Happy Valentine's Day!

Photo by Lori Sparkia

I just wanted to share a little love today in my section of the universe. Like an addict, the first social media outlet I looked at was Instagram. And while the posts ensuing are unsurprising, I found myself a little blue just scrolling through them!

Maybe it's just me, but Valentine's Day has never been about me and one other person. The holiday is actually my mother's favorite and growing up our house was always decorated and we had the best time creating valentines for all of our friends. My dad would cook and serve us dinner over a beautifully decorated table complete with candles. We shared our love for each other and everyone else, and had a fun time doing so! 

Lot's of people complain it's a "Hallmark Holiday", and just want to buck the system by being negative and not buying anything. Then again, who said you had to buy anything? I spent $2 on stickers and the rest of my supplies are in my art stuff. It's not about spending money, getting presents, heck! It's not even about giving or receiving little paper valentines. It's about spending time with the ones you love. Life is fleeting, why not take a day to all get together, pop open a bottle of champagne and enjoy each other's company?

Happy Valentine's Day friends! I sincerly appreciate those of you who take the time to check my blog, even comment! It's nice to be a part of such a friendly and supportive little community here on the interwebs 

Just my thoughts for today, I'll update soon with some sewin' ;)

I'm Back!

Hey there!
If there is anyone there! I'm back after my long hiatus. School last semester was grueling. I entered my college's business plan competition, and the preparation for that sucked the life out of me. I didn't even have time to sew anything new for my presentation, so I didn't have anything to update on here either as a result. The competition was worth it, I ended up winning 1st place! I've never given a presentation, let alone written a business plan. The experience was invaluable, and learning that I'm more capable than I tend to admit was very much needed.

I hope everyone's holidays were swell. Mine were! My family had something going on practically every night of December, so with finals, the competition, my birthday, and family holiday obligations, I only feel like I'm just now catching my breath!

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In November I was looking for a fab dress to wear for Thanksgiving at my boyfriends house. I found this ADORABLE 1950's dress that has a sequined bodice and made of this lovely synthetic seersucker plaid material. Well, that puppy ended up needing a little more work than I anticipated so I wore a Stop Staring dress instead. Point being, I used some of that 50's dress for what I'm about to show you! If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably already seen it.

I started out with the hem from a 1950's dress & floral yardage from the 1970's

 For my current project, I used scrap fabric from the pink plaid 1950's dress to create a ruffle and attached it to the bottom of the bodice to create a little peplum. I only wish I had enough to make the peplum longer, I don't really feel like it deserves to be called a peplum because it's more of a ruffle, really.

It just needs a zipper now!

 I knew I wanted to make bottoms that matched, but I couldn't decide if I wanted to make a sassy little skirt, or a pair of short-shorts. I decided that I needed to work on pattern drafting again, so I'm in the middle of creating a pair of high waisted short-shorts.

I decided that I wanted to try my hand at shorts, on top of that
I decided to try my hand at DRAFTING them myself

In other news, I'm working on a wedding dress! I'd show photos, but I haven't asked the bride for permission yet. We are using her soon-to-be Mother in-law's wedding dress and redesigning it to be a darling, and modern take on the classic 1950's strapless sweetheart dresses.

My best friend is engaged! We went to San Francisco last month to seek out bridal laces/get the heck out of dodge!

Nadine and I walking around Union Square

We had to stop and enjoy the view, I don't get out to the city very often!

Daiso Japan is my new favorite discovery!
 P.s. that facial cleanser is heaven sent at $1.50!

I can't wait to get the shorts done, and the wedding dress so I can show you all! I promise I'll be updating much more regularly this year. Is anyone working on something they are particularly excited over? I know Nicole over at ManicPop is working on her first dress pattern release, I'm super excited about it!!
Thanks for the read! xo

Butterick 5813 Trouble

Hey there Friends :)

So, when I should be finishing up one project I decide to pick up another!
I've been dyyyyyyying to make Butterick 5813 in version C. Now, I wonder what I chose that style.... ;)

Photo from wesewretro.com

I can't wait to make this style!
photo from wesewretro.com

Anyways, I spent forever and a day obsessively cutting out the pieces and adding my tailors tacks all over the place. This afternoon, I decided it's time to start stitching. Except, I only made it a few steps before I ran into a little bump. Normally, I'd be too embarrassed to admit that I'm struggling (it's the noob in me), but today I'm in the mood to learn, so I thought I'd come to you guys.

In version C (full skirt), you'll notice the verticle pieces on the side of the bodice front. I've basted them in place, but, at the pivot point, I'm bunching pretty badly.

Pivot point is suuuuper bunchy :/

Another view

But on a side note....isn't this fabric awesome? I'm totally on a daisy kick, aren't I?

Basting stitches

In the photo directly above, it's hard to see, but dead center is the pivot point...it looks like crud! :(
Anyways, I was wondering if you have any tips for little things like this, or maybe my fingers are just spaghetti. In the mean time I'm just going to do some homework. Sometimes I just need to set it down and reset my approach.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions & tips :)

The Daisy Dress is Still in Progress

The Daisy Dress has made some progress since I last posted. I actually hemmed it and wore it out for a test run. I do that with just about every dress I make.

Changes I've Made:
-Added white grosgrain ribbon to the hem
-Appliqued a small cluster of daisies to hem

Changes I Need to Make:
-Straps need to be taken up 1/2"
-Sweetheart neckline needs to be stabilized somehow (I've got an idea mapped out)
-Take in side seams
-Lower dart points, but deepen them at the waist
-Lengthen bodice
-Add more daisies

I think it's coming along swell! ;)

It may be hard to see here, but I've learned that I've been bringing my
 waist dart points up WAY too high. I'm getting a pancake effect..No bueno! 

