Fail February-A Harry Potter dress (Simplicity 1418)

February 22, 2016 by Ashley ♥ 4 Comments

Just casually reading, no big deal... — Just casually reading, no big deal…

You know how sometimes you just get SO EXCITED to work on a project that you completely ignore all the warning signs? That’s what happened here. When I stumbled upon some Harry Potter fabric at Joann’s in December, I was crazy stoked. I have been looking for this stuff for years, so it was a big deal folks. As soon as I got home, I grabbed a pattern that I thought would work and immediately started.

You know you're excited about something when you take cart pictures. — You know you’re excited about something when you take cart pictures.

The pattern I grabbed was Simplicity 1418, and I’ll be honest, I knew it was the wrong size when I cut it. Based on my bust alone, I should have been between a 14-16, the largest size I has was a 12. But hey, the big 4 always run a bit too big, right!? I could grade the seams and it would totally be okay, I said to myself. LIES!!! Who cares that the fabric is crummy quilting cotton, with absolutely no give. This would magically work.

This dress is WAY too tight. I’m an hourglass shape, but I somehow managed to make my bust look minuscule here. The shoulder pleats on the dress are truly lovely, but this ill-fitted one sits horribly and causes my shoulders to look extra wide. I’m sure it doesn’t help that I decided to forgo facings and fully lined the entire bodice, sleeves included.

At least the cute back detail is kind of almost okay?

Notice how I said I started this dress in December? Well, that’s when I finished it. Once I realized the travesty I’d created, I threw it in the corner and pouted for two months. Enter Sew Red-y’s Fail February. What a fun idea! If Rachel can show her fails, why couldn’t I? I’m still super stoked on the fabric, and hey, and least the length is right? Looking at it in a positive light, it’s a reminder of why it’s important to sew slowly. This dress could have been saved if I’d used my brain and grabbed a pattern that fits, maybe even a TNT. I should have tried it on more often during construction, I should have made a fucking muslin. All ridiculous beginner errors. But hey, it’s still a Harry Potter dress, and I did wear it (semi-comfortably) for an entire day. Plus, I’m losing weight, so who knows, it could fit in the coming months. Whatever happens, it’s just clothes, and at least I can get a laugh out of it. Happy sewing! 🙂

Flannel #2 (Sewaholic Granville/Sewaholic 1501)

February 17, 2016 by Ashley ♥ 2 Comments

When you have dogs, your yard is just mud. Sorry.

This is my second go at the Sewaholic Granville, with more stash fabric. Again from Joann’s, again teal. What can I say, it was a phase. Though I think I recall these being from the same collection, this fabric is definitely a lighter weight, and therefore hangs differently. Blargh.

I don't know why my pictures are so grainy lately. — I don’t know why my pictures are so grainy lately.

The sewing is basically the same as my last Granville, with a few exceptions. Namely, I sewed the side seams at the recommended 5/8″, instead of the 1″ I’d done before. I thought maybe that would help with the gapping at the bust, but alas, it did not. I think that’s just bad snap placement. Or perhaps I should grade out there? Either way, I really don’t like the shape this creates. I think the combo of the fabric change and seam change made for a less flattering top. Fuck it.

The back view is always just me standing weird.

This version was also a good bit rushed, as I wanted to wear it to a concert. That didn’t happen. However, the rushing definitely shows in the finished product. The stitching is a bit wonky, and the collar hasn’t help up to washing. Don’t rush your sewing folks! Does anyone else have a tendency to set arbitrary deadlines and then proceed to stress out about it? It’s so silly!!

I can say, cutting was not nearly as bad this time. I don’t know if that’s a credit to simpler plaid, having just done this, or both (probably both), but it was a much speedier process. I’m considering doing my next Granville in a knit, so that cutting process should be interesting. Any suggestions??

070 — Does anyone else get bored taking pictures of themselves?

I really can’t think of anything else to add, I think I said it all last time!! I still love this pattern, and will make it again. Happy sewing 🙂

Not a Batman Shirt (By Hand London Sarah shirt tester)

February 12, 2016February 12, 2016 by Ashley ♥ 6 Comments

There are no words for how cold it was this day.

