Barbie Challenge: Cotton Casual

Cotton Casual

This is the first dress to be created in The Barbie Challenge. I am not particularly fond of strapless (or backless) dresses so I have decided to use McCall's pattern #M6599. What I love about this design is the color scheme: with the lemon yellow and orange ribbon set against B&W stripes. I also love the front inverted pleat in the skirt. Very lovely, and thanks to the Sorbetto Top I know how to achieve that look.

Above are some marvelous black and white stripped fabrics from The Fat Quarter Shop that I think would be perfect.

Project Day Dress

Here is my next endeavor. A 'Superfine Quality' red wool dress. I've had this Singapore-bought wool in my stash forever and it's just the right amt for this pattern. I already cut the pattern and step 2 will be to cut out the fabric. It uses no interfacing but does require a lining so when I go to work tomorrow I will be scoping out the perfect lining for it.

Modified Neckline

Here's the poly/sheer Sorbetto Top with inverted pleat and redone neckline. Much better - the top stitching leaves a little to be desired in terms of consistently straight lines, but Eunice sure did a great job! I actually like the slimmer neckline edge but the rolling is eliminated and the piece looks much more professional this way so I'm leaving it.

I feel good about semi-completing a project that I set aside awhile ago. Ideally I will redo at least one if not both armholes and modify the hem a little but for now, it's wearable and I like it. It reminds me a little of the 90's grunge look (probably because I'm wearing it with cutoff jean shorts and leggings) with a glam (gold lame) twist.

That old shirt...

Remember that 'hideous floral sheer' fabric that I thrifted awhile back? I 'finished' a Sorbetto Top with it. 

Let me first explain that 'finished' is a matter of opinion in this case because while it is completed, it is not by any means finished. I chose to use gold lame pre-made bias tape combined with the FW binding foot to create a narrower edge. First time applying bias tape to a garment this way... I initially selected a short stitch length (like 20+/inch) and began slowly and timidly on an armhole at the back side seam. On the second armhole, I chose a longer stitch length (15-/inch) and sort of allowed the foot to do its thing. This went better but at the end I was faced with the daunting question of how to finish the bias binding/where to stop stitching. This is where things got a little haphazard. I won't go into detail but I will probably be redoing some of this soon, and I think the neckline needs to be redone in the old method because the thin fabric with the binding rolls TERRIBLY. 

Then I used the narrow hem foot to finish the edge. The narrow hem foot did an amazing job, but we ran into trouble at the french side seams. The bulk would not go into that tiny swirl on the foot. You know the swirl. I can only assume that when using the narrow hem foot, one must hem before sewing up side seams or sew the side seams by hand.

Anyway, this top - janky as it is - got good reviews from the Husband and Step Son who both independently complimented it so I'll keep it around for a bit.

Today's goal:

I am determined to sew today. Even though there are plenty of other things that need doing, Eunice and I will create!
Now, which bias tape should I use?

Employee Perk: knowing ab sales

These McCalls patterns were 75 cents each via employee discount + labor day sale. Saved $80 something dollars (spent $6 total) on 5 patterns and 3 packs of bias tape. What a deal!

Employee Perks

Lets take some time to admire this luxurious fabric that I got from work today. $2 got me a fat yard! A-maze-ing huh?
I'm planning on making another Sorbetto Top with it. The next three days are dedicated to the pursuit of happiness via sewing.

Eunice the Featherweight pt 2

Another photo of the FW uploaded via iPhone.

Updates

1. Got the Job at the vintage clothing store! So happy!!

2. Had a nice first day at the Fabric Store.

3. Spent some time with Eunice making a felt iphone case. It's kind of...special but it works. Eunice did a great job :)

A hot pic of Eunice the Featherweight

4. Still haven't cut out any Peony Pattern, but hope to soon.

Hey!!

Things just seem to be on the up-and-up for me lately. I think my interview went well, I got a new phone (iphone! First one I've ever had) and I got a Collette Pattern + fabric. Yay!

Pattern & Fabric photographed/uploaded via new iphone :D

This lovely peachy cotton (and the Peony pattern) came from Fabrika in downtown Savannah and it will serve as a Wearable Muslin because I just love the color! 

I plan to start with V.2 (Short Sleeve/No Pockets) and make the belt in a bright contrasting red.

Dad and I at Fabrika (uploaded via iphone)

All these exciting new things are thanks to Dad who came up for a nice little visit.

I have a feeling I will be making a lot of dresses for fall with this pattern. Luckily I'll have the hook-up on fabric since my first day at the fabric store is Tuesday at 9am :D