Friday, July 13, 2012

The finished Casey swap!

Wow, this has been fun. If you remember from last month's post, Casey and I exchanged patterns by mail and decided to sew them up.  Well, we are all done with our projects and here's what we did. First up, Casey's pretty dress. Don't you just love it!  I think it is fabulous. Perfect for summer. I love the little red buttons and the simple design is so elegant. Great job Casey! And here's my little number. I went for a sporty theme, using the two piece pattern she sent me. We both agree, that these patterns make up a comfy outfit, which is a win, win for both of us. Here are a few details on mine. I used linen like fabric. I did make one change, the skirt! I tried making the straight skirt from the pattern, but in the end,  just wanted an A line style.  Also I fiddled with the sleeves a bit, I was so tempted to leave 3/4 sleeves, but went for the short style. I am loving this two piece and plan on wearing it to a causal, picnic, style wedding coming up



A big thank you to Casey, you have been much a sweetie! I am truly thankful for the online sewing community and the richness we all share with each other, you guys are priceless! 

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina  

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Spring Challenge Outfit 2



My Spring Challenge, which I wrote about here, has been awesome. I am happy to tell you that I have been wearing handmade clothing most everyday and really enjoyed Me-Made May 2012 very much! Here are two more garments to add to the mix for my spring challenge, as promised.  First up, this 40's blouse.  I fell hard for this printed fabric and knew it was going to make a nice blouse for summer. Floral fabrics have always been a favorite of mine. I also made the electric blue Ginger skirt to go with this blouse. Both pieces make a great pair for mixing and matching other garments. I found this little bracelet at an Antique Mall near our home to complete the look.  It's been fun accessorizing my outfits with vintage bracelets. Although the jury is still out on shoes. I am seriously thinking about Remix, is it a sin to spend 160 dollars on one pair of shoes? If it is... I am thinking about sinning.



Pattern: Ginger by Colette and Simplicity 4237 Yoke Back Blouse


Alterations: Yes, on the blouse I had to take out the fullness on the back yoke. It was too puffy, mostly due to the gathered fabric on the yoke, after reducing some of the fabric it hangs nicely.


Fabric: 100% cotton for the blouse and gaberdine for the skirt. The buttons on this blouse are from my blog header, I finally used them!


Make again: Yes, of course!

I really want to make some dresses soon! I hope you aren't too tried of my seeing separates, but I am glad to have so many mix and match pieces. It sure helped me feel confident about participating in Me-Made May 2012,  it's been much easier getting dressed this spring, as I am breaking the threshold of more home sewn garments than not, in my wardrobe!

On a side note, I have been canning chicken and strawberries. Also I am doing a major clean up in our home, going through every room and pitching anything that I haven't used for a while. So, post are a bit scarce right now as I get my house in order. Sometimes I just need to good life revamp. I hope to visit you all on your blogs soon.

Have a wonderful Vintage Day!

Gina

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

A Swap with Casey!

01.30.12 | two-seam top
I was taken by surprise when Casey from Elegant Musings sweetly emailed me to say she had a few extra patterns she wanted to give out and thought of me. Well, it was funny because I had a few in my stash that needed a good home too, so a swap was born! Soon we decided to not only swap patterns, but also thought it would be fun to post whatever we made from the swap. I guess I was feeling a bit brave as I asked Casey to choose any pattern she wanted and I would sew it up. Within days, three lovely patterns arrived.

 I was giddy when I saw the two seam blouse and remembered she had made it a while back. What a great surprise. I loved her pink rendition with the raspberry skirt shown above. Simplicity 3545 is catching my eye too, as I am thinking it will make a great two piece suit. The third is a Jiffy dress, one that I did choose from the pile of patterns she had, the style would be so easy to wear.  I could use a dress like that for sure. Over the month of June, I will be sewing something from Casey's lovely stash and she will be sewing from mine. Now decision time, which will it be? Thank you Casey for the use of these beautiful patterns! Time to get sewing.  

Have a wonderful vintage day!


Gina                                                                                                                                                        

















                                  
                      

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sewing Spoilers Part 2

Here is the second part of the sewing spoilers. The first post is here. I am sure if we looked at all the things that could spoil a project we may never sew again. LOL! Anyway, lets continue with number five!

