tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53792767882602779312024-03-13T01:16:26.886-07:00Such a Strange GirlJamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-14116997557846703052014-10-18T19:13:00.001-07:002014-10-19T08:13:46.060-07:00My Mabel<br />
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So...I'm alive. Yup, I'm still around even though I haven't been around here much. Life. It's not hectic, it's just happening and it just doesn't stop, does it?<br />
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I have not given up making clothes. Actually, I still make them reguarly but here's the thing, I have almost exclusively worked with knits for a year now. I realized a while ago that while I love to sew with woven fabrics, garments made from these fabrics just don't have a place in my life. I have a closet filled with beautiful clothes that I've carefully crafted....and they never get worn.<br />
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No, my life isn't fancy, it's practical and knits are practical. Also, knits are forgiving. If I want a tshirt like the one I'm wearing, I just take off said tshirt and trace it. Voila, new t shirt! I love it, instant gratification.<br />
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My newfound love for knits had me super excited for Colette Patterns new knit pattern line. I know I'm late to the party but I finally decided to give Mabel a try.<br />
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I was hesitant to purchase this particular pattern because I wasn't sure if it would be flattering but after seeing it modeled on so many different shapes and sizes, I was convinced I could pull it off.<br />
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I'm sure it's already been discussed all over the blogosphere just how darn EASY this thing is to sew up. It took me not even an hour.<br />
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I underlined it with some kind of nude knit that a friend gave me,which I think it was intended to be used as a liner. It added some body to the skirt which feels like it gives me a small amount of support and keeps things being visible through the light colored fabric. Speaking of fabric, this only took about half a yard of the yard I purchased from Girl Charlee. I'm pretty sure I have enough left over to make another one. I'm going to go find the most gorgeous knit fabric I can find and buy one yard of it. Even if it's pricey, it'll be affordable!<br />
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In hindsight, I wish I hadn't cut the waistband the way I did. I thought it would look cute but it's driving my eye crazy looking at it. Oh well.<br />
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As far as the fit is concerned, it fits well. I cute a size M, my only complaint is that where the waistband sits, kind of floating around a belly button that is on a belly that grew 4 babies,\ is not the most flattering for me. I would have preferred either a high waistet skirt or for it to be worn lower on my hips. Any tips on altering it to fit?<br />
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I've been out of blog mode for so long, I forgot how to take pictures for blog! I was looking through the shots thinking, "These are horrible! What was I doing? Why didn't I photograph the right side? Why am I making that face? This shirt looks horrible, what was I thinking? Damn, my legs are white, should I photoshop a tan onto those? At least my hair looks nice...."<br />
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I promise not to be gone for so long!<br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-76420315556374629032014-01-20T06:07:00.000-08:002014-01-20T06:07:51.639-08:00TATEr Tot<br>
<p>If you've read my blog or follow me on any form of social media, you know that the only thing that rivals my passion for sewing is music. </p>
<p> I love music for many different reasons but one of the best things about having a passion for a band is finding wonderful people who have the same passion. When I joined a group for fans of The Airborne Toxic Event, I had no idea I had just found a gold mine of awesome people. All ages, from all over the world, this small group of people are some of the kindest, most inspiring and talented people I've been lucky enough to meet. </p>
<p> When I was asked if I wanted to participate in an"virtual baby shower" for one of these special people, I don't think I need to tell you that I didn't hesitate to say yes.</p>
<p> Our soon to be new mom is Colleen, a very talented writer who blogs over at <a href="http://wp.me/p3ylQ0-3W" target="_blank" title="These Stunning Ruins">These Stunning Ruins</a><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">. Take a moment to visit her and browse her blog a bit before coming back to me.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Since all the bloggers participating in this virtual baby shower met through out mutual love of TATE, it was decided the theme of this shower would be just that....TATE. </span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><font size="4">(iPhone pics again, sorry!)</font></p>
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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">After talking to Colleen a little about a sweatshirt we both purchased from TATE's merch store, I thought it might be cute for her little man to have his own comfy jacket. To keep it in theme, I chose a fabric with <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/38/Airbornetoxiceventep.JPG/220px-Airbornetoxiceventep.JPG" target="_self" title="birds">birds</a> on it and chose a red lining instead of mortally wounded birds...cause that would be a little weird, amirite? </span></p>
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<p>I decided to make a size 3 months. Everyone gets you newborn clothes when you have a new baby. Who can blame them? They are so tiny and adorable and fun to buy! Unfortunately, if you have a baby over 8lbs, they tend to fit for a week before your little piggy out grows them and then you're suddenly lacking in the cute clothes department.</p>
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<p>This was my first time using a pattern I purchased from etsy. The pattern was well drafted and the instructions were clear, even though I found myself doing a couple of things differently. It was described as appropriate for a beginner but I disagree. Those pockets are intermediate level. </p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><u>The Details</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Pattern: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/175517543?campaign_label=receipt_buyer&utm_source=transactional&utm_campaign=receipt_010170_7297498688_0_0&utm_medium=trans_email" target="_blank" title="Puperita's Knight Jacket">Puperita Knight's Jacket</a></span><br>
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<p style="text-align: start;">Fabric: 1 yard <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/162581423/fabric-waterfront-park-flight-in-navy-by?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_self" title="Waterfront Park Flight in Navy by Violet Craft for Michael Miller ">Waterfront Park Flight in Navy by Violet Craft for Michael Miller</a> (purchased from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkPoppiesFabrics?ref=l2-shop-info-name" target="_self" title="PinkPoppiesFabrics">PinkPoppiesFabrics</a>) and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); line-height: 1.3em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">1 yard red flannel for lining.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Size: 3m</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Changes made: Eliminated cord at waist. </p>
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<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Colleen and Andy, I'm so happy for you, and I hope I get to see pictures of the little "TATE-r Tot" in his jacket soon!</span></p>
<p>Be sure to visit the other blogs participating in this online shower, they have created some really fabulous stuff!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Glen at <a href="http://wp.me/p3JMFU-rI" target="_self" title="This Is Nowhere">This is Nowhere</a> has a fun trivia challenge</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wp.me/pLsVs-LR" target="_blank" title="Susan">Susan</a> has made a cake fit for the occasion</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><a href="http://thisisnowhere.com/tate-baby-gift-2-diaper-bag/" target="_self" title="Wendy">Wendy</a> and <a href="http://thisisnowhere.com/tate-baby-gift-3-knitted-mermaid/" target="_blank" title="Stephanie">Stephanie</a> both created wonderful gifts</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you haven't yet, meet <a href="http://wp.me/p3ylQ0-3W" target="_blank" title="Colleen">Collen</a>!</p>
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<p> </p>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-33304039144372761912013-09-03T18:40:00.000-07:002013-11-25T19:09:48.095-08:00Can it be the way it was?<p> </p>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Well, hello there!! I have returned! </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> It has been at least a couple of months since my last post. We're finally moved although we are not unpacked. Life is still crazy and hectic right now and for a while I started believing I would never use my sewing machine again. But, even with half of my household still in boxes, my urge to create became a force I could not ignore any longer. I unpacked my sewing machine and supplies and started sewing. </span></div>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p>
<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Before my sewing sabbatical I fell in love with Megan Nielsen's patterns. I have always been a huge fan of Megan's blog. I love her aesthetic. She knows her style and she dresses herself beautifully. When I purchased patterns from her newest line, she emailed me to tell me that she used to live in my hometown. I remember Megan used to blog from Virginia (before I had actually discovered her) but I had no idea she had been living in my little town. Of course I don't start sewing her patterns until she's on the other side of the world. Very tragic. I won't lie...I have thought that maybe we could have been beeeest friends. I tease...a little, because seriously...wouldn't you love to be buddies with her?</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Anyway, I appreciate that she's a mom and that she factors that into her designs. I've read that she wears her garments for a while before releasing the patterns...tweaking it here and there to work for her in her everyday life. I think that sort of thought that she puts into her designs really shows. All of her garments become staples of my wardrobe because of their style and wearability.</span></p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> You can imagine my happiness when I peeped her newest pattern line. The Crescent blouse caught my eye immediately. I must confess that ever since I was in the sixth grade and my mother let me wear a black velvet skater dress with shoulder cut outs for a school dance, I have been obsessed with bare shoulders. </span></p>
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<p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">(I've had this finished for over a week but my camera was broken. After a quick chat with my fellow sewcialists via twitter, I was convinced to use my iPhone for pics. These aren't the best, and I can't get rid of that annoying black box... but they do the job!)</span></p>
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<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The fabric is rayon challis from Anna Maria Horner. It is gorgeous and I am in love and I may not ever want to wear another fabric again. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-up6SYgy8hLM/UiaRRPjHrJI/AAAAAAAAAU8/gBCbXqZG2DE/s1024/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-up6SYgy8hLM/UiaRRPjHrJI/AAAAAAAAAU8/gBCbXqZG2DE/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1378259286176.0845" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="682"></a></div>
<p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I cut a size small and decided to skip the collar because it seemed too busy against the pattern. The pattern instructions were fabulous. I love how they walk you through French seams. The construction of the blouse was less difficult than I anticipated. It definitely looks more complicated than it is. </span><br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); ">I love the fit of this blouse. It is loose and boxy but the bare shoulders and curved hem make it very feminine.</span></div>
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<p style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "> <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); ">I paired this blouse with my first pair of leggings. Why did it take me so long to make leggings?? They are ONE PATTERN PIECE! It took me about 30 minutes from start to finish and I took a page out of Oona's book for the waist. They are comfortable and I love them and I may not wear any other kind of pants again.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong>The Details:</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pattern: <a href="http://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/crescent-blouse-sewing-pattern">Crescent Blouse by Megan Nielsen</a> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fabric: <a href="http://store.annamariahorner.com/cyprus.html">Anna Maria Horner Cypress Rayon Challis from her Field Study line.</a> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Size Made: Small</span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9pWI8Qcs2rs/UiaRVIiTJoI/AAAAAAAAAVc/OAJsXJfaK_4/s640/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A37%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9pWI8Qcs2rs/UiaRVIiTJoI/AAAAAAAAAVc/OAJsXJfaK_4/s500/Photo%252520Sep%2525203%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525206%25253A37%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1378259286193.2085" class="aligncenter" width="576" height="763" alt=""></a></div>
<p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I definitely plan on making this pattern again. I can't wait to make one with the peterman collar and I'd also love to try the tunic variation.</span><br>
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<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-46934254312241124022013-05-26T16:23:00.001-07:002013-05-26T16:23:20.569-07:00Ch-Ch-Changes<br />
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I just want to give you a quick update on life happenings right now. When my husband's father passed away in February it threw our life into a bit of commotion. Grieving, planning, moving....I feel like we've been going non stop either physically or emotionally since that dark day in February. My husband and I reevaluated some things and made some decisions on where we want to be and what we want to be doing right now. In the end, we feel very confident that we made the right decisions. At the moment we are living with my parents, which is cramped and a bit stressful because of it. We've been here since before my FIL's death and had planned on possibly moving out of state by the end of this year but when tragedy hit, we made some difficult choices that will keep us in the area for at least a couple more years. As I type this we are packing/packed up ready to move. We're hoping to be moved in by the middle of next month and so, for the moment, I have returned my mother's dining room table back to her and packed up my beloved sewing machine. As I mentioned, our new home will have enough room for my own sewing room so that is something I look forward to.<br />
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I haven't fallen off the Me Made May wagon. I am still keeping my pledge I am just not documenting the efforts. Between moving, boxes and the stress I'm under, I just haven't been up to pictures every day. The challenge has actually made me super productive, I've churned out a fair amount of clothing, especially jersey knit tops. Also, and I plan on making a whole post dedicated to this soon, Megan Nielsen patterns are a HUGE WIN in my book!! Here's a peak at the garments born this month.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8847050415/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/8847050415_4969680905_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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I ask that you stick with me for the next month while I get things sorted out and I promise to be back next month with a bunch of new makes. Even though I won't be blogging much (if at all) for a couple of weeks, I'm still available through other forms of social media... You can follow me on twitter, @FiveEver. As for my Instagram, I've separated myself into two accounts. My personal account, and the one that many of you follow me at, is still <a href="http://instagram.com/everfive" target="_blank">Everfive</a>. However, sewing isn't my only passion. I am an avid music lover and follow 2 specific bands intensely, and my feed does have quite a bit of concert pics. I have lot of followers that follow me specifically for my music related posts, and I never thought it would be an issue until I lost a couple of followers recently after I posted pics from a couple of shows I have been to. I completely understand that what I'm interested in isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoy the interaction with my fellow seamstresses and sewing bloggers and it's important to me that I keep that open. So, for the benefit of those that would prefer to see JUST sewing/blog related things I started another account. My name is <a href="http://instagram.com/suchastrange_girl" target="_blank">SuchaStrange_Girl</a>. If you would like to follow me on both, that is awesome and I would love for you to. If you want to follow only my new one, I completely understand! Futhermore, if you follow Everfive and would like to unfollow me and only follow SuchaStrange_Girl, that is certainly ok by me! As long as I can keep bouncing ideas off you lovely, talented people, I am a happy woman!<br />
