tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17365117335288091642024-03-20T06:16:25.923-04:00Sassafras RowA place for sewing, knitting, writing, and music. (But first, the sewing.)Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-33315784748932605072013-11-03T08:55:00.003-05:002013-11-03T08:57:26.985-05:00Check out this awesome Giveaway!Laura Okita, model and vintage designer extraordinaire at <a href="http://papermothballvintage.blogspot.com/2013/11/giveaway-vintage-necklace-benefit.html" target="_blank">PaperMothballVintage</a>, is offering this awesome Giveaway!<br />
<br />
Check it out as her site, or use the rafflecopter widget below:<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cf2bca4/" id="rc-cf2bca4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-11940275009688142492013-10-30T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T07:00:01.069-04:00The Big Day!<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img alt="Photo: www.JessicaNewtonPhotography.com
Please feel free to tag and share! Please do not crop or edit photos. Please do not print photos from Facebook(just ask me for the high resolution ones =))" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1385133_613068225416350_910848165_n.jpg" style="top: -152px;" width="212" /></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
I've been a little stuck with blog writing. First, because the three weeks leading up to The Big Day were so busy. Now, because it's over, it feels strange going backwards in chronology to show How I Made The Dress. And, now that The Big Project is finished, I've been a bit adrift on What to Tackle Next (sewing-wise, at least). So today, on our eleven-day anniversary (seriously, we've been teasing each other like this for a week now) I decided to just get back into the swing of things.<br />
<br />
Since the most important thing is that I Finished The Dress, and I'm very happy with how it looked, I thought I would just post here some of the photos from The Big Day (and the day before). Our professional photos aren't ready yet, other than a few sneak peeks, so mostly these are snapshots taken by family.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Final Hand-Sewing</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1391546_10151736949878691_1038020221_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo: Last minute wedding dress sewing..." border="0" class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="240" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1391546_10151736949878691_1038020221_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1396006_10151736949938691_1373972341_n.jpg" width="240" /> <br />
I love how the blurriness conveys the sense of activity. But I actually felt calm, I promise!<br />
<br />
<h2>
My Mom crocheted a lace border for the top of the dress</h2>
<br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9JJfe1MbFWU/Umw_EC41RuI/AAAAAAAAKKc/cgmc8YdxYnI/w699-h524-no/IMG_2111_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="HAa Eha" height="297" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9JJfe1MbFWU/Umw_EC41RuI/AAAAAAAAKKc/cgmc8YdxYnI/w699-h524-no/IMG_2111_edit.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The lace, while subtle, gave The Dress just the perfect final touch! Thanks Mom! Your creativity has inspired me since you first taught me to hand-sew, embroider, and knit at age eight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLKdfHYZFck/Umw_CkcoJKI/AAAAAAAAKKU/ucjjJBbtNo0/w699-h524-no/IMG_2108__edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="HAa Eha" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLKdfHYZFck/Umw_CkcoJKI/AAAAAAAAKKU/ucjjJBbtNo0/w699-h524-no/IMG_2108__edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the Way *Almost There*</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1377230_10151738675533691_114708926_n.jpg" style="height: 631px; width: 473px;" width="720" /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
This isn't me, by the way!</div>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Helping Little Miss</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1380436_10151740884583691_1728248767_n.jpg" style="height: 631px; width: 473px;" width="720" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used an extra bit of ribbon as a stay at the top of the dress, but Little Miss decided it worked better as a halter strap that tied in the back. I also re-purposed a frilly ribbon for her waist, that I had originally intended as a waistband for a tulle overskirt for my own dress. My Mom and my sister nixed that idea.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Little Miss is Adorable!</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1378420_10151740883973691_1146774267_n.jpg" style="height: 631px; width: 473px;" width="720" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just About Ready</h2>
<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1391824_10151740885273691_1277780308_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" border="0" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1391824_10151740885273691_1277780308_n.jpg" /></a></h2>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I decided to make a veil at the last minute (late the night before). I attached it to two beaded hair combs I had made with gold and white freshwater pearls the week before. Little Miss also made two hair combs for herself. I had so much fun, I made extras for my two bridesmaids and my sister in the days before the wedding.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Ceremony Was Beautiful!</h2>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1374130_10151740887428691_1169014874_n.jpg" width="640" /><img class="HAa Eha" height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0Sp_7-TFkzY/Umw_JgBRCcI/AAAAAAAAKKs/PM9pNFaMb2Y/w874-h583-no/IMG_4272.JPG" width="320" /><img class="HAa Eha" height="212" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sBryFaTZJLQ/Umw_LwQGuFI/AAAAAAAAKK0/4OQ9A6OSaXA/w874-h583-no/IMG_4274.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1374042_613067872083052_749405419_n.jpg" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1394470_613067875416385_332839499_n.jpg" />My Pilot picked this incredible bouquet from the garden in the morning. I had just finished wrapping what I thought would be my bouquet when he came in with it. I gave my roses to Little Miss. </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My sister brought the necklace for me; we had fun trying on all the options the day before. She is so wonderful!</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
Two New Sisters</h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
</h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<img class="HAa Eha" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ouefin-b4k0/Umw_jjN93VI/AAAAAAAAKMM/7xzagEO6WjU/w874-h583-no/IMG_4298.JPG" width="400" /></h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Parents</h2>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img class="HAa Eha" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-51-LvdP907c/Umw_lWSOoyI/AAAAAAAAKMU/tICkle2aHdE/w874-h583-no/IMG_4299.JPG" width="400" /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A Moment of Hilarity! (This always happens when I get together with my sister, or with my friends; so here, it was a guaranteed fun fest!)</h2>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="426" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1379637_613067885416384_240957885_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're Married!</h2>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1385133_613068225416350_910848165_n.jpg" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was an incredible, amazing, blessed day at Brown County State Park, Indiana!</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img class="HAa Eha" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jWzMjUP9KyM/UmxAFWit9BI/AAAAAAAAKOM/k_Bh4R7h6Fg/w777-h583-no/IMG_2114.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img class="HAa Eha" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ld68yN4OM2Y/UmxAJ6_UorI/AAAAAAAAKOU/8-Hnwb9s4po/w437-h583-no/IMG_2115.JPG" width="299" /><img class="HAa Eha" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZE_ifawVqz4/UmxAS2-FwYI/AAAAAAAAKOk/obgYhApj4SI/w437-h583-no/IMG_2118.JPG" width="299" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-glvHqpkVMeo/UmxAhmMojDI/AAAAAAAAKPU/cWsqODofOco/w777-h583-no/IMG_2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="HAa Eha" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-glvHqpkVMeo/UmxAhmMojDI/AAAAAAAAKPU/cWsqODofOco/w777-h583-no/IMG_2129.JPG" width="640" /></a><img class="HAa Eha" height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34iKPL2utZo/Umw_W9WNNLI/AAAAAAAAKLc/ysuEdTuJrDw/w874-h583-no/IMG_4287.JPG" width="400" /><img class="HAa Eha" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g6ob-rjoRaY/UmxAciVO8xI/AAAAAAAAKPA/a70j98z0xcY/w437-h583-no/IMG_2122.JPG" width="238" /><img class="HAa Eha" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pLuGmUCLTUo/Umw_fuCFyII/AAAAAAAAKL8/JtTyv73_yWU/w389-h583-no/IMG_4294.JPG" width="213" /><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m6NS6HAfxf8/Umw_ps2_cUI/AAAAAAAAKMk/gi9YJwBVpHM/w874-h583-no/IMG_4301.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" class="HAa Eha" height="265" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m6NS6HAfxf8/Umw_ps2_cUI/AAAAAAAAKMk/gi9YJwBVpHM/w874-h583-no/IMG_4301.JPG" width="400" /></a><img class="HAa Eha" height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eE3sgxJh3pk/Umw_tdq5xoI/AAAAAAAAKM0/6-hiUdmhL_8/w874-h583-no/IMG_4303.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img class="HAa Eha" height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WLrcUmPMtx8/Umw_v8ZRuEI/AAAAAAAAKM8/ksCXGIrtRM0/w874-h583-no/IMG_4304.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Till Next Time,--Ayana</h3>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-11867804142876831402013-10-20T19:44:00.000-04:002013-10-20T19:48:15.054-04:00Wedding Reception Table DIY Design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi3O9BFtI3So7juNUFrfhkXY0KOirTqPtzi9688MHLfxYI7XwaUlfrHjg1B6zs_RmBIdRlylfx4q1WDczVjL00ajiW8nWyOkkiQi7lFbUK5pp1bPjXywlcvTGH0JLMqynCNqochgA35ZA/s1600/L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi3O9BFtI3So7juNUFrfhkXY0KOirTqPtzi9688MHLfxYI7XwaUlfrHjg1B6zs_RmBIdRlylfx4q1WDczVjL00ajiW8nWyOkkiQi7lFbUK5pp1bPjXywlcvTGH0JLMqynCNqochgA35ZA/s200/L.jpg" title=""L"--Wedding Reception DIY Design" width="126" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, this isn't sewing related, but it (and a few other posts I have planned) helps document some of my other DIY projects for the wedding.<br />
<br />
I created two reception table arrangements for our guests to sign in as they entered and greeted us, and to share something about us as a couple.<br />
<br />
The Pilot purchased a large square matte for our guests to sign--instead of a guest book--that we can use to frame a special wedding photo and create a new family-centered display over our mantelpiece. This was placed at the entrance to the reception so guests could "sign in" while waiting to greet us.<br />
<br />
The second table was placed just inside the reception area. Here we displayed some family photos. At the center we placed a mosaic of photos I took on one of our hikes in Brown County State Park--the site of our wedding--surrounding one of the first photos taken of us as a couple. <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhrbCvnoGNDaJAriUmZrPYSFhINPvzsUXRUqi0R33C81IBsGsGWpQbAEZZY5U2FF_8z0dCDSVvtNtW3CVUpMb_wtPASbRYRCbaFX0an6PoDlY-uJDRg75qtIA7tsw34pBdvxZYC0o4jtLSe/s1600/Collages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Framed mosaic of photos surrounding wedding couple" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbCvnoGNDaJAriUmZrPYSFhINPvzsUXRUqi0R33C81IBsGsGWpQbAEZZY5U2FF_8z0dCDSVvtNtW3CVUpMb_wtPASbRYRCbaFX0an6PoDlY-uJDRg75qtIA7tsw34pBdvxZYC0o4jtLSe/s640/Collages.jpg" title="DIY Wedding Reception Table Centerpiece" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIY Wedding Reception Table Centerpiece</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Surrounding this centerpiece, we grouped 5x7 photos of us as a couple, and four 4x6 photos that spelled "L-O-V-E." These last four I created using graphics from Publisher, saved them as jpg, opened them in Picasa, then centered the letters in an italic font in bold in the largest font size available.<br />
<br />
<br />
All of these Little Miss helped me frame for display!<br />
<br />
What a great way to share our new family's connection with each other, with the site of our wedding, and give our guests a glimpse of us as a couple!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauThUixcz2MSqlLoPgwUCkMk9QoUPeU-htBd3eclWqk9wsf_5b-bYawJDe5dm01L-nE_7kDsfh6dqYtNHHoQQtWaAkJQJaMdorZWvs8QMlkhR5L9l66jZvx3uKBXKBQFM5q-E_S7r7MSe/s1600/L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauThUixcz2MSqlLoPgwUCkMk9QoUPeU-htBd3eclWqk9wsf_5b-bYawJDe5dm01L-nE_7kDsfh6dqYtNHHoQQtWaAkJQJaMdorZWvs8QMlkhR5L9l66jZvx3uKBXKBQFM5q-E_S7r7MSe/s320/L.jpg" width="202" /></a></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6P9g44bZqhd3hjeBMQ4mmr6sIUmR_jKiFa4f4xoHnfcAmKaE62jixI2m9NOQrhV0DeabccjWXApAUWyTyuzDZ6Vnzv71-BK8Qs_aXyomqMsHXvvlzK6FMlhf0Uvp6_UFxjiKegU8T4F4/s1600/O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6P9g44bZqhd3hjeBMQ4mmr6sIUmR_jKiFa4f4xoHnfcAmKaE62jixI2m9NOQrhV0DeabccjWXApAUWyTyuzDZ6Vnzv71-BK8Qs_aXyomqMsHXvvlzK6FMlhf0Uvp6_UFxjiKegU8T4F4/s320/O.jpg" width="203" /></a></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/AVvXsEiWL-cFikNXnxnYiiI19Cr78a8xIKWCrdP5N3cHqFA-K0cWh4lrHHOaTLLhA96v7ReXMYSnccSRjjo_8lnj_h5Ciy573ZE1VZR2GGJjtV8aolnRyJTT_oGZDGjkLR8rKO4jXC_sz1DNQ_zh/s1600/V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWL-cFikNXnxnYiiI19Cr78a8xIKWCrdP5N3cHqFA-K0cWh4lrHHOaTLLhA96v7ReXMYSnccSRjjo_8lnj_h5Ciy573ZE1VZR2GGJjtV8aolnRyJTT_oGZDGjkLR8rKO4jXC_sz1DNQ_zh/s320/V.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEg8CRshu6GO2Xm79BaCI-9FlxVWM1NxmG-IG9nkHZKe61vCzlDl-AGoRJhhwGBzQe5FkgbMWn_6qUFif_TRMhsjB5HycKd2Ae_EqiiJQltxuVJqZa8lEarhm-z2J8jtJzJtgxdOsBWvRVkk/s1600/E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CRshu6GO2Xm79BaCI-9FlxVWM1NxmG-IG9nkHZKe61vCzlDl-AGoRJhhwGBzQe5FkgbMWn_6qUFif_TRMhsjB5HycKd2Ae_EqiiJQltxuVJqZa8lEarhm-z2J8jtJzJtgxdOsBWvRVkk/s320/E.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Reception Table DIY Decoration--"LOVE"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Till Next Time--Ayana</h3>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-70960107256739401282013-10-01T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-20T18:36:02.718-04:00The Cream Puff Dress--Done!<h2>
Hi folks, I'm so excited!</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPt2p9ffVu1Y7s5YKl_UrmoIvryqttJiNXMdUfGsMGF0QqrmQl9uAmeGxDQUDTUwJr3BlMoFdaeC_fwOgNJARmgTzimu6SLjiyi-ywNA1EdzgDRSy_wTyidOBLtE34z0U4REOvupNrdbJ/s1600/Cream+Puff+Dress+wedding+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Cream Puff Dress on the Wedding Day" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPt2p9ffVu1Y7s5YKl_UrmoIvryqttJiNXMdUfGsMGF0QqrmQl9uAmeGxDQUDTUwJr3BlMoFdaeC_fwOgNJARmgTzimu6SLjiyi-ywNA1EdzgDRSy_wTyidOBLtE34z0U4REOvupNrdbJ/s400/Cream+Puff+Dress+wedding+day.jpg" title="The Cream Puff Dress" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is from the actual wedding day!<br />
The Cream Puff Dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I finished the Cream Puff Dress, and it looks amazing! (If I must say so myself. I suppose I shouldn't toot my own horn, but I just can't contain myself here.)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Here are the steps that went into this project:</h3>
<br />
1. <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/little-misss-cream-puff-dress.html" target="_blank">Pattern Drafting</a><br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-cream-puff-dress-experiment.html" target="_blank">Pattern Printing and Assembling</a><br />
<br />
3. <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/cream-puff-dress-part-3-assembling.html" target="_blank">Pattern Testing/Fitting by Making the Bodice Lining</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
4. Fabric Cutting</h2>
I decided to underline/flat line the dress, for two reasons: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I wanted to give the fabric slightly more substance, so the garment wouldn't feel flimsy, </li>
<li>and I wanted to enhance the creamy ivory color--I wouldn't use the term sheer by any means to describe this fabric, but it seemed like when I put my hand directly underneath it, the color of my skin kind of influenced how I perceived the color of the fabric. </li>
</ul>
<br />
I cut a very small piece of the silk from the selvedge, and ironed a piece of fusible interlining to it, but didn't like the results. It was a little too stiff, and a little too "gummy"--maybe I didn't have the right weight of interlining.<br />
<br />
I tried the same experiment with a new swatch, using some scraps of cotton batiste I had on hand. This worked perfectly.<br />
<br />
So I cut out each pattern piece in both the silk and the cotton batiste, and sewed them as if they were one layer. <br />
<br />
You're supposed to baste the two fabrics together in a line running up the middle first, but I didn't want to do this, because I've read that needle punctures can destroy silk. I didn't want to take any chances. So I simply pinned them together in the seam allowances. <br />
<br />
I had to remove the pins before sewing the seams, though, because of the curved areas; the fabric needed to shift while sewing in order to match the curves, especially when sewing a curved area to a straight area.<br />
<br />
<h2>
5. Sewing! </h2>
The actual sewing was the easiest part of this project. One of the benefits of creating your own pattern is that you know exactly how it goes together, and you can control the difficulty level. <br />
<br />
So, my pattern for the Cream Puff Dress involved only five seams, sewing in the bodice lining, inserting the back lacing, and hemming it up. Easy peasy, more or less!<br />
<br />
The hard part is creating the pattern (but even that wasn't so challenging, just exacting), and cutting the fabric. What's interesting though, is that for the first time ever I figured out how to get into a type of zen mode so that the tasks I would normally consider frustrating were actually enjoyable. I discovered that if you do it with love, nothing is stressful.<br />
<br />
