tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4702337507296258972012-02-27T14:09:33.803-06:00novice sewing with commentaryneemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.comBlogger571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-51854320996832122572012-02-23T19:46:00.001-06:002012-02-23T21:38:14.378-06:00

I have acquired some pretty cotton lawn fabric and I have no idea what to do with them. Both are by Lecien from the Memoire a Paris collection. I have three yards of the blue and four yards of the brown. Lecien lawn available at Chadwick Heirlooms Lecien lawn available at Chadwick Heirlooms Both are beautiful in person. I've made a dress with lawn before, last year. I just never got

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-52033985771120544742012-02-12T20:34:00.000-06:002012-02-12T21:10:46.033-06:00

It's about time. For the past few weeks, I've started so many projects that have fallen to the wayside. I'm all excited at first then lose steam halfway through. It's annoying. Often, I find it more enjoyable to brainstorm ideas than to execute them. To be honest, I'm sick of trying to make things fit properly. Muslin making can turn into a week-long ordeal depending upon the pattern. I don't

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-79527645092419751802012-02-07T23:00:00.000-06:002012-02-08T12:14:04.525-06:00

Seriously, I need to stop browsing the Anthropologie website. I found another bag that I like: Sedona Tote I think I can make something like this. Well, I will after I make my Bicycle tote bag. I decided on some fabric. I will start work on it this weekend. The Sedona tote looks simple enough to construct. I could use the Junia bag pattern (available here) as a starting point. I have

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-52493909718943109412012-02-05T00:14:00.000-06:002012-02-05T00:17:11.753-06:00

I really need to make a new handbag. I haven't made one since my Chicago trip last September. It's been far too long. Sure, a lot of grand ideas have popped in my head since then. None of them really stuck with me. I have plenty of fabric in my stash but I never felt inspired by them. Most of them are floral prints. Perhaps subconsciously I'm sick of floral prints. I need to branch out. My

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-88793672447288036442012-01-30T22:21:00.001-06:002012-01-30T22:23:50.131-06:00

When I'm not obsessively obsessing about finding the *perfect* shirt dress pattern, I'm on the hunt for the *perfect* wrap dress pattern. Sure, I love the Colette Crepe. It's the best dress I've made so far this year. But the wrap is is in the back, not the front. I want the wrap in the front. I've come across a few patterns though none of them really did it for me. The sleeves were weird or

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-22309684619218745542012-01-26T21:58:00.000-06:002012-01-26T21:58:56.041-06:00

You know, I hate it when pattern companies print one seam allowance in the general instructions but the actual pattern has another. I also hate it when I fail to notice before sewing. Simplicity 2215 we were so close to love. So close. I'm glad that I have extra fabric and lining. I'm not glad that I have to cut out the bodice and lining all over again. I was on the fence about the dress. I

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-77730591031107935652012-01-24T21:50:00.004-06:002012-01-26T22:22:07.148-06:00

Simplicity 2215 view A is on my sewing table (read: dining room table) at the moment. I'm this close to having it all cut out. Cutting out and tracing darts is my least favorite part of the sewing process. I think this is why I tend to avoid dresses with too many pieces to cut out. Perhaps I'm just lazy ;) Anywho, I'm using a poly/rayon gabardine (listed as "dress fabric") purchased from Trim

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-35670996492745937832012-01-20T18:12:00.001-06:002012-01-20T18:14:14.205-06:00

With all the overtime I've worked this month, I decided that next month I will splurge on some fabric. I'm thinking Liberty Tana Lawn. I'm hesitant, of course. It's not cheap. I want at least 3 - 4 yards. I have a dress in mind, but I haven't made a definite decision yet. Something simple and understated, I guess. That way the fabric would take center stage. The most important decision is,

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-24853218178180960962012-01-07T14:54:00.001-06:002012-01-07T14:54:39.422-06:00

Eventually, I hope to write up a post about each of these dresses. For now, enjoy my awkward photos...also, my apologies for all the wrinkles... Colette Peony The Peony neckline gave me much grief. This is as close to "perfect" as it's going to get. I may make this pattern again, but with a scoop neck. I used the poplin from Fabric Mart's $1.99 poplin sale. My sister has since informed me

