Curtain to Skirt

I know it has been WAY TOO long, but after June’s craziness I needed a break. So I took one however since then I have started sewing many items. I am sure that you don’t remember a post from over 2 years ago, Curtains that Change, but I finally got around to using more of the curtain that was still in the Collection.

The Stats:

• Fabric: 25% Cotton, 75% polyester, Free
  • Total: Free

I cut two panels out and sewed them together down one side, using both and straight and zig-zag stitches to ensure no unraveling.

I wanted to make prefect pleats and a fork is the best way, or so the internet says. This is done by using the fork as a measuring tool for each pleat. First measure 2 fork widths and then slip the cloth between the last tines.

Then fold over and pin the pleat, ta-da!

Prefect pleats all the way around.

I then added the waist band and zipper. Finally presenting the first item I have created since June.

Dress for a Wedding

I had a dress that was my go to for EVERYTHING!! I originally bought it as a Salvation Army for $3.00 and it was a Vera Wang! I will admit that I loved the dress and was very sad when I took it out of the wash to find that it ripped!

The Stats:

• Vera Dress: 5% spandex, 95% cotton, $3
• Navy fabric: 100% cotton 5 yards, $25
  • Total $28

Dress for a Wedding:  was an inspiration because my former boss and great friend was getting married. I would have worn the black “Vera” but I had to improvise, and did so as follows.

 

Unfortuately these rips were not fixable. But since I liked the dress so much I decided to take it apart and create a pattern.

 

I took copius notes and marked everything I could think of.  I even put all the correct interfacing in the dress where it was supposed to be. That dress was one of the best made I have ever taken apart!

I finally finished the pattern, cut the fabric and all the interfacing. I wanted a week and started sewing the dress together 1 day before the wedding. (I know cutting it close!) I have to cancel plans inorder to sew it, and the one question I kept getting was “do you have a back up plan?”- my answer NO!!!! I had to get it done.

Thankfully everything worked out and I did finish. Albeit, with only 1 hr to go, but it was done and if I do say so myself…it looks pretty good.

 

I even made earring, necklace and bracelet to go with it.

 

I like this dress a lot, but I also learned many things about this pattern. There are a few tweeks that I am going to make before I try another, but at least one more it coming.

I am sure you are all aware, I started this blog to mostly get my Halloween costumes out into the world becuase I spend soooo much time on them. Well HALLOWEEN is apon us and the costuming has begun. Come back and check out the progression!

Check-In: August

Another month of me not doing as much as I should. I am almost done with a few projects and once again they should be up soon. Durning this, the month of August, I was not at my home as I was house sitting for some friends and their wonderful dog! Even though I didn’t create as much this month I did  A LOT of planning for the coming month of September. None the less here is what I did:

Goal 1: Harvard Top 100 Book List:

I have finally finished two books from the list “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon”, and “Middlemarch by George Elliot”.  That brings my total read to 39, only 61 to go! I am not sure what I am going to read next, I will keep you posted.

Goal 2: I have to admit that I did purchase some new materials, and the excuse is that it will match the dress that I am making to wear to a friends wedding. I can’t wait to show all this off!

Goal 3:  49% or 82 projects.

I did complete a few items that didn’t make it on the blog because they were “fix this seam” sort of projects, but they came out of the Collection none the less. I also only have 32 projects to go and I have 5 months!! I need to start sewing!

• Used: 30.54% and 51
• Made: 25.75% and 43

Goal 4: August sewing was better than July! I think I have hit an up swing in the sewing, Thank goodness.

• Proposed Hours: 31
• Actual Hours: 23
• Daily Average: 1.34