Also, I discovered that pressing is even more fun than the actual sewing machine sewing. Once you've sewn a seam, every other seam is the same--you're just feeding the fabric through. But pressing--that's where the garment takes shape. And, that's where you get to see the beautiful results of all your hard work.<br />
<br />
<h2>
6. Sewing in the Bodice Lining</h2>
This step was fairly easy, too. I made a fortuitous last-minute decision. <br />
<br />
As I was rummaging through my bag of notions, I came across some white double fold bias tape for seam binding. Although I had intended to simply sew the lining to the dress the same way you would sew a regular seam, and then turn it right side out, I decided to use the bias tape to enclose the layers at the top. <br />
<br />
Then, when I turned the garment right side out, I flipped the bias tape over and pulled it downwards into the inside of the dress, so that the 1-inch seam measured correctly from the top, but now the lining is lower than the outer fabric. This way the lining is not visible from the outside. I pinned the lining down to the seam allowances to keep it from shifting. I only actually sewed it in at the back seam, but not until after inserting the back laces.<br />
<br />
<h2>
7. Inserting the Laces</h2>
I created two strips of laces for the back closure. Each strip consists of 2 layers of fusible interfacing and 1 layer of silk, 11 inches by 1 inch. The silk is underneath, then one layer of fusible with the glue towards the silk, on top of which I pinned 11 one-inch lengths of ribbon spaced 1 inch apart, along the middle of the strip. On top of this is the second layer of fusible, with the glue towards the ribbon. I pressed, sealing all the layers together.<br />
<br />
I attached each panel of laces to the seam allowance of the back seam. Keeping the silk layer towards the body, I wrapped the half of the strip around towards the back of the seam allowance, fully encasing it. To keep it stable, I will stitch down the edge of the seam allowance to the lining layer on the inside, while inserting boning. This will keep the fabric from bunching up when I tie the laces.<br />
<br />
<strong>Update</strong>: There was just one problem, which will cause me to take out the lacing panels and re-sew them. Although I removed an inch from the back closure by folding the seam allowance back a full inch, instead of a half inch, at the top of both sides, then tapered down to the half inch at the top of the back seam, the dress would not lace tightly enough. This is partly because of how far the ribbon laces protrude from the side. <br />
<br />
I will need to make the gap probably a full two inches at the top, and make the ribbons much tighter against the edge.<br />
<br />
Oh well, this is one more evening's worth of work....<br />
<br />
Otherwise, it's looking great!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Till next time, --Ayana</h2>
<br />Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-15479214848201670952013-09-30T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-28T10:06:58.020-04:00New Feminine Black and White Patterns from Burda Style<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></script><br /></div>
<br />
Recently, <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/screen-siren-8-sexy-plus-size-patterns" target="_blank">Burda Style</a> blogged these gorgeous patterns from their 2012 magazine. I want all of them!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/screen-siren-8-sexy-plus-size-patterns">http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/screen-siren-8-sexy-plus-size-patterns</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
#1: Lace Dress:</h2>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></script><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9787323781_7aff6fc104_o.jpg#tl-436907508653621249;1171982144" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9787323781_7aff6fc104_o.jpg#tl-436907508653621249;1171982144" style="max-width: 100%;" width="240" /></a><br />
<div align="left">
</div>
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9787323781_7aff6fc104_o.jpg#tl-436907508653621249;1171982144" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
A fitted, cap sleeve dress with straight skirt and flattering style lines. This dress alone is a wardrobe staple, and could be made in various fabrics--it's a good idea to pick a pattern that you like and make it in different fabrics, and with small variations, to create a streamlined wardrobe; plus, each time you make it, it gets easier. You know the adjustments, and only have to fit the pattern once. However, I hate the peplum! Good thing it's removable!<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: right;">
#2: Bow-tie Collar Blouse:</h2>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></script><br />
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/9787334402_1801ef1ee3_o.jpg#tl-436907878645760001;1171982144" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/9787334402_1801ef1ee3_o.jpg#tl-436907878645760001;1171982144" style="max-width: 100%;" width="240" /></a><br />
This is also a fairly standard blouse, but with a few elegant details: slightly gathered sleeves at the "cuff" and a tie at the collar. I actually hate clothes with bows on them--what are we, eight years old? Come on, being juvenile is not "feminine." However, I like the way they style the tie on the model--instead of tying it, they've draped it inside the blouse so that the ends hang elegantly. This works because the fabric is sheer and drapey. Or, you could just eliminate the ties.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
#3: Faux Wrap Dress:</h2>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/9787323731_442bf73b35_o.jpg#tl-436908074788192257;1171982144" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/9787323731_442bf73b35_o.jpg#tl-436908074788192257;1171982144" style="max-width: 100%;" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
This is a classic outline--a slightly A-line shape, with a flattering faux-wrap and slight gathers at the bust. A fabric with a slight amount of stretch would be ideal. I find no fault with this one! I want at least two of these!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9787597373_8cf013fa80_o.jpg#tl-436908275917651970;1171982144" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9787597373_8cf013fa80_o.jpg#tl-436908275917651970;1171982144" style="max-width: 100%;" width="240" /></a></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: right;">
#4: Cap-Sleeve Dress</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></script></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a simple but sweet look. Another cap-sleeve style, with an A-line shape, this dress has gathers at the neck and armscye, flattering and elegant.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
#5: Fitted Skirt:</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/9787541686_ecca065c23_o.jpg#tl-436908415155961858;1171982144" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/9787541686_ecca065c23_o.jpg#tl-436908415155961858;1171982144" style="max-width: 100%;" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What makes this stand apart is the lace--an elegant idea. But wait! I don't need to buy a pattern for this skirt--I can make my own! So there. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The blouse shown is also available as a pattern. That one I would like--another basic wardrobe staple to be made in various colors and textures of fabric. You can't go wrong with this one!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/9787515055_2dce8153d1_o.jpg#tl-436908587713822720;1171982144" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/9787515055_2dce8153d1_o.jpg#tl-436908587713822720;1171982144" style="max-width: 100%;" width="240" /></a></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: right;">
#6: V-Neck Jacket:</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></script> This works as either a blouse on its own, or as a light jacket with a shell underneath. Personally, I prefer it as a blouse, because the V-neckline sits perfectly on the body and really doesn't need anything else competing with it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
#7: Almost a Shirt Dress:</h2>
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js"></script><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/9787514295_3e21d4c82e_o.jpg#tl-436908860859482112;1171982144" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/9787514295_3e21d4c82e_o.jpg#tl-436908860859482112;1171982144" style="max-width: 100%;" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What's great about this one is it looks like a classier version of the shirt dress. It also looks like a blouse/skirt combination. You might wonder, why do I need a shirt/skirt dress when I have so many shirts and skirt? The answer is this, my friends. When it's a dress, the blouse part always fits perfectly at the waist, it never "blouses" out, and it stays "tucked in." Which all adds up to a sleeker, more figure-flattering look. Especially with the belt, which for curvy types helps accentuate all the best features!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I said above, I want all of these! I started realizing yesterday that I might be a little bit sad after finishing my wedding dress project. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
So what better way to combat a touch of sadness, than to start another big project?</h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Yay! (Right?)</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-59709339707754186662013-09-27T23:32:00.000-04:002013-10-28T10:09:13.467-04:00Cream Puff Dress, Part 3: Assembling Pattern Pieces, and LiningLast time, I showed you how I had <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-cream-puff-dress-experiment.html" target="_blank">tile printed the three pattern pieces</a> for the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/little-misss-cream-puff-dress.html" target="_blank">Cream Puff Dress</a>, for Little Miss. I had 8 sheets of paper for each pattern piece. I was planning to tape them together.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Using Contact Paper to Assemble PDF Pattern Pieces</h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHhbKhk6g4BV3b4z_wUEZK5h0SOwoB7zFMIqWAAXdKTnNdqG-g9gn_VAuvwZXTxnarmfJliL8BRmrmQnDl-TlOukpXv0lUf8bRlZSAVNprzubtoKMofuOMSfM0WjBhjg73NCtQmIv6X34/s1600/20130914_171730-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHhbKhk6g4BV3b4z_wUEZK5h0SOwoB7zFMIqWAAXdKTnNdqG-g9gn_VAuvwZXTxnarmfJliL8BRmrmQnDl-TlOukpXv0lUf8bRlZSAVNprzubtoKMofuOMSfM0WjBhjg73NCtQmIv6X34/s200/20130914_171730-001.jpg" title="Contact Paper Pattern Pieces" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then, in my mailbox, what should appear? A wonderful <a href="http://www.beccascreativenotions.com/assemble-pdf-patterns-with-contact-paper/" target="_blank">blog post</a>, that made it all clear. <br />
<br />
At <a href="http://www.beccascreativenotions.com/">www.beccascreativenotions.com</a>, the author explains how to use contact paper to assemble your tiled pdf pattern pieces. I decided to try it. <br />
<br />
It was simple, folks! Assembling the first one took WAY too long; once I got the hang of it, I got MUCH faster. It took about two hours to complete the whole process.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>This part is obvious. Figure out what length of paper you need, cut it off the roll, and remove the backing. (Little Miss helped with this.)</li>
<li>Organize your tiled printed out pieces in order. I decided I prefer to start from the top down, and complete the entire left side before completing the right side. It was easier to keep the alignment correct while working vertically.</li>
<li>On each piece of paper, I marked the seam allowance, and the 1/8 of border that needed to be trimmed. I realized that not every border needs trimming, only half of them do. It's easiest to match the lines when you place a trimmed border slightly overlapped onto an untrimmed border. So I only trimmed the upper edges of the pattern pieces on the left side, and the upper and left-hand edges on the right side. (This way, as you work down the right hand side, you overlap a trimmed border to the lines above, and the lines to the left.)</li>
<li>Stick the pieces down! Once again, I was glad I had used graph paper for the original pattern drafting. The extra lines made it that much easier to match up the edges!</li>
<li>Cut out the pattern along the outer edges of the seam allowance. </li>
</ol>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqSJP2KpgwCGis2kKjkR9J9ZqebnBUnzO8tNykIxzG-vhfUZ_VRPsuveLc4BbBwcYGnAKH3GK1Lu3BsXYAekCH-3wMxANtEKYzOx9zOW66DzOnGXk264qvssNEDXaG2avaDuT-NyLKERN/s1600/20130914_171838-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqSJP2KpgwCGis2kKjkR9J9ZqebnBUnzO8tNykIxzG-vhfUZ_VRPsuveLc4BbBwcYGnAKH3GK1Lu3BsXYAekCH-3wMxANtEKYzOx9zOW66DzOnGXk264qvssNEDXaG2avaDuT-NyLKERN/s400/20130914_171838-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original 1/4 scaled pattern pieces, with full scaled pieces, <br />
assembled with contact paper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Easy peasy! A little time consuming, but definitely more precise than taping paper together, and it's also sturdier. Thank you, <a href="http://www.beccascreativenotions.com/">www.beccascreativenotions.com</a>! <br />
<h2>
</h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Sewing the Lining!</h2>
To test the pattern, I decided to sew the lining of the dress! <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aySZhitijinCEg7xxORZF6-GNVQfmU-V9FBVg3rEZkf8pDEUvyCQZQELxfLbkA0OP9UCIGYBAiPQP9AA5xiTMKJY93BMwgrqf82WGUgzjPi0A7tZlh_ey76TZ56uc9hect5CeJr855P8/s1600/20130914_171904-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9aySZhitijinCEg7xxORZF6-GNVQfmU-V9FBVg3rEZkf8pDEUvyCQZQELxfLbkA0OP9UCIGYBAiPQP9AA5xiTMKJY93BMwgrqf82WGUgzjPi0A7tZlh_ey76TZ56uc9hect5CeJr855P8/s400/20130914_171904-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream Puff Dress Lining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Only the bodice section is fitted, so I cut my pattern pieces from the top to the waistline seam in cotton batiste. I sewed up the seams, and held it up to Little Miss--it fits, and the seams match exactly where they should--curved lines in front, side seams at the sides, and back seam in the middle of the back.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<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/AVvXsEhayDMavsfLKMMAB-U5CO-3SRrdGSkwvYhLmVHNW1qEbZGFxZQNM1mx2-QIxqIYndBjDVOQWLIO2U2gs75-ql0Sas9p77Ay84Gsospt5HyuPTgqzb7al_wQJOmjpofZj5JXj7rVPqt_FSMr/s1600/20130914_172003-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayDMavsfLKMMAB-U5CO-3SRrdGSkwvYhLmVHNW1qEbZGFxZQNM1mx2-QIxqIYndBjDVOQWLIO2U2gs75-ql0Sas9p77Ay84Gsospt5HyuPTgqzb7al_wQJOmjpofZj5JXj7rVPqt_FSMr/s640/20130914_172003-001.jpg" width="475" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cream Puff Dress Lining: Little Miss is holding the sides, since I haven't put in the back closure yet; but I promise it fits!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
And, it looks cute, too!</h3>
The best part about this design is that it sews up really quickly. It took a lot of <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/handy-sewing-math-chart.html" target="_blank">math</a>, <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/little-misss-cream-puff-dress.html" target="_blank">pattern drafting</a>, fudging numbers, <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-cream-puff-dress-experiment.html" target="_blank">cutting and stapling paper</a>, printing, and contact paper pattern piece assembling. All that before I could even cut and sew any fabric.<br />
<br />
I'm so pleased with the results so far.<br />
<br />
And you were worried that I didn't know what I was doing!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-76319366872275242682013-09-24T09:00:00.000-04:002013-10-28T10:12:31.159-04:00Corset Back IdeaI had another brilliant light bulb moment, folks! I decided to add a corset laced back to Little Miss' Creampuff Dress, and to my own Wedding Dress. <br />
<br />
I decided to do this after finding this awesome <a href="http://sewfordough.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/adding-a-corset-back-to-your-wedding-dress/" target="_blank">blog post</a> with detailed instructions on how to do it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewfordough.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/corset-back-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://sewfordough.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/corset-back-1.jpg" title="Corset Back Wedding Dress" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://sewfordough.wordpress.com/2010/02/02/adding-a-corset-back-to-your-wedding-dress/" target="_blank">Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The funny thing is, my original idea for my wedding dress was to start with a pre-existing corset, and add a gathered tulle skirt to it. That would have worked, and would have been much simpler!<br />
<br />
But then, I got bit by the sewing bug, and my imagination started running wild. Then, I found blog posts that showed you how to draft your own corset pattern, so I experimented with making a corset-shaped top but using a zipper because I didn't want to actually cinch my waist.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6zQKFlLK0-6Y4IGUbtavgVwN8qjFW9ijcA0v3Q6neuAqFGYWsdYqE_lh7a8X1ftnSUB_-HZ2TBB_jaGNHrJ13HzIXFUC3A6rcZVIc8QHilJCKg3vd68RDzPhRYN9dZYqIYDANJk9xNYB/s1600/Ex+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6zQKFlLK0-6Y4IGUbtavgVwN8qjFW9ijcA0v3Q6neuAqFGYWsdYqE_lh7a8X1ftnSUB_-HZ2TBB_jaGNHrJ13HzIXFUC3A6rcZVIc8QHilJCKg3vd68RDzPhRYN9dZYqIYDANJk9xNYB/s320/Ex+2.jpg" title="Corset Back Wedding Dress" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://christineyourseamstress.com/2012/02/how-add-to-corset-wedding-gown-york-pa/" target="_blank">Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After experimenting with that for a bit, with some good results, I realized, why use a waist seam? Just one more thing to sew! That's how I came up with the five-panel dress that is my final design. Now, it feels like I'm coming back around, full circle. Isn't it funny how life works that way?<br />
<br />