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-85337295944862162302012-01-04T23:21:00.001-06:002012-01-04T23:21:25.560-06:00

...already. Even though it's practically "spring" here in Austin...at least for the next week. This gets the gears in my head turning and planning for spring. It's always dresses, dresses, dress here. I want to break from this habit but it won't be happening any time soon. First up, I'm working on my Colette Crepe. Remember my Crepe fail from last August? I got over myself. I don't know why I

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-11926137875036742792012-01-01T11:04:00.000-06:002012-01-07T14:55:19.265-06:00

Like everyone else in the sewing world, I nearly lost my shit when the Colette Sewing Handbook came out. The Colette Sewing Handbook Five patterns for almost the same cost of one pattern?! Thank you Amazon. To say that I was excited would be the understatement of 2011. I got the book and browsed through all of the patterns. I was on the fence about every one of them. You see, until this point

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-53702319138664749002011-12-21T21:43:00.003-06:002012-01-07T14:54:59.837-06:00

The title is a variation of something cute my nephew said the other day. He and my sister were in Toys R Us and my nephew saw a train that he simply had to have. He's four. He worships Thomas the Train. He grabbed a train and refused to let it go, exclaiming for all of Toys R Us to hear: "I need this train to live!" Tee hee. I feel you nephew. I just came across a dress pattern that I need in

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-88554462075390947282011-12-11T16:21:00.001-06:002011-12-14T21:32:53.509-06:00

So, the hubby and I are going out for New Year's Eve. We go out every year, but this is the first time that I'm able to make a dress for the occasion. I have a million ideas going through my head. I'm getting overwhelmed to say the least. I want to make something relatively simple but classy and stylish. I already have the shoes which limits my color options to eggplant, plum and black. I'm one

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-46218967337850424132011-12-05T22:42:00.001-06:002011-12-05T23:11:34.469-06:00

Another bag that I've wanted for months: Globetrotter Tote from Shabby Apple It's sold-out now. It was around $55 when it was on the site. I thought that was a bit much for a canvas bag with faux leather handles. I still wanted to buy it, alas I procrastinated and missed my chance. The thought of recreating it did cross my mind. I figured I'd have to draft my own pattern. I had no desire to

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-71336888804657900582011-12-04T08:58:00.004-06:002011-12-05T23:11:22.230-06:00

I want this handbag: Fossil Vintage Re-Issue Satchel I cannot afford this handbag. Well, I could afford it, it just wouldn't be prudent. It's $188 on Zappos and $208 on Fossil. Just a little more than I'd like to spend right now. Of course, I've already checked ebay and it's still a bit more than I want to spend. So, my cheapy brain has come up with an idea: I can make this bag. Not with

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-48402726337944921802011-11-19T23:17:00.006-06:002011-11-19T23:58:01.702-06:00

So, turns out my wrist fail wasn't Carpal Tunnel after all, but a good old wrist sprain. I'm doing much better now. I have to take it easy and take sewing breaks, but overall, I'm good. My days of marathon sewing are over now. That's a good thing because I was clearly over-doing it. I had become overwhelmed by all the projects that I felt I had to complete AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. At one point, I

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-61126739041489324122011-11-09T20:17:00.007-06:002011-11-09T20:57:06.026-06:00

Looks like my wrist fail is more of a stress injury rather than Carpel Tunnel. We'll see next week when I have my second visit with the physical therapist. I'm not in nearly as much pain but I'm far from 100%.It's annoying. All I want to do is sew. I have a million projects dancing around in my head right now because my creative energy has no where to go. I've even pondered projects for the

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-82651858493050457272011-11-04T12:26:00.006-05:002011-11-04T12:34:30.748-05:00

Happy.I got my Colette Sewing Handbook a couple of days ago! I'm so thrilled to finally have it in my possession. I was initially drawn to the Licorice dress, but after seeing the Meringue skirt styled with a shirt very similar to the Violet blouse, I was sold.Too bad I won't be able to sew for a while.Sad.My poor left hand has been cursed by dreaded Carpal Tunnel. Steroids are being consumed and

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-83475841636426934522011-10-22T22:10:00.000-05:002011-10-23T12:12:23.161-05:00

I've always wanted a Wiksten Tova pattern. And by always, I mean like for the last 8 months. Every time they were for sale, I was broke. When I had the money, they were sold out. Earlier this month, I finally had money and the pattern was on sale at the same time. It was meant to be. My initial plan was to make the Tova top in the plaid shirting I bought from Fabric Mart. I like Fabric Mart.