I was super stoked when Elisalex of By Hand London invited me to be a pattern tester. I was even more excited when I realized the pattern was the Sarah Shirt! If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been in a bit of a shirt sewing frenzy. Recently I’ve done three flannels and two shirt dresses, with plans for at least four more in 2016. Perfect timing, ya know?

The Sarah shirt is a different than my flannels, for obvious reasons. Designed for soft, lightweight fabrics, it’s flowy and undeniably feminine. The pattern comes in a short sleeve and long sleeve variety, with collar differences. One of my goals for 2016 is to sew more work-appropriate clothing, so I opted for the long sleeve version. Also different, there is no collar stand used in this pattern! Combined with the rounded collar, no-fuss sleeve binding and cuff, the Sarah shirt is much less intimidating for beginner shirt makers.

Cool pleating looks off center, but…it’s not, promise.

Now…the fabric. It’s the Blue Bat Peach Skin from Girl Charlee. I have to admit, this fabric has a lovely hand and feels so luxurious against the skin. That said, I rarely sew with fabrics this lightweight, and man, it was a fucking bitch. It would shift every time I tried to cut it and flail wildly during sewing. Also, it shows pinholes, badly. All of this would probably not be news to someone accustomed to sewing this type of fabric, but I am not that person. At all. I also struggled with the buttonholes. My machine was just not having it, so…snaps it was! The button placket could be a lot smoother, but I’m blaming the button tragedy for that. I also struggled a bit with pressing. Recently, one of my dogs thought it would be cool to chew the plug off my iron. How nice! I’ve been using a very old, possibly antique backup iron while I figure out which iron to buy now. The backup doesn’t have a steam option and it’s a bit harder to get the temperature right, so I’m sure that has plenty to do with it. Iron suggestions are welcome!! Seriously, I have NO IDEA what to get. EDIT: I forgot to mention, I did French seams on this one. Ultra lightweight fabric=French seams, always. Derp.

I cut a UK 10/US 14 as the pattern directed, based on my measurements. As this is a loose fitting top, I’m sure you could cut a smaller size or grade it, for a tighter fit. I made no alterations to the pattern, as I wanted to test it as-is. That said, I should have added length to the arms, and perhaps the bodice. This is a standard alteration for me, and may not be necessary for you. Other than that, the fit was pretty spot on. I really like the look of the front pleats, and it’s so comfortable. I’m already picturing future Sarah shirts! Happy sewing 🙂

Is it Too Early to Start Halloween?

February 5, 2016 by Ashley ♥ 1 Comment

You remember this guy, don't you? — You remember this guy, don’t you?

In an effort to actually complete my 2016 Make Nine, I forced myself to purchase the Simplicity 1095 pattern, and EIGHT yards of bright red fabric. This will not be a budget friendly project!

From the Simplicity site, I'll be making view A. — From the Simplicity site, I’ll be making view A.

HOLY PATTERN PIECES YOU GUYS! Can anyone explain to me the purpose of the mini skirt that goes under the main skirt, over skirt, and bustle-thing? Because if not…I’m not making it! I’m setting a goal for myself here, to blog progress on this every month. This month, I’m just trying to have the pattern cut and the black fabric purchased. BTW, I need another SIX yards of fabric for that. So…that’s FOURTEEN FUCKING YARDS. Fabric hog, much?

I might need a loan to purchase all the supplies... — I might need a loan to purchase all the supplies…

As you can see from the above chart, again from the Simplicity site, I need a ton of notions, including: nine packages of bias tape, some elastic, wide ribbon, eight yards of boning, 8 yards of lacing, forty-two grommets(!!!!), some lace and three buttons. Along with some canvas and felt. Yowza. I’m blaming all this purchasing, and not my extreme procrastination, on the early start. I’m also hoping you guys will hold me to this! Stayed tuned, and cross your fingers for me. Happy sewing 🙂