Sewing Bee Sarah

Hello! My name is Sarah. I’m an actor, photographer, pianist, and sew-er (can’t call myself a seamstress yet…). I come from a hardworking Midwestern family, and have always been told I have a “champagne taste on a beer budget.” Yep. Midwestern expressions for the win. So - I buy my patterns and fabric on sale, and alter designs/fabric to get what I'm looking for. I've been sewing for about a year now, and am always learning.

[sewingbeesarah]

Butterick Patterns B5895, Patterns By Gertie - AGAIN... Materials: Pink & white striped cotton seersucker Est. hours to make: ~4

(And a heavily altered Forever 21 blouse.)

Repeat: I LOVE THIS PATTERN. I LOVE IT.

These are the shorts I wore in a show playing a pink-wearing, well-meaning but highly ditzy, former cheerleader and college freshman named Brittani (with an “i”!).

They’re so comfy, so well-fit, and I really have nothing more to say except that I’ll be sewing EVEN MORE versions of this pattern in the future. I’d had a wide strip of elastic with hooks and eyes attaching it to the fabric for the show (lots of dancing & moving), and now have removed that and added a simple zipper - the shape of the high waist means I don’t even need a hook at the top to hold it closed!

Notes: - The only alterations were to shorten the legs and deepen the pockets - both simple and quick. - Like I said on the previous post, I have plans to sew this in stretchy black neoprene, nice tweed with a zipper on the side, purple jersey, greyish-blue suiting with an added fly, and more... :)

[sewingbeesarah]

Butterick Patterns B5895, Patterns By Gertie Materials: “orange dreamsicle” knit Est. hours to make: ~3

I LOVE THIS PATTERN. I LOVE IT.

I’ve already made a wearable muslin in a light blue woven - the two photos at the end of the set - and gave it some buttons on the side for closures. I wear these pants WAY more frequently than a thin, cheap, practice garment should be worn, but they’re so comfortable!

So the orange version: I had a birthday a little while ago, and before that discovered that A) 80% of what I own is grey, black, or blue (see those last two photos for proof...), and B) as an actor who tends to climb all over things and roll around on the floor as I work, I’d like to own many more pairs of stretchy pants. Answer to both of these: dreamsicle pants.

There are no photos of the backside, because another discovery I made is that if you sew a relatively cheap, tightly knit fabric with a relatively cheap, sharp needle, and then go on a relatively vigorous set of adventures (see first photo for proof of this!), your seams will rip the fabric open. Suffice to say, I can only wear these pants at home, or with a long cardigan - but I LOVE THEM ANYWAY.

Notes: - The only alterations were to lengthen the legs and deepen the pockets - both simple and quick. - I’m going to sew this in stretchy black neoprene, nice tweed with a zipper on the side, purple jersey, greyish-blue suiting with an added fly, and more.

[sewingbeesarah]

Great 99-cent pattern sale on Simplicity at Jo-Ann's today, plus a beautiful little blue and white print remnant. :) Clockwise: S1166, S1156, S0368, S1324, S0369

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V8993, heavily altered Materials: Black and white knit Est. hours to make: ~5

Been months since I posted anything here, so let’s see if I remember how to write about sewing! It’s also been months since I had any chance to sew anything at all, so I’m calling this my “breath-of-fresh-air” dress and a new start after a terrible winter.

I’m going to start off by saying, I have really never had the trouble many people seem to have with excessive amounts of ease in Vogue patterns - but this pattern... I swear. Literally, over and over again, I would put the partly finished garment on and quietly swear at my reflection in the mirror as it appeared I wore a large grey BAG. A size 10 usually fits me perfectly and even a little tightly in the hips, but I’m guessing a FOUR would have worked better for this particular pattern.

That being said... The deep V in the back was an intentional alteration, as was lengthening the skirt, and both options worked out extremely easily. I’m guessing in a size that actually makes sense, this is a very versatile, quick, and comfy pattern. I’m certainly happy and comfy in the end result. Loving the material as well, which I bought on sale for $3/yd last summer and have been waiting to use since!