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-39998865434682000812011-10-12T09:43:00.003-05:002011-10-12T09:47:09.899-05:00

Last night, as I was sewing the placket on my third Wiksten tulip skirt, I realized that I'm almost finished with the Fall Palette Challenge. Seriously. All I have left is the aforementioned tulip skirt and the hem on my half-circle skirt.Of course, most of my pattern selections have changed but my colors have not.I've made one dress, three shirts, and 3 skirts (two nearing completion).I'm quite

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-56812764852159058652011-10-03T15:38:00.001-05:002011-10-04T19:34:48.296-05:00

This blows.Wrist = sprained. Or is it sprung? Being an English major, you'd think I would know for sure. Alas, my brain is fried.I'm not sure how I did it, all I know is that I'm out of commission for at least a week. This entry marks the first time in a few days that I'm able to type with both hands without shouting out in pain.The wrist fail will not stop me completely. I'm still buying fabric

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-57223119802287399062011-09-29T22:27:00.001-05:002011-09-29T22:40:21.418-05:00

explodingdog.com Put in a brand new zipper. It did the exact same thing. Ok, now it's time for me to learn how to do the lapped zipper application. No more of this invisible zipper crap. But wait, I don't want to give up on them completely. Perhaps it's just Coats brand invisible zippers that suck. Maybe I should try YKK instead? But not for this dress. If I install a zipper for the THIRD

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-53956256402679807842011-09-28T23:42:00.001-05:002011-09-28T23:43:07.915-05:00

I knew there was a reason why I was hesitant to use invisible zippers. It's because they suck. Anytime I have a dress that has an invisible zipper, it breaks. Never fails. I have two dresses in my closet right now that need the zipper replaced...the invisible zippers replaced. This just happened to my almost complete Colette Parfait. I just installed the zipper after fighting with the facing

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-66467846270723756352011-09-24T11:41:00.002-05:002011-09-24T11:47:22.738-05:00

This Fall Palette Challenge is truly a challenge for me. I'm finding it almost impossible to stick with the patterns, colors and fabric that I've chosen. I come across other patterns. I get random inspirations. It's all very annoying and confusing. I've already deviated from my list. I made the Lisette Market Skirt (Simplicity 2211 view B). I had some gray twill scraps lying around and it was

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-80610056180340141752011-09-18T20:28:00.001-05:002011-09-24T11:41:28.815-05:00

Major triumph today: I installed my first invisible zipper! Yay me. I used this tutorial: While my application wasn't flawless, it was really great for a first try. Now, I want to use invisible zippers in everything. I still have to sew the waist stay and hang the skirt for a few days before I hem it. For the hem, I plan on using horse hair braid. I want my skirt to be extra twirly. I think I

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-22001131538272454192011-09-17T22:53:00.002-05:002011-09-17T23:14:17.987-05:00

I just finished New Look 6808 view B from my Fall Palette Challenge list. I used an old Gap halter dress that no longer fit me. It's navy blue with off white polka dots. The navy is so dark that it looks black. I think the fabric is rayon but the dress tag only says "100% cotton." It's not stiff but it's a bit heavier than lawn. This smile is a result of delirium. I'm not a fan of New Look

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-29087756050962899282011-09-16T18:35:00.004-05:002011-09-17T16:53:03.345-05:00

I'm back from Chicago (a trip that will go down in infamy for a multitude of unpleasant reasons), with renewed vigor. I'm ready to get down to this fall palette challenge business. I did some fabric shopping while in Chicago---at a gloriously large, multi-floored warehouse full of unorganized fabric goodness and no a/c. I left with enough fabric for two shirts (or one shirt and one dress) and two

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-24801216573504697932011-09-08T20:58:00.003-05:002011-09-08T21:11:01.838-05:00

So, I had a change of heart. I was quite inspired by Shabby Apple and strong desire to have a navy with white polka dot dress. Click to enlarge One down. Five to go....