In regards to my pattern, it's the same one I used to create my blue daisy top here [x]. I did modify the pattern from that project by shortening the straps, widening them in order to cover more of my chest and create a more squared effect (sorry if that doesn't make sense! In short, the straps were to skinny where they connected with the bodice front and showed too much skin in the chest region).

Welp, I guess it's time to get down and dirty with the next phase of this project!

Learning to Like Yellow

Source

Yellow is a difficult color for me. I find myself naturally attracted to it, but aesthetically repulsed.
Alright, repulsed it the wrong word completely, but I'm having one of those "for lack of a better word" moments.
Yellow is bright, cheerful, happy, whimsical, and fresh. Yet, to me, it is also too bright, preppy, dated, and maybe a tad bit juvenile. Clearly, I've had a strange relationship with this color. While in Santa Cruz, I picked up a cropped cardigan from one of the thrift stores: a simple yellow knit with a crocheted back. It's slowly getting me to lighten up and enjoy it.

What I want to show you today is my current project, which doubles at my current attempt at learning to love yellow.

My idea for this dress was actually sparked listening to Azealia Banks one night. I think she's super rad all around: Her style, her voice, & her music. I was laying there bouncing my head, listening to her and sketching when I started thinking about how gorgeous she would look in yellow. & I admit, I began to get a lil' jelly.

Originally, this design started out as a boat neck, but I still want to perfect my sweetheart bodice top pattern, so I used that instead of drafting a new one. I'll get to the boat neck one day.
Because I wasn't sure if this dress would turn out, and because of my hesitation with yellow, I bought some cheap cotton broadcloth for this project.

Now, technically, all I need to finish on this dress is the hem. But after sleeping on it last night, I've decided to do some additional designing near the hem.

Here's what I've got so far (No laughing it's an odd work in progress!!):

disregard the daisies..

Bodice Back

Not my best lapped zipper..

I don't recall this zipper being as tricky last time, I'll probably end up taking it out and redoing it, but for the sake of fit, I've left it in for now. Speaking of fit, the only places that need adjustments are the darts at the waist by 1/4" or even 1/2" if I wanted a tight fit.

Well, here's what I've been working on for the last week...and it's still going! I probably would have finished it on my day off, but I had house guests for the last few days and there is not a lot of room to sew and entertain haha!
I hope everyone is having a lovely week! Now, I'm off to find some trim, and breakfast!

Daisies.

Hi there, everyone!
July has been a pretty busy one for me. Between work and family, I've found myself spread on the thinner side.
That being said, I decided to approach Wednesday with more relaxed vibe.
I altered a Butterick pattern a few days ago and decided to test it out.

I look so much like my mother here!

The fabric I chose was navy blue with daisies. I'd been eyeing this one for a few months, but waiting for the right project to justify buying it. It's a very soft, vintage cotton. I wish I could date it. The women who work at the shop wouldn't know due to a lot of the fabrics having been in stock well before they began working there. Normar Fabrics opened in the 1950's!

For the lining, I implemented the lightweight muslin I had actually used to test out my pattern. It's nice and soft and breezy.

I used a pale yellow invisible zipper down center back

I've noticed recently that I'm very attracted to blues. It's a very chic, versatile color that goes well with my love of pinks and purples! Besides blue, I'm always looking for great crop tops. Unfortunately, and my fellow buxom babes know too, there aren't many on the market that are cute, affordable and made to fit a C cup or larger (I myself am a DD!)

Grabbing a bite of breakfast at a local favorite! Sweetie Pies Bakery.

I love it paired with this simple stretch jersey skirt and vintage crinoline! 

Paired with a cotton jersey pencil skirt. I was on my way to buy the computer I'm typing on now ;)

This was a GREAT little project. I came out of this learning three things:
1) Zipper needs to go from the bottom up in order for it to fit over your head.
2) I am not a size 14 as far as strap length goes.
3) Next time I'll understitch the straps as the lining peeks out a bit.

It's always nice to be able to finish a project and immediately see where your skills and problem solving are improving/need improvement!

Now, the question remains, should I make a matching pair of pants or a gathered skirt?
Decisions, decision!

Estate Sailing!

It was an already warm Saturday morning & as trucks blazed past my house, I woke up particularly alert. I've been meaning/wanting to go garage sailing (saleling? Ha!) this month, and this morning felt like the one.
A quick Craiglist search had us on our way up valley to an estate sale at an old farm house on a vineyard called "Reese Ranch".

Photo from [x]

The house, built in 1870 has a long, dusty, dirt drive way lined with pretty, pink flowers. 

Photo from [x]

I wish that I hadn't left my camera in the car (I detest being the one to hold it ever since I lost the strap & Jordan won't take a photo if  his life depended on it!) because the inside was adorable. The stair rail was short with carpeted steps, and several rooms for entertaining guests on the first floor.


Unbeknownst to me, Saturday was the second day of the sale. So as I scrounged through what was left of the clothing, bags and shoes I thought, "okay, where is the jewelry?!" Everything was picked over, but a few goodies lingered & I scooped them up quicker than a TV on Black Friday.

I made away with an I. Magnin dress ( I can't wait to take up the skirt on this baby!)

The lapels are so delicate & eye catching!

A Sonni California hat

Remember this dress? ;)

I just need to replace the netting, it has a few holes.

a Trifari necklace

and an AMAZING sequin cardigan with fur trim cuffs. I forgot to take a picture before I left this morning, I'll update as soon as I get home! :)


I really wanted to take some art home, but I felt the prints I liked were overpriced. 
I'm kinda bummed that I didn't get there on the first day of the sale, it was evident that the lady of the house enjoyed higher end clothing. But, I won't beat myself up over it, I put myself on the mailing list for the next estate sale. You can bet I'll be first in line ;)