The blanket was knit on size 50 needles (hands up if you’re super lazy and can’t be bothered to knit on anything smaller than size 16...) with the super fluffy plush Lion Brand Hometown USA yarns - took about a total of 3 hours while watching Lord of the Rings and Royal Pains... :)

Notes: - The amount of alterations in this pattern... I’ll try to list them... Intentional: Deep V back, lengthened skirt. Unintentional but necessary: Took shoulders up twice, no neckband, lowered slit in neckline, added pleat in center back, took in sides several inches, took in front princess seams above bust to remove excess fabric. - I almost want to re-order the pattern to cut it in a smaller size. Anybody run into this problem - cutting the wrong size? What do you do without spending more money?! - I LOVE the pockets. Probably going to steal the pocket pattern pieces (ooh, alliteration) and use them for other patterns with weirdly shaped or tiny pockets.

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V2859 (vintage Vogue c 1935) - AGAIN Materials: Stretch velvet, black poly lining inside straps for stability Est. hours to make: 6ish

Made this as my costume for Cymbeline - got some help from our brilliant costume dept about pattern alteration and velvet nap, and was very happy with the result. Wish it was appropriate to just wear a long black velvet gown around daily life, because it’s so comfortable that I would!

Not much to say, because this post is me picking up and posting a draft I forgot about months ago...! The show closed back in November, but the dress still hangs on the back of my door with me-mades I wear more frequently. :)

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Other photos: I was essentially living off of citrus at the time of the show in order to not get sick (!), and those cat-pearl earrings are a gift from a lovely friend.

[sewingbeesarah]

Hi! Just a quick tidbit - I was looking up the pattern V8888 and came across your post! Good job, it looks great :) if you want to get a flat hem with slippery fabrics, you could buy a walking foot (they're kind of expensive though), I know they're supposed to be good for keeping fabrics extra even when sewing. I've never used one, but I hope to soon because I've seen a few blogs mention how good they are.

Ahh, thank you! That’s an excellent idea, and I appreciate the input. When I get the money, I may look into that... :)

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V1354 Materials: Pale green chiffon, cream lining Est. hours to make: ~15

Hello again!! It's been a long time! This dress I made months ago - finally getting around to posting things again. :)

I have such a love/hate relationship with this pattern... It's beautiful, and incredibly crafted in the structure and actually decently easy to assemble - but it took SO *&$%ING LONG TO MAKE. I swear, I don't think I've ever spent that many hours doing only one thing that wasn't acting, reading, or sleeping.

Also. I love to make things out of materials they "aren't supposed" to be made from, and absolutely hate lining things - but, I figured, a pattern this nice, might as well put in the effort, and line some chiffon as per the instructions. I don't know what it was, but the chiffon would NOT lay flat in the skirt. You can see in one of the closer photos that I've added a sort-of "belt" made from a scrap in order not to look like a pale green marshmallow. And tacking down the smaller puffs in the bodice pieces was... nail-bitingly frustrating. I do want to try matte jersey for the next time (once I have the patience in reserve again...) - perhaps the weight of the fabric will help with the structure?

I had to make several adjustments: Adding a panel in the bust so that it actually was a bust and not just two far-apart straps coming down to my ribs... I took out the two little straps across the back (didn't like the look) and it worked just fine. I did not use sew-in interfacing - putting in the effort of lining it was enough of a concession for this lazy person. And, as mentioned, had to add a "belt" made from a scrap - anybody want to input on how to get chiffon to lay flat??

It really wasn't all negative, though - the invisible zipper worked like a dream, the sizing was actually perfect, and it has a lot of potential for working well with small adjustments. Overall the finished product is lovely, well made (not complimenting myself, but the pattern's design) and looks like a very high-quality product that you happen to be able to make at home!

Notes: - Some things I need to figure out regarding fabric... A big part of me wants to try this again, though! - I was freezing my *** off in these photos, if you can't tell.

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Other photos: My furry balls of crazy, The Nanoshredder and Princess (so named because when we got the grey one she was tiny and attacked EVERYTHING, and the big one has several designated spots/thrones around the house where her subjects are allowed to approach). Both were rescues, and both are very loved and very weird!