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-13203701343523126952011-09-07T22:50:00.000-05:002011-09-07T22:50:40.203-05:00

I'm a fan of the Make This Look website. Where has this been all my life? More often I find myself looking at dresses and thinking, "I can make that." It's refreshing. Before I felt limited. Now if I want it and don't feel like spending the money, I can make it. I had this epiphany when I took a look at Shabby Apple.I love the dresses on this site. Unless it was an ultra-special occasion, I

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-84075430619999068972011-09-06T22:31:00.000-05:002011-09-06T22:31:23.005-05:00

So yah, I finished my Lisette Traveler dress (view A). It hasn't been washed or ironed since I finished it, as I finished it mere moments before these photos were taken. with belt. without belt but with tired smile Actually, I finished this dress Sunday morning. Then an hour ago, I tried it on and decided that it was too baggy, even with the belt. So, I added a couple of vertical (or

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-34275267394389822112011-09-05T20:44:00.000-05:002011-09-05T20:44:42.883-05:00

I finished my Colette Violet shirt a month ago. I meant to post pictures before, but I didn't like the buttons I used. While I was working on my Traveler dress (View C), I realized that I could use covered buttons on my Violet shirt too. I don't know why that didn't occur to me before. The picture of the shirt on the Colette website has covered buttons. D'oh. Anyway, I got all excited but then

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-44196606994362949212011-09-04T00:01:00.001-05:002011-09-04T00:01:56.612-05:00

So, here's my lovely little pattern board (courtesy of Microsoft Paint) for the Fall Palette Challenge: I'm using this as my color palette: This is all still in the planning stages. I'm going to stop by a couple fabric stores while in Chicago, so my fabric choices are subject to change. At first, I wasn't going to make the Colette Peony dress until I saw some mustard yellow gabardine at

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-5215778756745736482011-08-31T23:27:00.001-05:002011-08-31T23:32:50.639-05:00

It's bed time, but I wanted to post a list of patterns. This way if I lose the post-it that I wrote my ideas on at least I'll have them somewhere more permanent. So here goes: Lisette Traveler Dress (Simplicity 2246) View A Half-Circle Skirt (Simplicity 4236) View B Lisette Market Shirt (Simplicity 2211) View E or Lisette Continental Blouse (Simplicity 2059) View B with this variation

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-66751064217108532072011-08-31T12:31:00.000-05:002011-08-31T12:31:06.309-05:00

In addition to 5 new projects for the Fall Palette Challenge (which I will post more on later), I want to make a new handbag. Handbags are my favorite things to sew. They're not nearly as stressful as clothing and I can make one in a day. I've checked out a couple of patterns from I think sew. This time around I don't really need a huge bag. Medium-sized will do just fine. Although I've made a

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-89184123657558617342011-08-30T18:28:00.002-05:002011-08-30T22:44:49.164-05:00

I tried out this awesome site, COLOURlovers, to begin work on my fall color palette. Ten minutes later, my palette is complete. Or, so I thought. Here's another to consider: Yay! This palette challenge is fun so far ;)

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-61920813812490880892011-08-30T12:24:00.002-05:002011-08-30T19:22:46.943-05:00

So, yesterday I was posting away with color palettes and thinking deep thoughts about my fall wardrobe...it was out of the blue really. Then today I check out the Coletterie blog and they've just posted about the Fall Palette Challenge. It's like they read my mind or I a had a vision. Tee hee. Anywho, I think I might do it. I'm already making a dress with one of my colors. I may as well go

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-84002235104574611972011-08-29T21:31:00.002-05:002011-08-29T21:34:15.539-05:00

All are from Design Seeds: I love this site! It's actually soothing to search through it.  A similar shade of green is in all them. This sprucey-seafoamy-light tealish color is my favorite shade of green. It's the green I'm using for my Lisette Traveler dress. I think this will be the foundation for my fall color palette.

