On My Sewing Table

Laurel…. and Some Tacky Underpants

I’m finally blogging my Colette Laurel. I was able to squeek this one under the deadline for the Laurel sewing competition.

I entered this into the self designed fabric category. I had been wanting to hand stamp a dress with french bulldogs for over a year. I had seen the cute pony dress over on the blog A Beautiful Mess and really wanted to make a version for myself. When I saw the Colette competition, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to try out this technique. I found a bulldog silhouette on the interwebs and used it to make a stamp with craft foam.

I cut a size 4 (which is my standard size in Colette). It came out HUGE. I ended up shaving this down to a size zero right under the bust to the hem. I’m still able to pull this over my head without a zipper even though I shaved so much off of the side seams. I omitted the sleeves and drafted a Peter Pan collar.

It didn’t came out as cute in real life as it did in my head. It’s a little *too* homemade looking. I don’t want to look like I’m wearing something made by Patricia on Project Runway… LOLZZZ. I think this is going to end up in the never worn part of the closet. I’m not ready to give up on this idea yet. I want to try screen printing some smaller scale bulldogs on a future version of Laurel.

In other news, I made my first pair of panties (ewww…. I know that’s a fairly universally hated word). This is the most ridic item of clothing I’ve ever made. These are made from an old T-shirt that was thrifted and destined to be underpants. I used Zoe’s free pants pattern. I finished the edges with fold over elastic and these are very comfortable hipster panties.

 

I’m currently working on making my first bathing suit. I hope it come out cute

XX, Cynthia

Soon

I’m a Sewaholic!

Happy new year! I hope everyone survived the holidays. I’m back with my first sewn item of 2013, the Thurlow trouser.

These pants feature a lot of “firsts” for me. My first Sewaholic pattern, pants, fly front zipper, and also welt pockets. I followed along with the Thurlow sewalong, which made these a breeze to construct. Thanks to Lauren I had success with my very first welt pocket ever attempted.

I cut a size 6, but then ended trimming off an inch from both side seams. I’ll start with a 4 next time I make these (and there will definitely be a next time). The curved waist band makes these *so* comfortable, the rise is just right, and they don’t show booty crack when I bend over…. HOLLA!!! Thank you Tasia! All of my RTW pants, if they fit my thighs are too big in the waist. These fit both areas, it’s a great day.

I made these using some of the bolt of stretch denim I got for super cheap at Scrap. The fabric was donated by Columbia Sportswear, and is very heavy duty. I was concerned that it would be too bulky, but I just took extra care in pressing and used my clapper to make all of my creases super crisp and flat. I lined these using a little bit of a Michael Miller sugar skull print I had in my stash. I love how colorful and fun the interior is.

I really like these pants, but I’m not sure if they’ll have much longevity. I had a couple oops. I didn’t muslin these since I have so much of the denim, so that’s bound to be the case. I accidentally serged a hole in the crotch trying to finish a seam. I darned it and put some fray check over the hole, but this denim is extremely prone to fraying. I also think I cut a little *too* close to the “windows” when I made my welts and I can see a tiny bit of fraying in the corners. Mistakes are just a part of the learning process though, my next pants are just going to be that much better

I haven’t decided if I’m going to write a year end round up post, with my sewing resolutions for the new year. My number one resolution is to take my time and work on fit. I did that with these pants and they feel so comfortable because of that.

xx, Cynthia

Looky Loo

I’m taking my time with my next dress, but I thought I’d post
a few instagram spoilers in the meantime

Magic Rainbow Unicorn Princess

Yeah, the title says it all. What are you going to be for Halloween? I really wish Suzanne made me a Twilight Sparkle costume as well. Hers is rad.

This dress is pretty slapdash. I completed it in 2 sewing binges and barely finished in time for the event I went to. For some reason, at the last minute, I decided to add cotton batting to the breast cups and boning. That turned this into a lot more trouble than something that is only destined to be worn a few times. However, I feel like a learned a lot and will hopefully make an amazing bombshell dress when I get around to it.