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns 1324 Materials: Polyester (?) woven skirt fabric / polyester lining Est. hours to make: 6-7?

Job interview outfit: H&M snazzy collar-contrast shirt and "homemade" Donna Karan pencil skirt - business professional, right? I tried hard for the first interview I've ever done NOT as a formality, since most of my jobs have (and I am very fortunate in this) come through being highly recommended. Also a first - this is not only the first pencil skirt I've ever sewed, but the first pencil skirt I've EVER worn. Woohoo!

Anyway... This is rated "Advanced" but I'd call it "Average." The Advanced rating I believe applies to the INSANELY complicated blouse that comes as part of the pattern - which I didn't dare to make yet - seriously, that thing is gorgeous but daunting.

I didn't do topstitching, interfacing, or make it out of any sort of wool - really, this was supposed to be my "wearable muslin." Weird, right? I was going to be a good sewer and make a muslin first, out of $3/yd fabric and $1/yd lining. I also forgot to get interfacing (duh), which I was planning to practice in the muslin. Oh well.

Also - this being a wearable muslin in fabric half the recommended thickness and minus interfacing - there are wrinkly bits and what appear to be puckered seams. They aren't - just the fabric moving with me as I walk. I swear, I ironed the &*%# out of this, and it still showed little wrinkles on close inspection. In real life, they're not very noticeable at all, it's the fact that we're looking at still images here up close that makes me self-conscious about them.

About fitting: a review I found said that the skirt tapers in nicely at the waist - which it really does. I usually have to take in a good couple inches from the size I sew for my hips, but this was perfect! I did take about FIVE inches off the length. Who wants a skirt that ends in the centers of your calves and makes them look like you teach stair climbing...?? This also meant that I had to take in the back seam in order to taper the skirt in a little - but not too much, so the kickpleat wouldn't disappear completely. Next time (navy wool) I'll slash the pattern pieces themselves so I can cut it correctly for my height.

Notes: - Though I'm usually an advocate of sewing whatever pattern in whatever fabric, I wouldn't recommend a stiff, thin one for this, especially in a light color. (So... what I did). Pick something heavier, and darker - or maybe a soft, drapey fabric. That could stem from my jersey obsession, though. - If you're shorter than 5'10", make a muslin or hold the pieces up to yourself first, so you don't get a weirdly long length and have to shorten and lose the kickpleat (again, what I did...). - But all in all - a beautifully fitted and designed pattern. And not extremely complicated! - If you're curious... I got the job. :)

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Other photos: Just to prove how professional I am, I'm showing you the "ART" section on my refrigerator in various stages of creation. References are made to Twitch Plays Pokemon, Don Hertzfeldt's "Rejected,” and Tim Burton...

[sewingbeesarah]

Kind friends, kind pattern company

I’ve been patiently saving for patterns and fabric over the past few months, making a small go-to fund for when I am able to snag a good sale - so this past Sunday, I patiently sat through website crashes and laborious checkout processes of the McCall company and all its subdivisions to grab $1.99 and 99¢ out-of-print patterns.

Also, a fellow sew-er (though she really can be called a seamstress, and an adept one at that!) moved out of town and generously left me remnants of soft stretchy jerseys and knits to sew rehearsal clothes out of! Woohoo for kind friends!

If you’re curious, the list of patterns is after the break:

Top row: - B4343 Fast & Easy dresses - V2064 DKNY wrap tops & pants - V1273 Badgley Mischka Platinum short dress - B6030 Lifestyle Wardrobe - B5813 Retro 1956 dresses - B6010 see & sew jumpsuits - V2899 Guy Laroche Paris Original

Middle “row” (from guy shirt all the way to Kwik Sew jacket): - K2881 Men’s athletic wear (boyfriend needs a bike/workout shirt) - V8757 awesome-looking yet “Easy” Vogue jacket and pants - V1249 Mark + James Badgley Mischka boned jumpsuit - V1304 Lialia by Julia Alarcon dress (look! LOOK! http://www.lialiacollection.com/index_htm_files/831.jpg straight from the website) - B5895 tie-front top and high-waisted jeans - K3850 bustiers with one piece of center front boning - B5716 Retro 1953 coats - V8661 bag patterns from Vogue accessories - K3534 jackets