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-84942299807755524562011-08-29T12:32:00.000-05:002011-08-29T12:32:31.231-05:00

Lately, I've contemplated whether or not I should bother with planning a wardrobe for the fall/winter. It's not that I don't want to, it's just Texas never really gets that cold. I think I wore my coat 3 times last "winter" (winter in Austin is a joke). Most of the time, I can get away with wearing the same clothes all year around with the addition of a light jacket or sweater. There have been

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-63706089747069354662011-08-25T12:22:00.004-05:002011-08-25T12:37:15.456-05:00

Let me just say, my very first zipper application was a pleasant experience thanks largely to the Sis Boom Jamie pattern. You can do it! I apologize for my pictures being sub par. I took them with my camera phone. I've worn this dress twice (or three times) since I finished two months ago. Yet I'm never close enough to a camera to take a decent photo. Zippers (regular not invisible---

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-62458771444213864092011-08-21T10:02:00.001-05:002011-08-21T10:06:44.274-05:00

Three things. While I'm impatiently awaiting the arrival of my buttons for my Simplicity 2246 (view C); I've started work on my new sewing project: Simplicity 2365 (view D). I love this shirt so far. I'm using some cotton (poplin, I believe) that I found in the discount section of Hancock Fabrics. It's off white---not quite cream--more like winter white with a bit of stretch. I love

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-74904637373106808432011-08-17T12:33:00.001-05:002011-08-18T18:46:12.109-05:00

It's so far, so good on the Simplicity 2246 shirtwaist dress. All I have to do now are buttonholes/buttons:  Not too shabby. I used brown stretch poplin (the color is called "potting soil") from Joann. It wasn't my first choice, but I'm on a budget. I also had a 40% off coupon. I really wanted a brown dress. I'm a big fan of earth tones. The pattern is great. I cut a size 18 with no

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-66049851191144569282011-08-14T10:14:00.000-05:002011-08-14T10:14:35.506-05:00

So, after my previous Colette Crepe meltdown, I decided to put that pattern aside for now. Sometimes, it's better to do that rather than plow ahead on a project that you're not too sure about anymore. Instead, I've decided to start work on a shirtwaist dress. Yes, that means I finally decided on a pattern: Simplicity 2246: the Lisette Traveler dress. I'm making View C, the shirtwaist dress.

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-80674454821383479362011-08-08T21:24:00.000-05:002011-08-08T21:24:01.230-05:00

So, I was all ready to start on my Colette Crepe. I washed and ironed my fabric. I gave my muslin a final try-on to make sure everything was as it should be. I got out all my pattern pieces and started placing them on the fabric...that's when I discovered that I lost a pattern piece. It's piece H, the back sleeve facing. It's gone. Poof! Disappeared. Argh. This "beginner" pattern is becoming

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-84551987288105056882011-08-07T13:14:00.001-05:002012-02-09T14:35:34.260-06:00

I just finished my ithinksew Junia bag and matching Caroline clutch! I am quite pleased. The Junia pattern is straightforward and easy to follow. The pattern comes with two sizes. I made the smaller of the two. I like that the gusset comes to a point at the sides. This little detail takes a step above a regular tote bag. I used nylon purse straps that I bought from Joann, but they are also

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-72968344813424303872011-08-06T11:17:00.001-05:002012-02-09T14:36:29.496-06:00

My sisters' birthday is August 28. They aren't twins (but are eerily similar). There's a four year age gap. Anywho, I decided the most cost-effective route for presents this year would be to make handbags for both of them. I bought the sewer friendly combo pattern (no written instructions, just photos) for the Lindsay and Melanie bags. It's an excellent deal. My middle sister picked out the

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-46673178636643744112011-08-01T19:43:00.002-05:002011-08-06T11:24:13.385-05:00

Lola Goes to Work a better photo  So, this is my Lola Goes Shopping bag by Izzy & Ivy Designs. I used Blakely in Smoke and Poppybox in Lilac, both by Alexander Henry. It seems as if that's the only designer that I use---yeah, pretty much. I made this bag back in April, a week before my trip to Seattle. It really wasn't that complicated just a wee bit time consuming. The bias binding

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-55203679385336914492011-07-25T20:34:00.003-05:002011-07-25T20:45:38.875-05:00

I just love the Wiksten Tulip skirt. I think I was looking through the archives on the Wiksten made blog when I came across it. At the time, I was afraid of buttonholes and had only mastered the A-line skirt with the elastic waist and one wrap skirt. I recommend both of these patterns. So, the tulip skirt was put into the back of my mind until a few weeks ago, when I came across it again. This