5. Pattern size- If you are struggling with the bodice shoulder area being too big, you may want to rethink your pattern size. I realized last year that I was buying too large of a pattern. Since then, I have been using my high bust measure and have had pretty good results. Check out the tutorial I did on this subject. There are many ways to buy a pattern, find what works best for you, if it's not working, think about changing it.

6. Changing a pattern too drastically-  We have all done it, decided that we wanted to remove a dart, change a seam, redo the sleeve style.   Although simple changes certainly can be made with success, sometimes too many changes to one pattern can distort a garment. I have found there is wisdom is knowing what I can do and what is better left alone.  Only you know your own skills. As my skills have increased by trail and error, I know now, what I can safely change and what quickly can become a disaster. hehe There is a fine balance in pattern reconstruction and it's best done on a muslin. Which bring me to seven.
By making up this muslin, I discovered that I didn't really like the construction of the belt on this dress, it was so hard to sew into the garment and now I am thinking of a different way to make it work. 
7. Not basting or making a muslin-  It's so easy to be in a hurry with a project. It looks so pretty and the temptation to dive in and get to the "real garment" can overtake anyone. Sometimes it works out, other times not. I have gotten into a habit of making a muslin every time I sew a new pattern. Why? Because I want it to fit and I baste the whole thing first and then make adjustments. The basting helps so much when it comes time to unpick a project for adjustments.

Remember these are only tips that work pretty well for me, some folks are really great at sewing a pattern without making a muslin. If you are new to sewing it's a great place to start for sure. I hope these tips have encouraged you to find what works for YOU! Here's too great sewing!

Have a wonderful vintage Day!

Gina

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Recap of Me-Made May 2012


I need a restart button with Me-Made MAY 2012! I have been horrible with taking pictures. Please forgive me for not posting more. I have totally enjoyed the process this year. Because May is the end of our homeschool year, I have been super busy with the boys. Anyway enough excuses! Here are a few selected outfits that I managed to get pictures of. It's truly been fun wearing something handmade everyday. Although I need some elastic in my waistbands due to vacation goodies, it time once again to watch the calories! Anyway, as I look at my pictures I am thinking my skirts could be a bit shorter. It's funny how a picture can tell you so much about your sewing projects. I'll be back soon with another creation.

Have a wonderful Vintage Day!

Gina

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Sewing Spoilers Part 1


Did you ever feel you just didn't get the sewing memo?  Somehow the bus stopped, but you neglected to get off?  I have, so today I'll share with you the first part of a two part post on 7 sewing tips that have helped me personally to accomplish better results. My hope is that these tips will be helpful for you.
Here I am measuring this pattern piece from the matching selvages 
1. Selvages, yes those little woven edges of the fabric, they seem innocent enough right? But if the selvages aren't lined up, then any pattern pieces cut from the fabric will be slightly off grain. Here's how to make sure your pattern is cut on grain.

1. Unfold and prepare your fabric, giving it a good ironing. Don't be deceived by the "natural" fold line, it's most likely not lined up exactly!

2. Next, lay out your fabric, folding it down the middle. Lining up the selvages as you go, keep working using your hands to smooth out any wrinkles as you line up the fabric.

3. When the edges are lined up together and the fold is smooth and flat, pin the raw edges (selvages) together so they don't shift on you. 

4. Lay your pattern pieces out, measure pieces until even and cut them out. Your garment should hang correctly with the grain.

2. Sewing Machine Maintenance and Tension- Is it time to take your machine in for a tune up and a cleaning? I knew it was time when the tension dial on my machine wouldn't adjusting the tension correctly. No amount of ironing will take out those horizontal lines and puckers that form from stitches being stitched too tightly. Having a tune up or using your sewing manual to tune it yourself, can help produce perfect stitches. Stitches should look smooth and lay flat. Don't let a machine tune up stand in the way of sewing great garments.

3. Darts- Dart aren't the most complicated sewing technique, but a good method goes a long way in making a professional garment. The tie off method is preferred by many sewers, I really like this video for sewing darts.