Bottom “row” (those three) - V8827 wrap dresses with drapey fronts - K2489 bra and boxers - why not? - V8781 Vogue Wardrobe suite set with an ACTUAL suit jacket - not a “pretty” “flouncy” “decorative” “women’s” suit jacket

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V2859 (vintage Vogue c. 1935 - still available from their site!) Materials: Pale lavender/light blue chambray Est. hours to make: 2!

Okay - I know it's not perfect, but this was a moment of pride for me - I sewed it in AN HOUR AND A HALF. AHHH. I have made once before, in green silk, to wear for one of the going-out nights after the show I'm in this fall. I'll post the pictures of those dresses (all super-fancy, because when else do you get to wear a Badgley Mischka evening dress in gold/black sequins, a green silk 1935 vintage Vogue, and more??) when the nights happen, if I remember!

Anyway - I sew the Vogue size that fits my hips and bust, and take in the waist, so this was a perfect quick-sew, pullover dress. I didn't take in the waist, just wore it slightly loose to a game at 8:30! Seriously - moment of PRIDE.

Things that helped: I did not cut two pieces for the center front skirt, just cut the piece on a fold (somehow the rearranging of pieces worked out just fine, even on only 2yds). I also did not include snaps or hooks and eyes at first, but like I said, just left it loose enough to pull over.

These pictures are after I took in the waist and sewed the hooks and eyes in (that extra 1/2 hour). I believe I took in the waist about 3/4" more than the green silk version, because - as you can see - there's a weird fold under the bust that I believe stems from too-tight waist and weirdly shaped bust?

I've read on other blogs that people have big problems with Vogue sizing - honestly, I really don't, the only things I usually have to do are sew bust/hip measurement size and take in waist, then shorten by about 6" because I'm about 6" shorter than any of their leggy models. This dress, however, has THE weirdest bust shape... The gathers along the top edge of the center diamond seem to indicate that the woman wearing the dress should have a chest made of flat, downward-sloping triangles...?? Next time I sew it (honestly, even though there's a weird fit, I LOVE it and will definitely sew it again - probably in a charcoal knit) I'll probably add a good inch, inch and a half to the inside/lower corners of the bust triangles so that the center diamond can lay flat against the ribcage, and feel much more fitted and comfortable.

Notes:

- Seriously, make this dress. - It takes two yards, and about 2 hours. Make this dress. - You can make it in a silk/charmeuse and have a gorgeous evening gown, or in a chambray or knit (what I'm doing with it next) and have a casual, comfortable, versatile day dress. Make this dress. - I believe the "Average" rating on the pattern envelope refers to that complex-looking shirt, and probably the jacket that has a thousand pieces - this dress I'd rate "Easy" - MAKE THIS DRESS.

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V8888 Materials: Pale green floral synthetic stretchy charmeuse Est. hours to make: ~6

Another one of the patterns I’ve been dying to make - this one because I saw the incredible version PoppyKettle (http://poppykettle.com/2014/05/17/v8888-the-charmeuse-before-the-storm/) sewed - and I swear I was NOT trying to copy the exact fabric she used, but realized the similarity about halfway through sewing! There’s a cream silk with big black and red watercolor-looking flowers at my favorite fabric store that I really wanted to use for this, but it’s $9/yard. If you’ve read some of my previous price mentions and/or that blog bio on the side, you know - 2 5/8 yards of $9/yd is not in my price range. Or anywhere near it, really. I got this nice synthetic charmeuse thing on sale for $3/yd (again, yep) at the tent sale, so I’m pretty content!

Anyway.

It’s an “Easy” pattern, and easy it definitely was - the collar confused the *&^% out of me for about 5 minutes, but looking at the next steps (and holding the pieces together in different ways with a “whaaa??” face) helped sort it all out.