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-37766371679731350422011-07-25T12:25:00.000-05:002011-07-25T12:25:17.161-05:00

So, I'm going to add another contender into my short-list of shirtdresses. It's the McCall's 4769:  At first glance, the envelope pictures look like of blah and unimpressive. The dress almost looks a bit matronly. However, I'm willing try anything because I want a shirtdress badly (I just figured out buttonholes---a whole new world was opened to me). The pattern has a lot of favorable

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-83443772322671730692011-07-25T09:46:00.000-05:002011-07-25T09:46:13.435-05:00

Or is it, "sewalong"? So, Colette Patterns is having a Rooibos Sew-A-Long next month. I've never participated in a sew-a-long before. I've always wanted to. It sounds like fun. However, Rooibos is my least favorite of the Colette Patterns line. Something about it just seems "meh" to me. I did find some awesome stretch twill @ Hancock Fabrics for $4.99 a yard. I am tempted. I finished my

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-66052885612906816892011-07-24T03:01:00.003-05:002011-12-26T15:44:50.984-06:00

This pattern is awesome. I made both versions but this entry is about my first one. I made this dress over two months ago. Vogue 8645 This is my first try with Vogue patterns. I admit I was quite intimidated with Vogue patterns. They seem to be much more intricate than the others in the Big 4. I don't actually remember how I came across it. I think I was randomly searching the Pattern

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-84448847257356818402011-07-20T23:10:00.001-05:002011-07-20T23:16:18.009-05:00

I'm ignoring my sewing queue for the moment. Sure I need to hem two dresses and finish the collar on my second Sorbetto...maybe I do need to put buttons on my Violet...but I need to decide on which dress I want to make next. Originally, I wanted to make a Crepe, but I can't decide on fabric. I want to make it more casual so that I can wear it more often. Austin is not a get-dressed-up type of

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-26273858762294321822011-07-18T20:21:00.000-05:002012-02-09T14:34:43.020-06:00

I've long admired the handbag patterns on i think sew but I could never quite figure out which pattern I liked the most. But most importantly, I could never decide on which fabric to use. Or when I do decide on fabric, it's always an out-of-print Alexander Henry fabric that is damn near impossible to find. Today is no exception. While browsing through the pattern reviews section of Sew

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-3393009270185954642011-07-18T09:47:00.000-05:002011-07-18T20:22:19.948-05:00

I'm so excited right now. Or I will be once I get home from work ;) I picked up the Colette Violet pattern on Saturday, along with some beautiful cotton shirting from The Common Thread. It was an unexpected treat from my husband :) I'm so giddy, I can barely contain myself. I've wanted this pattern for a month now. I have most of it cut out already and I will probably start sewing it today.

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-61285451834052520942011-07-14T09:46:00.000-05:002011-07-14T11:40:47.410-05:00

I made this "quilt" a few months ago for some friends of mine. I honestly don't know what possessed me to do it as I've never made anything resembling a quilt before. I tried to follow some tutorials I found via google but I kept failing miserably. Then I came across a pattern from Kwik Sew. I love Kwik Sew. I just wish they had more modern pattern styles. Anywho, after procrastinating for over

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-12678630408143287822011-07-13T12:27:00.000-05:002011-07-13T12:32:22.050-05:00

About a month ago, this pattern was all the rage. It still is to some extent. Just google search "colette sorbetto" and a million links will pop up with variations on this super simple top. I've never actually sewn a Colette pattern before although I do own the Crepe pattern. It's been collecting dust for about 5 months now as I haven't found just the right fabric for it. Yesterday I ordered

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-80046494508637773972011-07-12T22:18:00.000-05:002011-07-13T09:41:55.656-05:00

So, it's been a while since I've had a blog. This will be my first blog dedicated to a hobby. My mom taught me the basics of sewing when I was a kid. I never had much interest in it aside from the occasional patching of clothing or replacing of buttons. Four years ago, I wanted to give some friends a going-away present as they were moving out of state. I was broke but I was struck with a sudden

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-470233750729625897.post-8103408634714091112011-07-12T21:05:00.000-05:002011-07-12T21:05:04.538-05:00

testing, testing, 1, 2

neemiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15296270866773142442noreply@blogger.com0