I used McCall’s 6331 for the bodice, which Neeno has made a million times. You should check out some of her versions. This is a “perfect fit” pattern and has different pattern pieces for different bra sizes. This came out a little big, but I think that is because of the fabric I used. The quick muslin I did fit perfectly. I made this with the rest of the cotton sateen I made my peplum top with. This dress has the same issue of being too big. I think it’s because there is some stretch to the fabric, but not good recovery. It just grows the more you handle it. o_O

I added white piping to all of the seams in the bodicefor contrast. I also made a little bow out of the piping and placed that center front. I got the furry boots and horn at a sex shop of all places. They’ve got lots of Halloween costumes right now, random.

the guts

For the skirt I used the circle skirt pattern I’ve drafted. So much fun for dancing in. I felt like a dizzy swirl of colors.

xx, Cynthia

Thank You!!!!

I got an email today that said that I won the Bernette 25 from Craftstylish. I’m so excited and grateful for your votes. I walked to Modern Domestic after work and bought myself a walking foot to celebrate!

As far as sewing projects I’ve got a few things in the pipeline. I finished McCalls 6331 for my Halloween costume. If you follow me on instagram (cynbular) you’ve already seen it. I’m a magic rainbow unicorn princess fwiw. I’m going to try to get some photos taken this weekend. I am also nearly done with a southwest print skirt

xx, Cynthia

Help a Sister Out

EHRRRRMAGAWD guys!!!! I’m one of the final five contestants to win a new Bernette by Bernina sewing machine from Craftstylish. I entered my Bow dress (which has been my most popular make by far) into this contest. You were supposed to enter an item of clothing you’ve made that shows off your personal style.

Please vote for me, I’d be eternally grateful!!!! I can’t put enough exclamation points into this post!!!!! All links and photos lead to this contest if you click on them in my post. To vote, scroll to the bottom of the page, highlight the circle next to my photo, then vote. Then do it 20 more times!!!!!!!!!!!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Two-fer

I’m slowly working my way through my fall sewing plans. Here are two versatile separates  Today, I’m sharing with you the free dolman sleeve top from Cindy, and also Meringue from the Colette Sewing Handbook.

This top was made from a tube of sweatshirt knit, and a thick red knit that were both free. For some reason, I thought I had a huge amount of the sweatshirt knit, but in reality I had *just* enough to cut the front and back (maybe 3/4 of a yard). That’s why it has the contrast bands. With the bands I thought it looked a little bit like a boys ringer T-shirt, so I put a bow on it (because they’re cute duhhhhhh). I tried to add a kangaroo pouch like you get with a hoody, but my machine kept hating on me and it looked like shit. I have since bought a twin needle (it makes such a difference).

I really like this pattern, it was quick and easy. The only thing I had to change was to make the arm band longer. She must have tiny T-rex arms. I added an inch and they are still a wee bit tight. The neckline is wide, as Cindy mentions over on her blog. For any future makes I plan to add a few inches to the sleeve length. As you can see, they reach just above my elbows and I’m not terribly long limbed (I’m 5’5″ fwiw). I have worn this a ton since I made it. Comfortable, cozy, and cute. Winning!!! Thank you Cindy, you’re a doll

The skirt was made with some stretch denim from JoAnn’s. I’ve actually had this cut out for a a few months o_O. It just took me a while to get to it for some reason. I feel kind of meh about this skirt (maybe that’s why I was so slow to make it). I love the scalloped hem but the fit is a little weird around the waist.I inserted an invisible zipper into the side seam and invisibly stitched the hem facing into place. I need to do the same for the waist facing because it rolls out the top even with understitching.  Naturally it was easy to sew, and came together perfectly.

This top has got me on a knit kick. I’ve been concentrating so much on woven fabric because it’s more challenging, but knits are what I generally live in.

xx, Cynthia

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Sarah, magic commenter number 40, won my rad giveaway, so congrats to her! This is the video she posted. I love kittens so much. Have a great week ya’ll