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Thanks for reading everyone and I'll see you SOON!<br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-37280931279293716992013-05-12T16:35:00.000-07:002013-05-12T16:35:08.376-07:00MMM 13 Week 1-2 Roundup<br />
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My original pledge was to wear me made at least 3 times a week and/or every time I was in public. The first week started out wonderfully. May has turned out to be pretty busy for me and I was presented with lots of opportunites to not only get out of the house, but wear my me mades. May 1-5 saw me walking my dog, having a 2 day yard sale, attending a midnight movie premiere (Iron Man 3!), helping throw a surprise Saturday night birthday dinner for a friend and going to church followed by lunch out with the family on Sunday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8732524605/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="MMM13 Week 1 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="MMM13 Week 1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/8732524605_dfa6fcf84a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Starting from upper left, and moving clockwise, garments are: Yet to be blogged Kelly Skirt; Yet to be blogged Grainline Tiny Pocket tank; Colette Hazel; <a href="http://astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2013/03/sewingdares.html" target="_blank">Mission Maxi</a> with RTW cardigan; <a href="http://astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2013/04/miz-sazzypantz.html" target="_blank">Miz Mozelle Dress</a>; Kelly Skirt with <a href="http://astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-way-it-was-shirt.html" target="_blank">New Look 6808 w/ self drafted peter pan collar</a>.</div>
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If you haven't kept count that's 7 separate me made items in 5 days. </div>
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This past weeks was just as busy for me but much more challenging to wear my me mades. I stayed home Monday and Tuesday doing Mommy/Wifey things and barely changed out of pajamas. Wednesday and Thursday were spent in DC attending 2 The Airborne Toxic Event concerts at the 9:30 Club. I had planned on wearing me mades, but I had nothing that I felt was appropriate concert attire. I'm not too upset about it though....the concerts were ah-mazing and well, this happened...twice</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8732492877/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="MMM13 Week 2 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="MMM13 Week 2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/8732492877_11d2d26787.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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(If you're interested in seeing my other iphone pics from the shows, they are all <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/sets/72157633467380618/" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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Needless to say, all day Friday was spent recovering from my sleep deprived, 2 day music binge. Saturday I wore a tshirt I altered but was too lazy to photograph and just so I can prove that I could wear me made today, I interupted my Mother's Day morning to climb out of bed, get dressed, climb back into bed and snap this grainy pic. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8733605474/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission maxi with tshirt worn over it. by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission maxi with tshirt worn over it." height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/8733605474_92408d8591_z.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This would be me in my bed, wearing my mission maxi with a RTW tshirt worn over it. and that would also be my child's head.</div>
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Sooo, altogether that's 9 separate me made items worn in the first 2 weeks of May. Since my pledge was at least 3 items a week, I think I'm still doing pretty good. I have already broken my "in public" pledge BUT this has inspired me to make something that I do feel comfortable wearing to concerts. I have one next Sunday that I'm determined to wear something I've made to it. </div>
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Anyhoo, Happy Mother's Day to all my lovely fellow Moms. If no one has already told you; good job, well done, congrats and God bless you for giving birth to and caring for your children. Let's face it, they'll always be the best thing we've ever made . <3</div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-78140923805458420742013-04-28T09:05:00.001-07:002013-04-28T09:07:32.132-07:00Miz Sazzypantz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8669742826/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Miz Mozelle by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Miz Mozelle" height="703" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8669742826_a7ae5ff689_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The name of this pattern kind of makes me laugh....Miz Mozelle. Miz. Three snaps in a "Z" formation. I feel sassy when I say the name of the pattern. Or should I say... sazzy? I imagine conversations I could have with people.<br />
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Random Fantasy Stranger, "Oh hey, girlfriend. Great dress! I know you made that, yeah?"</div>
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Fantasy Me, looking fabulous, "Heeeey, Random Fantasty Stranger who knows all about my sewing prowess, yes, I did make this! Isn't it the bomb? I used the Miz Mozelle pattern. That's right. So sazzy, all "s"s have been replaced with "z"s. Phat."</div>
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Oh, I crack myself up. Mind you, I'm not making fun of the name. I love it. Anyhoo, as you have gathered, this is Miz Mozelle, another pattern from Jamie Christina. This pattern has been on my radar since I first picked up needle and thread. I fell in love with this picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSuUxhXFTRC9sjsvaN1W8nFNnaDNYNYkyDmUL0otMBFjpfFw3FMv80S238lrm0o5ogg3p07estJVYah19_bSCeWd62obRvUs8tyEjB1TzY1bWSjULvm1WRKfVMsZyjwj5S0qI3JIZvn0/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSuUxhXFTRC9sjsvaN1W8nFNnaDNYNYkyDmUL0otMBFjpfFw3FMv80S238lrm0o5ogg3p07estJVYah19_bSCeWd62obRvUs8tyEjB1TzY1bWSjULvm1WRKfVMsZyjwj5S0qI3JIZvn0/s400/pic.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I think this represents my style, or the way I want my style to come across. Down to the pale skin, red hair and tattoo. Retro with a bit of punk?</div>
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I held out buying the pattern because the keyhole neckline kind of scared me off, but I finally bit the bullet and purchased it after my <a href="http://astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2013/03/sewingdares.html" target="_blank">Mission Maxi</a> was such a success.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8669742376/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Miz Mozelle by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Miz Mozelle" height="853" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8669742376_64aee523d6_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I used this knit jersey I purchased at Girl Charlee. It is extrememly lightweight but probably the softest thing ever. My daughter wrapped herself in it and it took some coaxing (ie: cookies) to get her out of it. The only downsides of working with it was that it rolled like a bitch. Because that's what bitches do, right? Roll? Ha.</div>
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I sewed the body of the dress using my serger and the collar construction was done with my brand new BFF. Which handled the lightweight jersey like a dream, FYI.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8668640531/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Miz Mozelle by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Miz Mozelle" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/8668640531_2895e0fd3d_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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I cut a size 8, because I didn't want there to be too much ease. Next time I go back up to a size 10.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8668640731/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Miz Mozelle by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Miz Mozelle" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8668640731_d2e69bbee6_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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And oh, I need to remember to get pics of my side seams next time I sew a pattern because even though you can't tell from the pictures, there are parts where the pattern is matched so perfectly, you can't even see a seam in the side. Cue the Macarena, cabbage patch, running man, raising the roof and all those other old school dances that make me offically old for remembering. Uncool, too.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8669742400/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Miz Mozelle by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Miz Mozelle" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8669742400_389e16197f_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Oh, and about that keyhole? I was right to be afraid of it. The keyhole is shit. Seriously, I effed that up so badly. It's stretched out and gross. But whatever. I'm still a beginner with knits and it was a learning experience for sure. Plus, it's not unwearable. Is it? Oh damn, don't answer that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8669742214/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Miz Mozelle by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Miz Mozelle" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8669742214_2205ffa9b5_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u>The Details</u></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://jamiechristina.com/products/miz-mozelle-dress-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Miz Mozelle by Jamie Christina</a></div>
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Fabric: Knit Jersey purchased from Girl Charlee</div>
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Size Cut: 8</div>
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Alterations Made: None<br />
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My children are often joining me for these photo shoots. I have to entertain them somehow...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8669742280/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Miz Mozelle by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Miz Mozelle" height="747" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8669742280_d7d644f9ae_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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....and it works :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8668640767/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Miz Mozelle by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Miz Mozelle" height="649" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8668640767_750ce58652_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The Verdict: Despite the botched keyhole, I love this dress. I feel like I'm walking around wrapped up in the most comfy sheets every. I also plan on making this again. I'm going to try it out in a woven and also adapting it into a maxi dress.</div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-18554921320088153502013-04-22T14:41:00.001-07:002013-04-22T14:41:42.186-07:00Me Made May and other news...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/me-made-may13-sign-up-here.html/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="me-made-may'13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJIVTpwSN5S1N_X3jLlyQ8egWZTfjaTSmFHifUOPxo7l-ry0_uGbct_xVhHGNzH2AnsZPVXRkwgciTRYIVhcTDV0E1qGLF4aczG87Y6Ku45IdrBPxaXEwmfAUzfyGWe7ZuBPtqJeyJFs/s1600/mmay13.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"> 'I, Jamie of Such a Strange Girl, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear me-made-garments at least 3 times a week and every time I leave the house for the duration of May 2013'</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"> When I very first started sewing, me-made-May was a goal from the beginning. The thought of having enough clothes to wear for an entire month was exciting and daunting! Over the past year I feel like I have sewn enough articles of clothing to participate, even if not to the fullest extent. As you can see I geared my pledge to my predicament as a Stay at Home Mom. I'm home most days, I probably get out of the house about 3 times a week. I haven't sewn much "lounge wear" yet and I don't see the point in wearing a pretty dress or skirt to scrub the floors. I have a couple of tops that can be worn around the house, which I will try to get full use of, but I want to challenge myself to always wear me-made clothing when I am out in public., which I don't already do. I'm very excited about this. I plan to post weekly wrap ups showcasing what I put together.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"> In other news, while putting together my Mad Men challenge dress, it became apparent that my sewing machine was not functioning to it's full ability. And it's full ability isn't much, considering I was sewing on a $125 Brother that I purchased at WalMart years ago. It probably needs a tune up but I wondered if it was even worth it. I don't want to knock it too much, though. It's served me well, very user friendly and functional. I would recommend it for any beginning seamstress. Still it was time for something more. I did a bunch of research and had my heart set on a Bernina. I found a dealer in my area, an adorable little shop in the nearby town of Culpeper, Va by the name of <a href="http://www.145artanddesignstudio.com/" target="_blank">145 Art & Design Studio</a>.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8669474460/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8669474460_821674b00b_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iphone shot of 145 Art & Design as they packed up my machine</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span>The staff was so very sweet and helpful. I was greeted warmly right when I walked into the shop and treated with kindness during my entire visit. They walked me through all the different features of the various models and even let me test out the machines. They offer many different classes and clubs. I recommend checking them out if you happen to be in the area. About 45 minutes after I walked in, I walked out with a brand new Bernina 350PE. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8668372659/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8668372659_8d14d7ceae.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I am in love. I have yet to sew a full garment on her, just some hemming and understitching here and there, but I can already tell I have upped my game.</div>
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While talking to 145 Art & Design's staff I discovered that just a couple of store fronts down is a newly opened store, <a href="http://www.exqfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Exquisite Fabrics</a>, formally located in Georgetown. How have I missed this? A real fabric store!? I didn't have time...or money...to check it out but I am assured it is phenomenal. I can not wait to go back and shop.<br />