I haven’t included the picture we took of it full-length standing up, because I’m still irritated at my hemming inabilities. The hem isn’t too bad, I’m just a perfectionist when it comes to little puckers and bubbles in the fabric. How is it so difficult to get a nice, smooth hem?? Research will follow soon, but if you’ve got any fail-proof hemming tips, please-oh-please send them to me! I’d love the input!

Two other things I changed - I bought the fabric amount for View A, but ended up making View B. With no trouble at all. Weird? The only concession I had to make was cutting the ties on the bias instead of on grain, but really - they’re ties. It wasn’t the end of the world. I also didn’t include the inside ties, because I just didn’t want them. My morning routine is not that high maintenance - I want to put on the pretty robe and tie it once, not twice.

Notes: - All in all, with the fabric being synthetic and $3/yd, I am very pleased and amazed with how high-quality it came out looking! I feel like a guest at a fancy hotel. - If you’re making View B, you might want to plan to make something out of a good 1/8-1/4 of fabric that you’ll have left over, since I made B no problem out of the fabric for A! - I think I want to make another one and make the collar about twice as deep - the pattern is very simple and elegant, but I think it’ll be cool to have a more shawl collar-y look.

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Other photos: Re-reading Cloud Atlas, and drinking tea out of my Justice League mug (which has Robin and doesn’t have Martian Manhunter…?? Weird).

[sewingbeesarah]

:D

Hi new followers! Especially friends from Instagram, Facebook, and real life :D

Thank you for following me, I feel supported from around the world. :)

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns 1341 Materials: Sand/taupe semi-stretch thing (lightly textured, slightly stiff, but still drapey - I have NO idea what to call it - all I know is it was $3 a yard... heh) Est. hours to make: 6h to sew, 2h to alter

Yes, this is an "Average" pattern (which means pretty darn complicated) and yes, it was the sixth pattern I've ever sewed - goes to prove that if you take your time (SIX HOURS... AHH) and are careful, you can do it!

This is one of the coolest patterns I've ever seen - before or since - it's essentially origami. There are only three or four pattern pieces: the right arm, back, maybe one more, and the entire rest of the dress!! It was very confusing, and I neglected to line it (which turned out just fine), but I have plans to get 2 yards of dark green jersey and make another one - so it's very worth it!!

So, the pattern itself was complex, but not impossible at all. The altering, on the other hand...

I make patterns in the size that fits my hips (otherwise I couldn't get them on...!) but being petite, the waist measurements are WAY too big. This usually is a quick fix - I just take things in at the sides. This dress, however, has one lengthwise seam: it goes down the back, diagonally. Yes, diagonally. I ended up with weird bubbles of fabric a couple times, but eventually finished it, and vowed to make one of those duct-tape/expandable-foam dress forms. (http://jezebel.com/5803791/how-to-make-a-custom-dress-form-part-one)

Also! The gorgeous draping in the bust of this pattern seems to rely on - well - there not being a bust to drape over. The fabric pulls tight and creates those lovely lines you'll see on the model on Vogue Patterns' website. I, personally, don't have that blessing/curse. The gorgeous, lovely, draped lines of fabric got completely wiped out and turned into just some weird pleats and stretched fabric. I ended up pinching the back of the right shoulder and adding a seam to structure the fabric to stand up a little, and drape from higher up - I also added in some seams under the bust. Nice thing is, though, with a dress this complex, you really have free rein to add in as many cool seams/lines as you want!

So, notes:

- This is a gorgeous, flattering pattern for any body type - alterations will be tricky, time-consuming, and absurdly confusing, but VERY worth it in the end. - I wear this about once a week. No, really. And every time, someone asks where I got it - so for an on-sale pattern ($5) and two yards of cheap fabric ($6), you get an $11 dress that looks awesome! - It was a good first "Average" pattern to sew - I would highly recommend trying it if you've never sewed anything super complex. There's a lot of time and energy involved, but it's so interesting that you stay absorbed; and like I said, the complexity is actually very forgiving for added seams and odd alterations.