I think this will add an elegant touch to the dress, and has the additional benefit of making any fitting issues irrelevant. As long as the style lines are in the right place, now I have a lot more wiggle room for any small errors. And that makes me very happy right now!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk7RGOhCqaSAfQdJ7ex-D-ekJXHLLHBy5I-Bp-61VqDZR2e1P5Cp2sxKL1v8k7l_eRBf2bnlaO2oJEtAcBacRsy5XjKI15jSD8hZAusbEANStgzO9coY3E46RbXbvzRAgpfl0wDTE4VI/s1600/100_0865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk7RGOhCqaSAfQdJ7ex-D-ekJXHLLHBy5I-Bp-61VqDZR2e1P5Cp2sxKL1v8k7l_eRBf2bnlaO2oJEtAcBacRsy5XjKI15jSD8hZAusbEANStgzO9coY3E46RbXbvzRAgpfl0wDTE4VI/s320/100_0865.JPG" title="Corset Back Wedding Dress" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://sewkansas.blogspot.com/2011/02/corset-back-dress.html" target="_blank">Source</a>: This site has a great tutorial also}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Little Miss loves this idea! (And I love how she pronounces it cor-SET.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
<br />Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-59728539115653053162013-09-21T09:00:00.000-04:002013-09-21T09:00:00.561-04:00The Cream Puff Dress Experiment<h2>
Testing Patterns with Paper</h2>
So, you all know about tissue fitting a pattern, right? Since I'm not actually using tissue, that's a little difficult. (Remember what happened with the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-golden-goddess-skirt.html" target="_blank">Golden Goddess Skirt</a>?)<br />
<br />
After my pattern drafting from the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/little-misss-cream-puff-dress.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, I kept mulling over the problems of scale and style, and started wondering (apart from the issue of how the curved seams work in the front) whether my math and two-dimensional approach would even have the look I wanted. <br />
<br />
What happens if what worked on Amanda and her <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/amandas-golden-dress.html" target="_blank">Golden Dress</a> doesn't work on Little Miss and her Cream Puff Dress? I was especially worried about whether the side seams would actually sit at the sides of the body, and whether the back seam would be in the middle. Or, would the whole proportion be off? <br />
<br />
Suddenly, a light bulb went off. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Playing with Paper</h2>
<br />
Silly goose, just cut out the 1/4 scale paper pieces I've been experimenting with, and "sew" them together with the stapler! (I did this earlier this summer when I was experimenting with how to draft the bodice for my own dress. More on this later.) Then, I'll know if the shape/line/proportion work at all the way I imagined them.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4eUFqDqY4KOounU731jtdFNyKgDb_0bMDE2AdsXXMrQsJAZ1XSLw5n_RD6LJ4qwNpAMeirDKGshWDLYokOTnuOF2CSRcROC1cNt5EtPLZc-Inuez31zAIHbBWtAr23hv8ykXKl4MhJms/s1600/2013-09-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4eUFqDqY4KOounU731jtdFNyKgDb_0bMDE2AdsXXMrQsJAZ1XSLw5n_RD6LJ4qwNpAMeirDKGshWDLYokOTnuOF2CSRcROC1cNt5EtPLZc-Inuez31zAIHbBWtAr23hv8ykXKl4MhJms/s400/2013-09-008.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Cream Puff Dress Paper Mock-Up}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It was a little challenging to get those little pieces of paper to stay stapled, but guess what folks? It works! (At least, without a body inside it.) But my curved princess seam actually did what it was supposed to when "sewed" to a straighter seam, and the straighter seam did not pull the curved seam out of position. The front three panels look perfectly even at the sides of the "body" and create a flattering waistline. The back seam falls right in the center and lines up exactly with the center of the front. It even looks elegant (well, for a paper dress).<br />
<br />
<h2>
Printing the Pattern</h2>
I was so thrilled with this outcome, I had another brilliant idea. Instead of now re-drafting the pattern at 100 percent scale, why not scan my 25 percent scale pattern pieces, blow them up by 400 percent and print them? I thought I might do this at the print shop, but another light bulb went off. Duh! I own a printer; why can't I print on multiple pages and tape them together?<br />
<br />
<h3>
So that's what I did. And here is the result.</h3>
<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/AVvXsEgV9SkAptRVqDEdDy1HpFaswL5q86tGhacSTXAYvRNV30O5uo4rW8lr2cw1KiiFMvVhLXuORKWulIsIHR9Aav6Pp5KbPMgRKJbxxfZSNoVHXsmsiMxI3O-FW4FuarGdWyAfSaKMNQryf4vk/s1600/2013-09-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9SkAptRVqDEdDy1HpFaswL5q86tGhacSTXAYvRNV30O5uo4rW8lr2cw1KiiFMvVhLXuORKWulIsIHR9Aav6Pp5KbPMgRKJbxxfZSNoVHXsmsiMxI3O-FW4FuarGdWyAfSaKMNQryf4vk/s400/2013-09-009.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Cream Puff Dress: Center Back Piece, Tiled Print}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
And here's how I did it.</h3>
<br />
I scanned each pattern piece into a pdf file. Then, using the snapshot tool, I selected the image area, and selected print. I chose "print selected image only" (this avoids having too much white space which leads to totally blank pieces of paper), selected "print tiled pages," and tried to collect them from the print tray in the correct order.<br />
<br />
As I put the pieces in their correct spaces, I marked and numbered them in clockwise order so I could reconstruct how they fit together at some later necessary point in time. i.e., center 3, etc. Each panel required 8 pieces of paper.<br />
<br />
Just to make sure, I measure the squares of the graph paper that I had used to draft the pattern. This way, I could verify that the scale was indeed correct. Since I had also marked the measurements on the pattern, I also measured those lines to make sure they were correct. Everything was correct. Yay!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbaSHo_r61Z39gY1ETKE0DtsSqWlxLYMMUGOiytcSpNXpehLpdEnZZaX-H3FOd-CfzJeKY_qZ5sshuFtsvSl26zfPCQ-FoAExR2r8IzB7RC04UGqkfZIeU1WgSbDdzsbxKQgQthwlylwF/s1600/2013-09-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbaSHo_r61Z39gY1ETKE0DtsSqWlxLYMMUGOiytcSpNXpehLpdEnZZaX-H3FOd-CfzJeKY_qZ5sshuFtsvSl26zfPCQ-FoAExR2r8IzB7RC04UGqkfZIeU1WgSbDdzsbxKQgQthwlylwF/s400/2013-09-010.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then, I learned about the plotter in the library, which prints on immense sheets of paper. I will use that for my own dress pattern pieces, which will seem super long.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Yay! Making progress!</h3>
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-45736967271868591782013-09-18T20:56:00.000-04:002013-09-18T22:33:29.176-04:00Little Miss's Cream Puff Dress<h2>
Finding More Beautiful Fabric</h2>
I took Little Miss on a special excursion to the fabric shop, so we could pick out matching fabric for our two matching dresses!<br />
<br />
Tucked away in an otherwise polyester (not) paradise of "bridal fabrics" that felt like plastic that would smother you and make you sweat, I found ivory silk dupioni!<br />
<br />
There was just enough for Little Miss's Cream Puff flower girl dress, and it was on sale! <br />
<br />
I asked for 1 1/2 yards (at 54" wide); there was some extra on the bolt, so I got the rest at the "remnant" price of 50% off. Wow, it was our lucky day! With a zipper, thread, and two packs of bias tape, I spent a grand whopping total of $34.00. I'm in shock.<br />
<br />
Once I'm confident that the dress will turn out as expected (check out the "rough draft" version, <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/amandas-golden-dress.html" target="_blank">Amanda's Golden Dress</a>), I will order the additional yardage for my own dress!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Drafting the Pattern</h2>
When I made Amanda's Golden Dress, I made only one pattern piece, since all measurement points were 1/5 of the circumference--hence, I cut each dress panel five times.<br />
<br />
The difference, however, between dolls and women is that women have boobs (duh!). The seams can't be evenly shaped all around, or the seams might fall in an awkward place. This isn't an issue obviously with my cute Little Miss flower girl, but I wanted to approximate the changes I would have to make in my pattern drafting to get the same effect I want on my own dress. <br />
<br />
This means that the center panel needs to be specifically placed according to where I want the style lines to fall on the body. The center panel needs to be 1/3 of the front measurement, except that the top of the panel needs to be 6 inches wide, where each of the side panels needs to be only 3 inches wide. The waist, hip, and hem points can be equal. This will give a curved, princess-seam look to the front of the dress.<br />
<br />
The two back panels are mirror images of each other, each panel being 1/2 of the back measurement at each point.<br />
<br />
This posed some mathematical problems. <br />
<br />
To figure this all out, I started with the hemline, the widest point of each pattern piece--10 inches. I marked a 10-square line (this is a 1/4 scale experiment) at the bottom of my graph paper, for each of the pieces--1 for the center front, one for each of the two side front pieces, and one for each of the two back pieces.<br />
<br />
I then worked my way up, measuring the waistline next. (The hipline will not be fitted, since the skirt is an A-line shape, so there is no need to measure it.) <br />
<br />
For the waistline, I had two choices: I could make each pattern piece 1/5 of the total waistline,, making an equal division of the body; or, I could make each of the front pattern pieces 1/6 of the total waistline, and each of the back pattern pieces 1/4 of the total waistline. <br />
<br />
(If you think of the body as an imaginary circle, the front half is divided into three sections, or 1/6, while the back half is divided into two sections, or 1/4). <br />
<br />
Although more complicated, I thought the latter solution would be more likely to have the side seams at the side, and the back seam in the middle of the back.<br />
<br />
Moving up to the high waist (which I measured just at the bottom two ribs), I performed the same calculations as for the waist, and drew in the corresponding lines.<br />
<br />
Then, I hit a snag.<br />
<br />
The problem is, that the top measurements are in a different proportion to each other than the lower measurements. Here, with the center panel being 6 inches, and each of the side panels being 3, we have a proportion of 1/2 and 1/4. <br />
<br />
This meant that while the center panel had the shape I wanted, for the side panels the top measurement was actually smaller than the high waist and waist measurements, creating an awkward trapezoidal shape. While the total circumference at each of the points would be correct, I was afraid it would skew the style lines of the dress. For a corseted/princess seam look, each side of the bodice should look like the opposite sides of a dart, and each should taper roughly the same amount in a mirror image of the other.<br />
<br />
(At least, I know it works this way. I've seen corset patterns where one curved piece is adjoined to a straight piece, but I've never seen anything where one curved piece is joined to another curved piece that follows the same contour instead of the opposite contour.)<br />
<br />
So, I tried the alternate method of making each front measurement the same proportion of the top measurement--1/2 and 1/4 of the front total, respectively. This didn't work either, because as I moved down towards the waist, the differences became too negligible.<br />
<br />
So, I had to take an alternate route of problem-solving.<br />
<br />
I wrote out each of the measurements in a table. I started to notice a pattern. If I took some bits from here and there (namely, the back panels), and added them to the two side front pieces, and then subtracted a bit from here and there (namely, the waist center front) and added this to the back, I was able to get more even numbers that were easier to work with, and which allowed the side front pieces to have an appropriate shape.<br />
<br />
Up next, how to figure out whether this will actually have the effect that I want, without cutting into and possibly wasting any fabric.<br />
<br />
How do you solve sewing conundrums, dear readers?<br />
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-50998415934867858242013-09-15T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-28T09:43:21.033-04:00Handy Skirt Pattern Drafting TutorialsSince I had trouble achieving a good fit with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-Fabulous-Fabrics/dp/1580176259" target="_blank">Sew What? Skirts</a> method of pattern drafting--if you remember, the waistbands always came out too big; see my earlier posts on the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/finally-success-self-drafted-cotton.html" target="_blank">Cotton Candy Skirt</a>, the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-golden-goddess-skirt.html" target="_blank">Golden Goddess Skirt</a>, and the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-sugar-plum-skirt.html" target="_blank">Sugar Plum Skirt</a>--I decided to search for some other pattern drafting methods.<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques/drafting-the-basic-skirt" target="_blank">Burda Style</a>: a basic sloper for a fitted, straight skirt, based on your measurements, which you can use as a basis for many skirt patterns. This does <em>not </em>include any ease.<br />
<br />
2. <a href="http://mellysews.com/2013/05/draft-and-sew-a-skirt.html" target="_blank">Melly Sews</a>: a basic sloper for a fitted, straight skirt, based on a combination of taking measurements and toile fitting with pins, plus instructions for how to use this sloper to create patterns for different skirt styles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thesewingloftblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/skirts2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://thesewingloftblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/skirts2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<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="http://thesewingloftblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/skirts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://thesewingloftblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/skirts1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://mellysews.com/2013/05/draft-and-sew-a-skirt.html" target="_blank">Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3. <a href="http://www.fashion-era.com/Pattern_drafting/pattern_drafting_introduction_skirt3_general_stages.htm" target="_blank">Fashion-era.com</a>: a basic sloper for a fitted, straight skirt, with ease added at the hip; this tutorial uses a standard waist and dart size that then you have to adjust to your own measurements.<br />
<br />
4. <a href="http://wkdesigner.wordpress.com/2007/09/29/gored-skirt/" target="_blank">Wkdesigner</a>: instructions to draft a gored skirt, with your chosen number of gores/seams. <em>Caveat</em>: it doesn't seem to tell you how wide the pattern should be at the hemline, but has you simply continue the waist-to-hipline angle to the hem. You may want a different shape. Also, I don't think this pattern will turn out exactly like the skirt shown, which seems to have additional triangular godets inserted between the gored panels, from just below the hip to the hemline. Also, the final shape will depend on how much drape your fabric has.<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/AVvXsEhNB8wUxkbEC5ra5YdN-pKc_oqk4Pve_Vi46SouCtt_JyC4OyM8NZvIRRfPkjWXY_lYQgGx1A3n4Lj7KY83cxUkIF2W9GCwV3ySI7e_GTy2_isvv5moPNyK5GSHSjACLWGWPpg2DmG6A57b/s1600/gore-skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNB8wUxkbEC5ra5YdN-pKc_oqk4Pve_Vi46SouCtt_JyC4OyM8NZvIRRfPkjWXY_lYQgGx1A3n4Lj7KY83cxUkIF2W9GCwV3ySI7e_GTy2_isvv5moPNyK5GSHSjACLWGWPpg2DmG6A57b/s320/gore-skirt.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://wkdesigner.wordpress.com/2007/09/29/gored-skirt/gore-skirt-2/" target="_blank">Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
5. <a href="http://sewinglikemad.blogspot.com/2013/05/skirt-week-2013-how-to-draft-custom-fit.html" target="_blank">Sewing Like Mad</a>: an unusual method for creating a flared A-line skirt with a waistband, plus instructions for creating cool, horizontal, wavy color-blocking. Although she calls it a "half-circle" skirt, it really isn't. The slash and spread pattern manipulation technique will get you a similar result to my <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/finally-success-self-drafted-cotton.html" target="_blank">Cotton Candy Skirt</a> for Little Miss.<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/AVvXsEjQCp1vYGW7KOilDEodfX8LXTLcfFA2Ku72dqZ5BAwjbiyomBgCW7cX9tP4v5-1ZNV8WqZMCq0_ab6TxPHdIVTQUgTQ7SnTrT4Zh50Xp7aRssucKsJMesreVQT5-XZpa_gpWI3V7VQtil3D/s1600/skirtweek+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCp1vYGW7KOilDEodfX8LXTLcfFA2Ku72dqZ5BAwjbiyomBgCW7cX9tP4v5-1ZNV8WqZMCq0_ab6TxPHdIVTQUgTQ7SnTrT4Zh50Xp7aRssucKsJMesreVQT5-XZpa_gpWI3V7VQtil3D/s320/skirtweek+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://sewinglikemad.blogspot.com/2013/05/skirt-week-2013-how-to-draft-custom-fit.html" target="_blank">Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It would be an interesting project (after the wedding) to compare and contrast the results of following these tutorials. I am particularly interested in the different ways of handling darts and ease, to find out what works best.<br />
<br />
Anyone else interested in a little experiment? We could create three skirts in six weeks--choosing one of the sloper methods from the first three links, plus making the gored skirt and the flared A-line skirt--and compare and contrast results.<br />
<br />
Who's in? Leave a comment below, or send me an email.<br />
<br />
We could start in November, using wintertime fabrics and linings.<br />
<br />
After all, who couldn't use three new skirts in her wardrobe?<br />
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
<br />Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-91756768174176515702013-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-12T07:00:01.794-04:00Handy Sewing Math Chart<span style="font-size: large;">While pattern drafting Little Miss' Cream Puff Dress (stay tuned for more on this), I realized that some measurements are difficult to convert to sewing measurements. I thought it would be handy to create a chart for quick reference.</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">What, you mean sewing involves math?</span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Yep</strong>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