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I'm moving next month and our new place has enough space for me to have a whole sewing room to myself. What am I going to do when I'm not sewing at the dining room table? I anticipate being much more productive. </div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-20178047715724730992013-04-20T16:01:00.000-07:002013-04-20T17:25:07.232-07:00Just call me Mrs. Draper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8666908976/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8259/8666908976_2d4e3dc213_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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So, here she is! My finished Mad Men Challenge dress. If you read my <a href="http://astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2013/02/mad-men-challenge-2i-am-so-in.html" target="_blank">post</a>, or follow me on Instagram (everfive), it's probably obvious to you which dress I decided to replicate, but in case you missed it, here was my inspiration. I hear most people say that now that the show is moving into the late sixties, they don't enjoy the fashions as much. I am so different, I LOVE the styles! The makeup, hair, clothes... I die.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaRfKkIlhaHbdo9GtPxop76DcmCzmLArXBXz62Q7qcyfstk6zfvQ0upOfTmkgE156vSveGqHoD_L62w2jXFyXxY2jfo05freSScj2_2oVpc2P8J0S8pX8Tc01CY-3neRuKyvURR13Sos/s1600/inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaRfKkIlhaHbdo9GtPxop76DcmCzmLArXBXz62Q7qcyfstk6zfvQ0upOfTmkgE156vSveGqHoD_L62w2jXFyXxY2jfo05freSScj2_2oVpc2P8J0S8pX8Tc01CY-3neRuKyvURR13Sos/s640/inspiration.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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I know that I may be in the minority, but I don't hate Megan. She's not perfect, but is anyone on that show? I was hoping she'd be good for Don...and maybe she still will be. As for Don, I can't help it. He's an asshole and obviously a horrible husband but I adore him. I mean, that man has issues but he came by them honestly. And he's so dreamy. Oh, and if you saw the episode last week, then you know what I mean when I say, "Go TRUDY!!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8666909308/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8666909308_04f3c201c6_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now, onto the dress. Once I picked which dress I was going to replicate, I immediately started looking for a pattern for a decent shift dress. I studied these pictures like my life depended on it. I needed a shift with back shaping that would not flare out at the bottom. When Colette Patterns released Laurel, I knew I found what I needed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8665807873/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="1027" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8665807873_85acc8cacd_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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For the fabric, it was obvious I needed something with some weight to it. I went to the fabric store to compare fabrics and decided on this cream gabardine. I also purchased olive green gabardine and coral linen, since it was the closest I could find in the color I needed. I ended up trading out the green gabardine for some scraps I had left over from<a href="http://astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-all-at-once-skirt.html" target="_blank"> this skirt</a> since the color was a better match. It's a stretch cotton sateen, but I sewed it wrong side out (to eliminate sheen).<br />
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Once I had all that in my greedy little hands, I started experimenting. I traced off a smaller size than I normally wear because I knew I needed less ease than the original pattern was designed for. I sewed together quite a few muslins trying to test my colorblocking. There was a lot of cursing, I won't lie.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8665806877/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="765" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8665806877_17e07556e0_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8666909034/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="1010" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8666909034_cc9e2620db_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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The bust darts were proving a problem and I made a decision to convert them to french darts. In the back, I had to chop through the top of the back darts for the bottom stripe of coral. I just closed up the dart in the stripe and redrew the dart starting a little lower and ending a little lower. This worked out really well. The whole dress is lined in a coral satin that I'm going to admit I purchased mainly for the color. I had planned on inserting a back zip, but the thought of fiddling with all those stripes to match scared me off. The dress slips over my head just fine, so I took the easy way out and eliminated it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8666908860/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8666908860_8266ba0a99_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8665807323/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8665807323_f8e97d7724_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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I went with a more military style button. I could have chosen the round gold ones that Megan's original dress has but I really hate gold and I was hoping the military ones would make it less dated. They weren't the best buttons to pick because of the shank, but I still like the look.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8666908804/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8666908804_ab6258cb3b_c.jpg" /></a></div>
So, I'm pretty proud of this. This was my first time attempting colorblocking and I feel I was pretty successful. It's not perfect. I won't point out specifically what bothers me, except to say my french darts aren't perfectly executed and pressed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8666908356/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8666908356_20bff96498_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<u>The Details</u></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/laurel" target="_blank">Colette Laurel</a></div>
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Size Cut: between a Sz 6 and Sz 8</div>
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Fabric Used: Cream Poly Gabardine, Olive green cotton sateen, Coral Linen</div>
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Alterations: I sliced up the top to colorblock it, I also converted the bust darts to french darts. Eliminated the zip and sleeves, fully lined dress.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8665807251/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="806" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8665807251_b38b73c4f3_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8666909230/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="1004" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8666909230_1f8a042851_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8665807543/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="967" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8665807543_1e65dcef97_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8666908430/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mad Men Challenge by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mad Men Challenge" height="936" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8666908430_4fea22f818_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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This project has absorbed most of my creative thoughts for the past two months. I had so much fun making this dress, I almost don't know what to do with myself now that it's all finished! Actually, I know exactly what I'll be doing with myself...Me Made May :)</div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-71437562182898477572013-03-22T18:25:00.000-07:002013-03-22T18:25:07.202-07:00Fake It Til It's Warm Parfait<br />
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So, after proving that I'm impatient, a bit of a follower and sometimes just plain lazy, I am now going to prove that I'm flighty and indecisive. Just days after declaring how "edgy" I'm getting, I present you with a frilly, girly number. Evidence that this strange girl just can't make up her mind.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8578352040/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8578352040_73f10299a9_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Ever since I made my first Colette Parfait I have been obsessed with the pattern. I've had my non sewing friends beg me to make them a version and I get compliments every time I wear it. I had always planned on making a heavier winter weight version but could never find a fabric that inspired me. Then spring started creeping up on me and the idea of making a cold weather dress seemed silly. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8577248891/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8577248891_150e4351ae_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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When I spotted this lightweight, printed denim I instantly fell in love and knew immediately I wanted it to be a Parfait. And it's the best of both worlds, perfect for layering when it's cold but light enough to wear alone in warmer weather.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8577248571/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="895" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8577248571_76346ff0e8_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romy getting in on the action.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8578351504/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8578351504_953e3d5b35_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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I solved some of the fit issues that I had in the last one by cutting the waist/skirt portion one size smaller. I also adjusted the strap placement.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8578351148/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8578351148_f5ee78578a_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8577248353/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8577248353_c01a3e6ee2_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8578351320/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="687" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8578351320_a287c7b2c9_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Last time I made it I sewed the buttons on the tabs but this time I decided to make it right and installed all the suggested buttons correctly. I'm glad I did because it seems to help with the fit. The second, smaller button behind the strap helps take some strain off the main button and keeps everything in place. Wow, those Colette Patterns people really know what they're doing, huh? Speaking of buttons, these particular ones took me a while to decide upon. I love them though, especially the little blue roses on the pockets!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8577248091/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8577248091_e52ed988ac_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Do not be fooled by these pictures. It was not warm enough for me to be baring all. Only about 52 degrees F. But I'm all about faking it till you make it and in this case I'll just keep pretending it's warm enough to bare my pale ass legs in a dress and strappy wedges until it actually is. And when it is finally warm enough...I'll still be just as pale, but a little more freckled.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8577247987/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="690" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8577247987_a5ffef6c8e_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<u>The Details:</u></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/parfait" target="_blank">Colette Parfait</a> </div>
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Size Cut: Size 8</div>
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Fabric Used: Printed lightweight denim from Hancock Fabrics</div>
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Alterations Made: I messed with the strap placement but other than that, nothing major<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8577248619/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="865" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8577248619_cdd0152a5f_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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The Verdict: You have not seen the last of this incredibly gorgeous, flattering pattern!</div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-49281263598342324442013-03-20T20:41:00.001-07:002013-03-20T20:43:15.917-07:00#sewingdares<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22576189@N00/8350309216/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sewing Dares by Gillian Crafts, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing Dares" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8350309216_370cd8d4f2_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm sure you've heard of <a href="http://crafting-a-rainbow.tumblr.com/post/42224064270/updates-on-sewing-dares" target="_blank">#sewingdares</a>. All the cool kids are doing it. I hesitated joining in on the fun, afraid of being pushed out of my comfort zone. Then I thought, eh, why not? I sent my request tweet and within an hour, I had my very own dare. <br />
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When <a href="http://crafting-a-rainbow.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Gillian</a> dared me to make a knit top, I accepted having no idea how I was going to accomplish such a task. With no serger, and never having worked with knits, I was definitely being pushed out of my comfort zone. I hopped on the internet, did a bunch of research and purchased a bundle of goodies. <br />
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I did start by making a knit top. A very boring black knit top that I struggled to put together with my sewing machine. I did it but I was so underwhelmed with the outcome, I couldn't bring myself to blog about it. I'm weird like that. When I taught myself how to knit, I refused to make a washcloth...or a scarf. I jumped on in and made a rib knit baby hat. I like to jump right into it, I get bored too easily. I'm all like, this is an okay top...hey look a squirrel!! <br />
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Still, I had sewn with knits! New possibilities were opening up in front of me! <br />
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Now, this is where it gets good. The sewing community is a great one with many wondeful ladies...and every now and then someone brings up how wonderful the men behind these ladies are. Well, folks, my hubby can officially join the ranks of all the other awesome, supportive significant others. Seeing my enthusiasm for my dare, my husband came home one day with a big giant box that had in it my heart's desire....a serger! Ahhhhhh!! After properly thanking him I got to work on something that was a little more interesting than a plain 'ol shirt. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8575705647/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8575705647_fac5ccf724_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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That something was the Mission Maxi by Jamie Christina. I wouldn't say that the fact that the designer and I share the same name, spelled the same way, persuaded me to buy this pattern...but ya know, us Jamies (spelled with an IE) have to stick together!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8576803134/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8576803134_b50134f812_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8575705417/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8575705417_7f886af32e_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!! Oh serger, how I <3 you! Word of warning, people. There will be many more knit wardrobe items in my future....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8575705351/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8575705351_966f323ed1_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8576802958/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8576802958_8ffdf08fca_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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The pattern was a cinch to put together and the instructions were thorough. I did have a little trouble with the neckline binding...I got confused with the directions. Once I figured it all out, though, it made so much sense and the armholes were easy to do. Thankfully the binding around the neck doesn't look bad. I chose not the hem the bottom, it just seemed pointless since this fabric doesn't even curl.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8576802764/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" height="897" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8576802764_4e011ed347_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8576802834/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" height="814" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8576802834_cf38356110_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8575704781/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8575704781_b008e33bf6_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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The fit overall is pretty good. It is becoming very clear to me that I can not keep neglecting to perform a swayback adjustment. The fabric pooling above my rear is very apparent in this dress. Also, pattern matching was an overall success! I'm always so proud of myself when I can pull it off.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8575704957/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8575704957_077319378a_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8576802486/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8576802486_4bc212c5e1_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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I styled this dress as I've seen other people doing it, with some sort of jacket and a pair of boots with tights. Why had I not thougth of this before? Duh. I love when I can make a dress work for all seasons.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8575705099/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" height="1163" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8575705099_e2b153b410_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8576802638/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8576802638_6126dbdc45_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u>The Details:</u></div>