4. Underwear-  This is a bit personal, but I am going to share because it has helped me so much. I realized that I've been wearing the wrong underwear for my vintage fashions.  I am talking about panties, knickers, underwear.  After sewing a skirt, I had lines around my high hip area, thinking it was too tight I made it bigger but it wasn't too tight. This is where I got off the train, and realized it was time to change the underwear style I was wearing. Enough said, the devil is definitely in the details. Take a good look in a mirror, it maybe time for a change. Don't assume it's your sewing project in question, sometimes it's the foundation garments we are wearing under the sewing project that needs our attention.

Remember these are just tips I have found that have helped me. I only want to encourage you today to find the spoilers in your own sewing journey. If something isn't working, step back from it and ask yourself, what is the spoiler in this situation? What isn't working? Sewing often times is like finding clues. It's speaking loud and clear. The garment is pointing to the problems, asking you to solve it.  Anybody else solved any sewing spoilers in your projects? I would love to hear about them.

Here's to great sewing projects!


Gina

Thursday, May 10, 2012

White Floral 50's blouse


Before shooting these photos, I cut in some bangs, not sure if I love them yet, growing on me. 

What do you think of this belt? 

Over the winter, I made a ton of clothing, but I haven't really posted everything yet. Me-Made-May 2012 is gently pushing me into wearing and posting the stuff I have hidden in my sewing room.  So today I wanted to wear this blouse, but realized you haven't seen it yet.  I found this fabric at Joann's last year and really liked the print. Anyone remember seeing it there? Well, I bought only 1 1/2 yards, not sure what I was thinking. Then, I discovered a hole right in the middle of the yardage. I wasn't sure how to get around it, with so little fabric to work with. It's times like these, I wish I would have bought a little more. In the end, after moving around a few pattern pieces, I was able to get it together! I have matched this blouse with the peach colored skirt I made earlier this year. I like the combo. This pinkish vintage bracelet works well too! The little green buttons aren't vintage, but I think they add a nice touch to the blouse.

Blouse fabric: 100% cotton, skirt is linen
Pattern: Simplicity 4530 from the 50's
Make again? Yes, I like the blouse very comfortable

Have a wonderful Vintage Day!

Gina

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

And then there were two more Gingers

This little flower fabric and vintage buttons seem to work with both skirts.
Yes, I am obsessed with the Ginger pattern by Colette. I should be over it, I know, but I am not! Nor shall I ever be, by the looks of my sewing room and closet, hehe. Here are two more Gingers, dare I say they have no matches yet. They are single, but soon I 'll be making another blouse to go with them. This is just a sneak peek, a short, little post.  These two skirts have been waiting on me for a little while now. I'll be getting back to them soon, sporting the whole look. I am still trying to decide on a blouse style. Any suggestions?

What are you making today?

Happy Spring!

Gina

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Belted 50's skirt

I love this little skirt! It definitely has a casual, vintage flair that you see me sporting so much. The belt loops attached to the pockets with a button. They are so cute and functional. I love that I can switch out the belt easily and go with another belt color to make yet another outfit. The 50's pattern just has 2481 marked on it with no company name.   Does this fabric look familiar? It was a leftover piece from this dress. Anyway, I am wearing this skirt today for Zoe's Me-Made-May 2012 and I realized I have't even posted on it yet. Yes, I have made a ton of clothing and am really behind on posting. Although some projects, namely dresses are giving me the fits! I can't seem to figure out a good weighty fabric to make a standard shirt dress I've been making. So back to the drawing board.

Should I wear these shoes today? Still looking for the right shoe.

That's better for now, a little vintage sweater, some flat comfortable shoes, today I am teaching a classroom of busy kids this will work!
Sometimes, I wish I made more elaborate, dressier garments, with high end fabrics and notions, but I live on a farm and a silk dress most likely would be something that hangs in my closet collecting dust. Although I would love to make a few for fun. My life is so causal with raising two young men and I just can't be too fussy right now. So for now this skirt really reflects me so much, it's cotton, vintage and carefree.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina




Wednesday, May 2, 2012

A Totally Unrelated Beauty Review!