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Other photos: The apple trees by my apartment are blooming - they smell incredible, but I inhaled a small bug. 10/10 would NOT recommend.

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V1258 Materials: Sage green semi-stretch crepe Est. hours to make: 4.5 exactly!

I have been obsessing over this pattern for weeks since seeing it on the Vogue Patterns website, and finding this gorgeous version: http://alabamachanin.com/journal/2012/01/vena-cava-alabama-chanin-diy-dress/

I also just love wrap dresses, drapey things, and beautiful details - the ties on this can either be tied into a knot or wrapped all the way around (what I did), the front is amazingly draped so that the fabric is overlapped and gathered but not bulky or unflattering in any way, and: the sleeves are quilted, the seams are edge-stitched, and there are POCKETS! Not "dress pockets" but REAL HUMAN SIZED POCKETS! During our rooftop bar excursion, I stored my (gigantic) phone, keys, and cards in the pockets - not only did the draping disguise any bulk, but the front still was flattering. Gosh, I love this dress.

And - it only took 4.5 hours. Almost exactly. I started at noon after errands in the morning, and wore the dress to rehearsal at 4:30! The only alteration I had to make was to shorten the hem. Honestly, it was fine the way it was, I just like my dresses above-the-knee (petites have to look taller somehow!).

So, notes: - I LOVE THIS PATTERN. - It's specified for stretch knits only, but my crepe was not very stretchy at all. If you want to sew it in non-stretchy fabric, and it's too tight to pull on, I'd recommend cutting the back in two pieces and putting a zipper down the back. I'm going to sew another one in a knit, just to have another version of it. :)

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Other photos: The fabric store had a tent sale this week - I got enough fabric for FIFTEEN garments, and paid under $50 - SO HAPPY. There are lilies outside my apartment complex that have been blooming consecutively in new colors all summer, and I've been picking little bunches every time they appear. And there was some interesting graffiti on the way to the rooftop. :)

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V8902 - VARIATION Materials: Navy/white stretch jersey Est. hours to make: 8?

Three reasons to make this dress: 1. Sewing the previous pattern in green and tan made me think a good alteration would be to just take out those back two pattern pieces and have it backless - then I saw... 2. ...picture after picture (in Vogue, on Pinterest, Tumblr, etc...) of drapey, wind-blown striped jersey dresses. They looked like the most perfect choices for summer. Took a trip to the fabric store and found this light-yet-opaque, soft material, and realized it would not only be perfect for summer, but for... 3. I went to San Diego earlier this summer to see my little brother graduate from Marine boot camp, and got to wear this dress while he carried the platoon flag, stood absolutely still for two hours under the beating sun (in dress blues), and received a plaque for platoon honorman from the commanding general. So that was cool.

I was also determined to do a good job and MATCH THE STRIPES. It was a floppy Mensa puzzle at times,  but I managed with only ripping out one seam! The biggest problem was the weight of the fabric and the lowness of the back. I was originally going to do some thin straight straps, or a halter tie, but with the fullness of the skirt and and weight of the skirt (it's super light, but the skirt is almost a full circle - LOTS of fabric), the "V" in the back was... let's say pretty deep...

I was wearing my "sewing clothes" (tank tops I draw Tim Burton-esque designs on + stretch pants), put the dress on as a halter, and turned around to look in the mirror and see that I had collected navy/white fuzzies on the seat of my pants from sitting and pinning - WHOOPS.

So... I stitched the V together a couple inches, cut wide (almost extended triangle shape) straps, crossed them, and attached just under the arms. I'm planning to attach a snap about halfway up the back, on the bottoms of both straps so that they're pulled farther down, and cover the bra band. But for now - nude. :)

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Other photos: We went to the Queen Mary in Long Beach - it was surrounded by gorgeous, fragrant jasmine flowers - I picked a bunch and kept them by my bed in the hotel. Tea in the Princess Diana tea room was also lovely, with fancy concoctions and a beautiful view of the harbor. The drive up to Long Beach was a good two hours, and I got to be a passenger for once (reminiscent of family vacations long ago). Finally, MCRD San Diego - proud moment. :)

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V1247 Materials used: Dark blue with white polka dot - synthetic chiffon/georgette thing? Est. hours to make: ~5h +5min fix

I made this in my two hour breaks between Monday/Wednesday classes this past spring semester. It was an extremely quick and easy pattern to make, and an extremely welcome break between a three hour lecture and sign language - fun, but a bus ride away.