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Pattern:<a href="http://jamiechristina.com/products/mission-maxi-sewing-pattern" target="_blank"> Mission Maxi by Jamie Christina</a></div>
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Fabric: Chevron knit from Hancock Fabrics</div>
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Size Cut: 12</div>
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Alterations to Pattern: None!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8576802288/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8576802288_e2740def2c_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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It was midely warm and sunny today. Not warm enough to be wearing this dress without the jacket but warm enough so I wasn't terribly uncomfortable. My kids came out to play while I was snapping pictures and my youngest, Romy, was a bit fussy and clingy so she joined in on the fun a couple of times. She's two and more stubborn than any of her sibling were before her. I choose my battles and in this case, I let her dress herself. Also, I did not cut her hair into a mullet.....she did. Never leave scissors where your 2 year old can reach them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8575704675/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mission Maxi by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Maxi" height="600" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8575704675_7462e3f755_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Verdict: Super comfy, kid friendly dress, that I will be making again. And hey, I conquered my #sewingdare!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s1600/sig2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s200/sig2.gif" style="border: currentColor;" width="200" /></a></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-59929376128399339192013-03-16T18:16:00.000-07:002013-03-16T18:25:21.469-07:00My Moss Mini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(sorry, my creative blog titles button is broken....)<br />
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Lately I've felt my style shifting slightly. I mean, I still love long, wavy hair, girly, frilly dresses and all things vintage. I just find myself reaching for my band tshirts, jeans and boots and ya know... chopping my hair off. I want things with a little more edge. Maybe it's all the concerts I've been attending (I have 4 in the span of 3 weeks coming up!)....maybe it's an early midlife crisis.</div>
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Whatever it may be, the Grainline Moss Mini has been calling to me. I took these pictures after wearing the skirt all day. Forgive the wrinkles.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8563863480/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Moss Mini by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Moss Mini" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8563863480_571581d6bc_o.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
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I sewed it up in a sz 10 in red cotton twill. Can I just say, I freaking love sewing with a nice sturdy cotton. There is something so satisfying about it.</div>
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I had no major issues with construction other than the fact that the waistband was too short. Being a spaz, I assumed this was user error but HELLO, this appears not to be my fault. According to other blog reviews this is pattern error. So there! Not that I mind, mistakes happen and this particular one was easy enough to fix, I just pieced an extra 2 inches or so to the end of it. Still, good info for the next time around. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8562759007/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Moss Mini by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Moss Mini" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8562759007_3ec6187fae_o.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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And there will be a next time. Because the fit is shit and I so desperately want to get this right. There is so much potential!</div>
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Here are the main issues; it's ok in the hips but gapes in the back waist. The waistband appears to just too straight for my shape. I have diagonal pull lines above my rear, below the yoke coming from my hips. And then there's the weird pouch of fabric under the waistband that I have in every.single.skirt. I'm really not sure what it is or how to get rid of it. I have theories...one is my swayback which may in fact be a tilted pelvis and the other is that I have full front thighs. Or maybe a bit of both? Whatever it is I need to figure out a fix because it's driving me insane. </div>
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This pictures shows not only the fit issues but my figure flaws in all their glory. It was so hard for me to post. Here's the proof I've had 4 kids! HA! Ok, I'll admit that it really isn't this bad. This skirt paired with the shirt are majorly exaggerating my somewhat stretched out abs. Which is why I need to get the fit juuuust right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6kifCArYXSXl8rQ64GLR5wJkbKXpN20oxs7zFymISxrQpunaMOdmFwUdYeutcA9PDWSA3pW2eE0Wo0yjZffih-9eBOw-UzKgAkhBZ7KRRJ0vELx4LJhrMIJXMeuSNanQykm2_-WIejc/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6kifCArYXSXl8rQ64GLR5wJkbKXpN20oxs7zFymISxrQpunaMOdmFwUdYeutcA9PDWSA3pW2eE0Wo0yjZffih-9eBOw-UzKgAkhBZ7KRRJ0vELx4LJhrMIJXMeuSNanQykm2_-WIejc/s640/4.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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It's not all bad though. Look at the flat felled seams! And, HEY, that's my first ever fly zipper! You can see my enthusiasm, right?? Not to shabby, huh? I mean, not perfect but the fact that I didn't throw the skirt in the corner and run off crying while trying to install it must be a good thing.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8563862770/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Moss Mini by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Moss Mini" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8563862770_e4a8f0e9df_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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So, there you have it. I will be making this pattern again. Any suggestions on the fit issues?</div>
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PS: I'm on bloglovin'; Follow me <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3919391" target="_blank">here</a>, or by hitting one of the buttons in the sidebar.</div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-79517570379552856372013-03-04T20:04:00.000-08:002013-03-04T20:09:15.218-08:00And another sateen dress....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Sometimes I just can't decide what to do with fabric. I buy it because I like it and then I can't commit to what I should make with it.<br />
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SO, I have this grey sateen sitting in my stash (you may have noticed...or maybe you haven't, in which case I'm about to point it out... I have a slight obsession with sateen. ) for probably about 4 months and I have thought about making it into 6 or 7 different projects before I made a decision. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8530187034/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2215 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2215" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8530187034_16322f68e6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok...."decision" really isn't the right word here....what I did was similar to closing my eyes and picking out of a hat. I mean, I didn't close my eyes (and I didn't shove the patterns in a hat) but I did pull out all the contenders, put them in a pile, mixed it up and then just kind point at one. And Simplicity 2215 was the one my finger landed on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8530178374/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2215 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2215" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8530178374_2e60896a40_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before I could second guess my, um, decision, I pulled out all the pieces for view A , layed them out and cut. I cut quickly with no real plan. But as I cut, I started thinking of a plan, and my stash of notions. I had some black piping- not a lot- but enough to define the front. And buttons...oooo, BUTTONS. I totally copied <a href="http://shanniloves.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shannon</a> and ran out to buy these after she posted hers on Instagram months ago. Sometimes it feels so good to be a follower.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8529066757/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2215 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2215" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8529066757_b1fcb6b5f5_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8530432320/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2215 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2215" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8530432320_2f0d38cf61_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8529066199/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2215 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2215" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8529066199_ab594f0a08_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I made it I felt pretty good, like maybe this was going to turn out pretty damn awesome. It couldn't just BE awesome, though. Because hello, my name is Jamie, and I make stupid mistakes. Like no thinking through using the fashion fabric as the bodice lining (too stiff!) and sewing the wrong side of the bodice on top. Seriously, this pattern is like cursed for me. Remember how badly I messed up the last time I made the <a href="http://www.astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-full-on-monet-outfit.html" target="_blank">skirt</a>??<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8529066399/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2215 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2215" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8529066399_1787e09430_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh well. The end product is comfy and pretty cute anyway. Although, I do have some issues with the fit.<br />
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I cut my normal sz 12 but the waist is a little large (and this is true of my skirt, also) but the bodice is a bit tight. Looking at the model on the packaging I actually think the waist is supposed to be kind of baggy but obviously I've got too much going on in the boobs to make the silhouette work. I ended up sewing only .5" SA on the side and it still pulls. Admittedly, it looks kind of funky but it could be my bra (I'm wearing the same push up style that I wore in my last post, I'll just keep blaming it). <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8529066559/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2215 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2215" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8227/8529066559_c4dd6b2394_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Looking at these pics while editing them, I've decided the waist is weird. I'm thinking I'm going to bind the SA in bias tape and then hand stitch it to the bodice lining. <br />
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So, not a completely successful make but then again, not a total failure either. I think the style is cute and it'll be perfect for running around with my kids.<br />
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I'd like to thank everyone who reached out to me about my Father-in-law's passing. It really means so much to me.</div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-10051502547172176702013-03-01T18:08:00.000-08:002013-03-01T18:08:23.545-08:00A Moment of Silence4 weeks ago my husband's father started feeling ill.<br />
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3 weeks ago he was admitted into the hospital with pneumonia.<br />
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2 weeks ago we were told he was in the advanced stages of liver disease and that even if he did pull through the illness, he only had months to live.<br />
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12 days ago we were told he had hemorrhaged into his brain and was mostly brain dead.<br />
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11 days ago, in the early morning hours, we received a phone call that confirmed our worst fears... he had gone into cardiac arrest and died.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4eMCXLLZuxmHYrWcJ7zYA2lmtY1XSzQIsLWB46uZrnUxe0rW5epdyyh2ZbhEkpFFOo7Iu7tdueeU-AZGnBk5zsRAno3EoRHV5MN5jqz4amcP-R7GHBUzOu6UGk-Qmk3ipCTa7MpQIRQ/s1600/pap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4eMCXLLZuxmHYrWcJ7zYA2lmtY1XSzQIsLWB46uZrnUxe0rW5epdyyh2ZbhEkpFFOo7Iu7tdueeU-AZGnBk5zsRAno3EoRHV5MN5jqz4amcP-R7GHBUzOu6UGk-Qmk3ipCTa7MpQIRQ/s1600/pap.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In loving memory of Pap <br />
November 2, 1948- February 19, 2013</td></tr>
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It took 4 weeks for a strong, 64 year old man, husband, father of 3, grandfather of 10, to slip away from us. As hard as it was to see this person that has been a part of my life for the past 16 years leave us, it was even harder to see him leave my mother in law, my husband...and my children. Their pain has been all consuming. My father in law's death was too sudden and unexpected. We never actually believed he wouldn't walk out of that hospital, even as the neurologist sat across from us and told us he had little brain function. It was like a scene from a medical drama. Surreal and crushing. Tears, denial, and anger all in one room.<br />
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I've never met a person like him. He was always busy, always working. He was proud of what he could create with his two hands and he was good at it. He loved his grandchildren with all his heart but he loved his wife even more. He gave her everything. He was my mother in law's best friend. Her life. They would have been married 37 years this month. At his memorial this past Wednesday we struggled to deal with the fact that he was gone. My 4 year old asked me when God was going to be done fixing Pap and was concerned with Pap's transportation from Heaven back to Earth ("He can't jump, it's too high!"). My girls cried that they missed him. My oldest has found some small comfort in his spirituality, proving to be much more mature than the adults around him ("I'm not sad for Pap, he's with Jesus. I'm sad for us because we can't see him anymore.") He will be greatly missed and we may not ever adjust to life without him.<br />
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And now I'm going to write a post about my dress, because this is a sewing blog. It seems weird to transition from what I just wrote to smiling pictures of me wearing a pretty dress, but after all the saddness it was nice to pretend for a little that everything was ok.<br />
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The dress code for Pap's funeral was casual. He was a simple man. I needed something to keep me busy in the days after his passing and so I decided that my girls and I needed black dresses.<br />