Every once in a while I get the urge to post on a product that I like, but I really try hard to keep my blog a sewing blog only. So forgive me for straying away for a moment, but I just tried gel nail polish with the UV lamp for home use.  It's totally AMAZING! I have horrible, thin nails and keep them pretty short because of sewing. Years have gone by where my fingernails have been unpolished because I hate spending an hour or so on my nails only to have them chip the next day. I have tried some good top coats and wore gloves while cleaning, but not much maintains my manicure. I bought Sensationail at Walmart for 49.95, it's a at home gel nail kit.  My polish has stayed put, no chips for two weeks! This is a big deal for me, as I have never been able to wear nail polish for more than 2 days without chips. The cost of the product is mostly upfront for the UV lamp. For me, this is a great alternative to salon nails because I live so far from any nail places in town. Honestly, I am not one for getting my nails done, mostly because of the recurring time and money spent. I love D.I.Y.  Right now I am feel giddy looking at my polished hands, knowing they will look good for two or so weeks without much time or money on my part. I have been doing some homework and there are other home gel kits out there. Gelish and Red Carpet are the ones that keep popping up. The one thing I like about the Sensationnail is the lamp cures in 30 second to 1 minute verses 2-3 minutes from the other brands. It's also the cheapest I have found. The first time I did my nails, I was walking around the house being careful not to bang them into anything. They were completely dry, so it took some time for me to get the concept that my nail were totally cured and I didn't need to be concerned with messing them up. LOL  I did buy some Gelish nail polish because I like the colors from their gel line, they work great with the Sensationail kit. I am a nail biter, although if my nails are polished I don't bite them, so they are short right now, but hopefully they will grow out. My nails feel stronger with this product on them for sure. I'll keep you posted on this if you found it helpful.  Let me know if you have any questions.

What are your favorite cosmetic products? I am always on the hunt for my beauty bag.

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Country Girl Jean Skirt



Yee-haw! This skirt needs a rodeo outing! I really like it. I have been wanting to make a yoke front skirt and finally got this pattern off Esty. The jean material was in my stash. I used my twin needle for the first time on a project. It was so easy and made some nice straight stitching for the yoke and the hem. I just had the boots and cowboy hat becasue we do live on a farm, but for real life, I have a ton of great blouses that will work with this super cute skirt.

Pattern: McCall's 5248, it think this is a 70's pattern

Make again: Yes, I think it might make a nice alternate style for tuck-in blouses.

Fabric:  Denim! Yes, I am wearing jean material. I will say this, I forgot what color of yellow thread jeans have on them, I had to check my son's pair because I don't really have or wear jeans.

Alterations: Yes, the waist needed to be taken in a lot and I did take out some fullness in the gathers.

Anybody wear country inspired clothing? See y'all soon!

Gina



Monday, April 23, 2012

Shorts Muslin

This week temptation got the better of me as I made kwik Sew's Short pattern. Amy from Sewing Through the Motions got me thinking, as I felt challenged after reading her posts about shorts. It was time to take a new look at making and wearing them again. Thanks Amy! I am glad to hear I am not the only gal out there that struggles with wearing shorts. Honestly, I need shorts in my wardrobe, as we have two active boys and we find ourselves at King's Island Amusement Park often in the summer. Some of the rides aren't skirt/dress friendly. And then there is fossil hunting, boating, camping, and fishing all summer long. Yes, I wear skirts doing these activities, but sometimes a pair of shorts are handy. This style has a button closer which I love, no zippers to sew! Here is a picture of my muslin. I really like how they are fitting, they just need to be a little longer for some more coverage. Even though this is a newer pattern, it seems to have a vintage flair. This project was pretty easy, a beginner could do it. The fit is relaxed and comfortable. I did need to take the waist in a bit, but that was about it.

Pattern: Kwik Sew 3854


Make again: Yes! I want to make them up in many different colors!


Alterations: Adding about 6 inches to the pattern's length and adjusted waist to fit snugger.


Materials:  100% cotton for the muslin. I'll be trying them in linen next.

I think shorts can work if they are the right length and for me, also if they aren't too tight around my legs. I am also toying with the idea of a play suit by adding the bodice from this pattern.
This 70's pattern is so faded I hope you can see the details, I was thinking about making the blouse last summer, but time ran out. This maybe one of those garments I wear just around our house during those 90 degree days!
It would cover my upper arms, but gives some sun around the middle. Although I would lengthen the top some.  How do you feel about shorts? Can you wear them or are you shy about them?

Have a wonderful vintage day!

Gina