How to Use This Sewing Math Chart</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYwYqA5uGGSwVW1bYid1b5t4O7RCxrCjGiGod-gpIj9XUKBlxnCfez6mSpNIP4x-cVWMCCzs1lZCdYmUi4aDJpr0HPFqPGHCfqn9PlWdyyekO1ZovFz5dklCtIqKOxMfqHCkx_zdAsjj6/s1600/Sewing+Math.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYwYqA5uGGSwVW1bYid1b5t4O7RCxrCjGiGod-gpIj9XUKBlxnCfez6mSpNIP4x-cVWMCCzs1lZCdYmUi4aDJpr0HPFqPGHCfqn9PlWdyyekO1ZovFz5dklCtIqKOxMfqHCkx_zdAsjj6/s640/Sewing+Math.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When calculating measurements for pattern drafting, you will encounter some odd {I mean, weird} numbers. For example, you take a measurement that needs to be divided by 5; you get a measurement of 37 and 5/8. What do you do? There are different ways to solve this problem, all of which involve either math in your head, or math on paper. Neither of which makes me feel very confident of my results.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. In this case, your fraction is already divisible by 5, so you only need to divide the 37 and then add the 1/8. What do you get? 37/5 = 7.4 But now you have to figure out how to add 0.4 and 1/8. Arrgh! This is when I start getting frustrated. What I want to show you is how to get the most accurate measurement for pattern drafting. So I will walk you through the calculation in three different ways. <strong>*Note: my chart rounds up to the nearest 1/100. Generally, you will also want to round up to avoid any pattern piece being too small. The examples below will demonstrate why.*</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <strong>Method A</strong>: Estimate, doing math in your head. We need to add 0.4 and 1/8. 0.4 is almost 0.5, so you could add 4/8 and 1/8 and get 5/8. So now your pattern piece would measure 7 and 5/8. Sounds easy, right? To check our math, let's now multiply our result by 5; we get 38.15. This means the total circumference at that point on the body will be just over 38 inches. We wanted it to be 37 and 5/8. The result will be almost half an inch too big, just because we rounded up by 0.1 before using this measurement. So, while this is the easiest method, it could lead to more frustration in the fitting stage of sewing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <strong>Method B</strong>: Estimate, knowing that 1/16 = 0.06. So, we need to divide 37 and 5/8 by 5. We could convert 5/8 to 10/16, which equals 0.6. 37.6 divided by 5 = 7.52. Now, checking our math, 7.52 x 5 = 37.6. This result is very close to 37 and 5/8. (5/8 = 0.63) This method works well, as long as you want a close fit, or if there is enough ease built into the measurement so that it won't matter. But any tiny little deviation of your stitch from the exact sewing line could make a garment that is just slightly too tight. That's much worse than too big. Too big can be pinched out at the seams, but too tight means starting over. Plus, the mental math is more complicated than in Method A. I'd rather use Method A, and have a simpler fitting session. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But you might wonder, why is it so close, but just a bit on the smaller size? This is because 1/16 is really 0.0625. So 1/8 is just a bit more than 0.06 + 0.06, it is actually 0.125. The more times you multiply by a factor of 0.06 as an estimate for 1/16, your estimated measurement is coming out just that much smaller.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. <strong>Method C</strong>: Use my Handy Sewing Chart. Since I've already rounded to the nearest hundredth, the factor of error does not increase as your fractions increase in multiples. (Does that make sense? Sometimes, for me, numbers and words are incompatible, so even though I know what I mean, I can't explain it accurately.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So let's try my example using my <strong>Handy Sewing Chart</strong>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">37 and 5/8 equals 37.63. 37.63 divided by 5 equals 7.53. 7.53 equals 7 and 9/16 on your graded ruler. Let's do the math in reverse to double check the results. Literally, (or, maybe I should say, mathematically?) 7 and 9/16 equals 7.5625. Multiply this by 5, and you get 37.81. This is smaller than Method A, and bigger than Method B, which means it is just right! It will be 3/16 larger than the measurement you took--37 and 5/8. This is practically negligible, which means your garment will fit perfectly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In my view, for a fitted garment, you have enough room to breathe, but not so much that your strapless top will need to be pulled up constantly. No fidgeting required! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For a garment with ease already included in the pattern, this means a perfect fit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-17071483691317930462013-09-09T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-09T07:00:00.979-04:00The Sugar Plum Skirt<span style="font-family: inherit;">My <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-fun-part-choosing-style.html" target="_blank">Friend From the Wedding Dress Shop</a> (FTWDS) came over so we could work on the Sugar Plum Skirt together. </span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Pattern Drafting</h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGq19irwtgb7lbdGpL6eifovLQ4GNb3jvPePjLPqEjVJptS-SvQv5S_NRIx5AZM6DuT6fBk40_OmH690HcG82cbeCj-K98riWv8lqWOEKfTrT5ZD_Wpall6eFWHHWfK-Ex46Nrj7_IPLUI/s1600/2013-09-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGq19irwtgb7lbdGpL6eifovLQ4GNb3jvPePjLPqEjVJptS-SvQv5S_NRIx5AZM6DuT6fBk40_OmH690HcG82cbeCj-K98riWv8lqWOEKfTrT5ZD_Wpall6eFWHHWfK-Ex46Nrj7_IPLUI/s320/2013-09-010.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Sugar Plum Skirt: Basted Side Seams}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
She wanted an A-line skirt, so I drafted the fitted waist and darts as normal, added about 4 inches of ease in the hip (based on her experience, that 3 inches were not enough when she recently made herself a skirt out of a knit fabric), and extended the hemline about 3-4 inches beyond the hip point.<br />
<br />
Based on my own experience with the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-golden-goddess-skirt.html" target="_blank">Golden Goddess Skirt</a>, I added only 1/2 inch of ease at the waist.<br />
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Cutting, Basting, and Fitting</h2>
<br />
I basted the side seams, and basted in the zipper. My Friend FTWDS tried in on, and...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHkUps42wcRKhO3S8uF1BPoi0XHN3h_fJI6kEYpDOd78DQdnMcE0oBlghSFUixn0Oto4QNbfow9ok6ARr_kIl3-E92LnyhHrByYQfTRNQ1AvDOj_yXrO1jMOmFBB_2sCabb8bZgV_49-d/s1600/2013-09-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHkUps42wcRKhO3S8uF1BPoi0XHN3h_fJI6kEYpDOd78DQdnMcE0oBlghSFUixn0Oto4QNbfow9ok6ARr_kIl3-E92LnyhHrByYQfTRNQ1AvDOj_yXrO1jMOmFBB_2sCabb8bZgV_49-d/s400/2013-09-009.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Sugar Plum Skirt: Basted Darts}<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
WTF--It's like four inches too big in the waist!</h3>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
What is going on here?!</h4>
<br />
Why, after so much careful measuring, are my skirts coming out too big?!<br />
<br />
So, I pinned out about four inches, two inches per side (one inch per seam). I also put a pin in the hip, at the fullest point. This way I can easily connect the new waist seam to the original hip seam. This one will be easier to adjust than the Golden Goddess Skirt, since I only have to connect two points instead of re-drawing the whole shape.<br />
<br />
Other than this, I'm very happy with how the shape of the skirt came out!<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/AVvXsEhEPst_NrWdzH2Z7odyya-G8mpqAs2IoWMNY98-TIB0mPcZBgdaWMi-EaWlYi3MgIZNUP2pyuJwDr7D79776oIpvX9vfdNKzVUWgUBde8n_hnCjAPoum8zunEfVXpwZLPBOZLdu1Sg11CI8/s1600/2013-09-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPst_NrWdzH2Z7odyya-G8mpqAs2IoWMNY98-TIB0mPcZBgdaWMi-EaWlYi3MgIZNUP2pyuJwDr7D79776oIpvX9vfdNKzVUWgUBde8n_hnCjAPoum8zunEfVXpwZLPBOZLdu1Sg11CI8/s640/2013-09-008.jpg" width="489" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{The Sugar Plum Skirt: Basted Zipper}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Sew What? Skirts!</h2>
I was curious whether other people who used the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-Fabulous-Fabrics/dp/1580176259" target="_blank">Sew What? Skirts!</a> pattern drafting method have had the same problem with skirts coming out too big. I did an internet search, and found that, indeed, others have had the same problem:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2007/09/05/sew-what-skirt/">http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2007/09/05/sew-what-skirt/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sewhappygeek.co.uk/index.php/2011/01/04/dont-buy-skirt-patterns-tutorial/">http://sewhappygeek.co.uk/index.php/2011/01/04/dont-buy-skirt-patterns-tutorial/</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
There is a Flickr group devoted to skirts made from this book, and a bunch of people ended up in discussions about how the patterns turned out <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/sewwhatskirts_sewalong/discuss/72157600177968185/" target="_blank">too big</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what's causing it, but I have a few suspicions:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Extra ease at the waistband is not necessary. At least, not for me and my friends. We like our waistbands tightly fitted. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul><ul>
<li>(caveat: you might want a tiny bit of ease if you are making a high-waisted skirt, since you do need some room to breathe, and since your measurements above and below that point will be larger, so it still won't fit if you try to move it up or down. Remember, though, that the ease in your pattern needs to be multiplied by the number of seams. Thus, for a two-piece skirt--front and back--1/16 of an inch translates to 1/4 of an inch overall.)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>When the pattern directions tell you to move the waistband side seam upwards by 1/2 an inch and draw a curved line from the center up to this new point, aren't you making the line a bit longer? Remember what I said just above about adding even 1/16 of an inch?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Maybe it has something to do with how the darts are added? The method is this: for each 1/2 inch dart, add 1/2 inch to the side seam. This is repeated for the back also. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul><ul>
<li>However, I read another method of adding darts--let's say you have a 1/2 inch dart in your front pattern piece, and a 1 inch dart in your back pattern piece. Altogether, you've already added 1 inch to accommodate the darts for the front (both halves=two darts). </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul><ul>
<li> Since you've already added that 1 inch to the front, you subtract that 1 inch from the amount you need to add to the side seam of the back pattern piece. This method would have you add only one additional inch to the back pattern piece--two 1-inch darts=2 inches, minus 1 inch=1 inch. Make sense? (To accommodate two 1 inch darts in the back, the Sew What? Skirts method would have you add two inches to the back pattern piece. This seems to add a whole extra inch compared to the other method.)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Obviously, I need to learn more about this. In the meantime, I will just not add any ease at the waist from here on in.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-72070634487137501762013-09-06T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-28T10:14:28.001-04:00Amanda's Golden Dress<span style="font-size: large;">I hit a snag with my own wedding dress planning, during and after some health issues. I was adrift for about two weeks. Combine that with the problems with fit in the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-golden-goddess-skirt.html" target="_blank">Golden Goddess</a> and Sugar Plum Skirts (stay tuned for more on this one), and I almost gave up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I realized that these are just opportunities to go back to square one, sort of.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
A Golden Dress for Amanda</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">To regain confidence, and to test my newest idea, I decided to draft a dress pattern for Amanda, using some scraps from the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-golden-goddess-skirt.html" target="_blank">Golden Goddess skirt</a>. Since I am re-making my bodice as a five-gore corset-like top (more on this soon), and since I decided not to have a gathered skirt on my own wedding dress, I began thinking: why not make the whole dress as a five-gore pattern, with a fitted bodice that flares to an A-line shape in the skirt? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Advantages: This avoids a waistline seam, which for me would add longer lines to the design. That's always good for short people.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Disadvantages: This requires more fabric, due to the width at the hemline and the length of the pattern pieces, and probably has more seams overall.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Advantage: A smoother waistline. I can still use an empire waist, and I could still use a tulle overlay that falls from the empire waistline. The tulle overlay can be placed asymmetrically, so that there is a kind of "cut away" look to the main fabric underneath. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Possible Idea: Place crocheted motifs along the hemline and top of the bodice for a lace-like effect. We'll see if there's time for that, or if I still want to do it later.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Drafting the Pattern</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Little Miss and I worked on this together. I took measurements at three spots: under the arms (bust--11"), waist (10"), hips (I didn't end up using this measurement). I also measured the distance between each of these spots.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOB0AJdwwePCz-t8tW1FQMzhxtagsOJguLC2qK6lLT6AAU3zT0731KuoILSU9QW6ECiKGm3oM-TQJA5qNRmjri_lj8cv2gnR9waRK9oz3rkvzUuAZpMfCglNHcFytFUwXEGBS7w0twpxb/s1600/20130905_232445-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOB0AJdwwePCz-t8tW1FQMzhxtagsOJguLC2qK6lLT6AAU3zT0731KuoILSU9QW6ECiKGm3oM-TQJA5qNRmjri_lj8cv2gnR9waRK9oz3rkvzUuAZpMfCglNHcFytFUwXEGBS7w0twpxb/s400/20130905_232445-001.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Measurements for the Amanda's Golden Wedding Dress}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To create a well-proportioned A-line shape, I doubled the waist measurement for the hip (20), and multiplied the hip measurement by 1.5 for the hemline (30). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Would you just look at that--it's a Golden Ratio for a Golden Dress (1:2:3)!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7SRBTpmEU8gQzkHof33rz3DaL6xjtTcn2pb6zVluSizFt7OWiVjCv5ihF3bO2HhVVIh0fkcGR-i4UFgV9smla92If-tnI2KEHip2BpMWJD7E0MrA0U2zlsnZfav3hd6rFgRjCvAvS-os/s1600/20130905_232428-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7SRBTpmEU8gQzkHof33rz3DaL6xjtTcn2pb6zVluSizFt7OWiVjCv5ihF3bO2HhVVIh0fkcGR-i4UFgV9smla92If-tnI2KEHip2BpMWJD7E0MrA0U2zlsnZfav3hd6rFgRjCvAvS-os/s400/20130905_232428-001.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{The Golden Wedding Dress: Measurements for each gore}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little Miss helped me draw the pattern. For simplicity, I made each of the gores 1/5 of the measurement at each point.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These measurements should work for any 16" doll; the left column is the width measurement at the top, waist, hip, and hem, and the right column is the distance between each of these points--feel free to use them to create your own Golden Doll Dress!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I showed Little Miss how to draw a center line the length of the whole dress (12").</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBWn2879h35jjqLYYjicmFzvH3RwWFz-hlzLxQa7bJDR8ZwRbd6GrznvWI3HlxpygowtbTZtWuHWbzpF_ilnDHBs0UB51dOMIVZIaKcUUreMfnLGRbXU-rD9rEcPtL2PYi7al1BTEPkrb/s1600/20130905_232154-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBWn2879h35jjqLYYjicmFzvH3RwWFz-hlzLxQa7bJDR8ZwRbd6GrznvWI3HlxpygowtbTZtWuHWbzpF_ilnDHBs0UB51dOMIVZIaKcUUreMfnLGRbXU-rD9rEcPtL2PYi7al1BTEPkrb/s400/20130905_232154-001.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Pattern Piece for the Golden Wedding Dress}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, we measured lengthwise each of the points where we will need to create a horizontal line--at 1.25" down for the waist, at 3" down for the hip, and then we double-checked our point for the hemline at 12".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At each of the points, I showed Little Miss how to center the ruler at the center line, and draw a horizontal line the correct width.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We then connected each of the points with the straight edge, smoothed the angles with a French curve, and then trued the seams to 90-degree angles at top and bottom.</span></div>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Pinning, Tracing, and Cutting</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Little Miss and I pinned the pattern on a small length of scrap fabric. I showed her how to use the grading ruler to trace a 1/2" seam allowance around all the edges.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We took turns pinning, tracing, and cutting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since each of the gores is identical, we only needed one pattern piece, but cut it five times. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All of this took a while; about an hour and a half to this point. Little Miss wanted to play, so I did the sewing. (She was mad at me though!)</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Sewing it Up!</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">I simply matched the edges, and sewed the seams, pressing each seam as I went.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I accidentally sewed one of the gores with the textured side out instead of the satiny side out--oops! I didn't worry about re-doing it, but just made that the back panel.