

First up, because I have a mortal weakness to sew-alongs, the Hazel Dress:

I'm very happy to be taking part in Sew Colette 2.0.
I watched with intent interest while they made each item from the Colette Sewing Handbook this spring, making mental notes about future projects.  Check out the Flickr Group for the sew along.  I have the book and plan on continuing my personal Colettefest by sewing some of those patterns.

This is really a first draft for this pattern, a wearable muslin.  I've got some floral gauze ready to go for version #2.  I cut a size 10 as usual for Colette Patterns.  The bodice was a little big so I took a little of the excess fabric out at the side seams and zipper.  Maybe I'll cut a size smaller next time.

Next I give you the Jasmine Top:

I took this photo today after spending hours having my car worked on, I'm surprised it's not more wrinkled!  I ran into another mom I know at the store and she asked me if I'm substitute teaching, and she gestured to my outfit!  Too funny.  It must look teacher-ish!

Here's today's very "blue" look, with my denim ginger skirt.

Travis helps with my camera remote.
---
Speaking of cameras, I snapped this photo early this morning:

I think he's adorable, even though he's caused me so much misery.  
My poor dog, Angus was quilled just about 5 days ago.  This definitely could be the culprit!  Angus is doing fine now, but had to be taken to the Vet Emergency room, and it cost us close to $500!  I just hope Angus has learned his lesson, but that was his second time being quilled, so I'm going to try real hard to keep him in the fenced backyard if he insists on going out at night!

Jalie 2921 and Ginger

My latest outfit for summer.  Jalie 2921 and Colette Ginger Skirt.

 I've been trying hard to look at the gaps in my wardrobe and stay focused.  I have a dark denim mini skirt that I wear quite often and thought I could really use one a little longer this summer too.  This is my 4th Ginger skirt, and I'm still tweaking the fit.  This one is a bit lower on my waist and about 3 inches longer, which I probably needed due to my height.

 One of my mom's friends was cleaning out her apartment and had this piece of denim lying around.  It was meant to be! (and free)

This shirt was a long time coming.  Jalie 2921 has been on my wish list for a long time, and it didn't disappoint!  I made this on a Saturday morning while the kids watched cartoons, then wore it out to the park that afternoon.  The instructions for the scarf collar were unusual, but I just followed what it said and it was a breeze.  I also got to practice using my coverstich machine for all the hemming.  
The fabric feels like interlock.  I got it for $1!  Anyone local to Manchester, New Hampshire should check out this store, Fabric Fix!  They have a limited selection, but oh the bargains!  It's hit or miss, I usually swing in once every few months, but I should be going there instead of JoAnn's.  Most fabrics are on wide rolls and are $1-$4 a yard.

I was so glad for a successful outfit.  

Check out this mess:

Poor unfortunate Ginger skirt #3.  I chalk this up to poor fabric choice.  If it shows every lump and bump on my dress form, just imagine someone who has birthed 4 children. 

 Nuff said.

Peony 2.0

Awhile back I saw This Peony Dress, and just HAD to have it.  I quickly located some of Jay McCarroll's Dropcloth Fabric and got to work! 

The only planned difference from the original is I used the plum colored version of the fabric.  I also made the self-belt, because I just don't have any cool belts!

Please ignore my hideous white legs.  I didn't have tights on hand that would match.  I did however find these purple shoes.  I'm totally wearing this for Easter!

My nearly 11 year old son actually complimented this dress!

Thanks, Camille, for the idea.

This is the dress on my "Mii", as Travis calls it. 

Colette Peony 1.0 finished

Hooray!  My first incarnation of the Colette Peony Dress is finished. 

This one is in a gray/black herringbone lightweight suiting fabric.

This pattern was easier than I thought, and I only had to make one adjustment.  The whole dress fit good except I had big time gaping at the back, so I took out my zipper and cut off the excess fabric from the upper back on either side of the zipper and it fits much better.  I made the adjustment to my pattern so my next version should fit well.  My ultimate goal for this dress is plaid. 

This dress looks "all business",  which I sort of like.  This would be good for any serious occasion, like meetings at the school.   I like excuses to dress up.

Here's the back. 

Overall I'm really happy I bought this pattern and I'll be making more Peonies in the future.

I actually got to take OUTDOOR photos!  It was windy but warm. 

C'mon Spring!!

Two Gingers and a Renfrew

If you weren't into sewing that title would sound a little weird.

Here's what I've been up to...

Ginger Skirt #1 

pattern: Colette Ginger Skirt

fabric: sueded twill in Charcoal from Fashion Fabrics Club

I was seriously in need of a go-with-everything skirt, and this works for me!  I'm going to toss out a few ill-fitting skirts in my closet, not naming any names, black cord Gap skirt. 

 

 Ginger Skirt #2

Colette Ginger Skirt  pattern

fabric: Amy Butler Sun Glow in Lake Home Decor Sateen

For this version, I was inspired by Sara at Sew Sweetness.  I loved this Ginger she made in a home decor weight fabric.  I had to eliminate the front seam on the pattern because I didn't want any mistakes matching that distinct pattern. 

 

Renfrew Top

pattern: Sewaholic Renfrew Top 

fabric: interlock knit from JoAnn Fabrics

The fabric for this top is an exact match for my Beignet Skirt.

I bought them at the same time, it was one of the only decent colors I could find, but I just happen to love deep red.

Both patterns were SO super easy and fast!  I would recommend these two patterns to anyone, even a beginner.  The directions are very clear and they can be whipped up in no time with many, many options for customization. 

Here are a few more photos because my tripod was working today!

Some of the outtakes were pretty funny, with Travis "helping" with the tripod.

 Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Valentine's Beignet

disclaimer: I just had to get some photos on the blog since it's my Valentine's Day skirt, and so I settled for these crappy shots!

I let Travis play with my camera's tripod, and amazingly enough the piece that holds on the camera is now MIA.  That means I had to wait until Liam got home from school to take the photos and because he isn't used to the new prime lens (he actually is a great photographer) AND we were running late for the orthodontist, this is all we got!  
Either my legs were cut off or it was blurry.

I'm sure all parents out there can relate to being in a big rush.

 

 The pattern is the Colette Beignet.  This is my first time using 
Colette Patterns and I wasn't disappointed.  
I went on and immediately scooped up the Peony Dress Pattern and the Ginger Skirt Pattern.  So look for versions of those coming up soon!

 

I made this out of thick red corduroy, and planned on wearing it out for dinner with my husband for Valentine's Day to my favorite restaurant, the Bedford Village Inn.  So we went a week early and this wasn't done,  it's an excuse to go back soon!  

Originally I wasn't interested in all the high-waisted skirts because I'm not one to tuck in my shirts, I look like I'm all legs, but the trend is starting to grow on me.

I really love the shaping on the skirt made by the panels, there are no darts!  I followed the directions exactly and the skirt came out very professional inside and out.  I lined it with Bemberg and it was a slippery devil, but I worked slowly and used lots of pins. 

I would definitely make another Beignet!

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