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I concentrated on finishing the girls' dresses first (a post on those coming soon) and so when I was finished with theirs, I had one day and 4 yards of black cotton sateen to make mine. I poured through my patterns trying to find something that was fairly simple with a minimal amount of pattern pieces. My daughters' asked that I have a bow on my dress to match theirs. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V7jE-iQqIZcv1MoxF9wjpo2qUHJS9PoYVPaOHVPlXQmoytPF2kyL0W9HV8j2CkLGuKGI55eQmDosd98Hpr-SP2iGmY7-Tj46p8ljrAgNdcRom-It-dl_DzY92tQerK2jKPdntczIi24/s1600/moscollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V7jE-iQqIZcv1MoxF9wjpo2qUHJS9PoYVPaOHVPlXQmoytPF2kyL0W9HV8j2CkLGuKGI55eQmDosd98Hpr-SP2iGmY7-Tj46p8ljrAgNdcRom-It-dl_DzY92tQerK2jKPdntczIi24/s400/moscollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I finally decided on Simplicity 2444. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8520313816/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2444 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2444" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8520313816_bef8ba2faa_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8520303198/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2444 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2444" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8520303198_9704feb1ed_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I cut a straight sz 12- my normal size for Simplicity patterns. The dress came together quickly and easily. The only modifications I made were to cut the ties on the straight grain instead of the suggest bias- to save yardage. I also inserted a regular zipper instead of a lapped.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8520302628/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2444 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2444" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8520302628_c6706351ef_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8520303652/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2444 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2444" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8520303652_33075ddd72_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8519189769/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2444 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2444" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8519189769_43c2ea08ae_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Despite the tragic circumstances surrounded the creation of this dress, when I got dressed up to photograph it today, I decided that I love it. This pattern is a dream. The pleats, the bow tie, the bodice darts (which are hard to see on this black dress but trust me, are amazing!). <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8520304614/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2444 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2444" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8520304614_03f4c1c485_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wore a different bra when fitting this dress but when I took pictures today I forgot and wore my usual one. The difference is significant, making my bust appear much fuller and pulling at the neck. When I'm wearing my other undergarments there is no pulling.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8519189009/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2444 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2444" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8519189009_7d6584b423_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8520303458/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Simplicity 2444 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Simplicity 2444" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8520303458_4854cfde53_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have a couple of FOs photographed and ready to go, so I'll talk soon! <3</div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-62481801623447898202013-02-06T11:17:00.004-08:002013-02-07T07:53:01.335-08:00Mad Men Challenge 2...I am SO in!<div style="text-align: left;"> I love Mad Men. Everything about that show is perfection. The styling, the storyline, the actors and the characters they play.</div><center> </center><center> </center><center><a href="http://www.juliabobbin.com/2013/01/mad-men-dress-challenge-2-you-in.html" target="_blank"><img alt="mmc27" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8431150793_b96cb3f106_o.png" width="200" /></a></center><br />
Last year, when Julia Bobbin did her Mad Men dress challenge, I watched enthusiastically from the sidelines. Not only did I not yet have a blog I had NO time to participate. You can imagine how excited I was when she announced she'd be hosting round 2 this year.<br />
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I immediately started considering my options. First, I looked through the <a href="http://www.juliabobbin.com/2012/04/mad-men-dress-challenge-big-reveal.html" target="_blank">gallery</a> of the past participant makes for inspiration. Then I had to think about which character I was most drawn to. Obviously, Joan's wardrobe is hands down the most drool worthy. But I believe it's not just her wardrobe that is so gorgeous, it's the curves that she's pouring into those dresses that make even women drool. Those wiggle dresses are a thing of beauty but they are best represented when they are being filled and the gorgeous Christina Hendricks is the perfect specimen. I don't hate my body, but I have to be realistic...I am so far from a Joan. So, after a little bit of heartache, I decided it was best to take anything she wore and scratch it off my list of possibilities.<br />
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When it comes to vintage styling, I have always loved the sixties and Megan perfectly represents the best of '60's fashion. And when I started looking at her figure, I figured that even though she's probably about 20 lbs lighter than me, she has as close to my build than anyone else on the show. So, I got onto trusty google, and searched for anything and everything Megan. I found a couple of great pics and sites to refresh my wardrobe memory. After pouring over all the images I could find, I've narrowed it down to these outfits. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/192951165257194101/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="1258" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550/f5/ed/0f/f5ed0fc3d7afa170bb4b1f5243e9002e.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s1600/sig2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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</a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2012/05/mad-style-at-the-codfish-ball.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tomandlorenzo.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/everfive/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jamie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div> This outfits intrigues me by how modern it looks. It's obviously a turtleneck and wrap skirt but I wondered if I could make it a faux wrap dress. My <br />
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</div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2012/05/mad-style-at-the-codfish-ball.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tomandlorenzo.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/everfive/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jamie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div> Megan's shopping outfit is to die for. It reminds me of a Lily Ann suit, which I am obsessed with. The only problem I have is from what I can tell, we never saw the shift dress underneath the coat so I don't have many details to go on. Plus, can I finish a whole suit in time for the deadline?<br />
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</div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2012/04/mad-style-tea-leaves.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tomandlorenzo.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/everfive/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jamie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div>Okay, I know that this look is incredibly dated, but that's what I LOVE about it. Her makeup, hair, the dropped waist and psychodelic print. It's so 60's. How could you not love it? <br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/192951165257193399/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="944" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550/96/0b/65/960b657cfc921d9d669e76d65f7c7bd8.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/2012/03/mad-style-a-little-kiss-part-2.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tomandlorenzo.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/everfive/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jamie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> At the moment, this shift is at the top of my list. The military styling and color blocking is almost modern but combined with the cut of the dress it is the best kind of retro.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I also want to mention that I found all of these images on the blog Tom and Lorenzo. Every season they break down and analyze how the costumes of Mad Men effect and compliment the story line. Their <a href="http://www.tomandlorenzo.com/tag/mad-style" target="_blank">blog posts</a> are so incredibly fascinating and insightful. I never realized how much went into costume design until I read their articles. Apparently, these outfits aren't chosen just because they're purty...who'd a thunk it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> So, those are my thoughts. What are yours? Are you participating and if so, what are you planning??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s1600/sig2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s200/sig2.gif" style="border: currentColor;" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-81616723522171553442013-02-04T15:20:00.001-08:002013-02-04T15:23:10.232-08:00Good Things Come in Threes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8445178645/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8445178645_273a32004f_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hope you're not sick of this pattern yet! I'm not sure if anyone has actually ever said that good things come in threes, but when it comes to New Look 6808, it holds true for me. I've made this bad boy up<a href="http://astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-way-it-was-shirt.html" target="_blank"> two</a> <a href="http://astrangestrangegirl.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-full-on-monet-outfit.html" target="_blank">times</a> already and I really love every version. And when you have a good thing, why give it up? I had avoided this particular view, with the adorable collar, only because I was worried that it would look too precious on me. I'm glad I decided to give it a chance because it definitely gives off a nice vintage vibe that I dig. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8446269240/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8446269240_5cb51c084e_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8446269064/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8378/8446269064_8c60a1f821_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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Honestly, I've made this pattern so many times there really isn't anything new to say. I cut a sz 12 again. This time around the fabric I used has a bit of stretch to it so I had to take in the SA on the side to accomade that. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8445178783/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8445178783_704f2cea31_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my "It's effin COLD" face.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8446268908/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8446268908_58d67fc65e_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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I omitted the zipper again. Sure, I have to squish the girls just a bit when I put it on....but it's not too difficult to get in and out of without it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8446268890/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8446268890_c75c6a4e93_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've said it before and I'll say it again, this pattern is really so versatile. It makes up well in a bunch of different fabrics and it goes well with just about anything. I'm thinking I need to make up a bunch in solid colors.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8446268768/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8446268768_fc65c9dae1_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8445178367/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" height="1200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8445178367_2a740b1914_o.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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I didn't get a good pic of it, but the plaid lines up real well. go me.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8445178311/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6808 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6808" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8445178311_e879aee8ed_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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The construction of the collar went well. It was fiddly and irritating, as collars can be, but all in all, it was smooth sailing. So there you have it. My third, and most likely not my last New Look 6808.<br />
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There's so much that I need to get to, that I'm hoping I can post about soon. I've got blog awards, #sewingdares and giveaways to share with you and I promise I will attend to this business sooner rather than later. <br />
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Also, if anyone's interested I can give a small recap/review of my short trip to NYC and The Airborne Toxic Event concert. I know this is primarily a sewing blog, but if there's interest in that kind of stuff, I'd love to talk about it. Let me know, guys. :)<br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-4974308447457100572013-01-11T15:51:00.000-08:002013-02-04T15:23:31.502-08:00When you say Parfait I think ice cream....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh how I've missed you. I'm pretty much in full denial that it's January. Our Christmas tree is still up, my kids are still on their winter break from homeschooling, my husband just went back to work from his vacation, I chopped off about 7 inches of hair AND I'm headed to NYC next week to see The Airborne Toxic Event! Sometimes I think I live a pretty charmed life....until I realize that while I'm living it up my laundry pile is growing rapidly. Sooner or later I'll have to return to the real world. Still, all in all life has been good and carefree. Next week is back to business as usual so I'm soaking it up while I can.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8371885966/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8371885966_5e3b986bf4_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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This dress technically should have been featured in my fails of 2012. Only because I purchased it with so much enthusiasm and then just didn't finish it. I sewed the bodice and skirt up quickly but when it came time to sew the straps and button tabs and button holes and facings......BLAH. Like a child, I balled it up and threw it in a ziploc bag before stuffing it into back of my sewing cabinet. There it sat....giving me the evil eye every.single.time I encountered it. I'd be digging for my rotary cutter and there it would be. Judging me. I swear I could hear it's thoughts, "You wasted perfectly good paper printing me up. You're wasting that pretty fabric. You're WASTING all that interfacing....YOU ARE A WASTEFUL FAILURE!!" Finally it became too much. I had to make it stop. The guilt! It was haunting me. Ok...maybe not haunting me but you know what I mean. I just had to get it finished. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8370816761/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8370816761_35a9f0f8c6_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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So, I buckled down and did the annoying stuff. I still felt pretty "meh" about it until I tried it on. My husband called me right as I stepped into so I walked out of my room, pinning it up to check for fit, and asked him what he needed. He didn't say anything and when I looked up he was just looking at me. But not just looking at me....<em>looking</em> at me. I almost scolded him that there were children in the room, but instead I cocked my hip and said, "You like it?" "YES." he replied, with much enthusiasm. With that I giggled like a 16 year old and ran off to finish it. Sometimes that's all it takes, right? For someone else to tell you it's awesome, or for your husband to tell you you look awesome. I'll admit that I got a little ridiculous. I kept trying it on and prancing around, "Do you like it? Do you like it? How does it look?" Jeremy was a good husband and kept up the compliments I so desperately needed and I finished it happily.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8371885890/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8090/8371885890_c2b4eaca5d_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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After all of that, what do I think? For what it is, I love it. This dress was always meant to be a wearable muslin. I cut out a 6 on top tapering out to an 8 at the waist. As you can tell by some pictures it swings out in front a little, giving me a pregnant look. And you know how I feel about NOT LOOKING PREGNANT. EVER AGAIN. ha. Next time I'll cut a straight sz 6. The bust gapes at the underarms. I'm undecided as to whether I'll take a dart out of the pattern or taper the side seam under the arms. The straps need to be adjusted also. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8370817535/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8370817535_527c426354_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8371885814/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8371885814_6aa7b5f6d5_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8370816993/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8370816993_830f4136a9_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8371885536/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8371885536_a7cbb417d1_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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I used a quilting cotton I got on sale last year. I wish I had taken a picture of the print, it's this beautiful art deco looking design. If you follow me on Instagram (Everfive), you can see a close up of it from when I very first started it. Of course this isn't the best fabric for tights. They kept sticking to the dress so I tried to wear a slip but my slip was WAY too long so it's peeking out from the bottom in a lot of these pics. Oh well, I'm over it and hopefully you won't be too irritated with me for it. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8371885326/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8371885326_c2f3b55dec_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8371885380/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8371885380_1a2fd356b3_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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I see so much huge potential in this pattern, though! Seriously, it's perfection. The straps and the pockets and the gorgeous gathers at the bust! It's so flattering! I have plans for a winter weight version as well as a pretty floral one for summertime.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8371885258/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Parfait by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Parfait" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8371885258_3bf1685f5b_o.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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OH, heeeey, I just realized that in the 6 plus months I've had this blog I've had OVER 5000 VIEWS! Whaaaaaat? To me, that's pretty awesome. I think I should give something away to celebrate, yes? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s1600/sig2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s200/sig2.gif" style="border: currentColor;" width="200" /></a></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-30362986808429037862012-12-29T16:14:00.001-08:002012-12-29T16:56:57.428-08:00A cry for help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You probably remember last month when I was talking about modeling my Christmas dress after Bernie Dexter's fabulous creations. That got no further than the planning stages before my Husband informed me that the party wouldn't be until AFTER the New Year. Well....that left me bitter enough to state I wasn't going to attend this ridiculous "we survived the holidays" party....Until this week when I decided that now that the holiday season is almost over, I'd like more reason to celebrate. SO, I'm left scrambling to put a dress together before next Sunday. I had some black and white polka dot charmeuse (or something like that) in my stash and decided it would make a cute non-xmas party dress. I asked my trusty friends on Instagram which pattern I should choose and it was honestly almost completely 50/50 between Simplicity 4070 and Gertie's Tiki Dress from her book. In the end, I chose Gertie's dress because I've been wanting to create something from her book. Plus, I want to look sexy, ok?</div>
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Anyhoo, I've made a muslin, cutting a 6 on top, tapering to an 8 at the waist. First thing I had to do was straighten the hips. I was not blessed with those gorgeous curvy hips that most women have. Nope. Mine are as straight as they come. Then I had to do a 1" swayback adjustment and I also pinned out about an inch from the lower abdomen. I'm not sure what was causing it, but I did my best to transfer it to the flat pattern. Here are the results, documented via crappy iphone pics.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8322573729/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Crappy iphone fitting pics. Gertie's Tiki dress. HELP by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Crappy iphone fitting pics. Gertie's Tiki dress. HELP" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8322573729_a107d6a19c_o.jpg" width="353" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8322575435/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Crappy iphone fitting pics. Gertie's Tiki dress. HELP by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Crappy iphone fitting pics. Gertie's Tiki dress. HELP" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8322575435_5e3a842a51_o.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8323634390/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Crappy iphone fitting pics. Gertie's Tiki dress. HELP by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Crappy iphone fitting pics. Gertie's Tiki dress. HELP" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8323634390_4ed98cdf62_o.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
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Now, nevermind that this is made from a wrinkly sheet and ignore the room...it's my sister's. Sorry</div>
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for the dark pics. I'm not worried about the bodice, it's very forgiving and I have the fitting all figured out. My problem with the skirt is this; I seem to have fixed the pooling fabric ( I still have a few problems to wrinkle out but for the most part, it's fixed)</div>
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What I dislike is the way the skirt just "hangs" off of my rear. It seems to me this may have something to do with my swayback but I can not find any information on how to get a closer fit under me bum. I googled it...the results were disturbing.</div>
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So, help me out. Is this just to be expected of the pattern (and I'm just expecting too much va-va-voom) or is there something I can do to fix it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s1600/sig2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s200/sig2.gif" style="border: currentColor;" width="200" /></a></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-63735600431565211812012-12-27T09:58:00.000-08:002012-12-27T09:58:52.137-08:00Top 5: FAIL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22576189@N00/8253303909/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Top 5 of 2012 by Jirian (Gillian), on Flickr"><img alt="Top 5 of 2012" height="393" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8253303909_0b1b916f1b_o.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
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When it came time to come up with my Top 5 FAILS, I felt very similar to <a href="http://blog.twilltapeshop.com/2012/12/2012-top-5-sewing-fails.html?showComment=1356627244289#c4109221477644672845" target="_blank">Tiffany</a> of Twilltape. There wasn't anything that stuck out as a huge disaster, just a lot of stuff that I stopped wearing over time. Most of it turned out to be better in theory than in reality. Some of it still just doesn't work with my current wardrobe or lifestyle and one item is a WIP that I've just been too overwhelmed to finish.</div>
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<strong>Simplicity 2215</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Os-GlSJBx3xEfNNygP4M1fv8zi5oz6LgH7wGVJ-1S2l_-qepIwF4vEguM4euem6c7rjj8I46KbZTdq4dbSoVTprb_5vFN39Ru04tGhdLCyh1JMIU6I8JdLEfUoGptCtUFeY49Wa8haE/s1600/2215.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Os-GlSJBx3xEfNNygP4M1fv8zi5oz6LgH7wGVJ-1S2l_-qepIwF4vEguM4euem6c7rjj8I46KbZTdq4dbSoVTprb_5vFN39Ru04tGhdLCyh1JMIU6I8JdLEfUoGptCtUFeY49Wa8haE/s320/2215.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love these pictures. And overall I loved this outfit. But I so messed up that skirt. I made it completely backwards and while it's "ok" to wear, it's not perfect and that bothers me.</div>
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<strong>Colette Hazel</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYnggXCCTFp0yupjFYX3ZobRMZNUXGKnJ_oipfcdZsjXezfGcseUv3Yn48VSOSDG40RAuZFmiWVKLp2W-iXXQ0VxWVlwBIN8KC3-3ulMURnWpU4gU_sZdIgkqMb17ojbQo7ZVQy_SzQs/s1600/hazel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYnggXCCTFp0yupjFYX3ZobRMZNUXGKnJ_oipfcdZsjXezfGcseUv3Yn48VSOSDG40RAuZFmiWVKLp2W-iXXQ0VxWVlwBIN8KC3-3ulMURnWpU4gU_sZdIgkqMb17ojbQo7ZVQy_SzQs/s320/hazel.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, I agree, this dress is pretty cute. But it looks HORRIBLE on me! Terrible! I wore it all the time this summer, too. But every.single.time I passed a mirror I'd cringe at how wide it made me look. The seersuckers stretches out a ton by the end of the day and it ends up looking like a potato sack. Plus, I do not own a bra that doesn't show at the top. I end up having to wear a tank top and it just ruins the whole look. This has become a dress I only wear around the house.</div>
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<strong>Colette Peony</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB2-EDrONwZ1acUu3ik_11fhDVafp9hDNZzPzJhqrNf2aBtgNZ5hFuG_3kHf2Hvwblkg1pNanNM7IeErYzSpfcf-euozgk_TtqymQLNDdrxH__ZnT2xJ03qb56x9AZ898IP2sd9HNIdY/s1600/peony.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB2-EDrONwZ1acUu3ik_11fhDVafp9hDNZzPzJhqrNf2aBtgNZ5hFuG_3kHf2Hvwblkg1pNanNM7IeErYzSpfcf-euozgk_TtqymQLNDdrxH__ZnT2xJ03qb56x9AZ898IP2sd9HNIdY/s320/peony.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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::sigh:: Such a waste of fabric. I love the colors, love the fabric, love what this could have been. What I don't love is the way this dress fits. I actually wore this once, for a wedding. And not a single person commented on it. Actually, someone complimented the tights I was wearing with it. That's a huge sign to me that there is something wrong. I also don't love how I gave up on it. I am determined to revisit Peony and make it work, but unfortunately, this dress just doesn't.</div>
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<strong> Simplicity 2451</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jf55Bfcd8wyCVUz_m_8aSgYy13A52bpdDvt1mJq-IbAfNTSkXVeEJD2uagD14kp2DEujde4GhaRqa1bLLC1ARlD_mm89HljjEHHRwU5rIshVr4USRAvzK2URudUZDFgJp6FGModQjs4/s1600/skirt.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jf55Bfcd8wyCVUz_m_8aSgYy13A52bpdDvt1mJq-IbAfNTSkXVeEJD2uagD14kp2DEujde4GhaRqa1bLLC1ARlD_mm89HljjEHHRwU5rIshVr4USRAvzK2URudUZDFgJp6FGModQjs4/s320/skirt.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hate these pictures! I have NOTHING in my closet that goes with this skirt well and this it ended up being a tiny too big, as you can probably tell. The fabric, a cotton sateen, wrinkles like crazy. I don't hate this skirt, I just rarely wear it.</div>
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<strong>Simplicity 4044</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAZtZLWfaF2UAjql-37lntRwUij_okABs5pOgZ3lwGGhtSwz4QRkZGzPcKjXZK9W_aDG7cnNgbSgWL3MeFym91rtzFEh_WagYaSIgpF6731Ssi3owiROUkoEGrjH1xXETO92dgSwB8vI/s1600/4044.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAZtZLWfaF2UAjql-37lntRwUij_okABs5pOgZ3lwGGhtSwz4QRkZGzPcKjXZK9W_aDG7cnNgbSgWL3MeFym91rtzFEh_WagYaSIgpF6731Ssi3owiROUkoEGrjH1xXETO92dgSwB8vI/s320/4044.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This skirt was meant to be a birthday present for my sister. It came together quickly and I was almost finished with it when I had my sister try it on. It fit, but her lackluster response to it just blew the wind out of my sails. She just wasn't a fan of the aline style on her figure. Anyway, I royally screwed up the scalloped front. What is that?? Ugh. I still have plans to finish it, eventually. For now, it's my cat's bed (which explains the hairiness of this picture).</div>
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I think my lesson to be learned here is that I need to stop making skirts. I'm drawn to them because they give the illusion of being versatile and they're easy but I don't wear them as often as I'd like. I also need to focus on fit. Most of the things I shun to the back of my closet just aren't flattering or poorly fitted.</div>
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<img height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s200/sig2.gif" style="border: currentColor;" width="200" /></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-41200217486996988482012-12-23T08:56:00.003-08:002012-12-23T08:56:57.360-08:00Top 5 of 2012: What I loved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22576189@N00/8253303909/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Top 5 of 2012 by Jirian (Gillian), on Flickr"><img alt="Top 5 of 2012" height="393" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8253303909_0b1b916f1b_o.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
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Have you seen Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow's Top 5 of 2012? All the cool kids are doing it. What a great idea. Without further ado, here's my Top 5 Favorite Creations.<br />
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<strong>Simplicity 1806</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qHQh9RNSD-9WF3xKCPy9rYUjBz-wDLxJwjpT5rUwm797yEEXWd1UQ5PVH-joTW2a3KA6A7BhJFmorga9fNqEmK2QdHkD0dUkH9vytchyfH94RYbFZylBwqEJ-POLOlQnN9LtvfKE3e4/s1600/simplicity1803.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qHQh9RNSD-9WF3xKCPy9rYUjBz-wDLxJwjpT5rUwm797yEEXWd1UQ5PVH-joTW2a3KA6A7BhJFmorga9fNqEmK2QdHkD0dUkH9vytchyfH94RYbFZylBwqEJ-POLOlQnN9LtvfKE3e4/s1600/simplicity1803.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSWAgLfWRf1-EJiU29O1aebavSLvTSkcOBrQubQYjT37_KDFBZhDbHmtyVsLls1z_rEwnqainR2PYpVMoInQL-j8d_BtkrPoZBN45WonrBGz3Zfx0LfgVvXfn8E9i84MbSo17WX8Xwfw/s1600/macaron.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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I love this dress. I wore it a lot this summer and it's so light and airy. I started wearing this adorable black bow belt with it. I haven't been able to fit it into my winter wardrobe so I'm pretty sure it's on hold until spring, but I can't wait to pull it back out of my closet and wear it again.</div>
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<strong>New Look 6808</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q47LknSuEE-VTmimqJ5JBkNjXjL089GnX-IExpkVP7Zmbrpuz5GadgbxDlDyBvy_i9h0l4PCQ3pMwtgVS0028fn_2vygjlzDpdFcXW7zBWwxuc2tN8NH_mwQhu_YDG9M3LSRWSJmte8/s1600/newlooksorbetto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Q47LknSuEE-VTmimqJ5JBkNjXjL089GnX-IExpkVP7Zmbrpuz5GadgbxDlDyBvy_i9h0l4PCQ3pMwtgVS0028fn_2vygjlzDpdFcXW7zBWwxuc2tN8NH_mwQhu_YDG9M3LSRWSJmte8/s1600/newlooksorbetto.png" /></a></div>
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Hands down, the most worn piece I've made. I pull it out at least once a week. I should really make more. The colors go with everything, it looks great tucked in or out, it's comfortable and stylish.</div>
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<strong>Colette Lily</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWYZZ6Ufnr2Id5QlV91oef-YVPrTU9iRzAZLJSL4kcjfH5nrVYG0wem4WnbovqHzQbJ5Ry7JczEipFu0t7MYgKsIL2Dq01JFwsGHh4Sshf0iYgsw3io6yzZ1YYbjYZWS2SD8sH7vGrWw/s1600/lily.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWYZZ6Ufnr2Id5QlV91oef-YVPrTU9iRzAZLJSL4kcjfH5nrVYG0wem4WnbovqHzQbJ5Ry7JczEipFu0t7MYgKsIL2Dq01JFwsGHh4Sshf0iYgsw3io6yzZ1YYbjYZWS2SD8sH7vGrWw/s1600/lily.png" /></a></div>
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Ok, so this dress I have some mixed feelings about. I LOVED the way it turned out but I've lost some weight since I made it and it just doesn't fit well now. Plus, it's *so patriotic I've only worn it twice...once on Independence Day and once to the beach over my bathing suit (which hardly counts as wearing it). Still, it was the first dress I made that was extrmemely well received and I was very proud of it. I love love the pattern, though. I adore those deep pockets. I can't wait to make this dress in something more versatile.</div>
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<strong>New Look 6107</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EOqkkGOJhNprZBlkCMsCTkEA28qTMaozaYtf4fT6YmgEFY0zC0Xqf7Rhr500Cs1lj4fnwOEfJKbMnUY44J3XZVPgObJ3CKv0d5DropW3M4DVyYhJub6SpB_x7CoVJjmB5hT6urOtKZU/s1600/newlook6107.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EOqkkGOJhNprZBlkCMsCTkEA28qTMaozaYtf4fT6YmgEFY0zC0Xqf7Rhr500Cs1lj4fnwOEfJKbMnUY44J3XZVPgObJ3CKv0d5DropW3M4DVyYhJub6SpB_x7CoVJjmB5hT6urOtKZU/s1600/newlook6107.png" /></a></div>
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This is obviously a recent make but it's already a staple. I can dress it up super sexy or play it down. I'm so proud of the construction of this skirt and I feel like it sums up the skills that I've learned this year of sewing.</div>
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<strong>Colette Macaron</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSWAgLfWRf1-EJiU29O1aebavSLvTSkcOBrQubQYjT37_KDFBZhDbHmtyVsLls1z_rEwnqainR2PYpVMoInQL-j8d_BtkrPoZBN45WonrBGz3Zfx0LfgVvXfn8E9i84MbSo17WX8Xwfw/s1600/macaron.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSWAgLfWRf1-EJiU29O1aebavSLvTSkcOBrQubQYjT37_KDFBZhDbHmtyVsLls1z_rEwnqainR2PYpVMoInQL-j8d_BtkrPoZBN45WonrBGz3Zfx0LfgVvXfn8E9i84MbSo17WX8Xwfw/s1600/macaron.png" /></a></div>
My Colette Macarons make the list for 2 different reasons. My final Macaron, the "Winter is Coming Dress" is by far the most viewed and favorited item of clothing I've made. \ And I never wear it. I liked it at first, and I like the way it looks but something is off when it comes to the arms and that makes it so uncomfortable to wear. Isn't that funny? My wearable muslin made BurdaStyle's front page "Featured Member Project" over a weekend and I got a HUGE kick out of that. Plus, I've worn it tons. The colors are really good on me and it is unbelievably comfortable. I ended up having to turn up the lace on the hem because the fabric was fraying to badly but it's still gorgeous.<br />