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I left the back seam open from the top to the hip for inserting Velcro closures.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I added a thin elastic to the top. I measured the elastic by pulling it taut around Amanda, cut it, then sewed it close to the top edge of the fabric on the outside, using a medium zigzag stitch, pulling the elastic to stretch it to the fabric length as I went.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><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/AVvXsEidt5oEWdfO-T9iKB3pWlooMYJ9fYgfAHfgj0v8Fccd7XWSllDdvtaRPkHtrVBchhEI82BiNJ_fT_92c7JwGPk0bT4x_VPXrBgdpZBXMlQ9lKBGk7EOSxaqQt0n2vyXZ8o0aJTsHB5t-eeo/s1600/20130905_231752-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidt5oEWdfO-T9iKB3pWlooMYJ9fYgfAHfgj0v8Fccd7XWSllDdvtaRPkHtrVBchhEI82BiNJ_fT_92c7JwGPk0bT4x_VPXrBgdpZBXMlQ9lKBGk7EOSxaqQt0n2vyXZ8o0aJTsHB5t-eeo/s400/20130905_231752-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Zigzag stitched elastic edge}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I folded the edge over and topstitched it, again with the zigzag, pulling it taut as I went so that the fabric wouldn't pucker and gather as I sewed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now the elastic top band looks decorative.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't hem it, because we needed to go to a party. Of course, Amanda needed to wear her new dress! And, to church the next morning.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><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/AVvXsEjb3I15r4gJkS0wKjxuVpQzRQl3c4Md5daXDmUSGn9sL6qOqESPWsZ0KBjf43q39fd3jvZ1jm3yNZFJxWzqFUkFysoHtttnTIfKQNBLVWuyzTvfHTyLRZT4PWftWb1G4AhEKC49XZEbOrNR/s1600/20130905_231735-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3I15r4gJkS0wKjxuVpQzRQl3c4Md5daXDmUSGn9sL6qOqESPWsZ0KBjf43q39fd3jvZ1jm3yNZFJxWzqFUkFysoHtttnTIfKQNBLVWuyzTvfHTyLRZT4PWftWb1G4AhEKC49XZEbOrNR/s640/20130905_231735-001.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Amanda's Golden Wedding Dress really needs ironing at this point!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I also didn't put the Velcro in yet, or add the decorative sheer over layer yet. But just wrapping the sheer fabric around the dress, I can tell that it will look even more fabulous when it is complete.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm-tssRS8T_-uQe-LOZldCdTQ-Etzp0txLW7Ks5CRfZjjKwX1B-9vTGDvrOC9_w3wYTgQEmJ8jKzqtwJ6n66ahnQD5JtWzkm08h-_21L-xiFO6LONrhgDlH5Cu1IpBxW9n0DRZ0x994tv/s1600/20130905_232649-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRm-tssRS8T_-uQe-LOZldCdTQ-Etzp0txLW7Ks5CRfZjjKwX1B-9vTGDvrOC9_w3wYTgQEmJ8jKzqtwJ6n66ahnQD5JtWzkm08h-_21L-xiFO6LONrhgDlH5Cu1IpBxW9n0DRZ0x994tv/s640/20130905_232649-001.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYNwYGxXkP2qdjhuL3RHOfqJ4AruJxmJ41HNZYR6n1GmRzY2t2DAFU7oT_AYGtX7myll32dM7ucm1d0eyf8FnwmmFnlGixaEe8qUBReI1ufSCF5kBcNK7cfCW62IpR3H-eJAh2BznniRa/s1600/20130905_232452-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYNwYGxXkP2qdjhuL3RHOfqJ4AruJxmJ41HNZYR6n1GmRzY2t2DAFU7oT_AYGtX7myll32dM7ucm1d0eyf8FnwmmFnlGixaEe8qUBReI1ufSCF5kBcNK7cfCW62IpR3H-eJAh2BznniRa/s400/20130905_232452-001.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't you just love Little Miss' fashion design, showing me where the "tool" should and shouldn't go?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now Amanda has a Golden Wedding Dress! (almost)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Till Next Time,--Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-758290005201857692013-09-01T20:55:00.000-04:002013-09-07T20:55:49.804-04:00Beautiful Lace Shawl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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;"><img alt="Crisscross Lace Shawl." class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/8c/15/c8/8c15c841b14a960ba8db33756d74fa48.jpg" style="height: 390px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 300px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10305.html?noImages=0" target="_blank">Original Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Look what I found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/473370610804091676/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>!<br />
<br />
<br />
A beautiful, lace shawl that would be no harder to knit than a scarf. <br />
<br />
This project is from <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10305.html?noImages=0" target="_blank">Lion Brand,</a> where you can find more information about the specification of the version you see here. I love Lion Brand yarns, because they are good quality, come in beautiful colors, and are easy to work with. They are also reasonably priced. Some day, I want to visit their <a href="http://www.lionbrandyarnstudio.com/" target="_blank">store in NYC</a>.<br />
<br />
The Lion Brand pattern combines cables and lace. However, you can make this shawl in any knitting pattern you like. Here's how:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Choose your favorite knitting stitch, and a beautiful, soft yarn that will drape well.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Figure out your gauge, using needles in the recommended size for your chosen yarn. (I tend to go one size smaller, because I know that my knitting is loose.) Or, sometimes going up a size for a lacey stitch works well, to emphasize the decorative nature of the lace. If you want a quick-to-knit project, and don't mind sacrificing drape for bulk, choose a bulky yarn and super large knitting needles.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li> Once you know your gauge, figure out how many stitches you need to get a width that drapes roughly from one hip to the other on the bias. From here, you can calculate how many pattern repeats you need, and cast on.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Knit until you have enough length to wrap around your shoulder. Attach buttons and button loops where the closure needs to match. Then, you could choose to crochet a border around all the edges for a neat finish. Or, you can leave the edges unfinished for a softer look.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>For a different look, you could actually knit on the bias, so the project would grow upwards from the lowest hip corner, making the stitches appear to wrap around you horizontally, instead of diagonally.</li>
<li>The more adventurous could figure out how to create flowing sleeves by adding a side seam under the arms--the fabric would have to be much wider, and some shaping would be involved.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
The basic version would be a great advanced beginner project. One of the things I always felt intimidated by as a beginner, was creating the shaping necessary for knitting sweaters. This would be an in-between project, once you feel confident enough to knit a scarf. Now you're just knitting a bigger scarf! But you're also building your stitching skills, confidence, and stamina in preparation for your first sweater. The total number of stitches, and time to knit, is almost as much as a sweater project. Once you can knit a large shawl, you can tackle a simple sweater.<br />
<br />
Happy Knitting!--AyanaAyanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-53018828360944161712013-08-30T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-01T18:09:59.334-04:00The Golden Goddess Skirt<h2>
Creating the Golden Goddess Skirt</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so this is the first adult-sized project. I made a few oopsies. But I think everything will turn out in the end. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Although I wanted to finish the skirt while my Sweet Sistah was still in town, I realized it might be better to get it mostly done, fit it on her, mark adjustments, and put on the final details when she comes in town before the wedding. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Drafting the Pattern</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">First, I took measurements, and using the chart in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-Fabulous-Fabrics/dp/1580176259" target="_blank">Sew What? Skirts!</a> drafted the pattern on graph paper. I like to use graph paper because it is sturdy (which is good when you're cutting the fabric), and it's easy to see whether your seams are trued and your lines are straight.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, it is not good for "tissue fitting" your pattern (i.e,, when you pin the pattern pieces together on the body to check fit and make adjustments). More on this later.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had a bit of trouble with one aspect of the pattern drafting. I curved the bottom hem to match the curve in the waistband, but then couldn't true the side seam line--it just wouldn't work the way the instructions said it would.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I think A-line skirts are easier to draft.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I fudged it a little bit.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Cutting the Fabric</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Before cutting, I just wanted to eyeball the fit--here is where pattern tissue paper would have been better.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, no! it looks too narrow! Maybe I didn't add enough ease?</span></strong> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Sistah wanted it fitted, not loose, so where it said "add 2-4 inches of ease," (hip measurement) I added 2. Where it said "add 1-2 inches of ease," (waist measurement) I added 1. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">[I partly made this decision based on the results of <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/finally-success-self-drafted-cotton.html" target="_blank">The Cotton Candy Skirt</a>. Although I had intended a fitted waistband, the amount of ease suggested in the pattern drafting instructions made it too large, so I had to use elastic.]</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since the pattern looked so small, I decided to add an additional 1/2 inch seam allowance at the side when cutting the fabric--a total of 2 inches around. I didn't want to do a lot of work only to have it not fit at all!</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdUkF4YB6DyqJWYw8ZvxDQfiSrcyYOff5hY1TPtHNgvd1_KAQV9GKJwWx9FBebZ-mysIf7Amsd13iXfg3egZ27Dcah9qwG1038xK2iTMbObg_2k2hiM4pE_0FbKZ1_Z7XumnTMcy7d48a/s1600/2013-09-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdUkF4YB6DyqJWYw8ZvxDQfiSrcyYOff5hY1TPtHNgvd1_KAQV9GKJwWx9FBebZ-mysIf7Amsd13iXfg3egZ27Dcah9qwG1038xK2iTMbObg_2k2hiM4pE_0FbKZ1_Z7XumnTMcy7d48a/s200/2013-09-012.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Basting Darts--<br />
Golden Goddess Skirt}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
Basting the Darts</h2>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The first sewing task was to baste and sew the darts. <br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My Mom had given me some tips over the phone:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">While basting the darts, take one stitch on one side of the dart leg--from the top towards the point--then cross to the other side, continuing in the same direction, and take another stitch. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Keep alternating sides with each stitch.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li> <span style="font-size: large;">When you get to the point, pull the thread taut--magic! a perfectly formed dart.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11Ml8e1uLWyIF31lJRyKmgO0z1GQoMWMPD5sDFzbW4zou2rXwB-nQlE4XCfnIeKGmyt9yBgdV3NEHBDrbt63d4OKT0P98dlU3EAx2wWd9Kbk9XcpIfBm-5sPnzXkBd7_RbWITgjivnviJ/s1600/2013-09-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11Ml8e1uLWyIF31lJRyKmgO0z1GQoMWMPD5sDFzbW4zou2rXwB-nQlE4XCfnIeKGmyt9yBgdV3NEHBDrbt63d4OKT0P98dlU3EAx2wWd9Kbk9XcpIfBm-5sPnzXkBd7_RbWITgjivnviJ/s320/2013-09-002.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Basting Darts--Golden Goddess Skirt}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">No need to try to fold slippery fabric and pin!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Now, just sew from top to bottom of the dart (on the inside of course), making sure to sew off the edge of the fabric at the point.</span> </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqXtDN4zEHfQhRe8Qu4IcBlzFDJ4R9sh8m-pPf3U1w6RIFZw21O-Qd-u7SuCTMRnuSGzBQeeMLfjqnaBoWhfRSIJEWrlqTxxu69OTZ9i7HHu7h1TCfe3WrK-XorBAx4N5qzb7P80I6CMP/s1600/2013-09-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqXtDN4zEHfQhRe8Qu4IcBlzFDJ4R9sh8m-pPf3U1w6RIFZw21O-Qd-u7SuCTMRnuSGzBQeeMLfjqnaBoWhfRSIJEWrlqTxxu69OTZ9i7HHu7h1TCfe3WrK-XorBAx4N5qzb7P80I6CMP/s400/2013-09-004.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Basting Darts--Golden Goddess Skirt<br />
Here you see where I like to add a pointed tab at the top of the dart<br />
instead of closing it while cutting the fabric. Now I can simply trim<br />
away the extra fabric to match the contour of the waist.}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Remove the basting threads.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Voila--simple, perfect, beautiful darts!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table 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/AVvXsEhbDPTIEslT6WbmKN7wcgUybOHKFQBSv4lO2CtGiTHC47RMHKQ9wzK9yOXBGu-Y1MR7Sm85cKWS75dtSaePTLceJcAG6SL2rB-kgMIGImrdNdjga3uwjjuuodRvzsVRGhsVc0QbDIElew6G/s1600/2013-09-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDPTIEslT6WbmKN7wcgUybOHKFQBSv4lO2CtGiTHC47RMHKQ9wzK9yOXBGu-Y1MR7Sm85cKWS75dtSaePTLceJcAG6SL2rB-kgMIGImrdNdjga3uwjjuuodRvzsVRGhsVc0QbDIElew6G/s400/2013-09-011.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Basting Darts--The Golden Goddess Skirt. <br />
The dart still looks a bit puckered, since I machine basted but <br />
haven't sewn final stitches or pressed yet.}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's fun to see how cloth takes shape with a few simple stitches!</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Basting the Side Seams</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I simply basted the side seams, and gave the skirt to Sweet Sistah to try on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru_V4bu0CQjZKcvRgBsVxkGT4G4RsbLbsi0rw7-ZADvs5mzDE5ejSkoeqOCqG_qAAUy1KdJu27WYJo-Isv6zCeSx_vvXEXSOgzluvQCQ_wArSKipRKkmqrmx240bYOeTqhiZbqRe9hC1f/s1600/2013-09-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru_V4bu0CQjZKcvRgBsVxkGT4G4RsbLbsi0rw7-ZADvs5mzDE5ejSkoeqOCqG_qAAUy1KdJu27WYJo-Isv6zCeSx_vvXEXSOgzluvQCQ_wArSKipRKkmqrmx240bYOeTqhiZbqRe9hC1f/s200/2013-09-006.jpg" width="151" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Golden Goddess Skirt:<br />
Basted Side Seam}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">WTF! IT'S LIKE FOUR INCHES TOO BIG EVERYWHERE!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So much for the pattern looking too small.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We held the skirt in place, and I pinned on both sides where the seams <em>should</em> have been.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I removed the skirt and roughly marked the pin line with fabric marker. </span><span style="font-size: large;">(Well, I'm calling it fabric marker; it's really just cheap kid's washable marker--it washes out super easily!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><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/AVvXsEipD8dXqsyNhgZ-U1iixkTOG3RamQobsybHiCJgBxDrh4zQbH4MSdpiWV-LjAYJgGt_D9RrRydmTsThWPd-_LfX5ruwVdPoOxo7VMfsym99-MJU6ABiYa6uccPYq4VdfRGr4ZVf6b_nLHu0/s1600/2013-09-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD8dXqsyNhgZ-U1iixkTOG3RamQobsybHiCJgBxDrh4zQbH4MSdpiWV-LjAYJgGt_D9RrRydmTsThWPd-_LfX5ruwVdPoOxo7VMfsym99-MJU6ABiYa6uccPYq4VdfRGr4ZVf6b_nLHu0/s320/2013-09-005.jpg" width="243" /></a><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Golden Goddess Skirt:<br />
Basted Side Seam with Adjustment Marked}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I traced roughly along those lines with marker. In theory, I should be able to just re-baste along those lines, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe. Or, possibly, <span style="color: purple;">wrong</span>!!</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The problem is, if I do that I won't be able to use the paper pattern for cutting the overskirt. Also, because of the pinning and marking, the distance between the original seam line and the new seam line may not be identical on both sides.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe I shouldn't be so particular? I know it will fit, at least. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But maybe it will end up looking lopsided? What if the distance between the seams and darts are not symmetrical across all four quadrants of the body?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><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/AVvXsEg9xtdknJX-lFOChK94BKcIZN2ALLl_hBhOfB4tAfSLKn_vp1pvv14pYfc853PiMMUZrigjLVQy9n6zXJl-btsJ6pnc5jvbl-BEZQh3LzcZ9eOsJBjf_Ve5n3RNhLGbkrvgMIerlGo0bH-o/s1600/2013-09-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xtdknJX-lFOChK94BKcIZN2ALLl_hBhOfB4tAfSLKn_vp1pvv14pYfc853PiMMUZrigjLVQy9n6zXJl-btsJ6pnc5jvbl-BEZQh3LzcZ9eOsJBjf_Ve5n3RNhLGbkrvgMIerlGo0bH-o/s400/2013-09-003.jpg" width="302" /></a><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{The Golden Goddess Skirt:<br />