Shopping for fabric for this was exciting, since I had spotted the tiny polka dots on my previous trip to buy the "slinky knit" - I really dislike cutesy clothes, but that polka dot print for some reason caught my eye and the elegant drapey style of this blouse looked like it would make the dots calmer.

(*BREATH* - sorry, my sentences tend towards Dickensian lengths)

I made it in the same size I made my dress (which I've since found is one size lower than I should make non-knits) and discovered it was... as the description says... VERY LOOSE-FITTING. SO very loose-fitting. I took in the sides and closed the V at the neck a bit, then made myself chill  out and get used to it.

Then... I pressed the back seam.

This is a synthetic georgette, which means it essentially is made up of tightly woven plastic cobwebs. Which means I put the iron on its lowest setting, gently laid it down, gently picked it up, and thought, "Thank God this was made loose-fitting, because now I'm going to have to cover up a 3" wide HOLE... Also, my iron has polka dots??"

Worked out fine, though - again, thank God for loose-fitting, beautifully draped garments. Just in general. Oh, and speaking of that +5min fix, I yet again sewed a crappy hem, but this time it was a big problem, as the fabric started unravelling. Then the two front seams ripped. Whoops. Again, though, it all turned out fine, and the detail in the pattern covered up any strange seams.

So, notes! - Super-fast to make, super-versatile (tucked in/loose, dressy/casual, comfy/elegant), super-light but you could definitely sew it out of any other material. Just SUPER. - Don't do like I did and sew crappy seams/hems. Do nice things to your fabric and it will do nice things to you. Hmm. Didn't mean to phrase it like that... But you get my meaning.

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Other photos: On the way to the public library to sign up for a card, boyfriend drew me an Indigo Lantern "ring", and I put my "Carlek" in front of the temperature display so we couldn't see how blisteringly hot it was. Then, the stack of movies we got to watch over this week. :)

[sewingbeesarah]

Vogue Patterns V8902 Materials: Dark green stretch velvet, semi-metallic light bronze knit Est. hours to make: ~25+

This was the first dress I made, the final project for my class in the costume shop (the other projects were a small drawstring bag and a large tote bag). It took.. FOREVER. I had an unknown amount of green stretch velvet from forever ago and really wanted to make a new audition dress. I searched Vogue Patterns for an easy, attractive dress with long sleeves and a short-ish, flowy skirt. V8902 looked good, so I ordered it on one of their many sales (along with two other patterns I've since made).

The pattern pieces didn't entirely fit on the green velvet, so I found another stretch knit at the local fabric store (who is now the possessor of a good sixth of my regular income) called a "slinky knit" - oooooooh... - and hoped it would work.

Again, this was the FIRST PATTERN I EVER SEWED, so it shouldn't be too surprising that I had to rip out and re-sew the front FIVE TIMES. FIVE &^$%ING TIMES. Also, I discovered that I'm not so bad at sewing, but I seriously am awful at hemming. So though I'd really like the hem to be a good three inches shorter (and not make my legs look like the Pillsbury Doughgirl), it'll have to wait til I have a good couple hours and a lot of patience.

Not sure what else to write, so I'll leave it at this: - This is one of my favorite patterns, and I keep reusing it and varying the design and materials every time. - If you're sewing with two different knits, or taking out the back pieces for an open back, make sure something is holding up the back of the skirt - the amount of fabric in the full skirt weighs it down a little.

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Other photos: We searched the city for TWO HOURS looking for a nice, quiet, kid-less, obnoxious-teen-less, grassy, shady park, and FINALLY found a place to have a picnic. We were drinking IBC Black Cherry (no drinking and driving) and I grilled delicious veggie sandwiches.