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Things have been a bit dead here on the bloge lately with the holidays and I want to be able to keep in touch with all my readers so I'd like to extend my social media contact info again. I use Instagram a LOT and if you can put up with my pictures of my children and Brandon Flowers you should add me: EverFive. I've never got into Twitter because no one I know did either, but I've recently made friends with people who are using it frequently so I'll probably pick up there. Please follow me @FiveEver<br />
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<img height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChOmIQXt4BC_QtrmIprk1EzCNfxEvyqYiC7jVe99NhTqJUlk0uoa7kSr3ekXHzofx3O_xdrrRlZk336hovx7G8kbtENAZPQYSDf7El12DfbkrUO7v-6M0-maEnIxb-Hu2YbeP_OuyGgA/s200/sig2.gif" style="border: currentColor;" width="200" /></div>
Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-19080193628845561592012-12-10T13:09:00.002-08:002012-12-10T13:09:41.474-08:00I treated myself to: Lucky Lucille<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As most of you know, I'm still new to this whole blogging thing. When I first decided to jump head first into this community, I was nervous and unsure about the whole idea. I still sometimes feel like I'm stuggling to find my blogging "voice" but with every positive comment and new follower, I'm feeling more and more thankful and welcome into this little world.<br />
Back in July when I very first started, Rochelle of Lucky Lucille was one of the first "bigger" bloggers to give me a little boost of confidence. She featured my seersucker Hazel in her "Hazel Parade" and I was so honored. While I was watching from the sidelines of the original Sew Colette I was in awe of her creations. One after another, I couldn't wait to see what she could do to a pattern. Rochelle was one of the first people to inspire me to make my clothing my own. To have her recognize me for something I had made was a big deal to me.</div>
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When Rochelle mentioned she was opening up her own little <a href="http://luckylucille.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">online boutique</a>, I knew I would support her. To be completely honest, I would have purchased from her no matter what. As it turned out, I loved EVERYTHING she listed and I impatiently waited for the day when I would have some extra funds to treat myself to something. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254633631/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8254633631_5aa3e4e138_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://luckylucille.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Lucky Lucille's</a> recent restock coincided with my pay day and I quickly snatched up a <a href="http://luckylucille.bigcartel.com/product/victory-scarf" target="_blank">Victory Hair Scarf</a> in the Skull and Scissors fabric. Rochelle had the package on it's way to me the NEXT day and I had it in my greedy little hands before the end of the week. We're talking less than 5 days from ordering to receiving (I think it was more like 3!). Granted the packaged came from Vermont and I'm in Virginia (V states represent! heh) but still, we're talking lightning fast shipping. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254634631/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lucky Lucille by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucky Lucille" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8254634631_7743a14630_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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The hair scarf came wrapped in Lucky Lucille's signature colors, red tissue paper tied up with aqua yarn into an adorable bow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8255705746/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lucky Lucille by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucky Lucille" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8255705746_fc45b902f5_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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She included one of her cards and look! The hole she punched in it is heart shaped! Too freakin cute. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8255704490/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lucky Lucille by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucky Lucille" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8255704490_2ccf42b6e2_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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There was a sweet handwritten thank you on the invoice (ummm, even her handwriting is cute!! This woman oozes prettiness from her pores!). <br />
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I know that all these small deals are trivial but this is what I LOVE about purchasing from small businesses. $11(headscarf price plus shipping) may not seem like a lot of money but it was still $11 of my money. In this day and age, when we are brainwashed to believe we need MORE MORE MORE, it's nice to spend a small amount of money on an item or two and really feel like you treated yourself to something special and be appreciated. The little personal touches like this make me feel like I've spent $100 and definitely fill me with contentment.</div>
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I'm sure all of you can relate when I tell you that I have a habit of inspecting seams and stitch lines whenever I receive something that was handmade. When my mother orders new purses from etsy, the first thing I do is turn them inside out and inpsect their guts. I don't really expect to find flaws, I just appreciate another persons' handiwork. Well, even if I HAD been looking for something wrong with this hair scarf...I wouldn't have found it. The stitches are straight and even. The points of the scarf are perfectly turned. The little Lucky Lucille tag is even stitched perfectly.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8255705636/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lucky Lucille by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucky Lucille" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8255705636_685dcafa97_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254633407/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lucky Lucille by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucky Lucille" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8254633407_33570c0d45_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254634205/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lucky Lucille by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucky Lucille" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8254634205_6c20018395_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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So, it was shipped fast, packaged gorgeously and extremely well made...how does it perform? You guessed it, it's kind of awesome. Ok, really awesome. It's JUST a head/hair scarf/band. How did she make it special?? Well, I don't know but whatever she did, it works. I have a small, odd shaped head and the scarf had no problem staying put. When I tied the ends in knots on top of my head, the points didn't stick in all different directions. They looked perfect without even trying. I styled the scarf two ways so you can see it's versatility.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8255705260/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8255705260_6279157ab9_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254631423/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8254631423_d9d42a6548_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254631033/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" height="931" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8254631033_0b995604f6_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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So, there you have it. Rochelle of Lucky Lucille rocks (and so does Lucille!). I can't wait to purchase from her again.</div>
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(Disclaimer: I purchased the hair scarf of my own accord and was in no way compensated for this review. My opinions are totally my own and 100% true! Mama didn't raise no liar. haha!)</div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-31690973347486918922012-12-08T11:57:00.000-08:002012-12-08T11:57:45.829-08:00I'm guilty of this you should know this<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254635393/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8254635393_1dbe5a5498_b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grainline Scout Tee</td></tr>
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I've gone into Forever 21 a couple of times and it always turns out to not be a very bright idea... My ADD goes into overdrive in that store. There is no rhyme or reason to how it's layed out (or at least not obviously) and I jump from item to item, unable to pick any one thing. I am completely unable to make any decisions, it's like I freeze up from all the options. It must be hell to work there. I realize that this store is also kind of "evil" as far as fast fashion and ethics are concerned. Which is why I never purchased anything there. Except this one time. Yes, I'm guilty of giving F21 money. In my defense, I was desperate for something wear to a particular event and I had no time to make anything. I conceded and, against my better judgement, decided it wasn't wrong to buy one cheap item from Forever 21 since I was in such a pinch (both financially and time wise). As I said, my ADD kicked in and I spent what felt like only 15 minutes frantically digging through the racks. That five minutes turned out to be an hour. I'm not sure what's going on there but it's like a huge time void in that store. Anyhoo, I ended up with this flowy, sheer button up blouse with a peter pan collar and a slight hi-low hem. Something I usually stay away from... the flowy sillohette. I wore enough of that type of clothing when I was pregnant. Still, I was drawn to this top and, aside from fitting a bit tight through the shoulders, I loved the way it looked on. I paid only $17 for it, which really seemed like a bargain. Until I noticed that after one wear, the shirt was already tearing at the freakin seams! Ugh. I've never shopped there again (although I do go into the store for sewing inspiration.)</div>
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I learned 2 things from this episode 1) quality is reflected in price and 2) I shouldn't be afraid to try different sillohettes. And 3) Forever 21 really is evil. I've since purchased similar "flowy" tops and I love them all. After all the fabulous versions of the <strong>Grainline Scout Tee</strong> I've seen online, I had been considereing making one for some time. When I went to Grainline's blog and saw<a href="http://grainlinestudio.com/2011/11/15/pattern-tutorial-scout-full-back-pattern/" target="_blank"> this</a> tutorial for modifying the back, I knew I needed it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8255701126/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" height="936" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8255701126_f4962617d0_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254635255/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8254635255_139209088b_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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The pattern was exactly what a PDF should be. Small and easy to put together. The tutorial for modifying the pattern was clear and easy to follow. I cut a straight sz 12. I ended up taking in the side seams enough to justify cutting out a sz 10 next time. The shoulders are a bit wide for me so I'll shave about a half an inch off the next time I make it.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254634921/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8254634921_112675e9e2_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8254635085/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Grainline Scout Tee by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Grainline Scout Tee" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8254635085_f47f26039c_b.jpg" /></a> </div>
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The fabric is Voile from Anna Marie Horner's Innocent Crush line. I've previously used it on my unblogged Colette Truffle. It's so soft and gorgeous. This entire garment is sewn with french seams. It is really a pleasure to wear.</div>
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I shot these pics on an super warm day. I can't believe it's December, it's been so pretty here in NoVa. You may also notice my head scarf. It is from <a href="http://luckylucille.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Lucky Lucille</a> and I just love it. I have a review post coming up in the next couple of days so I can share with you how wonderful this thing is. Talk soon!</div>
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-17315587394533077172012-12-03T17:54:00.000-08:002013-02-04T15:23:56.709-08:00In the dark for awhile now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8242228003/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6107 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6107" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8242228003_919ea7f88b_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been knitting. A lot. I have 3 projects started and not one finished. I knit like a snail. If a snail had hands. Or arms. And knew how to knit. In other words....I knit slowly. All that snail knitting makes me anxious for something finished and I knew that I needed to get up off the couch and sew something but I just couldn't find the energy to do it. No sewing mojo.<br />
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On black friday I finally picked up Gertie's book and read it cover to cover. It made me want to go get lots of tattoos. And cut my bangs super short and be as gorgeous and cool as Gertie. And it made me want to go hand sew an entire garment. No, not really (to the sewing not to the ripping off of Gertie's style). What I really wanted to do was go make something and make it well. Enter New Look 6107<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8243294968/" title="New Look 6107 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6107" height="859" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8243294968_e077b56e28_b.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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I love houndstooth. So awesome. It can be kind of professional and then totally punk. I haven't been able to find fabric that has a huge houndstooth print on it so I settled for a mini one. It looks more business than party which is pretty impractical for my life. Just like these shoes. Gorgeous but so stupid. But seriously, sometimes I just want to feel like I'm some sexy business lady that gets to get all dressed up every morning and not a stay at home, homeschooling mom who sometimes doesn't take her pajamas off...is that so bad?<br />
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Yes, I do realize that this combination of black and white and red kind of makes me look like a vampire. I'm pale. Oh well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8242227739/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6107 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6107" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8242227739_7a3f2475f8_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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I cut a straight size 12 with no alterations. The fit is fine but I think I need to start doing a slight sway back adjustment because I always have a rumple of fabric on top of my tush and maybe a full tummy adjustment. I'm not sure if that's the proper name for it but I do have a little bit (ok, a LOT) of baby belly left over from my 4 kids and the fabric stretches weird across that area. Which draws attention to it and that is the LAST area I want people to notice. Because of the style of skirt, my ass also looks massive. Not in these pictures because I chose flattering pics where I'm kind of sucking everything in and standing just so. But really, in person, it looks quite um...large. Note to self...wear spanks with this skirt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8242227601/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6107 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6107" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8242227601_ebcbf8b920.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8243294836/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6107 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6107" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8243294836_914487e405_b.jpg" /></a></div>
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I lined the whole skirt in lipstick red lining fabric. The waist facing is hand stitched and I also slipstitched the hem with this rayon hemtape I bought from Sunni recently. I installed a lap zipper using one of my vintage zippers. I've done a lapped zipper a couple of times but I think this is my best one yet. For the first time I actually understood why I was doing the steps instead of blindly following them and I think that allowed me to get it just right. And look at all that matched up houndstooth! Go me! My only critisism is this particular view did not have a kick pleat and I think it could have used one. It's hard to take long strides in this thing. Which makes me look kind of derp. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8243294710/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Look 6107 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6107" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8243294710_92b5e4eaa7_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how well it all matched up! Go me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8243294418/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="New Look 6107 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="New Look 6107" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8243294418_0b33c931c4_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blurry, but look a lapped zipper and matched up pattern!</td></tr>