Sudden Dart/Fitting Angst. This photo is appropriately F-d up!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is what Sweet Sistah said would happen. It would come out lopsided, but I (and now <em>everyone</em>) would feel obligated to wear it anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These were supposed to be special, hand-created garments, gifts, to be worn proudly!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">CRAP I <em>hate</em> it when naysayers are actually <em>right</em>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand, if I do simply re-baste and pull out the original basted seams, then I can use the skirt itself as the pattern for the overskirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Or, even better, since the overskirt is supposed to be a bit wider than the underskirt--kind of a floaty, sheer, layer--maybe all I have to do is measure the new waistline after I've adjusted the skirt, and gradually connect the new waistline to the old hipline on the paper pattern.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a genius!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's amazing how writing about something suddenly solves all of its problems.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All week, I've been trying to figure this out. I had at least three more-complicated ways of figuring this out. Since I couldn't face it, I set it aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, instead of having three skirts finished in a week, as I had planned, I only have one slightly messed-up one, that's still not finished.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now I know how to fix it!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><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/AVvXsEj-vmWbhGKgMbpCk7k1WqwnCRlAW1L_cmikOJj3PEV9i097mTxyxM3lIFUiPI1kQvpskMgEamshDEwDHV2PULjO4r80cj8GpmK6j-8aMQPbof1ip7vgTZnvpdAuIB2MaqxwxgKmZQhm1mbA/s1600/2013-09-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vmWbhGKgMbpCk7k1WqwnCRlAW1L_cmikOJj3PEV9i097mTxyxM3lIFUiPI1kQvpskMgEamshDEwDHV2PULjO4r80cj8GpmK6j-8aMQPbof1ip7vgTZnvpdAuIB2MaqxwxgKmZQhm1mbA/s640/2013-09-007.jpg" width="484" /></a><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Golden Goddess Skirt: As I pinned out the excess, I also fitted the skirt more like a pencil skirt than like a straight skirt, since I thought it would be more flattering. Here you can see how the contour moves closer to the body at the knee.}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<img height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqXtDN4zEHfQhRe8Qu4IcBlzFDJ4R9sh8m-pPf3U1w6RIFZw21O-Qd-u7SuCTMRnuSGzBQeeMLfjqnaBoWhfRSIJEWrlqTxxu69OTZ9i7HHu7h1TCfe3WrK-XorBAx4N5qzb7P80I6CMP/s400/2013-09-004.jpg" style="left: 540px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2856px;" width="73" />Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-35348206235472809502013-08-27T16:00:00.000-04:002013-08-27T16:14:09.170-04:00Beautiful Fabric!<h2>
We went Fabric shopping!</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">My Sister, Little Miss, and my </span><a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-fun-part-choosing-style.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Friend from the Wedding Dress Shop</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> went to find fabric for bridesmaids' skirts. It was brilliant to all go together, so we could compare colors, textures, and find what suited all of us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little Miss has a frighteningly good eye for fashion. I received a lot of design tips for my own dress, which will match hers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My sister nixed the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-get-creative.html" target="_blank">gathered A-line shape with tulle overskirt</a>--I thought that would be flattering for anyone, but she said not. So I gave her some of my pattern books to leaf through. She chose an elegant straight skirt style, modeled on this beautiful skirt from </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-Fabulous-Fabrics/dp/1580176259" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Sew What! Skirts</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span> <br />
<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/AVvXsEi8H0oHq1_KbEXl1e_Bb9AAVZoDlB75PCG3U5vhnApAEYi1prjrgA7gq9BYOx0kKm9Hs6azldbC_DrumpZ2RFmyfBeSnmxSYD_c1GbOdM-pEPrkQ1Fr2WJ-KGO26tLjywB7mtaFwcamBYM6/s1600/Sew+What!+Skirts+p86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Straight skirt with contrast yoke" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H0oHq1_KbEXl1e_Bb9AAVZoDlB75PCG3U5vhnApAEYi1prjrgA7gq9BYOx0kKm9Hs6azldbC_DrumpZ2RFmyfBeSnmxSYD_c1GbOdM-pEPrkQ1Fr2WJ-KGO26tLjywB7mtaFwcamBYM6/s200/Sew+What!+Skirts+p86.jpg" title="Sew What! Skirts, p. 86" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Image from: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-Fabulous-Fabrics/dp/1580176259" target="_blank">Sew What! Skirts</a>, p. 86}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We'll call Sweet Sistah's version the Golden Goddess Skirt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOzcfc_oQlAC5H1hf-Y2oNAesGUvOPH5ExKssNMAQQcRgq4_jc4BIgi7BnJF_RFxZ5Dt2StY-FR4KJ5D-2cYv2Q8_bUwBrzAMQNbxzhioYxLn2_Hbwx2BinS4lL3QPZXDaKBk1D9BnSf_/s1600/2013-08-030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOzcfc_oQlAC5H1hf-Y2oNAesGUvOPH5ExKssNMAQQcRgq4_jc4BIgi7BnJF_RFxZ5Dt2StY-FR4KJ5D-2cYv2Q8_bUwBrzAMQNbxzhioYxLn2_Hbwx2BinS4lL3QPZXDaKBk1D9BnSf_/s320/2013-08-030.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">The underskirt fabric is shantung satin, shiny on one side and textured on the other, and the overskirt is a sparkly organza. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw6r9OgT0phn_e0aUxMBws6-el7DaTGkaLpSgYodNufAKQprus84sPvmweM08mm-4wZS5IJllPUQQVM5udGYzOCx0T2jBWOXet7a3Pn3oDjQbYoBUQXKZ4QntcaE4OnFR6U5HPdUkV0W2/s1600/2013-08-032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikw6r9OgT0phn_e0aUxMBws6-el7DaTGkaLpSgYodNufAKQprus84sPvmweM08mm-4wZS5IJllPUQQVM5udGYzOCx0T2jBWOXet7a3Pn3oDjQbYoBUQXKZ4QntcaE4OnFR6U5HPdUkV0W2/s400/2013-08-032.jpg" width="301" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It will be beautiful!</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2>
</h2>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mHYLshxQEumIn8SWypkpLC4sdRdxXrsDIYE5EnVHF-wiWfFj8Yw_cHzg8P2t0-oO65N36RbUtKwhSUCNbC38Rei0YF2lCFtveFi81dW_PM25Rgrv2y_4u5-uPmw5kZMuw0zu1m5V2KuE/s1600/2013-08-036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mHYLshxQEumIn8SWypkpLC4sdRdxXrsDIYE5EnVHF-wiWfFj8Yw_cHzg8P2t0-oO65N36RbUtKwhSUCNbC38Rei0YF2lCFtveFi81dW_PM25Rgrv2y_4u5-uPmw5kZMuw0zu1m5V2KuE/s640/2013-08-036.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Color, Texture, and Sparkle</h2>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The wedding colors are gold and navy, to match the colors of The Pilot's uniform-- </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3pFG2x85UH8p_Ia2_cGexcULPAVJv8QNw4sBh5ojwA9Fj-NxCa7ZsJjAVqHPyIVgStKNdaetpzCgNmOt9WCIXcdB1SZ4zyZXL-4jWYBEICr3KxUiaLjpdnksYs4tEK9ob4lhVoSvY57h/s1600/2013-08-028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3pFG2x85UH8p_Ia2_cGexcULPAVJv8QNw4sBh5ojwA9Fj-NxCa7ZsJjAVqHPyIVgStKNdaetpzCgNmOt9WCIXcdB1SZ4zyZXL-4jWYBEICr3KxUiaLjpdnksYs4tEK9ob4lhVoSvY57h/s320/2013-08-028.jpg" width="244" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">--and plum--one of my all-time favorites (virtually every shade of purple):</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_1bmAOt-3PIqYX6Kw1aSsPZL77hpR3dZ7MB6VCPQ81SwRVuZ7qRrQ9qCESjjlguFfOgugwZX0fW_VvS6c_K5mSOTiKza6cBIhiOfsbkcGR4FBH2deLzKHZn4gOwWDcplETQve6Ea6E-4/s1600/2013-08-029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_1bmAOt-3PIqYX6Kw1aSsPZL77hpR3dZ7MB6VCPQ81SwRVuZ7qRrQ9qCESjjlguFfOgugwZX0fW_VvS6c_K5mSOTiKza6cBIhiOfsbkcGR4FBH2deLzKHZn4gOwWDcplETQve6Ea6E-4/s1600/2013-08-029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_1bmAOt-3PIqYX6Kw1aSsPZL77hpR3dZ7MB6VCPQ81SwRVuZ7qRrQ9qCESjjlguFfOgugwZX0fW_VvS6c_K5mSOTiKza6cBIhiOfsbkcGR4FBH2deLzKHZn4gOwWDcplETQve6Ea6E-4/s400/2013-08-029.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_1bmAOt-3PIqYX6Kw1aSsPZL77hpR3dZ7MB6VCPQ81SwRVuZ7qRrQ9qCESjjlguFfOgugwZX0fW_VvS6c_K5mSOTiKza6cBIhiOfsbkcGR4FBH2deLzKHZn4gOwWDcplETQve6Ea6E-4/s1600/2013-08-029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_1bmAOt-3PIqYX6Kw1aSsPZL77hpR3dZ7MB6VCPQ81SwRVuZ7qRrQ9qCESjjlguFfOgugwZX0fW_VvS6c_K5mSOTiKza6cBIhiOfsbkcGR4FBH2deLzKHZn4gOwWDcplETQve6Ea6E-4/s1600/2013-08-029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, I bought matching tulle anyway, "for decorations." That was Sweet Sistah's idea. She's the artistic one, so I'll let her figure that out.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IDIr1ORSzvmJ84BvPj-UaPqDTd63DV4-jD_QpJOxV-z1I-yq-rc_p_8NyxL31njmmoPCBL5ZjKMFubPPVvZRiAFRCGYKu4OqYOB5tjG-1PTngvXJeaU6iZ-d0rM2v-vryL4Lbtzj0BgL/s1600/2013-08-027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IDIr1ORSzvmJ84BvPj-UaPqDTd63DV4-jD_QpJOxV-z1I-yq-rc_p_8NyxL31njmmoPCBL5ZjKMFubPPVvZRiAFRCGYKu4OqYOB5tjG-1PTngvXJeaU6iZ-d0rM2v-vryL4Lbtzj0BgL/s640/2013-08-027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My goal is to finish Sweet Sistah's skirt before she returns home, or at least have it cut and basted so I can evaluate the fit, and to finish the other two within a week. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What do you think? Can I do it? (Well, I already know the answer to that one, unfortunately.) So how's this for a question: what are your favorite fabric colors and textures?</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
P.S.: My <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-sewing-space.html" target="_blank">sewing space</a> is still a mess....</h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnjqn2mpRsDwhLc9tdqAFFz9XQtH0jWI3wDNRdM3faVYzbgMQRQ0TMMy96rmBqv57evZ1ASPD0jUWGZy5u8PKujhExbOPO-3timHS9bOocRFIbtYdyKHYYfuWHTDLWRh2sui7f5T1PBkp/s1600/2013-08-035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnjqn2mpRsDwhLc9tdqAFFz9XQtH0jWI3wDNRdM3faVYzbgMQRQ0TMMy96rmBqv57evZ1ASPD0jUWGZy5u8PKujhExbOPO-3timHS9bOocRFIbtYdyKHYYfuWHTDLWRh2sui7f5T1PBkp/s400/2013-08-035.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{I love how this photo makes it look like the sewing machine is about to careen off the table!}</div>
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
<br />Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-31968248894786576622013-08-24T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-24T07:00:00.114-04:00Red is the new Color for Fall!<span style="font-size: large;">Yay, one of my favorites! I love red. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Check out these beautiful new patterns from </span><a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/seeing-red-9-new-patterns" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Burda Style</span></a>, <span style="font-size: large;">showcasing the beauty of the <a href="http://pinterest.com/chiaroscuro1750/red/" target="_blank">color red</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Drool. As soon as my wedding dress episode is over, I'll be making some of these fall clothes for winter.</span> <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;"><img alt="_use_me_large" class="full thinglinkFetching" src="http://assets.burdastyle.com/articles/images/000/002/615/_USE_ME_large.jpg?1376943778" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/seeing-red-9-new-patterns#tl-74e2ec1e" target="_blank">source</a>}<br />
Red is the new Color for Fall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Blouses. Why don't people wear blouses anymore? I'm a little tired of knit tops. It's hard to find a good blouse that isn't designed for grandma. But these Burda patterns are scrumptious.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That's it for today, readers. I hope this post sparks some inspiration and creativity!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h2>
Till next time, --Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-10735520623665200032013-08-22T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-22T15:54:11.297-04:00My Sewing Space<h2>
What does my sewing space look like?</h2>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Inspired by the beautiful spaces featured on </span><a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Ellison Lane</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, I decided to share my space with all of you and join the </span><a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">link party</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZQorrfL0xH8C0QJH5_C-Lj9dy7FCpmhcGzcYaKjfnPUdypW5ldQsP3vr1SVtfiMr24iBhXBwXGteicaFXk9bLzxGzelgQfO_Y9zzoHE8J05H5rkBOt9tdsIaScIUZvphpn6ozz9iwmxO/s1600/2013-08-025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZQorrfL0xH8C0QJH5_C-Lj9dy7FCpmhcGzcYaKjfnPUdypW5ldQsP3vr1SVtfiMr24iBhXBwXGteicaFXk9bLzxGzelgQfO_Y9zzoHE8J05H5rkBOt9tdsIaScIUZvphpn6ozz9iwmxO/s200/2013-08-025.jpg" width="155" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">My sewing space doubles as my kitchen table. Originally, it was designed to pack up easily so we could have dinner. All the fabric and notions for current projects could be easily folded, packed, or stored at a moment's notice into my improvised sewing box, and the sewing machine cover could be slipped on, and the whole thing slipped underneath the table.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ-JmFRt-mJRbWbNBJv3v6tcj-II8TnkAy5eLqcBKCqtd2cVppJGB_bIyqwSzKPRKJOGBj2nsjGf4rCF41TsjJmDHNJ0PQX4YxcG-QWuCY2_C0rjk3x3Zbv2xPRXuX2XO5o7qNXDpAJCx/s1600/2013-08-021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ-JmFRt-mJRbWbNBJv3v6tcj-II8TnkAy5eLqcBKCqtd2cVppJGB_bIyqwSzKPRKJOGBj2nsjGf4rCF41TsjJmDHNJ0PQX4YxcG-QWuCY2_C0rjk3x3Zbv2xPRXuX2XO5o7qNXDpAJCx/s320/2013-08-021.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My favorite thing about my sewing space is my daughter's little sewing machine lined up near mine. I jokingly call it "our little sweatshop." Also, I love that the sewing happens pretty much in the hearth--the kitchen is the center of any house. It feels more social to use this space, instead of being tucked away somewhere else.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But, sometimes I also want to relocate to my own private nook upstairs.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Fabric</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">What's on my sewing table at the moment? A gorgeous sparkly gold organza fabric for the overskirt of my Sweet Sistah's bridesmaid skirt. And a matching shantung satin for the underskirt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk-kD8jjvDV6EfZq1r-RWauj7-1LUsPp7Q-rIWx3-aIAhdw2QwGcC75USEwOv3ze_rb26Y-YPwEjivPTtWaJ5yBlHgVrC4s1y-tI9b_4jlysar-9HeKMCOFju8rbhHHvgW7bdQcc4VaZy/s1600/2013-08-022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsk-kD8jjvDV6EfZq1r-RWauj7-1LUsPp7Q-rIWx3-aIAhdw2QwGcC75USEwOv3ze_rb26Y-YPwEjivPTtWaJ5yBlHgVrC4s1y-tI9b_4jlysar-9HeKMCOFju8rbhHHvgW7bdQcc4VaZy/s640/2013-08-022.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you look closely, you'll find some other things, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<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/AVvXsEgXIKnZwEirnazaXzf47mRn8aMNZgBK9VHyBeKJ7lZFgZvm8rVuZIlV-WSs4ZoRH9QwpTaDvQnIvTJDhrBnGLZE-13gSqZ3qMI7_w2XmdvYAtLWw2lm0QZbBHny4mnKarjMl-hhQt8409JB/s1600/My+Sewing+Space+Graph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIKnZwEirnazaXzf47mRn8aMNZgBK9VHyBeKJ7lZFgZvm8rVuZIlV-WSs4ZoRH9QwpTaDvQnIvTJDhrBnGLZE-13gSqZ3qMI7_w2XmdvYAtLWw2lm0QZbBHny4mnKarjMl-hhQt8409JB/s640/My+Sewing+Space+Graph.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's sort of like playing "Where's Waldo" except it's more like, "WHERE did I put that NEEDLE I just had in my hand?"</span><br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Organization Issues</h2>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, let me tell you readers, despite my best plans at organization, all my creative spaces end up looking like a serious mess after a while. You think this is bad, you should see my office! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For some reason I resist cleaning up while I'm still in the middle of a project. So I just keep limping along with stuff piling up until I get sick of it and then go on a cleaning binge.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know, I know. I'm working on it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, we eat outside in the beautiful weather on the deck. It feels like a mini vacation. Or, in the dining room. Which is quickly becoming a temporary school work area.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We haven't had friends over for dinner in a while....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h2>
Till next time--, Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-32263250224246979732013-08-20T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T22:25:53.755-04:00Finally, Success! A Self-Drafted, Cotton Candy Skirt<h2>
Yay, Readers! I did it!</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">What did I do?, you might ask. I made a garment that is not only wearable, but, unlike the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/matching-outfits.html" target="_blank">first Little Miss skirt</a>, it turned out really great. And, I drafted the pattern myself. Now, I'm really on my way!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><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/AVvXsEg29aBV-DYeiU4VBuP7N-B5XQQC5Sd9ynEzC1YIzwAkhahN6hKhQawXmCoM352o7tM3LcTeH7oFjIrdRfHbgeJE3GaRriIYPfDJhFOI183gGAdYxJvDwenIv-E5hcVjcFDDjwG86V3lzM_A/s1600/2013-08-028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29aBV-DYeiU4VBuP7N-B5XQQC5Sd9ynEzC1YIzwAkhahN6hKhQawXmCoM352o7tM3LcTeH7oFjIrdRfHbgeJE3GaRriIYPfDJhFOI183gGAdYxJvDwenIv-E5hcVjcFDDjwG86V3lzM_A/s320/2013-08-028.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cotton Candy Skirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h3>
So, how did this all come about?</h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">First, I did some more experimenting with old t-shirts for fabric. I used one old t-shirt to make an ultra-fitted skirt (built to Little Misses's own specifications), to wear to drama camp. This gave me more experience with stretch knit fabrics. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I used tissue underneath and on top of the fabric, and pinned my self-drafted pattern (which consisted of her exact measurements from waist to knees, with no wearing ease) carefully on top. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Before removing the tissue, but after I unpinned the pattern pieces, I zigzag stitched the edges of the fabric all around to prevent the edges from rolling, twisting, and jumping around. I tore off the tissue when done with this step. I used tweezers to remove the tissue from under the stitching.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I carefully pinned the front and back pieces together, sewed the side seams, added the elastic to the waist, and hemmed. Voila, a decent skirt, though obviously homemade.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I experimented with drafting an A-line version, using the instructions from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-Fabulous-Fabrics/dp/1580176259" target="_blank">Sew What? Skirts!,</a> by Francesca DenHartog, which I had found in the library and read voraciously. Other than the new shape, my sewing steps were identical to the previous skirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h3>
Finally, I decided to stop messing around with torn up old clothes as fabric. I was going to do it right! </h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">I found a super sweet, bright pink cotton sateen with a light contrast <em>fleur de lis</em> like pattern at the fabric store. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDZrHi6ahspzswrNyCrxqjYu8gMvfLiDdhqG4RW34T_Ila__FgI1o0bTmeiYKZWCcGjwIKgh-QpKkIIyv-IBf8QB7qXEGApSzFblDZAyXpLFIvvE3ZXQqYohE0R0uLgiLMrGdFnKk9Pgb/s1600/2013-08-030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDZrHi6ahspzswrNyCrxqjYu8gMvfLiDdhqG4RW34T_Ila__FgI1o0bTmeiYKZWCcGjwIKgh-QpKkIIyv-IBf8QB7qXEGApSzFblDZAyXpLFIvvE3ZXQqYohE0R0uLgiLMrGdFnKk9Pgb/s320/2013-08-030.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I was walking past the remnants bin, I found a sheer fabric with an embroidered design similar to that on the main fabric! And, there was just enough. So I snatched it up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; height: 286px; width: 323px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMZhavrI0S21XYd7MUuvb6NK6zZZF5KNtQh3oHNbif8KS5-qeTHSkTLNp9O1ovy_UXYp70Bq-sZtB_X9xwaSEBrVhjPCH4lKXXyB9bsQYKDGOTa4YWAL3yRHEdN77ae_FdRCBZSPC9C-M/s1600/2013-08-023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMZhavrI0S21XYd7MUuvb6NK6zZZF5KNtQh3oHNbif8KS5-qeTHSkTLNp9O1ovy_UXYp70Bq-sZtB_X9xwaSEBrVhjPCH4lKXXyB9bsQYKDGOTa4YWAL3yRHEdN77ae_FdRCBZSPC9C-M/s320/2013-08-023.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{I placed some white fabric underneath so you can see the swirl in the sheer fabric}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHugDi4Arzn8AMQq0uEmMlJxI8HlILu2b56R1TSIENz3zcMveIQx8_wMY76xKV-k-YudyoHAumUwUH40Um2b1y8IZ0DEWJQAfVc7z3sc5wwJvQLuiUmyIbkYzul3jdjrGBCV4Fj0VZ_hJ/s1600/2013-08-032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHugDi4Arzn8AMQq0uEmMlJxI8HlILu2b56R1TSIENz3zcMveIQx8_wMY76xKV-k-YudyoHAumUwUH40Um2b1y8IZ0DEWJQAfVc7z3sc5wwJvQLuiUmyIbkYzul3jdjrGBCV4Fj0VZ_hJ/s320/2013-08-032.jpg" width="244" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHugDi4Arzn8AMQq0uEmMlJxI8HlILu2b56R1TSIENz3zcMveIQx8_wMY76xKV-k-YudyoHAumUwUH40Um2b1y8IZ0DEWJQAfVc7z3sc5wwJvQLuiUmyIbkYzul3jdjrGBCV4Fj0VZ_hJ/s1600/2013-08-032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHugDi4Arzn8AMQq0uEmMlJxI8HlILu2b56R1TSIENz3zcMveIQx8_wMY76xKV-k-YudyoHAumUwUH40Um2b1y8IZ0DEWJQAfVc7z3sc5wwJvQLuiUmyIbkYzul3jdjrGBCV4Fj0VZ_hJ/s1600/2013-08-032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHugDi4Arzn8AMQq0uEmMlJxI8HlILu2b56R1TSIENz3zcMveIQx8_wMY76xKV-k-YudyoHAumUwUH40Um2b1y8IZ0DEWJQAfVc7z3sc5wwJvQLuiUmyIbkYzul3jdjrGBCV4Fj0VZ_hJ/s1600/2013-08-032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrvRVtlcHWbbv53pDGxxP0sFwkYcWSHfahAPV-_hbZaVzAyDqwGluA9CQ9KpnfNqLgskMIfUhzrKFlkMKX77DsbC5DYsXUzDLhbuQ45KdX-xz_kC8bjDGPoW6YZFpS6ha8OZJVNr0r6YV/s1600/2013-08-020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrvRVtlcHWbbv53pDGxxP0sFwkYcWSHfahAPV-_hbZaVzAyDqwGluA9CQ9KpnfNqLgskMIfUhzrKFlkMKX77DsbC5DYsXUzDLhbuQ45KdX-xz_kC8bjDGPoW6YZFpS6ha8OZJVNr0r6YV/s200/2013-08-020.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I also found a bright pink velveteen ribbon for the waistband, and a matching, narrow, frilly ribbon to trim the hem.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
Pattern Manipulation</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">I took the A-line pattern I had drafted, retraced it, slashed it, and spread it to create a fuller A-line shape. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I also decided to do all the sewing the right way, no shortcuts! <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I made sure to use the correct grain of the fabric ( I didn't even know what this meant when I first started out). </span></span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Pressing Seams</h3>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I pressed to one side, then pressed open, turned under, and sewed my seam allowances. What a difference this makes! My seams are so neat and pretty! It's not just idle work, people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz9W-9I4wcw8AAnj2zlX77k-j_VSAtuty_M82ZwhvgPadUWciC1i9JI5CFyA7smLH0cvP_c5rXfGoxUpiGMRYqiYlOoYQ-ifElqQTbiBYRM4v5G-TnGSUMMKrlYMseEFAeEnixhLjQdCn/s1600/2013-08-037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcz9W-9I4wcw8AAnj2zlX77k-j_VSAtuty_M82ZwhvgPadUWciC1i9JI5CFyA7smLH0cvP_c5rXfGoxUpiGMRYqiYlOoYQ-ifElqQTbiBYRM4v5G-TnGSUMMKrlYMseEFAeEnixhLjQdCn/s320/2013-08-037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h2>
Topstitching</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">I topstitched the waistband ribbon, and threaded the elastic through. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Ky0nDiT1FwQA1x6gn1emnhki6_yBsclmT41QLAD2rbhBZb-dXLGmOfN0UtB5VKpyNfLzQhxjax8FvWJvYWSgqGkoeNoO_PxV0wzA4zfkTS3FZQ8Z3U9kvrjM5j7HtA4nr4RWYIyLms0/s1600/2013-08-036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Ky0nDiT1FwQA1x6gn1emnhki6_yBsclmT41QLAD2rbhBZb-dXLGmOfN0UtB5VKpyNfLzQhxjax8FvWJvYWSgqGkoeNoO_PxV0wzA4zfkTS3FZQ8Z3U9kvrjM5j7HtA4nr4RWYIyLms0/s320/2013-08-036.jpg" width="245" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">(Previously, I had stitched the elastic to the top of the waistband on the right side, then turned under twice and stitched, with messy but functional results.) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTbfhjspqxdoQPFNO4sHLrg55kioFAH5qTwMeWPVTHbbRZC6PFpmX_nhIacjwDg9bcLHGLgWOcS0cim4r_hpht3RFOJOou2FGZHLCp8LkI_8q8Uytvf15L1vFClXJ5MkJHcO_eFEvmFpx/s1600/2013-08-026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTbfhjspqxdoQPFNO4sHLrg55kioFAH5qTwMeWPVTHbbRZC6PFpmX_nhIacjwDg9bcLHGLgWOcS0cim4r_hpht3RFOJOou2FGZHLCp8LkI_8q8Uytvf15L1vFClXJ5MkJHcO_eFEvmFpx/s320/2013-08-026.jpg" width="244" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I basted the curved hem before pressing, turning it up twice and topstitching. My topstitching is so neat, you can hardly see where it begins and ends! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had another sewing revelation--remove the darn arm table for greater control and paradoxically faster stitching.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of hemming the sheer fabric, I finished it with the frilly ribbon, topstitching again. This lets the sheer fabric hang down a little longer than the main fabric, and lets the frilly ribbon seem to "float" beneath. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzEL6hA1n1GIRgIyRjA09-CKGfhse9nJLiLnGoaz6YYqJPc3wIMEUibRcJ_j_s0S1jepPjKNDUvcrCSnIKt9exVEpaG1LeBiQdPdY3M7RhlNZJgmuJDB3VZpz5T7IFsVaSALqCjXlW9DT/s1600/2013-08-033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzEL6hA1n1GIRgIyRjA09-CKGfhse9nJLiLnGoaz6YYqJPc3wIMEUibRcJ_j_s0S1jepPjKNDUvcrCSnIKt9exVEpaG1LeBiQdPdY3M7RhlNZJgmuJDB3VZpz5T7IFsVaSALqCjXlW9DT/s320/2013-08-033.jpg" width="251" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I thought the ribbon would be enough to prevent the sheer fabric from unraveling at the hem, but alas I needed to use some fray check for extra safety. I then trimmed away any edges not covered by the ribbon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Little Miss LOVES this skirt, and so do I! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h2>
Flower Girl Dress Design Inspiration</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">If only I had made it in cream instead of pink, it could have served as her flower girl skirt for the wedding. Of course, she wants a dress that matches mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll probably use the same skirt pattern, but use tulle as the sheer overlay, insert a zipper instead of the elastic, and trace a bodice from a sleeveless fancy dress she already owns. Then, I'll add a waist sash in a contrasting color. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, I might do that before any further work on my own dress, so I can gain some more experience before cutting into my fancy fabric. I had thought I would save hers for last, since she is growing, but I doubt she would actually outgrow an entire size in the next eight weeks. Hmmm, let's see....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IqahJG58sB1WWbcINpAzBKjxL78lYUFNN8FqZtfOgC4BgEcQjda04Ylzr0rj5ZKGw4XwlpCiZz5iUMmZ5yfJF5m6AsqM8-5GyIXbDo3jHyqVHDtqx7Q5l0Xx2mHHL9hWQKlp-epuVBNU/s1600/2013-08-035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IqahJG58sB1WWbcINpAzBKjxL78lYUFNN8FqZtfOgC4BgEcQjda04Ylzr0rj5ZKGw4XwlpCiZz5iUMmZ5yfJF5m6AsqM8-5GyIXbDo3jHyqVHDtqx7Q5l0Xx2mHHL9hWQKlp-epuVBNU/s320/2013-08-035.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Readers, how did you reach your sewing Ah-hah moment? What was your first favorite project?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-3533753599814199302013-08-18T08:51:00.000-04:002013-08-25T09:19:57.277-04:00Knitting with Stripes<span style="font-size: large;">I found a great idea today on </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/473370610804094490/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, for knitting stripes. It's so simple, yet so appealing!</span><br />
<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;"><img alt="K1 P1 across on first row of each color..This would be a great way to use up a stash of yarn!" class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2a/3b/b1/2a3bb1b1cb55acaf2633f24f56becb2f.jpg" style="height: 480px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 640px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitting Stripes<br />
{<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/haraseiram/baby-blanket" target="_blank">Original Source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The basic idea is to alternate colors for any set number of rows that you wish. But, on the row that you switch colors, you k1 p1 across the whole row. All of the other rows are knit in basic stockinette stitch. What I love about this is the texture created on the k1 p1 rows. Simple! but Elegant!</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Stash Busting</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">Knitting in stripes is a great way to bust your stash. You may not have enough of any one yarn for a large project, but together many odds and ends yarns can be joined. Or, you can mix an expensive yarn, "stretching it out" so to speak, by alternating with something more basic. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This can also be a great way to use novelty yarns, which might be too much of a good thing for a large project, but would look elegant alternating with a background color.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Alternating Colors in Your Knitting</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">While I love the idea pictured above, I'm not as fond of the rainbow. I prefer something a little less regular, or maybe a little more surprising. Here's how you can get a more artistic effect.</span><br />
<br />
<h4>
1) Use the Golden Ratio. 1:2:3:5 </h4>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Color A: knit <strong>Row 1</strong>. Color B: knit <strong>Rows 2-3</strong>. Color A: knit <strong>Rows 4-6</strong>. Color C: knit <strong>Rows 7-11</strong>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Continue this pattern, either keeping the same color scheme, or creating new ones while maintaining the same number of rows at each new color change. This generates a sense of randomness that is still balanced.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
2) Use the ratio of each color to the other(s). </h4>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This works best when you have odd amounts of yarn. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's say you have 4 oz. of Color A, 6 oz. of Color B, and 8 oz. of Color C. (I just chose random, but easy-to-work-with numbers.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For every 4 rows worked in Color A, work 6 rows in Color B, and 8 rows in Color C.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This can be broken up into smaller chunks, as long as the ratio remains the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For example. If you want smaller repeats of color. Color A: knit <strong>Row 1-2</strong>. Color B: knit Rows <strong>3-5</strong>. Color C. knit Rows <strong>6-9</strong>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You could then alternate this with both larger and smaller repeats for variety.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The benefit of this method is that you will not run out of one color before you've finished the whole project.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Designing Knitting with Stripes</h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">These ideas can be incorporated into any type of knitting project, from home decorating (throws, pillow covers) to garments (hats, sweaters, mittens, scarves, shawls). If you are making a larger project, or a fitted garment, of course you have to be careful with gauge, yarn weight, and yardage. However, if you are making a scarf or hat, feel free to experiment away!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For the time being, my knitting page is just about ideas. After the wedding dress is finished, I can make knitting tutorials! Yay!</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
Till next time,--Ayana</h2>
[Find me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/chiaroscuro1750/knitting-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>]Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-88231732895149161462013-08-18T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T22:25:09.748-04:00Matching Outfits!<span style="font-size: large;">Since the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-get-started.html" target="_blank">gathered skirt</a> from my last post turned out so well for Amanda, I decided to use that experience to practice my new skills making people clothes! I bought some more of the same black and white printed fabric and planned to make a skirt for Little Miss. Then, she wanted me to have one also. So, more fabric.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The version for Little Miss turned out well, but not as shaped as Amanda's. After reviewing the tutorials I had used, I realized my mistake--I had only cut the fabric 1 1/2 times the waist measurement, not 1 1/2 times the hip measurement (or maybe it was 2 times the waist measurement?)! Well, duh! I'm not exactly sure anymore how I had measured Amanda's version since I had read so many different methods, and at the time I had no intention of blogging about it, but the proportions were definitely different. But the version for Little Miss still fits, and looks pretty good.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the two sweeties on the last day of school! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr-owkoDbSI8aZSgisxxpRoBRfthMeWz60bHMOky9Bk3Osp2myeEC82tWwlSkhUPLw4WXwcVfidV6bJOpDqInPythXWReksXk2e7qLJM0LCQ80gfiX6-9F0jmYOsHWlfab6r5Fv0yDjha/s1600/matching+outfits+ex+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr-owkoDbSI8aZSgisxxpRoBRfthMeWz60bHMOky9Bk3Osp2myeEC82tWwlSkhUPLw4WXwcVfidV6bJOpDqInPythXWReksXk2e7qLJM0LCQ80gfiX6-9F0jmYOsHWlfab6r5Fv0yDjha/s320/matching+outfits+ex+a.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(I also used the remainder of my pink t-shirt to make a matching tube top for Little Miss; there wasn't quite enough of it, so I used some scraps of my white fabric as a facing for the top, allowing it to peek through at the V-neck from the original t-shirt.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little Miss wanted me to have a matching skirt, so I decided to oblige. However, I wanted to use this as an opportunity to test out a circle skirt. I looked for tutorials on how to make a circle skirt. However, I somehow messed up; first, it was too big in the waist, so I had to remove one or two of the panels from the skirt. Now, it fit in the waist, but it was more like a 3/4 circle skirt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had a really hard time attaching a curved waistband. So, I wasn't looking forward to hemming the skirt. I found <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/06/magic-of-horsehair-braid-little.html" target="_blank">Gertie's tutorial on how to use horsehair braid</a>, but when I put the skirt on, I wasn't really happy with how the shape of the skirt looked on me. Needless to say, I never hemmed it. I felt like it actually emphasized my curvy backside. Not in a flattering way. Can anyone say, wadder?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, I did discover that sewing a line of basting stitches would have helped me match the curves at the waistband; this is a technique I've since used in other places where I've had to turn up a slightly curved area--it's easier to turn up the fabric and press, using the stitching as a guide.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I learned a few things--the most important of which is that a circle skirt is out as a possible shape for my wedding dress. I could try it in a drape-y-er (what's the right word here?) fabric, but don't really feel like revisiting this particular experiment. I'll put it on my list for the future. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the things I enjoy about sewing (but also sometimes the most frustrating aspect of it) is the learning curve. It's fun to find or invent new ways of doing things, or turning mistakes into positives. I actually enjoy the problem solving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What about you, readers? How do you cope with mistakes? What are your favorite things about this craft?</span>Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-39854158888856666202013-08-16T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T22:24:27.888-04:00How to Get Started<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, since I had never really sewn before, I decided I needed to start small. <u><em>Very</em></u> small. This was back in May; I figured I had plenty of time to fail or change my mind before deciding to go back to the wedding shop and buy one of the gowns I had tried on. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My Friend from the <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-fun-part-choosing-style.html" target="_blank">wedding shop dressing room</a> had emailed me the photos, which I forwarded to my mom, sister, and another friend. There was no clear winner. And, while it was fun to try those gowns on, the photos helped me see that I wasn't that ecstatic about how they looked from an outside perspective.