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In conclusion, aside from the monster ass issue, I love this skirt. It looks and feels like something more expensive than what it is. After this skirt I finished another project and I'm already half way finished with a third. Yay for sewing mojo!<br />
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<br />Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-25363661186522895572012-11-09T11:11:00.001-08:002012-11-09T11:11:37.154-08:00Sewing Inspiration: Bernie Dexter I rarely let myself by RTW anymore. I just can't afford it, plus it fits better if I make it myself. That doesn't stop me from browsing online stores, scouring for inspiration. Lately I've been obsessing over <a href="http://bernie-dexter.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Bernie Dexter's clothing line</a>, specifically her dresses. For any of those that know of her, she's a modern pin-up model with an uncanny likeness for Bettie Page. Her clothing line is 50's inspired, full of Rockabilly goodness. Everything is made in the USA and I just love it all. Unfortunately, her prices are so high, I can't ever justify purchasing anything.<br />
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Her dresses in particular are to die for. From what I understand, Bernie has a hand in everything her line produces and if so, I'm impressed. Her eye for elaborate prints is amazing. I especially love the fabrics she chooses that depict a scene. I'm a little afraid of prints as a whole. I don't mind wearing them, I love looking at them, but I'm terrified of creating with them. I live in fear of going *too far. Bernie Dexter's dresses DO go too far...and look fabulous anyway! I would never dream of making these fabrics into the elaborate dresses she does and yet, it works! I mean, look at these!<br />
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<a href="http://bernie-dexter.myshopify.com/collections/dresses/products/bernie-dexter-fifi-dress-in-cherry-tree-lane" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg39hjATPYxN_jycfSHV8GYExtDvnXBWVPwwAFxslDvyPFHiF7RbTa-FW0FLTaDeF3cy11khBYDJAOQEAP0gjNeBY_SQB3SPw5ZzEQrhctH9zdzyI_AOMUhyphenhyphenMxvyZHsIwdQtZEUMAnZmQ/s1600/berniedexter6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bernie-dexter.myshopify.com/collections/dresses/products/bernie-dexter-chelsea-dress-in-geisha" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU38epPIYA0XmaUovI_UcY8fCFVfuBkEHIoYbjgSTd1ntxj2aErLoENBxzDGshr7ayvsjnW-SVQeRW3FqcEiyggPOVkT_9LxzBIFEs4Y_CFsCYLP7rKMBTmP6Ps78lBMXymlict9Mpwlg/s1600/berniedexter2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bernie-dexter.myshopify.com/collections/dresses/products/bernie-dexter-varick-dress-in-coi" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LjDhwnnyVFBF9oA3lLsYLTeeoAMXZsgZXtfNwFLzyTydwfU2ASjHBDOYLJcXwVKKqxy_TSJZ9IGgG_YYgx6M1TmTOaFbeUsKncX1x5P-2iZUqcr0t45ottinAFEpGsmTE34QJrWE5kY/s1600/berniedexter5.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm totally inspired by it all. The one dress that has really caught my eye is her new Christmas dress. I must have it and since I can't afford $225, looks like I'll have to make it myself. I'm having a hard time sourcing appropriate fabric. I figured it would be no problem finding a quilting cotton in a Thomas Kinkade-esque scene, but it's proving difficult. I'm not giving up, though. I have a goal of recreating this and wearing it to my husband's annual company Christmas party. That's the only time of year I get to really dress up, ha!</div>
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<a href="http://bernie-dexter.myshopify.com/collections/dresses/products/pre-order-bernie-dexter-jubilee-dress-in-winter-chateau-print" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYP1RH-v1VrEpPdQJmJ2pbLwUVUGv_AjIS-4tEzMNIlaQuBBxQIt6QEL_mHumTZRuO12BI25NkefplZa5K0s931L2-n-cAFW3hdCw4P2Kh50ClwW4n2lOkrchOD0IbcPo7ec5pIUqUI0/s1600/berniedexter1.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's not just the prints I love, though. I also adore the style of the dresses, these two in particular.</div>
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<a href="http://bernie-dexter.myshopify.com/collections/dresses/products/bernie-dexter-grace-dress-in-tudor-rose-print" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeDYJwzhEE9JQe4qg_8Fh6XO7PcTkB1Zveq2J5ybOK2_KmaP1o-31BFzs5qx3dfK0IzJIlW-35qx3W2Oh8hTVkVF1fAW0AoQGiG-lYIYUVcXIr0VBobxQRjXlgU3SvTI7ZATVHVee_18/s1600/berniedexter3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bernie-dexter.myshopify.com/collections/dresses/products/bernie-dexter-shop-girl-dress-pink-roses-lace" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSKH5UMAPTSiSfrYCZPFl6GPkOrvYKbqD7787FAtkL3DEgiHIOUxc9eeUQfLbwDv4nnaJfL8tDwqbqCj_KoV-_GNsmV-cVNHWvHo3YJyfdQEx04ScMfRNpb0fXjBMJP9dnenz1vLorNU/s1600/berniedexter4.jpg" /></a></div>
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So help me out, dear readers. Have any ideas for patterns and fabrics so I can recreate any (or all) of these fancy schmancy dresses?? What do you think of them? Are they too over the top?Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-81503065321591311032012-11-04T18:03:00.000-08:002012-11-04T18:03:00.478-08:00The All at Once Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8156191376/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="oliveskirt1 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="oliveskirt1" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/8156191376_6d5b69c9ea_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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In a never ending quest to build my wardrobe piece by piece I present you with another separate...another skirt, Simplicity 2451. I bought this olive cotton sateen specifically to fit with what I already have in my closet. I think it goes well with what I have and will go well with what I have planned.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8156159017/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="oliveskirt3 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="oliveskirt3" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8156159017_a381b73e6f_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I made view D. Not much to say here about the pattern. I cut out my typical size 12 out of less than 2 yards of the sateen and made no major alterations. It sewed up quick, only about 4 hours from start to finish, including hand hemming. This skirt is super short, for me anyway. Can't be flashing cheek when wiping a runny nose! To keep this as long as possible I skipped the suggested 1.25' and used some fuschia lace hem tape to turn it up a scant .25" instead. It probably would have looked better a bit shorter, don't ya think? Oh well, modesty trumps fashion here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8156159163/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="oliveskirt2 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="oliveskirt2" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/8156159163_2c8216acc1_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had a good laugh thinking about me 10 years ago. If 20 year old Jamie could talk to 30 year old Jamie she would be shocked at the lack of cleavage and leg and vanity in general. Age and children have made me less judgemental, a bit more humble and wow....modest. Well, maybe not MODEST, but I'm certainly wearing much more clothing than I did when I was training to be a professional wrestler a decade ago. Yes you read that right. Moving along....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8156190820/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="oliveskirt5 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="oliveskirt5" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8156190820_623f4327db_c.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8156158907/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="oliveskirt4 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="oliveskirt4" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/8156158907_32a2b814b7_c.jpg" width="379" /></a></div>
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Funny story about these pictures. When I went to photograph this yesterday I had just come back from my local yarn store (where I spent way too much $$...oops) and since I was all dressed up I figured I would take some pictures. When I got back inside and uploaded everything I decided I didn't really like the brown boots with the whole ensemble. It was a "what was I thinking?!" moment. Plus, my everyday makeup didn't show up well on camera, I hadn't really styled my hair and the skirt was wrinkled. I went out again today and wore the same outfit but this time with different shoes. I went shopping with my girls and so this is what I look like after 3 hours of shopping that included 1 MAJOR meltdown courtesy of my 6 years old. My skirt was even more wrinkled than before and suddenly the pictures that I didn't like so much from yesterday look much better by today's standards. Days like today make me wonder when I became so old?? Yikes!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8156158539/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="oliveskirt7 by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="oliveskirt7" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/8156158539_49020d6dc7_c.jpg" width="455" /></a></div>
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I had a small struggle when I picked this pattern up because it's not really my "normal" style. I don't know what I would call my normal style but I think that I gravitate towards retro inspired, whimsical clothing however I still have a love for the grunge/punk/90's style of my adolescence. This skirt is fairly modern and maybe a little matronly which is something I dread gravitating towards as I get older. I finally decided, what the heck. If I like it, I like it. End of story, right? Plus, I think it can be styled to look more "alternative" than soccer mom. ha. </div>
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This skirt is named after a song by one of my favorite bands, The Airborne Toxic Event's song, All at Once. It's a gorgeous song about life in general and the changes we go through...and how suddenly they hit us. "In the gut". Felt appropriate for this.</div>
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Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379276788260277931.post-63008570925294564612012-10-21T15:59:00.002-07:002012-10-21T15:59:54.172-07:00Pesky Peony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8110464785/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Peony by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Peony" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8110464785_dba82b6e72_c.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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I believe I've told everyone who will listen that I've been sitting on this pattern for over a year. I originally wasn't very sold on this dress...I was too smitten with the Clover pattern. Still, after seeing a couple of adorable versions pop up, <a href="http://lladybird.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/completed-peony-this-time-in-plaid/" target="_blank">specifically</a> by Lauren of Lladybird, I purchased the pattern. I knew that a lot of other people who made it had problems with the bodice fit so I went in expecting to make alterations. I made a true muslin of the bodice last year and after deciding I wasn't going to be able to escape a FBA, I made the choice to move the darts outward also. Doing this left the fit in the bust ok but the rest of it baggy. After much internet scouring I found<a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/12/crepe-sew-along-5-pattern-alterations.html" target="_blank"> this tutorial</a> by Gertie about shortening and widening the darts to remove excess fabric from underneath the bust. I did this but after making a third muslin of the bodice, the fit still wasn't right and I promptly moved the whole project to my UFO pile.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8110496263/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8110496263_b9fc321611_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pattern when I saved it from the UFO pile. Notice the tear from balling up and throwing.</td></tr>
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I've toyed with picking the pattern up a couple of times since then but obviously I just let it sit. When it was chosen for Sew Colette 2.0 I was pleased for the kick in the butt to finish it and went in feeling I would have a year of sewing/fitting under my belt and a fresh outlook. I made a muslin, and it was a bit of a baggy mess...again. I adjusted it by taking in the side seams, the back center seam and I felt that did a sufficient job of taking care of the fit. Plus, I was already getting stressed out about the whole challenge all over again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8110503750/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8110503750_f739a8aa92_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muslin...looks good except for the HUGE GAPING BACK!</td></tr>
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I bought this fabric 50% off of the clearance rack at Joann's. I actually had been eyeing it for awhile but there was less than 2 yards left on the bolt. I was afraid that there wouldn't be enough but there definitely was. That's actually a huge plus for the dress...less than 2 yards of fabric? Awesome.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8110464397/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Peony by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Peony" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8110464397_8061387de8_c.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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What worked on my muslin did not work on this fabric. Ugh. I fiddled with the darts some more, took in the sides..even more...chopped a couple of inches off of the bodice, took a HUGE chunk out of the center back and called it a day. I am glad I chose to make the cumberbun belt because I think it really adds to this otherwise plain dress.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8110472924/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Peony by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Peony" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8110472924_b717d53aba_c.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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I initially planned on this being my wearable muslin but I don't think I'm going to be making this again. I just don't have it in me. If inspiration strikes, I may whip one together but as of now I don't see that happening. I'm disappointed in myself because it was a personal goal to do my best to make the "Parade" at the end of each garment sew along for Sew Colette 2.0. I don't feel this dress is really parade worthy. My family tells me I'm way too hard on myself, and maybe I am. I admit to being my own worst critic.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29801725@N07/8110473364/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Colette Peony by SuchaStrangeGirl, on Flickr"><img alt="Colette Peony" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8110473364_3ce3fb41c8_c.jpg" width="579" /></a></div>
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I'm not positive what went wrong but I have a few theories. From what I've seen and read from other bloggers, what I originally diagnosed as a too-tight bust (wrinkles and pulling across the bust) may have been from just the dart placement. I think I could have done without the FBA as I feel there was a lot of extra room in that area in the end. I think that the FBA may have solved the initial problem of the bust wrinkles, but with it it set off a whole new set of fit issues. As for the back, it's CRAZY! Was this pattern drafted with a hunchback in mind?! At the end of the day, the only thing saving this dress is the fabric and I'm not sure all those alterations are even worth the outcome. I just feel meh about the pattern as a whole. I have to accept the fact that I do not have the fabulous looks and figure of so many of my favorite bloggers. I think I'm often drawn to a pattern based on the way it looks on someone else and then I end up disappointed when I see the way it looks on me. I'm going to try to make an effort to shop for my body shape when choosing patterns.<br />
On a side note, sorry for these heavily tweaked photos. I was losing light fast and I'm afraid all the pictures came out pretty washed out looking.<br />
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Now I take a break momentarily from sewing clothes for myself to sewing costumes for my children. I have my oldest daughter's costume in the works and I still have the rest of my little ones to attend to.Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03234675793303009185noreply@blogger.com14