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Back to my decision to make my own dress. My mom thought I was crazy--"Why on earth would you want to do that!?" (I think she was kind of panicking). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My sister actually said, "You'll just feel obligated to wear it, even when it comes out lopsided!" (Seriously, did you really just say that? but I did laugh, 'cause it <em>was</em> kind of funny.) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I </span><span style="font-size: large;">didn't let them sway me, for the reasons I discussed in my <a href="http://sassafrasrow.blogspot.com/2013/07/welcome-to-sassafras-row.html" target="_blank">first post</a>. But I realized I was taking a pretty big risk, so I didn't immediately throw all caution to the wind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead, I marched to the nearest fabric store, a chain hobby shop which actually has quite a lot of fabric, mostly cotton prints (probably for quilting, but what do I know? nothing about quilting, that's for sure), and bought about a yard each of three different on-sale fabrics, and a spool of tulle. I also found some fusible seam binding which I thought looked interesting, so I decided to try it out. Oh, and some elastic. And, some Velcro. And, some hooks and eyes. And what do you think I did? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I measured my daughter's (let's just call her Little Miss) American Girl Doll (named Amanda) and started figuring out how to make skirts. This is when I discovered sewing blogs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I mean, really, there's a whole 'nother world out there I never knew existed! (Well, I guess you, lovely readers, are a part of this world, so you already know this. For me, it was a huge revelation!) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I learned so much from reading smart sewing blogs. Every day I discovered another one. I was so captivated by <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/" target="_blank">Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing</a>, I decided I needed to start from the beginning and get caught up to the present. That only took about three months. I have so many favorites that I can't really list them all here. But these are the tutorials I used for learning how to make gathered skirts: <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2009/08/sew-full-gathered-skirt-part-one-make.html" target="_blank">Gertie,</a> <a href="http://www.adventuresindressmaking.com/2011/01/simple-gathered-to-waistband-skirt.html#.UgZF_ynD_IU" target="_blank">Adventures in Dressmaking</a>, and <a href="http://byhandlondon.com/2012/10/08/diy-gathered-skirt/" target="_blank">By Hand London</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I made three straight skirts:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXlMHbb3yl0Jv8ttJ2zDGV4viuoinXcF83DrAvTj7FJTlkZEzCPwCUWMxIckuWyF7ZMNKkeZlsSjIdVGvKsEYZaYc6JVp2sbg4vxRFoAY2ONZy7THbPorV63WOS-56xsGKG_MCq4_bRtw/s1600/Straight+skirt+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXlMHbb3yl0Jv8ttJ2zDGV4viuoinXcF83DrAvTj7FJTlkZEzCPwCUWMxIckuWyF7ZMNKkeZlsSjIdVGvKsEYZaYc6JVp2sbg4vxRFoAY2ONZy7THbPorV63WOS-56xsGKG_MCq4_bRtw/s320/Straight+skirt+4.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda's Straight Skirt #1<br />
{This photo is not the best, <br />
but it gives a sense of the fabric's color, sparkle, and sheerness}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="right">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPfT2mdmuPsr6IxuGKwKEulIGv3L_1tPndiWwOdUtNq_VObMZwU5TFxWthEXHtvFnbcMYWIqsZcufkIK8TuhSXXAZjMeXde8m90emZ8r7Hyik51Ym5lx3cF-jgmByyYSVuqSKSaZmHbVU/s1600/Straight+skirt+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPfT2mdmuPsr6IxuGKwKEulIGv3L_1tPndiWwOdUtNq_VObMZwU5TFxWthEXHtvFnbcMYWIqsZcufkIK8TuhSXXAZjMeXde8m90emZ8r7Hyik51Ym5lx3cF-jgmByyYSVuqSKSaZmHbVU/s320/Straight+skirt+3.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda's Straight Skirt #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div align="right">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{The third straight skirt is identical to the second, only longer, so I didn't include the photo here.}</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a short gathered skirt:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFqtKdukMF7ptr6AESnevYNjrvai3aITZvq4IFByrT1p2A-DgLV66EW9EN7LI75dI-JdwV-5dtITed5WsYM32VfbZPZ2d1fHMQRyCaI4tIKqSLbSSS04YHVzQ9qpg5Jz4CNVg0XoLeGac/s1600/gathered+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFqtKdukMF7ptr6AESnevYNjrvai3aITZvq4IFByrT1p2A-DgLV66EW9EN7LI75dI-JdwV-5dtITed5WsYM32VfbZPZ2d1fHMQRyCaI4tIKqSLbSSS04YHVzQ9qpg5Jz4CNVg0XoLeGac/s320/gathered+skirt.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and a tutu skirt:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6hEguJ_6-B5TBt3fksT5khXDenqxdC726i75CwF3f4uB3AiHovvZNqa1rT5ELN2wo9RvtHSEQrLQmYrkzVy_en3kLCmfgOBCykJWuFhMrlfWQNtmtUH49s7invP-OHdX5LcBjhQXXKLy/s1600/tutu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6hEguJ_6-B5TBt3fksT5khXDenqxdC726i75CwF3f4uB3AiHovvZNqa1rT5ELN2wo9RvtHSEQrLQmYrkzVy_en3kLCmfgOBCykJWuFhMrlfWQNtmtUH49s7invP-OHdX5LcBjhQXXKLy/s320/tutu1.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda's tutu skirt<br />
{we're still finding glitter all over the house!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and then I cut up an old t-shirt of mine and made a tube top. That was an all-day effort, and then some. But, I learned a lot about what works and what doesn't. The short, gathered skirt I think came out the best. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was glad I had impulse-bought the seam tape, because at this point I really didn't remember how to use the sewing machine, and adding that on top of learning how to make a skirt (three, no less) would have been a little much. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Also, it turns out that (other than the gathering stiches, and attaching the waistbands, which I did by hand) it was easier to manipulate the small pieces of fabric at the ironing board than it might have been at the sewing machine. Plus, as inexperienced as I was, I think the seams and hems came out straighter than I could have done with a needle and thread. The seam tape actually gave a nice firm edge to turn the fabric over for the hem, for example. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't think I'll ever use that stuff on a garment for people, though. That wouldn't really be "sewing," would it? More like, "gluing."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little Miss was so delighted! I did all of this while she was at school, and didn't tell her about it, so it was a total surprise when she came home. I never expected how much she would love those little skirts! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Little Miss decided that Amanda was going on a date. (I asked her, "how old is Amanda? I thought she was just a baby! At least, she was last week." Apparently, Amanda was sixteen that day.) I realized suddenly that those new little outfits expanded her play imagination opportunities A LOT. And that made <em>me</em> really happy!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What do you think I did next, readers? Next post I'll talk about how I turned those (admittedly still very) new skills into some people clothes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm curious, readers, if you are sewists, how did you get started? Was it intimidating, or did you charge right into it with confidence? What inspired you, and what inspires you today?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not honestly sure what led me to think I could undertake this project; I guess I just sort of knew it was the right thing for me, for no rational reason!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">P.S.: Although I plan to include tutorials in future posts, I'm not the best person to teach basic sewing skills, as I'm still learning myself. One of my favorite go-to resources is Tilly's <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/learn-to-sew.html" target="_blank">Learn to Sew</a> resources on her awesome blog <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/" target="_blank">Tilly and the Buttons</a>. She starts from the very beginning--a very good place to start--with how to <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2012/01/how-to-set-up-your-sewing-machine.html" target="_blank">set up your sewing machine</a>. To me, that was one of the most intimidating parts. Thankfully, my soon-to-be husband, The Pilot, knows how to sew and got it all set up for me. (Sigh! He can do everything.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Till next time!--Ayana</span>Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-2020124234190988172013-08-14T14:17:00.002-04:002013-08-14T14:48:50.015-04:00Follow My Blog to Stay in the Loop<a blog="" claim="y3syekhfdsy"" href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10323651/?claim=y3syekhfdsy"> " target="_blank" www.bloglovin.com="">Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/10323651/?claim=y3syekhfdsy"> Follow</a> my blog with BloglovinAyanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-43447246596511850112013-08-14T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T22:23:40.568-04:00How to Get Creative!<span style="font-size: large;">What do you do if you want to be creative and make something special for your wedding day, but don't have time to sew a whole fancy dress?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I first started on this creative journey, I had little to no sewing skills. I hadn't touched a sewing machine in, oh, twenty years! And the last thing I tried to make (a skirt from a commercial pattern) got me frustrated, so I never finished it. I thought patterns were written in some kind of foreign language, so despite wanting to sew I never gave it another shot, until now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I dusted off my mom's old sewing machine (which I'm embarrassed to say, I've had for about fifteen years now!), got it serviced, and started teaching myself! We'll get back to that story in the next post.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But this post is about: what if you have limited time/skills/patience, but still want to make something beautiful? Consider making half a dress.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is much easier to sew a gathered skirt than most people realize. If your skills aren't up to making a fitted bodice, then why not find a beautiful fitted top and make a skirt to go with it? If you want a more unified look, you can sew the two pieces together at the waist, or you can use a ribbon or satin sash to cover the waistband (or both).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's some inspiration:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv2kt0Q5CF4HMwu0c3ovIYZOognLrNo0u_0cfrOaGSeaIFLwsisZTObKWcjL_78AFz0VFFK-yPLYpnvhhkMA6CTnyZ_7Sc8oEHqLHSJkmEX5QkQ5i1c2Jo0ZFVLQTwHGJbU8kgw3S6GoI/s1600/tulle+skirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwv2kt0Q5CF4HMwu0c3ovIYZOognLrNo0u_0cfrOaGSeaIFLwsisZTObKWcjL_78AFz0VFFK-yPLYpnvhhkMA6CTnyZ_7Sc8oEHqLHSJkmEX5QkQ5i1c2Jo0ZFVLQTwHGJbU8kgw3S6GoI/s320/tulle+skirt3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{<a href="http://inspiredtrendaddict.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-2014-trending-tulle-skirts.html" target="_blank">source</a>}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This would be beautiful for a casual but elegant wedding, and could be more formal with a longer length (although that would require more body, and likely a petticoat to achieve the proper drape).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a longer, more formal version:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5230480/il_fullxfull.97564443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5230480/il_fullxfull.97564443.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33047408/sample-sale-blush-tea-length-tulle-skirt" target="_blank">source</a>} </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
note: I have no experience with this seller.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You could pair a handmade tulle skirt with a fitted, strapless, corset, or bustier style top. Wouldn't this one be lovely?:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.abercrombieandfitchsaleeden.com/image/cache/data/Abercrombie&Fitch2000-500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.abercrombieandfitchsaleeden.com/image/cache/data/Abercrombie&Fitch2000-500x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{<a href="http://www.abercrombieandfitchsaleeden.com/Abercrombie-And-Fitch-Hallie-Strapless-Top-White-2000.html" target="_blank">Abercrombie & Fitch</a>}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Once you get creative, the possibilities are endless.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What fuels your creativity?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1736511733528809164.post-68015516195778911922013-08-12T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T22:23:03.519-04:00The Fun Part--Choosing a Style!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Today, we'll talk about some of the things you need to consider before you design your dress. The most fun question is: what is your style?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Spend some time figuring out what you like, and what looks best on you. I recommend three ways to do this: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">1) Raid your closet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">You probably already have everything you need to know! Check out your favorite tops, skirts, and dresses to find any common themes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I realized that most of my favorite items have some sort of empire waist styling, and I tend to avoid very fitted skirts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">2) Search online images and bridal collections. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">What types of fabrics, embellishments, and designs grab your attention? Don't think too much about it--just bookmark your favorites, or pin them, so you can come back to them later. Do you like lace, silk, tulle, ruching, gathering, peplum, A-line, mermaid, ball gown, tea length? Embroidery, tiered skirts, applique? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shechive.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/pretty-things-14.jpg?w=500&h=730" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://shechive.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/pretty-things-14.jpg?w=500&h=730" width="219" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{<a href="http://theberry.com/2012/10/22/so-many-pretty-things-27-photos-4/pretty-things-14-10/" target="_blank">source</a>}</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I discovered that I love flowing, floating designs, and ball gown skirts. I also like tulle, contrast color waistbands, and lace. I am open to embroidery and tasteful applique. (Although, I have memories of tacky applique from eighth-grade home ec--yikes!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b7/14/7e/b7147e050e601388f903b2498ab2c839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b7/14/7e/b7147e050e601388f903b2498ab2c839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/119626933824902237/" target="_blank">source</a>}</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3) Ready to multiply the fun? Try on some dresses! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If you live near a major department store, you can do this easily without making an appointment or asking for a friend to come with you (although shopping with a friend is super fun--just sayin, some people don't like company in the dressing room). You don't even have to shop in the bridal section, you can try on special occasion dresses with similar style lines. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Or, you can go all out and try on gowns at bridal shops and boutiques. You may walk away with your favorite dress in your price range, and save yourself lots of time, and end up feeling like a princess! If you go this route, bring a friend who can take some photos for review later. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrZQNiEPiIdWHsIhbVf9TLeW3cHvC3nSsmbbwCMGh6m3UrCA6h9oABRJF22Y1UKX8UK4VZ9oMuu20ombUKrYhC9raNOVwXgPE51KdOSyT1C2a9cIDW_Gard4rZhDRgO_Ng3Ks8pcycqo-/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrZQNiEPiIdWHsIhbVf9TLeW3cHvC3nSsmbbwCMGh6m3UrCA6h9oABRJF22Y1UKX8UK4VZ9oMuu20ombUKrYhC9raNOVwXgPE51KdOSyT1C2a9cIDW_Gard4rZhDRgO_Ng3Ks8pcycqo-/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{excuse the lack of hairdo/makeup}</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Be prepared to be surprised! I thought I would love the ball gown look, but after trying some on, there was just too much fabric for my petite height and curvy figure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, what did I end up deciding? The basic style lines of my design are: strapless, empire waist bodice, gored A-line skirt with tulle overskirt. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I will attach a contrast waistband sash that curves up into the bodice. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I may use a layer of lace over the bodice, and I may use some lace trim on the skirt. If I find an embroidered tulle I like, that matches my contrast waistband, then I will skip the lace. If I find some tasteful applique designs, and if I use lace, I may combine these on the bodice. (Check out Claire's design at </span><a href="http://errantpear.blogspot.com/2013/08/wedding-dress-saga-sewing-up-bodice.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Errant Pear</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Isn't this exciting? Now you have an idea of what you want, and you can develop your design as you go. You don't have to have everything set in stone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Some final questions to ask yourself: How much time do you have? We'll talk about how to figure this out, and some other creative options that don't involve a huge project, next time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">What do you think, readers? What are your favorite style lines?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Happy designing!</span>Ayanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.com0